Restaurant 22

The story

Restaurant 22 in Cambridge delivers refined modern British dining

The kitchen and its seasonal focus

Chef Sam Carter established his modern British kitchen at Restaurant 22 after training at Michelin-level establishments including Maze and Hambleton Hall. He shares the venture with partner Alex Olivier, who oversees the floor. Their approach relies heavily on daily deliveries from local Cambridgeshire growers rather than rigid recipes. This ingredient-driven method earned the venue its first Michelin star in March 2023 and reinforced its standing at the National Restaurant Awards.

A restored Victorian setting

The dining rooms sit inside a lovingly preserved terrace that dates back to 1892. Original stained glass windows catch the afternoon light before giving way to softly lit tables in the evening. The layout holds exactly 22 covers across two floors, creating an intimate environment where conversation flows easily. Minimalist furnishings and warm textures keep the atmosphere grounded while guests navigate between the ground and first floor spaces.

Wine pairings and cellar curation

Lead sommelier Bethany Pogson designs the beverage programme to match the bold flavours emerging from the kitchen. Patrons can select discovery or signature wine flights that travel alongside either the shorter or extended tasting menus. The broader list updates regularly to reflect current harvests and supplier relationships. This thoughtful alignment between glass and British cooking supports the restaurant’s steady climb through major industry rankings.