Review

Situated just a hundred yards back from the boat houses of the River Cam, the Old Spring captures the best of both worlds. Halfway between the action of the Cambridge city centre and the sleepy suburbs this popular local pub attracts a youthful minded, urbane crowd. Bright and airy, the sizable decked patio and conservatory hint at rural space yet the décor suggests town sophistication.

Choosing the sun dappled conservatory area allowed us to make the most of the daylight and, as the youngest member of our party was swiftly strapped into a fancy high-chair, we gazed around. The L-shaped pub

Situated just a hundred yards back from the boat houses of the River Cam, the Old Spring captures the best of both worlds

features a wide range of seating options from comfy sofas, large tables for groups and cosy, semi-private alcoves which deftly balance sociability with privacy. Pastels, bare wood floors and beams dominate the colour scheme.

On our visit the long bar bustled with lunchtime drinkers and diners. Gingerly squeezing between an equal smattering of suited professionals, students and locals we ordered pints of Old Trip and Hare Raiser. Other real ales on tap at this Greene King house include the brewery staples IPA and Abbott Ale. There were also four lagers on draught and one cider with a substantial wine list including five reds and six whites available by the glass.

Our noses were serenaded by the rich scent of garlic bread wafting over from a neighbouring table immediately focussed our attention on the menu. Although it lacks starters, 20 main courses are on offer, all at competitive prices. Traditional British fare sits comfortably next to imaginative international additions such as grilled hallumi, pasta and two differing duck dishes with hoi sin sauce. Plenty of vegetarian options are available too although it isn't immediately clear which are vegan.

Choosing the steak frites and shredded, crispy duck with Asian salad proved wise. Well presented with the wide-rimmed bowl delightfully decorated with hoi sin sauce and sesame seeds the duck won plaudits from us. Freshly prepared it tasted divine. The 8oz rib-eye steak was very good quality too but not quite the medium cooked we ordered. Dessert proved a course too much after these, which was a pity as the bread and butter pudding and apple and plumb crumble being taken to our fellow diners looked wonderful. The service could not be faulted: we were often asked if we needed anything, plus the pub proved very baby friendly too.

We departed just as the lunchtime rush subsided but there was still a steady flow of patrons including a Lycra-clad rowing crew looking for liquid refreshment after their exertions of the river. Wondering where the pub gained its name we couldn't help noticing a giant spring in the patio. Now that's something you don't see every day, much like a pub this popular.