The Prince Albert

The Prince Albert calls itself Ely’s ‘proper pub’. We’re not going to argue. Serving a fine selection of cask ales and some serious pub grub, without intrusive games machines or music, it deserves to wear this badge.

On our visit we enjoyed a starter of Earl Grey jellied eel with apple and walnut polenta cake, pickled apple and candied walnuts. Next came roasted hake with brown shrimp, crushed potatoes, smoked kale and lobster bisque finished with pine nuts, dill and a Parmesan tuille. Good, too, was the fillet of beef with red wine boulangère potatoes, caramelised onion purée braised leeks and wild mushroom fricasse and Maderia jus. To finish we went for a chocolate cigar filled with coffee mousse, date purée toffee crumb and bourbon ice cream. All the dishes were packed with flavour and beautifully presented.

For a light after-dinner workout each table had a pack of cards and set of dominos!

The Prince Albert’s sister pub is The Royal Standard on Ely Road, which provides a lot more covers. The Royal Standard offers the same fine selection of beer but a less adventurous menu. However we also highly recommend them for a more casual bite.

By Philip Seaman, Cambridgeshire editor