Restaurant 22 may have been operating on Chesterton Road in Cambridge for more than 30 years, but there’s nothing dated about this fresh and contemporary fine-dining restaurant thanks to the poised, forward-thinking approach of husband-and-wife team Sam Carter and Alex Olivier, who took over the lease of the site and relaunched it back in 2018.
Together the pair have instilled this converted Victorian townhouse with a new lease of life, adopting a seasonal focus that favours ingredients sourced from local Cambridgeshire producers. Carter, who cut his teeth working in numerous Michelin star places including Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and Hambleton Hall, leads the kitchen; while Olivier, an experienced restaurant manager, oversees the front of house.
It’s a small restaurant (just 22 covers in total), but one that embraces the intimacy of the space with soft lighting and cosy interiors that have a Scandi minimalist vibe. The cooking is defined as being ‘modern British’, with the tasting menu – available in both short and long form versions – changing regularly.
Carter is clearly a talent, with a deft ability to make his ingredients sing without overcomplicating a dish. Complementing the food is the restaurant’s warm and enthusiastic service team, who ensure the atmosphere remains lively and vibrant. Restaurant 22 was awarded 3 AA Rosettes in September 2022 and its first Michelin Star in March 2023. With such accolades, it’s fair to assume that there’s still plenty more to come from this long-standing institution.
Together the pair have instilled this converted Victorian townhouse with a new lease of life, adopting a seasonal focus that favours ingredients sourced from local Cambridgeshire producers. Carter, who cut his teeth working in numerous Michelin star places including Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and Hambleton Hall, leads the kitchen; while Olivier, an experienced restaurant manager, oversees the front of house.
It’s a small restaurant (just 22 covers in total), but one that embraces the intimacy of the space with soft lighting and cosy interiors that have a Scandi minimalist vibe. The cooking is defined as being ‘modern British’, with the tasting menu – available in both short and long form versions – changing regularly.
Carter is clearly a talent, with a deft ability to make his ingredients sing without overcomplicating a dish. Complementing the food is the restaurant’s warm and enthusiastic service team, who ensure the atmosphere remains lively and vibrant. Restaurant 22 was awarded 3 AA Rosettes in September 2022 and its first Michelin Star in March 2023. With such accolades, it’s fair to assume that there’s still plenty more to come from this long-standing institution.
