The Old Fire Engine House
The Old Fire Engine House in Ely is an extraordinary restaurant (and art gallery). It’s charming, eccentric, unique and insulated from fads and trends.
Ann Jarman set up The Old Fire Engine House with two friends in 1968 and continues to run it with her husband, Michael. Their aim was to use local, seasonal ingredients and recipes – a concept which is commonplace now but was relatively unusual 50 years ago.
Dishes include English classics such as locally-smoked eel; celery and Stilton soup; roast leg of lamb with fresh herb stuffing; casserole of partridge with bacon; Harvey’s Bristol Cream sherry trifle; and traditional lemon syllabub.
The Old Fire Engine House feels like a family home rather than a commercial business. Four generations of the Fyson family have worked here as cooks; Olive Fyson started in 1968 and worked in the kitchen for 30 years. Her daughters Terri, Christine and Jayne all still work there, as does her granddaughter Claire.
It is a truly unique venue!
For opening times, check The Old Fire Engine House Ely website.
Recommended by GFC founder Matt Wright & editor-at-large Philip Seaman
For more Cambridgeshire recommendations, click here.
Help us keep up to date! Tell us about your experience of this business below. Your comments will not be published but help us to spot problems and excellent service.