The Old Fire Engine House

Featured reviews

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  El Tel Hopper

  ·1 month ago

  “We love this place - we live about an hour away from Ely so every time we visit the town, we lunch at the Old Fire Engine. It's homely and welcoming, we always eat well - there's a definite home cooking feel - and you get original paintings to look at or buy if you fancy.(Go upstairs too) I have to say I'm a bit of a problem eater - I cannot have anything fermented (like cheese) or anything with yeast, but that's never any problem. We just wished we lived a bit nearer to Ely.”

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  Jacob Wright

  ·1 month ago

  “A real local gem. Hand-written menus using local ingredients, set in surroundings with character. Attentive service and amazing food. Would recommend to those visiting Ely. Limited parking, utilise one of the towns free car parks and walk instead.”

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  Matt Cavalieri

  ·1 month ago

  “Took elderly relatives here including one in a wheelchair. We all loved eating here, it's a lovely place with lots of history, right by the cathedral and Oliver Cromwell's house. Service was grade A - we felt really looked after and when my uncle pulled out an old photograph from 1912 of his grandfather who was part of the fire service in Ely (that just happened to match one they had in the bar) the server took special interest as she said no one had thus far known anyone in any of their photos. It really made my uncle's afternoon and it's nice to know the staff are interested in the great history of the place. You can comment that the menu is on the pricey side (average per person spend is probably around £50 for 2 courses and drinks) but the food is delicious, feels homemade, is generously portioned, and well worth the money! On a busy day it can initially feel like you're in close quarters with other diners but Ely being the place it is just do as the locals do and have a chat with those around you - you're bound to find out some interesting things! If you're considering a visit, at least stop in for a coffee and look at the museum gallery to check out the history!”

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  Michael Bunn

  ·3 months ago

  “There is no better place to eat in Cambridgeshire. Knowledgeable and attentive staff compliment the properly cooked food. If your mum had 2 michelin stars, this is how your mum would have cooked for her favorite son. Just love coming here.”

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  Joanne O'Kelly

  ·4 months ago

  “There aren't enough positive superlatives to describe how incredible our lunch at The Old Fire Engine House was. The service, the food, the environment, the garden - all of it was exceptional. We were there on a gorgeously sunny day (see images of nearby cathedral) and we were treated to a thoroughly delicious 'home-cooked' meal. I say 'home-cooked' because it was made with care, love and attention. The sharing turin of vegetables was such a wonderful touch - and that's without mentioning the ladies who cooked and served us. I would highly recommend - and my partner and I have even talked about travelling up from London to visit again (we do not say this lightly!). So, if you are in Ely, you'd be foolish not to add this charming restaurant to your itinerary. Thanks again to all of the staff who made it such a magical visit.”

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  Geoff Egginton

  ·7 months ago

  “An amazing experience. Wonderful food, simple but superbly cooked, delicious and plenty of it - including seconds! Last time I had seconds was at school many, many years ago! Friendly service, civilised surroundings and no silly musac. The pricing was sensible too. An impressive wine menu to suit all tastes. Well recommended if you want a good meal out in Ely.”

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  James

  ·7 months ago

  “Understaffed, overpriced and uncomfortable. Booked weeks in advance, told them it was a special occasion meal, they assured us we had a lovely table for two- instead cramped into a tiny corner of the unstaffed bar with a wobbly table at a child sized bench. Fully forty minutes after sitting down we got a glass of wine. London prices for what equates to an average Sunday roast dinner, just on a Saturday evening. The servers were too few and run off their feet- they could have used at least one more.”

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  MR B

  ·10 months ago

  “Outstanding home cooked british food. Service is good, but the chef is outstanding, some really good traditional fare. I had roast pork with trimmings. Great vegetables. The other members of the party had roast chicken in a white wine sauce and salmon and lemon sauce. All were very good, desert were equally traditional and good.”

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  Thomas “Dev” B

  ·1 year ago

  “Food was delicious. Perfect weekend brunch and lunch spot right in the heart of Ely. Had to make a reservation at least a week in advance for a weekend spot. Only complaint was the small portion, definitely left wanting more! Hoping to go back soon!”

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  Jub's Journey

  ·1 year ago

  “We ate here on October 31st and the food was absolutely delicious. The staff were incredibly friendly. The food was prepared fresh and it tasted amazing! This was our first time eating at The Old Fire Engine House....we will be back!”