The Oak Bistro: A Refined British Dining Experience in Cambridge
Charming British bistro in Cambridge serving expertly crafted dishes like Beef Wellington in a warm, intimate setting with a glass-surrounded garden.
Nestled at 6 Lensfield Road in Cambridge, The Oak Bistro offers a warm, intimate setting with a focus on high-quality British and Anglo-European cuisine. Known for its signature Beef Wellington and a thoughtfully curated wine list, this bistro combines exceptional service with generous portions and a charming interior featuring a glass-surrounded internal garden. Ideal for special occasions and business lunches, it provides a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere just outside the city centre.
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
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 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 evening dining, as The Oak Bistro is popular and can fill up quickly.
- Try the signature Beef Wellington, a standout dish praised for its perfect pastry and tender beef.
- Enjoy the internal glass-surrounded garden area, heated for year-round dining comfort.
- Consider sharing starters to sample a wider variety of the menu’s fresh and vibrant offerings.
- Pair your meal with one of the bistro’s specially commissioned anniversary wines or a well-selected Bordeaux.
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
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Oak Bistro
A Storied Venue with a Warm Ambience
The Oak Bistro occupies a historic Grade II-listed building that once served as a coaching inn on the route from London to Cambridge. This heritage lends the venue a timeless charm, blending traditional British character with a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Inside, tasteful decor and a notable painting above one of the tables enhance the welcoming vibe. The bistro also features a glass-surrounded internal garden with heaters, allowing guests to enjoy an al fresco feel year-round regardless of the weather.Exquisite British and Anglo-European Cuisine
The culinary offerings at The Oak Bistro emphasize quality and precision, with signature dishes such as the Beef Wellington standing out for their perfect execution. The shortcrust pastry is thin and crispy, encasing tender, pink-centered beef served with creamy mashed potatoes and rich red wine jus. Other highlights include fresh scallops, chargrilled lamb rump with gratin potato, minted carrots, and rosemary jus, as well as vibrant starters like octopus salad. Desserts such as chocolate fondant with a gooey center and panna cotta receive particular praise for their indulgent textures and flavors.Impeccable Service and Thoughtful Hospitality
Service at The Oak Bistro is frequently described as warm, attentive, and personal, with the owner Philip often greeting guests and ensuring a memorable dining experience. The staff are known for their professionalism and friendliness, handling any issues with grace and speed. This attentive hospitality complements the refined menu and adds to the bistro’s reputation as a destination for both locals and visitors seeking a grown-up dining experience.A Refined Wine Selection and Beverage Offerings
The bistro boasts an interesting and well-curated wine list, including specially commissioned anniversary wines that pair beautifully with the menu. Guests can enjoy a range of Bordeaux reds, Amarone della Valpolicella, and a variety of white wines ideal for lunch. The beverage menu also features quality coffees and a selection of gins, enhancing the overall dining experience.Location and Ambience for Special Occasions
Situated slightly outside the main restaurant areas of Cambridge, The Oak Bistro offers a quiet retreat with a smart, grown-up atmosphere. Its covered courtyard garden is particularly attractive in warmer months, providing a scenic and tranquil setting. The venue is well suited for romantic dinners, business lunches, and celebratory meals, with a focus on delivering a memorable and intimate experience.Considerations and Visitor Insights
While the bistro is praised for its food quality and service, some visitors note occasional slow service and the need to book in advance due to popularity. Vegetarian options are somewhat limited, reflecting the menu’s emphasis on meat and seafood dishes. Prices are moderate to mid-range, aligning with the quality and portion sizes offered. Overall, The Oak Bistro stands out as a refined yet approachable dining destination in Cambridge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Reality Checkpoint
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Hills Road War Memorial
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Duke House
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Senate House Hill
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The Old Schools
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Paradise Local Nature Reserve
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Newton's Apple Tree
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Romsey 'R' sculpture
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The Backs
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Cambridge Science Centre
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Cambridge Junction
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Garret Hostel Bridge
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The Round Church
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Christian Heritage
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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
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Historic Gothic Revival Anglican church on Hills Road, Cambridge, blending architectural heritage with vibrant community spirit.
Parker's Piece
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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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Arts Picturehouse
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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
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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
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Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
0.6 km
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ArchaeoLink
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10 Downing Street
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Historic Cambridge street lined with university museums, Georgian architecture, and rich academic heritage in the city center.
Coe Fen
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Tranquil fenland green space beside the River Cam, blending natural beauty with historic Cambridge charm.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
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Explore 40 acres of botanical wonders and scientific heritage in the heart of Cambridge’s historic university city.
University Museum Of Zoology
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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
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Not Listed
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Menkind Cambridge
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Samuel Smiley
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Cambs Frocktails
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Boutique fashion finds capturing individual style and charm on Cambridge's Station Road.
The Hive
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Discover a charming treasure trove of antiques and vintage finds in the heart of Cambridge at The Hive.
Podarok
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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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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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The Castle Bar
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Revolution Cambridge
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The Cambridge Tap
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The Live and Let Live
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Bar -OH
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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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Nightclubs & after hour spots
80s karaoke bar
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Cambridge Lola Lo
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MASH
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EBC Shop
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Rock
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The Lounge
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- 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
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
