The Old Spring — Restaurant in Cambridge

We chose the Old Spring as a dinner destination because the online menu lists allergens and explicitly mentions marked menu options can be made gluten free on request; as one of our party has coeliac disease, this seemed ideal.

A gluten free burger was duly ordered, and arrived in very recognisable Warburtons GF sandwich thins in lieu of a bun; which, not quite what I expected from the place, but fair enough. The bigger problem was the only accompaniement being a bowl of chips. We asked to confirm whether the chips were safe, since battered items were also on the menu, and separate deep friers are unusual and highly advertised where they exist - were the chips fried in the same oil as the floured menu items (e.g. "beer-battered haddock")? Following a blank look and a visit to the kitchens, in lieu of an answer to the question we asked, we were told that no guarantees could be made about /any/ of the food with respect to allergen content. No further information was provided, and no alternatives offered. Since it was unclear whether the chips could be safely eaten by that diner, she had to leave them.

I urge the owners not to claim in their online menu that gluten free meals can be provided on request if this is not actually the case, so that visitors can make fully informed plans. Hopefully this review will help others until this...

Very disappointing experience. On the website states they serve roast dinners till 6pm. When we arrived the people that greeted us weren't overly friendly. When it came to order our food we asked for roast dinners which we where told had run out. We weren't told this when we arrived. When we booked the table we where assured that roast dinners would be served all day . Funny after ordering drinks then were told they have run out. The toilets where disgusting blocked up with poo and dirty and messy.we complain to the bar staff about this the reply was oh we've been busy so couldn't check the toilets. That's not good enough I'd expect better care of toilets as they where very unclean. Food was ok had better. Come on sort your toilets out really disappointing . I appreciate your reply but none of these problems that iv comment on are my fault I much appreciate you moving us to a bigger table but isn't that what a welcoming restaurant would do ?. I'm sorry there is no excuse for a dirty toilet they should be regularly checked. Beacuse of your response and the wording I would never return not at one point anyone ask how the food was. The website states roast...

It's been a long time since my last visit to the old spring and I must say that everytime I've been there it's been for drinks only.

Anyway, we chose this place because of the cosy corner with sofas and the fireplace. Before I left home, I had already decided that I was going to order a burger. Then, there it was "The special menu" 😳. I must try it instead - I said to myself. And no regrets!

I ordered the Tuna and my wife had the duck, and we were quite surprised. They both were amazing! I didn't have the pleasure of trying the burger, that our friend ordered, but it looked really good as well.

After such a pleasant dinner, we decided to close the night by ordering all the special desserts. And guys! The blackberry cheescake and the chocolate brownie are a MUST!

I would like to make a special mention to Katerina, our waitress. Since my first contact with her, when I called to book the table, I thought she was really lovely and had exquisite manners. However, when we got there she was 100 times better than that! She was the icing on the cake...