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The history of The Maltings stretches back to 1868 when it was built by the local brewer to malt local barley for brewing ale, before it took on the role of a thriving entertainment complex hosting weddings, seminars and concerts. Today it is not uncommon to see diners, business delegates and blushing brides-to-be preparing for the big day, or tourists who love to watch the many boats sail by on the River Ouse.

The huge glass windows, wooden floors and bench leather seating help in creating an informal atmosphere at the restaurant and the menu reflects on blending of the familiar with the new. Of particular interest are starters of smoked eel and trout fishcakes with celeriac coleslaw, finished with beetroot and balsamic dressing. A generous selection of main courses are both appetising and satisfying, think slow roasted belly of pork, Powters 8oz rib-eye steak and grilled mackerel fillets.

The Maltings riverside location is a part of its appeal and little wonder that many locals flock together to meet, exchange great thoughts or just watch the world go by.

A year ago I had to write with less than enthusiasm about the Old Engine House, thereby incurring a wigging from the lady wife, who had been there on another occasion and took a different view to mine.

It is pleasing therefore to record that I am now in a position to agree with her, though I am still unsure about the balance between the gallery and the restaurant but let's not be churlish. The traditional English food with specialist items and frissons of public school fare is back in business. There are not many places where lovage soup, pike in season and those mouth-watering smoked eels can be found, nor jugged hare with its overtones of strength. Pigeon in game sauce always goes down well.

Cambridge burnt cream and sherry trifle are only to be expected and I was surprised not to find Eton Mess as an extension of the idea. House wines from Germany at £7.50 and Chilean at £9 seem to follow the pattern, though the bulk of the reasonably priced list is from France.

In this rather wild part of the Fens it is encouraging to come across somewhere like The Fen House where good taste is well ensconced, even it is only available at dinner on Friday and Saturdays, or other times by arrangement. Booking is essential.

Starters may include delicately cooked chicken livers with Madeira sauce and red grapes nestling in a brioche, grilled goat's cheese on vegetables provencale, before rolled saddle of lamb with onion sauce and Madeira gravy.

Puddings follow the same sort of drift with spiced apple tartlet and Calvados custard a good whacky dish on which to complete. The wine list, starting at just under £14, is some sixty long, a brave effort for a restaurant of limited space and opening. I would think The Fen House comes into its own for parties of like-minded people who want to take off into the wilds and have a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxed evening to themselves.

A 17th century coaching inn painstakingly renovated and recently refurbished, The Red Lion in High Street offers comfortable accommodation as well as elegant dining from a modern British menu in its conservatory restaurant. It is situated in the centre of the village of Stretham, a conservation area itself. Relax and unwind in the atmospheric setting with wood burning fires and works of local artists on the walls.

The restaurant is open daily at lunchtime and evenings for a large variety of individually cooked meals. Guests can look forward to hearty fare with old favourites such as steak and Guinness pie, grilled rainbow trout, beer battered fish and chips, shepherd's pie, grilled lamb cutlets, fishcakes and roast duckling. Other options include prawn cocktail, garlic mushrooms, goat's cheese and red onion ciabatta, beef lasagne, vegetable casserole and pan seared chicken breast with braised red cabbage. A range of salads and burgers add to the variety. If staying at The Red Lion you can enjoy a full English breakfast to fortify yourself for the day. Refresh the palate with traditional beers, wines, spirits, teas and coffees.

A prominent landmark of Caxton and South Cambridgeshire, Yim Wah House, formerly in Ermine Street, has now relocated temporarily in Soham, due to a massive fire that destroyed the dearly loved and widely acclaimed restaurant on the 21st of March 2009. Thanks to the support of patrons and well-wishers, it's now back on its feet and keeping locals and visitors happy with its skilfully cooked, delicious Chinese cuisine.

The menu is extensive and leaves you spoilt for choice. Diced chicken in golden cups, speciality squid in peppercorn salt and chilli and Japanese tempura are just some of the tantalizing names. For mains, choose from rice and noodle dishes alongside curries such as spicy chicken fillet in Thai hot and sweet sauce and Sing Chow lobster in spicy sauce. The bill of fare also deviates from Chinese and offers refreshing Japanese and Thai cuisine, along with delicacies like salt and chilli frog legs. A visit to this restaurant may put you in awe of its resilient spirit, whilst savouring its food and genuinely warm service.

Yim Wah is happy to cater for those with special dietary requirements and their vegetarian dishes are also very popular amongst diners.