The Oak Bistro: A Quintessential Cambridge Dining Experience
Historic charm meets refined British cuisine in Cambridge’s beloved independent bistro with exceptional wines and warm hospitality.
Nestled in a historic building on Lensfield Road, The Oak Bistro offers a warm, intimate atmosphere with expertly prepared British and European cuisine. Known for its signature Beef Wellington and a curated wine list exceeding 150 selections, this independent bistro combines traditional recipes with modern hospitality. Diners enjoy a choice between a cozy dining room and a heated courtyard garden, making it a perfect spot for both casual lunches and elegant dinners in Cambridge.
A brief summary to The Oak Bistro
- 6 Lensfield Rd, Cambridge, CB2 1EG, GB
- +441223323361
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 5:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Local tips
- Book your table in advance, especially for dinner, as The Oak Bistro is popular and fills quickly.
- Try the signature Beef Wellington and pair it with a wine from their extensive 150+ bottle list.
- Enjoy dining in the heated courtyard garden during warmer months for a charming outdoor experience.
- Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options are available—notify staff of dietary requirements.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Oak Bistro location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Oak Bistro
A Historic Setting with Modern Charm
The Oak Bistro occupies a Grade II-listed building on Lensfield Road, steeped in Cambridge's rich history. Once a coaching inn on the London road, the venue has been transformed into a sophisticated yet inviting bistro since its establishment in 2008 by Philip Newman. The interior blends classic elegance with a relaxed ambiance, featuring white tablecloths, art-adorned walls, and a welcoming atmosphere that balances formality with casual comfort. In warmer months, the heated courtyard garden offers a tranquil outdoor dining experience, surrounded by charming walled greenery.Exquisite British and European Cuisine
The kitchen at The Oak Bistro is renowned for its high-quality British and European dishes, all cooked to order using traditional recipes. Signature offerings include the celebrated Beef Wellington, pan-fried scallops with pea purée and parsnip crisps, slow-roasted pork belly with apple compote, and confit duck leg accompanied by braised red cabbage and rosemary jus. Desserts such as the chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and Baileys panna cotta with cappuccino cream are highlights that complete the meal. The menu also caters thoughtfully to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options.A Curated Wine Selection and Bespoke Cocktails
Complementing the food is an extensive wine list featuring over 150 bins, including sparkling wines and dessert stickies, carefully chosen to enhance the dining experience. The bistro also offers a full bar with a bespoke cocktail menu, where guests can enjoy expertly crafted drinks in a convivial setting. The attentive and knowledgeable staff provide warm, personalized service, often remembered for their charm and dedication to guest satisfaction.Atmosphere and Dining Experience
The Oak Bistro’s atmosphere is intimate and grown-up, making it ideal for romantic dinners, business lunches, or special occasions. The dining room accommodates around 55 guests, while the outdoor courtyard seats an additional 30, providing options for both cozy indoor dining and relaxed alfresco meals. The venue’s ambiance is enhanced by tasteful decor and a layout that encourages leisurely enjoyment of food and company. Service is consistently praised for its friendliness and efficiency, contributing to a memorable experience.Accessibility and Practical Details
Located just outside Cambridge’s town center, The Oak Bistro is accessible and wheelchair-friendly throughout. It operates from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch (12:00–14:30) and Monday to Saturday for dinner (17:30–21:30), remaining closed on Sundays. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity. The pricing is moderate, with three-course lunches averaging around £18 and evening meals about £34, reflecting the quality and care invested in each dish.Local Significance and Culinary Reputation
The Oak Bistro holds a respected place in Cambridge’s vibrant food scene, celebrated for its consistent quality and classic bistro fare. It is a favored destination for locals and visitors seeking refined British cuisine with a European flair. The restaurant’s commitment to traditional cooking methods, combined with a welcoming and personal approach to service, ensures it remains a standout choice for discerning diners in the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Reality Checkpoint
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A colorful Victorian lamppost marking the boundary between Cambridge's academic bubble and the real world, standing proudly at Parker’s Piece.
Hills Road War Memorial
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A poignant bronze statue on Hills Road honoring Cambridgeshire’s war heroes, symbolizing sacrifice and the journey home.
Duke House
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Senate House Hill
0.9 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
1.0 km
Historic university landmark at Trinity Lane, blending Gothic and classical architecture at the heart of Cambridge's academic tradition.
Paradise Local Nature Reserve
1.1 km
Explore the beauty of Paradise Local Nature Reserve in Cambridge, an ideal escape for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility in a vibrant urban setting.
Newton's Apple Tree
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Romsey 'R' sculpture
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Explore the Romsey 'R' Sculpture in Cambridge, a vibrant piece of public art that embodies the city's creative spirit.
The Backs
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Discover the serene beauty and historical charm of The Backs in Cambridge, a picturesque park offering stunning views of the iconic university colleges.
Cambridge Science Centre
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Explore the interactive exhibits at Cambridge Science Centre, where science meets fun and learning becomes an adventure for all ages.
Cambridge Junction
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Discover the artistic heart of Cambridge at Cambridge Junction, a vibrant venue for live music, comedy, and unforgettable performances.
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.
The Round Church
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Explore The Round Church, a captivating medieval Anglican church in Cambridge, known for its unique architecture and rich historical significance.
Christian Heritage
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Explore the Round Church in Cambridge, a stunning Norman architectural gem and a key site of Christian heritage, rich in history and spirituality.
Tenpin Cambridge
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Experience endless fun at Tenpin Cambridge - the ultimate bowling alley and entertainment center with games, laser tag, and more for the whole family.
Unmissable attractions to see
Scott Polar Research Institute (Polar Museum)
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Explore the UK’s premier Arctic and Antarctic museum, where heroic expeditions, indigenous cultures, and cutting-edge polar research come alive in Cambridge.
St. Paul's Church
0.2 km
Historic Gothic Revival Anglican church on Hills Road, Cambridge, blending architectural heritage with vibrant community spirit.
Parker's Piece
0.3 km
Historic green heart of Cambridge where modern football was born and community spirit thrives across open lawns and iconic landmarks.
The Alma
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A traditional Cambridge pub offering hearty meals, lively music, and a welcoming atmosphere in a charming historic setting.
Arts Picturehouse
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A historic Cambridge cinema blending indie films, art deco charm, and a lively café-bar in the city centre.
Cambridge Food Tour
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Explore Cambridge’s culinary secrets on a guided walking tour featuring hidden gems, local flavors, and rich food heritage.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
0.5 km
Explore centuries of art and history at Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum, a free cultural treasure trove in a stunning neoclassical setting.
The Calling
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A compact, high‑energy monthly club night at Q Club—loud guitars, close-up stages and a friendly, student-rich crowd for late-night alternative music.
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
0.5 km
Explore 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history in Cambridge’s oldest geology museum, featuring fossils, meteorites, and iconic collections.
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
0.6 km
Explore two million years of human history through captivating artefacts and world cultures at Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
ArchaeoLink
0.6 km
Connecting Cambridge’s past and present through community archaeology and public engagement at the heart of the city’s academic quarter.
10 Downing Street
0.6 km
Historic Cambridge street lined with university museums, Georgian architecture, and rich academic heritage in the city center.
Coe Fen
0.6 km
Tranquil fenland green space beside the River Cam, blending natural beauty with historic Cambridge charm.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
0.6 km
Explore 40 acres of botanical wonders and scientific heritage in the heart of Cambridge’s historic university city.
University Museum Of Zoology
0.6 km
Explore the rich diversity of animal life and evolutionary history at Cambridge’s University Museum of Zoology, home to iconic specimens and free entry.
Essential places to dine
The Oak Bistro
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Classic British bistro with exceptional Beef Wellington, warm hospitality, and a charming heated garden in the heart of Cambridge.
The Old Bicycle Shop
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The Olive Grove
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De Luca Cucina & Bar
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Parker's Tavern
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Charlie Chan Restaurant
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Browns Cambridge
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SLINGERS Smokeworks Station Road
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Vanderlyle
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Salisbury Arms, Cambridge
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Maurizio Dining & Co.
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Hungrill
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Bedouin
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Garden House
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Pint Shop
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
CJ’s Vintage Store
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Oliver Bonas
0.7 km
A feel-good British lifestyle store in Grand Arcade offering colourful fashion, curated homeware and choice gifts across a spacious ground-floor shop.
Not Listed
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Explore the vibrant local culture and unique offerings at this charming shop in the heart of Cambridge.
Menkind Cambridge
0.7 km
Discover unique gadgets and men’s gifts in the heart of Cambridge’s Lion Yard Shopping Centre, blending modern fun with historic charm.
Samuel Smiley
0.7 km
A charming gift shop on Cambridge’s historic Trumpington Street, offering unique local treasures and a warm shopping atmosphere.
Cambs Frocktails
0.8 km
Boutique fashion finds capturing individual style and charm on Cambridge's Station Road.
The Hive
0.8 km
Discover a charming treasure trove of antiques and vintage finds in the heart of Cambridge at The Hive.
Podarok
0.8 km
Discover unique gifts, quirky handbags, and beautiful jewellery at Podarok, Cambridge’s independent boutique in the Arts Quarter.
Greaterskies
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Cambridge studio and shop for personalised, astronomically accurate star‑map prints and tasteful gift items.
Ark
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Compact independent gift shop on historic Peas Hill serving market crowds, theatregoers and locals with curated Cambridge keepsakes.
Indelibly Cambridge
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Discover pun-tastic souvenirs and local crafts on Peas Hill, where Cambridge's witty spirit comes alive in every handpicked gift.
Nomads
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Primark
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Sugarmark!
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Souvenirs And Gifts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The LAB
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Tall Trees
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Panton Arms
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Novi Kitchen + Bar
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The Castle Bar
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Revolution Cambridge
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The Cambridge Tap
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Lively craft-beer bar in a converted bank, known for burgers, cocktails and an upstairs room with college views.
The Live and Let Live
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A cosy, no-frills Cambridge neighbourhood pub with real-ale focus and an intimate, community-centred atmosphere.
Bar -OH
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Inventive cocktails and live music pulse through this intimate Cambridge gem, blending artistry with electric evenings until the wee hours.
The Clarendon Arms
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The Free Press
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The Elm Tree
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BrewDog Cambridge
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The Mill
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Bath House
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Historic 17th-century Cambridge pub pouring Greene King cask ales and classic grub in a dog-friendly, family-welcoming spot steps from university landmarks.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly