Ancient Shepherds

The story

Ancient Shepherds Cambridge | Accessible Modern British Dining

The Building and the Vision

Ancient Shepherds brings Modern British dining to Fen Ditton, Cambridge, inside a Grade II-listed timber-framed structure dating to 1540. Mark Poynton has guided this project since 2020. He wants fine dining to feel accessible. The kitchen operates entirely around curated tasting menus rather than standard plate orders. His approach stays grounded in local produce.

The Kitchen and Tasting Menus

Head chef Chris Lee directs a three, five, or seven course progression. These dishes showcase contemporary British cooking. Guests begin with small snacks and malt-glazed milk bread served alongside lightly aerated cheese and onion soup. Main courses feature cured cod with elderflower and oscietra, followed by Suffolk lamb paired with black pudding and charcuterie sauce. The kitchen closes the meal with a baked cheesecake finished using strawberry and Cambridge gin.

The Setting and Guest Rooms

This Cambridge destination earned a Readers Recommend distinction from The Good Food Guide. The dining room sits within a historic building that once operated as a licensed ale house in 1805. Five letting rooms occupy the rear of the property, each equipped with Nespresso machines and handmade chocolates. The wine list opens at £28. Most bottles sit comfortably between £45 and £65.