The Green Man Pub, Grantchester

A gorgeous (and warm) Saturday morning necessitated a trip to Grantchester.  We didn't do the riverside walk this time but if you haven't, you should.  The two miles from central Cambridge along the meandering river are perfect for working up an appetite for lunch.

The Green Man http://www.thegreenmangrantchester.co.uk/ is one of three pubs in Grantchester and by far the best.  The setting is a beautiful 16th century building with many different seating areas which gives the place an intimate feel.  In winter the two log fires are kept lit and it was close to one of these that we set ourselves down for a spot of lunch.

TH and I decided, rather foolishly, to start by sharing a hummus and olive deli platter before moving on to our mains.  This is not to say the food was bad - far from it, but be warned, the servings are generous.  I was impressed to find the hummus was home-made - though given the amount of garlic marinating with the olives I would have put a clove or two more in the hummus.  The quality of the food on the platter put many a deli to shame.  To wash it all down we supped a pint of Cumberland ale (Jennings Brewery) - a malty, hoppy ale and a pint of Old Cannon best bitter - rich with a roasted flavour.

TH opted for rare breed sausages with mash for his main (daily special).  He couldn't fault it - perfectly seasoned proper sausages and fluffy, creamy mash.  It also came with a side of perfectly al dente veg seasoned with black pepper.

I chose the pork belly with sweet potato mash and green beans.  If I had one complaint it would be that the sweet potato mash was too creamy and heavy for the dish but that shouldn't detract from what was an excellent meal.  The pork belly was slow cooked to perfection with perfectly crispy fat on the top.  In fact, it didn't need the sweet potato mash, just a bread roll and it would be hog-roast-a-licious!

At £33 for the lot I find it hard to fault this place - the setting is wonderful, the staff are friendly and will happily let you start a bar tab (The Red Lion next door doesn't) and the food is of restaurant standard.  All this and a cracking range of malt whisky and real fire to watch whilst nursing that dram.  It's no wonder the place is always full.