Smokeworks — Restaurant in Cambridge

Be aware - the ‘optional’ service charge is not optional and if not paid will leave you with a bitter and utterly rude server and a horrible and awkward experience.

Having been to Millworks a fair few times, I went with a few friends to Smokehouse. The food was out quite quick and tasted ok if a bit cold. Due to having a show to be at I decided not to worry too much and carried on. When the bill came, the service charge was noted as optional. We despise this as you are already paying to eat at a restaurant and the price you pay above the cost at a supermarket is for someone professional to cook and prepare it then for it to be served to you. If the service is beyond expectation, a tip is deserved. When you simply get a service that is standard, an assumption charge is unacceptable. Millworks have gone back and ‘changed the bill’ (despite the pre tip total being on the receipt already) but been relatively fine when requested to remove it. We paid separately then the female server waited at the table calculating the bill. She then turned to one of our party that wasn’t paying and said are you not going to pay the service charge. Feeling awkward she replied no and the server walked away with a ‘huff’ As we left, each one of us said a polite thanks and goodbye only to be met with a sour and spiteful look and no response. I had actually left a tip in cash but on seeing this reaction, took it back. While it sounds a minor thing, it caused a great deal of awkwardness and some upset and completely tainted the experience. We shan’t be returning to any of the restaurants now to avoid an awkward encounter over a charge we shouldn’t be made to pay. A real shame and a cruel way to make customers pay an...

I am not someone who leaves negative reviews lightly, as is evident from my history of reviews. I appreciate how hard the hospitality industry can be and always give the benefit of the doubt. It is only when an experience falls well below the threshold of basic decency that I feel compelled to write. When it is impossible to give the benefit of the doubt. Sadly, such was the case during a visit to Smokeworks in Cambridge today, accompanied by my elderly mother, who has significant mobility challenges.

Although the restaurant was half empty, we were brusquely informed by a member of staff, possibly the manager, that we could be seated only on the condition that the table be vacated within the hour. His tone was needlessly stern, bordering on hostile, and made us feel distinctly unwelcome. He then gestured toward a high table with bar stools, seating that was manifestly unsuitable for someone with visible mobility impairments. The absence of even basic consideration was, frankly, bewildering.

What made this encounter all the more dispiriting was the contrast with my mother’s previous experience at Smokeworks a few years ago, when the staff had been warm, attentive, and genuinely accommodating. This time, however, we chose to leave, as one does when faced with baffling lack of courtsey. We went around the corner to Honest Burgers where courtesy and empathy was in abundantly supply. The staff's willingness to ensure my mother’s comfort was touching.

I am sharing this not out of some misplaced resentment but in the hope that it serves as a gentle reminder: true hospitality begins with kindness, sensitivity, and the ability to recognise the dignity of every guest, especially those who are most in...

Came here today for a bit of a late lunch after mooching around Cambridge for the day.

I went for the ribs and wings combo deal with a side of onion rings, the other half went for the burger, side and drink meal deal offer they had on for lunch time. For drinks I had an iced tea and she the other half had a lemonade.

We were seated at around half 2, our orders were taken after around 10 minutes of deciding and twisting the button on the wall to say we were ready, and the food came out 10-15 minutes after.

The ribs were lovely, tender and coated in a rich sauce. The fries were seasoned properly, hot and crisp with a fluffy inside, the corn on the cob was cooked nicely and well buttered, the slaw was beautiful, and the wings.... THE WINGS were my favourite part of the dish. A beautifully crispy light batter on the outside, tender, juicy and flavoursome chicken on the inside. The onion rings were spot on too!

As for the other halves food, I didn't taste the pulled pork burger, but she said it was really good. The tater tots were blooming lovely though!

As for the drinks, both the lemonade and iced tea were lovely and nicely chilled. We also had a carafe of tap water for the table.

Overall, a great first time experience at this place, and we'll definitely return in the future. Also a big shout out to the staff working today, you were absolutely spot on, especially when dealing with the chap behind us who said his food was dry, (sure it was mate 🙄) but only when the bill came... Just get the attention of the staff when you have the issue, not when you...