Midsummer House: Cambridge’s Two-Michelin-Star Riverside Fine Dining Gem
Two Michelin stars shine on this riverside Victorian villa, where modern British haute cuisine meets elegant yet unpretentious charm.
Nestled on the banks of the River Cam beside Midsummer Common, Midsummer House is a two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant renowned for its innovative modern British cuisine. Set within a charming Victorian villa with a glass-roofed conservatory dining room, it offers exquisite tasting menus crafted by chef-patron Daniel Clifford. The elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere, attentive service, and picturesque riverside setting make it a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts seeking a refined experience in Cambridge.
A brief summary to Midsummer House
- Midsummer Common, Cambridge, CB4 1HA, GB
- +441223369299
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 12 pm-1:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-1:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-1:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-1:30 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance to secure a table, especially for the popular tasting menus.
- Opt for the tasting menu to experience a diverse range of the chef’s innovative dishes.
- Consider dining in the glass-roofed conservatory for natural light and garden views.
- Allow time after your meal to enjoy dessert and coffee in the upstairs parlour or outdoor garden.
- Be prepared for a refined but relaxed atmosphere with attentive, personable service.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Midsummer House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Midsummer House
Riverside Elegance and Historic Charm
Midsummer House sits gracefully on the edge of Midsummer Common, overlooking the tranquil River Cam in Cambridge. The restaurant occupies a beautifully preserved Victorian villa, whose classic exterior belies the contemporary culinary artistry within. Approaching the venue, guests cross a bridge spanning the river or stroll past grazing cattle on the common, enhancing the sense of escape from the city bustle. The dining area includes a glass-roofed conservatory that floods the space with natural light and offers views of a walled garden, creating an intimate yet airy ambience.Exquisite Culinary Craftsmanship
Under the direction of chef-patron Daniel Clifford, Midsummer House has earned two Michelin stars and five AA Rosettes, reflecting its status as one of the UK's finest restaurants. The kitchen excels in modern British haute cuisine with French influences, delivering tasting menus that showcase seasonal, locally sourced ingredients elevated by imaginative techniques and luxurious touches. Signature dishes often blend complex flavors and textures, such as pan-seared langoustine with fermented asparagus and verbena berry ajoblanco, or roasted Corrèze veal rack accompanied by truffle agnolotti and smoked bone marrow jus. Each course is meticulously presented, balancing artistry with bold, refined flavors.Atmosphere and Service Excellence
Despite its prestigious accolades, Midsummer House maintains a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere. The service is consistently described as attentive, personable, and professional, with staff taking care to explain dishes and enhance the dining experience without stiffness. The interior design combines original Victorian features with modern touches, including pastoral paintings and fresh floral arrangements that complement the riverside setting. Guests often enjoy lingering over dessert and coffee in the upstairs parlour or the outdoor garden, further extending the relaxed yet luxurious feel.Award-Winning Reputation and Local Significance
Midsummer House is the only two Michelin-starred restaurant in the East of England and has garnered numerous accolades, including AA Chef of the Year awards for its chefs. Its reputation extends beyond Cambridge, attracting visitors who seek an exceptional fine dining experience in a scenic and historic environment. The restaurant has overcome challenges such as flooding in the past, with renovations preserving its heritage while enhancing guest comfort and kitchen capabilities.Notable Dining Experiences and Culinary Highlights
The tasting menus at Midsummer House offer a journey through inventive dishes that marry classic flavor combinations with creative twists. Highlights include delicate amuse-bouches like pea velouté with tomato jelly and tiger prawns, intricate seafood preparations such as crab salad with crab sabayon and bisque, and rich meat dishes like Yorkshire grouse with foie gras and elderberries. Desserts often surprise with playful interpretations of classics, including a Black Forest gateau cupcake and dark chocolate bay leaf. The wine list is extensive, curated to complement the menu, though some guests note it can be on the pricier side.Setting and Visitor Experience
The restaurant’s location beside the River Cam offers serene views and a peaceful environment, ideal for special occasions or leisurely meals. The verdant Midsummer Common nearby enhances the natural charm, while the proximity to Cambridge’s city centre makes it accessible yet secluded. The combination of exquisite cuisine, exceptional service, historic architecture, and scenic riverside setting ensures a memorable and refined dining experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jesus Lock
0.5 km
Historic Jesus Lock on the River Cam offers serene riverside charm and a unique glimpse into Cambridge's aquatic heritage.
Duke House
0.8 km
A charming boutique guesthouse blending historic elegance with warm hospitality in central Cambridge.
Magdalene Bridge
0.8 km
Historic cast-iron bridge over the River Cam, linking Cambridge’s academic heart with its ancient trading past.
Castle Mound: site of medieval Cambridge Castle
0.9 km
Explore Castle Mound, the grassy remnant of Cambridge’s medieval fortress with panoramic city views and centuries of rich history.
Bridge of Sighs
0.9 km
A Victorian Gothic covered bridge spanning the River Cam, linking history and beauty at St John's College, Cambridge.
Senate House Hill
1.0 km
Historic Senate House Hill in Cambridge offers stunning views, iconic architecture, and a vibrant academic atmosphere at the heart of the university city.
The Old Schools
1.1 km
Historic university landmark at Trinity Lane, blending Gothic and classical architecture at the heart of Cambridge's academic tradition.
Reality Checkpoint
1.1 km
A colorful Victorian lamppost marking the boundary between Cambridge's academic bubble and the real world, standing proudly at Parker’s Piece.
Westminster College
1.1 km
Historic theological college blending Victorian architecture with contemporary faith education in Cambridge's academic heart.
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
1.1 km
Explore the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge – a treasure trove of global history and culture that captivates every visitor.
King's College Chapel
1.1 km
Explore the architectural wonder of King's College Chapel, a stunning masterpiece of Gothic design and a vital part of Cambridge's rich heritage.
St Bene’t’s Church
1.2 km
Discover St Bene't's Church, Cambridge's oldest structure, rich in history and architectural beauty, inviting tourists to explore its serene ambiance and cultural significance.
Castle Park
1.2 km
Historic green space featuring the Norman Cambridge Castle Mound with panoramic city views and tranquil parkland near the city centre.
The Corpus Clock
1.2 km
Discover the Corpus Clock in Cambridge: a mesmerizing fusion of art and science that captures the essence of time and innovation in a stunning display.
Garret Hostel Bridge
1.2 km
Explore the stunning Garret Hostel Bridge in Cambridge, a picturesque location connecting history, architecture, and breathtaking views of the River Cam.
Unmissable attractions to see
Newnham Open Air Boat Club
0.4 km
Historic riverside rowing club at Newnham College, Cambridge, blending pioneering women's sport with serene outdoor waterside charm.
Jesus Green
0.4 km
Historic riverside park in Cambridge offering open green spaces, tennis courts, a children’s playground, and one of Europe’s longest outdoor pools.
Jesus College, University of Cambridge
0.4 km
Historic Cambridge college with stunning architecture, tranquil gardens, and versatile modern facilities in a central city location.
Dinky door: Ride and Park
0.5 km
Historic lock-keeper’s house beside Cambridge’s only River Cam lock, blending heritage charm with riverside tranquility.
All Saints Church
0.5 km
Discover Cambridge’s Painted Church, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece adorned with exquisite hand-painted interiors and stunning stained glass artistry.
Scholars Punting
0.7 km
Experience Cambridge’s iconic colleges from a handcrafted punt with expert guides on the tranquil River Cam.
The Grafton
0.7 km
A modern shopping centre in Cambridge offering diverse retail, dining, and community-friendly amenities in a vibrant, accessible setting.
Rutherford's Punting Cambridge
0.7 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Cambridge's waterways with Rutherford's Punting, offering guided tours and boat rentals for all visitors.
Lets Go Punting Cambridge
0.7 km
Discover Cambridge’s historic charm on a serene, expertly guided punting tour along the iconic River Cam.
Christ's Pieces
0.7 km
A serene Victorian park in central Cambridge offering mature trees, sports facilities, and a peaceful green escape amid the city bustle.
Alexandra Gardens
0.7 km
A peaceful Cambridge haven with vibrant flowerbeds, unique playgrounds, and a welcoming community spirit for all ages.
Christian Heritage
0.8 km
Discover Cambridge’s iconic 12th-century Round Church, a rare Norman circular landmark rich in history, architecture, and Christian heritage.
The Round Church
0.8 km
Explore Cambridge’s medieval marvel: a rare 12th-century round church inspired by Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre, rich in history and Norman architecture.
Vue Cinema Cambridge
0.8 km
Experience the latest films and special events in the heart of Cambridge at Vue Cinema, where modern comfort meets vibrant entertainment.
Cambridge Working Mens Club
0.8 km
A friendly, no-frills social club on East Road offering Motown nights, pool leagues and intimate live-music evenings in a classic community setting.
Essential places to dine
Midsummer House
0.0 km
Cambridge’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant, offering inventive modern British cuisine in a charming riverside Victorian villa.
The Old Spring
0.3 km
Welcoming gastropub near the River Cam, blending traditional charm with contemporary dining in spacious, light-filled rooms.
Restaurant Twenty Two
0.3 km
Michelin-starred contemporary British dining in a cozy Victorian townhouse, blending seasonal flavors with artistic precision in Cambridge.
Efes Restaurant
0.6 km
Savor authentic Turkish and Mediterranean flavors in a cozy, family-run setting at Efes Restaurant, Cambridge’s beloved grill house.
Raja Indian Restaurant Cambridge
0.6 km
Experience authentic Indian cuisine in a warm, intimate setting with vibrant flavours and heartfelt hospitality in Cambridge’s King Street.
La Mimosa
0.7 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality by the scenic River Cam at La Mimosa, Cambridge’s cherished family-run restaurant.
Navadhanya
0.7 km
Experience exquisite Indian fine dining in Cambridge with innovative dishes, elegant ambience, and impeccable service at Navadhanya.
d'Arry's Restaurant, Liquor Loft & Cheesemonger
0.7 km
Experience Cambridge’s vibrant blend of restaurant, wine bar, and cheesemonger with generous portions and exceptional cheese in a quirky, characterful setting.
The Orator
0.7 km
Historic Cambridge Union’s stylish bar and brasserie blending tradition with modern dining and a lively beer garden.
KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar Cambridge
0.7 km
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine and vibrant ambiance in Cambridge’s stylish KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar, where sushi artistry meets elegant design.
The Riverbar Steakhouse and Grill
0.7 km
Upscale riverside steakhouse in Cambridge with expertly cooked steaks, scenic river views, and a lively rooftop cocktail terrace.
Byron
0.8 km
Savour expertly crafted, indulgent burgers in a stylish, cosy setting at Byron Cambridge, the home of proper burgers since 2007.
Gastrono-me
0.8 km
Vibrant brunch and cocktail bar in Cambridge offering generous portions, vegan-friendly dishes, and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
Las Iguanas - Cambridge
0.8 km
Experience a vibrant Latin American fiesta with bold flavors, lively cocktails, and riverside views at Las Iguanas Cambridge.
Côte Cambridge
0.8 km
Classic French brasserie charm meets modern dining in the heart of Cambridge, with inclusive menus and a warm, romantic atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Works
0.6 km
Bargain-packed paradise of books, crafts, toys, and gifts on Cambridge's Fitzroy Street—creative treasures at unbeatable prices.
Jemporium Vintage
0.7 km
Discover timeless style and unique vintage treasures from the 50s to the 90s in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant fashion scene.
Primark
0.7 km
Discover affordable fashion and home essentials at Primark Cambridge, your budget-friendly style destination in the city center.
Sense
0.7 km
Affordable finds in central Cambridge, supporting a national disability charity with every purchase.
Robert Graham 1874 - whisky & cigars
0.8 km
A refined Cambridge haven for whisky lovers and cigar connoisseurs, where heritage meets expert curation in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Lilac Rose
0.8 km
Discover unique British fashion and accessories in a charming independent boutique in the heart of Cambridge.
Bring It Back Cambridge
0.8 km
Discover premium vintage and streetwear fashion with a sustainable edge at Bring It Back Cambridge on Green Street.
Typically British
0.8 km
Discover authentic British and Cambridge souvenirs in a welcoming shop full of heritage and charm at 29 Bridge Street.
Urban Outfitters
0.8 km
Discover Urban Outfitters Cambridge for trendsetting fashion, eclectic home décor, and a vibrant urban shopping vibe in the heart of the city.
As Seen On TV
0.9 km
Discover quirky vintage fashion and unique accessories with great value in the heart of Cambridge’s Market Street.
Bowns
0.9 km
Discover luxury and elegance at Bowns, Cambridge's premier designer clothing boutique, where haute couture meets personalized service.
Heffers Bookshop
0.9 km
Cambridge's historic book haven since 1876: vast collections, expert staff, lively events, and treasures from academics to games in a scholar's paradise.
Fridge
0.9 km
Discover timeless designer vintage fashion and expert service at Fridge, Magdalene Street’s iconic boutique in Cambridge.
CJ’s Vintage Store
0.9 km
Discover timeless fashion treasures and iconic vintage streetwear at CJ’s Vintage Store, a stylish gem in the heart of Cambridge.
Jigsaw
0.9 km
Discover timeless elegance and premium ladies' fashion in the heart of historic Cambridge at Jigsaw on Trinity Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fort St George
0.1 km
Historic 16th-century riverside pub in Cambridge offering classic British fare, local ales, and a warm, traditional atmosphere.
The Tivoli
0.4 km
A vibrant four-floor venue in Cambridge offering mini golf, shuffleboard, rooftop views, craft drinks, and casual dining for memorable social experiences.
The Burleigh Arms
0.5 km
A vibrant gastropub blending traditional charm with innovative Pan-Asian and British flavors in the heart of Cambridge.
Champion Of The Thames
0.6 km
Historic Victorian pub in Cambridge offering award-winning ales, a warm atmosphere, and a genuine taste of traditional British pub culture.
The Cambridge Brew House
0.7 km
Classic British pub charm meets craft brewing excellence in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant King Street.
Hidden Rooms
0.7 km
Discover Cambridge's underground speakeasy: creative cocktails, live tunes, and intimate vibes in historic vaults on Jesus Lane.
Modern Jazz
0.7 km
Hidden jazz gem on Jesus Lane where modern rhythms pulse amid Cambridge's historic whispers—intimate gigs fueling the city's creative soul.
The Elm Tree
0.8 km
A cozy Cambridge pub famed for its exceptional beers, quirky charm, and warm, intimate atmosphere.
Glitterbomb
0.8 km
A vibrant queer bar in Cambridge’s city center, Glitterbomb celebrates LGBTQ+ nightlife with inclusive club nights and dynamic drag performances.
The Free Press
0.8 km
Historic Cambridge pub blending cozy charm, local flavors, and a rich printing press legacy in the heart of the city.
The Clarendon Arms
0.8 km
A cozy Cambridge gastropub blending authentic Italian flavors with classic British charm and a standout Sunday roast.
Town and Gown
0.9 km
A vibrant Cambridge pub and intimate theatre where university meets local life in a lively, historic setting with great food and entertainment.
Pickerel
0.9 km
Cambridge's oldest pub pours history from 15th-century beams: real ales, riverside garden, and classic grub near Magdalene College.
Ta Bouche
0.9 km
Experience Cambridge’s lively cocktail scene with creative drinks, fresh food, and a vibrant social atmosphere at Ta Bouche.
La Raza
0.9 km
Cambridge's basement gem for Spanish tapas, craft cocktails, and live funk beats—from daytime café to late-night haven.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Senior Friendly
