What should I order at The Old Fire Engine House?
The Old Fire Engine House
Smoked Trout Starter
Recommended for its excellent preparation and flavor, especially appreciated by fans of fish as noted in multiple reviews.
Casserole Main (pigeon/partridge depending on season)
Highly praised for its quality and seasonal ingredients, making it a favorite among game dish lovers.
Chicken in Mushroom and Ham Sauce
Mentioned specifically as really lovely and freshly cooked, highlighting the restaurant's homemade style.
Shepherd's Pie
Noted for being really lovely and freshly prepared, fitting the restaurant’s reputation for homemade comfort food.
Roast Pork
Recommended as part of a great meal with delicious food and sensible prices, enjoyed by multiple guests.
Roast Beef
Liked enough that guests were offered seconds, highlighting its popularity and quality.
Chicken Pate
Described as tasty and appreciated as a starter option.
Desserts (including Trifle)
Desserts are often described as delicious and well worth it, with the trifle specifically mentioned as memorable.
Fish Dishes
Generally praised for excellent cooking and freshness, with fish being a highlight on the menu.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 12 to 5:30 PM |
About The Old Fire Engine House
Welcoming eatery serving British cooking with flair amid open fires, artworks for sale and a garden.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Old Fire Engine House known for?
It is best known for traditional English and British cooking, especially home-cooked meals, afternoon tea, and the offer of seconds on many dishes. Reviewers also call out the roast lamb, homemade puddings, and the well-regarded wine list as reasons to visit.
What dishes are most recommended at The Old Fire Engine House?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the roast lamb, trout, pickled herring starter, slow roasted pork with crackling, spiced parsnip soup, and homemade crumble. The food is often described as simple, well cooked, and generously portioned, with fresh vegetables and a homemade feel.
What is the atmosphere like at The Old Fire Engine House?
The atmosphere is cozy, historic, and intimate, with a fireplace, garden seating, and an old house setting opposite the cathedral in Ely. It suits couples, groups, and solo diners who want a quieter, more traditional meal rather than a fast-paced restaurant.
Is The Old Fire Engine House good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is £20 to £60, and reviewers often say the pricing is sensible or well priced for the quality and portion size. Some guests mention generous servings and even seconds, while others note smaller portions on certain visits, so value seems strongest when you want a full sit-down meal with wine or dessert.
Do you need a reservation at The Old Fire Engine House?
Yes, reservations are often recommended, especially for weekends and dinner, and one reviewer said they booked at least a week ahead for a weekend brunch or lunch spot. The restaurant can be nearly full even mid-week, so planning ahead is useful if you want to secure a table in central Ely.
Is parking available at The Old Fire Engine House?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does The Old Fire Engine House have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Old Fire Engine House offers vegan options.
Restaurants like The Old Fire Engine House in ELY
Why use AI food recommendations?
Skip the Menu
No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu
Explained Choices
Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended
Find things to do & top restaurants in any city