The Copper Kettle — Restaurant in Cambridge

A Solid, If Unremarkable, Dining Experience: Copper Kettle Restaurant Review

Tucked away in the charming streets of Cambridge, Copper Kettle restaurant has been serving up classic British fare to locals and visitors alike for years. As a neutral reviewer, I stopped by to see if this establishment lives up to its reputation, and my experience was...underwhelming, yet satisfying.

Ambience

Upon entering Copper Kettle, I was immediately struck by the cozy, traditional decor that sets the tone for a comforting meal. The dim lighting, wooden accents, and plush seating create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a casual dinner or lunch with friends. However, the dining area feels slightly cramped, with tables packed in tight, which may not be ideal for larger groups or those seeking a more spacious setting.

Service

Our server was attentive and friendly, if not overly enthusiastic. Orders were taken promptly, and dishes arrived in a timely manner. While not exceptional, the service was certainly competent, and our server was happy to answer questions about the menu and make recommendations.

Food

The menu at Copper Kettle reads like a greatest hits collection of British comfort food, with familiar favorites like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and bangers and mash making appearances. I opted for the grilled salmon with roasted vegetables, which arrived cooked to perfection and tasted fresh, if unremarkable. The portion size was generous, but the dish lacked a certain je ne sais quoi – a spark of creativity or a bold flavor profile – that would have elevated it from solid to spectacular.

Verdict

In conclusion, Copper Kettle is a reliable, if unexciting, dining option in Cambridge. The food is satisfying, the atmosphere is cozy, and the service is friendly, but the overall experience lacks a certain wow factor. For those seeking a dependable, no-frills meal, Copper Kettle fits the bill. However, if you're looking for a truly exceptional dining experience, you might want to explore other options in the area.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Price Range: Moderate (£15-£25 per entree)

Recommended For: Comfort food enthusiasts, families, casual diners

Will I Return?: Perhaps, but not necessarily...

I wouldn’t even give it one star. But that’s the lowest there is. The man who seemed like the owner, he’s short and quite old. He was very rude to us, did not smile and came up to our table and said ‘what do you want?’ Not even a hello. The food was okay but portion size was small, so it’s a rip off! I was with my two young kids, who are 2 and 4. We were sitting by the window, and my 2 year old touched the window and the old man, said ‘don’t touch the glass’, very abrupt and rude- (it wasn't as if I weren’t watching them) but the way he said it.. again VERY poor attitude. No manners!

And then my 4 yr old spilled some rice on the floor, I apologised to the waiter, who said it was okay. Anyone who has young kids, know how clumsy and messy kids are, no matter how much you tell them to be clean or careful.

So we ask for the bill, the owner (old man) comes to us and says I charged you extra because of the mess on the floor!!! I was fuming.. I said, I’m sorry but, they are kids, don’t you guys clean up after every meal?? And he said, again very disgusting behaviour...’it's a restaurant’ .. But kids make a mess, they didn’t break anything, just a few grains of rice on the floor! We didn’t pay for the ‘optional service’ charge of £5 he left on the bill.

NEVER going back there again. I might have paid the extra amount if he was nice and polite. But nah.. I would NOT recommend this restaurant! Not sure why it has so many good reviews, not a child friendly place whatsoever!!! Also another customer came in and his attitude...

The Copper Kettle in Cambridge is a delightful place for a relaxed meal with a perfect view of one of the city's famous colleges. Its large windows allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The setting feels both casual and elegant, making it ideal for breakfast, a casual tea break, or a light Mediterranean-inspired meal.

We visited for breakfast and tea before embarking on another walk around the beautiful city, and it was an excellent start to the day. The menu offers a nice variety of Mediterranean dishes, and everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and well-presented. The breakfast selection was particularly good, with options that cater to both traditional and more adventurous tastes. We enjoyed our tea as well, served in a relaxed manner that allowed us to linger and enjoy the lovely view of the college across the street.

The service was friendly and attentive without being intrusive, which made the experience even more pleasant. The staff ensured we were comfortable and had everything we needed without any rush, making it easy to enjoy the moment. The cafe's location is perfect for anyone looking to take in the sights of Cambridge, as it is situated in a bustling area that is still peaceful enough for a quiet meal.

Overall, The Copper Kettle is a wonderful spot for anyone visiting Cambridge, especially if you're looking for a charming, light-filled space to enjoy a leisurely meal. Highly...