The Chubby Castor

“Skilful country cooking with plenty of finesse.” - AA Inspector

LOCATION

PETERBOROUGH, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Official Rating
Inspected by
Visit England Logo
Awards
awardaward
Book Direct

A firm favourite with Peterborough foodies, The Chubby Castor is set within the Fitzwilliam Arms, a thatched Grade II listed building dating back to the 17th century. The timeless chocolate box look of the historic pub belies a contemporary interior with a charming and characterful restaurant. Whether ordering from the à la carte, set, tasting or plant-based menus, there is plenty to choose from and it won’t be easy. There is an unwavering commitment to sustainability so it’s no surprise that the attentive staff explain each course in detail at the table, with much of the dialogue inevitably about the produce used including plenty grown in the kitchen garden. Start with a luxurious ballotine of foie gras and confit duck leg, the richness of which is countered by Sauternes jelly and raspberry. Alternatively, you might begin with heritage tomatoes, yogurt sorbet, basil purée, nigella seeds and tomato consommé. When it comes to the main course, there might be a correctly timed and flavoursome fillet of Loch Duart salmon with prawn crown raviolo, asparagus and warm gribiche, or if meat is your thing, a juicy lamb cannon with sweetbread tartlet, shallots and turnips is a winning combination. The quality of the cooking and pinsharp presentation continues right through to the pudding stage. Zesty lemon curd tart with raspberry and stem ginger is a dessert with plenty of panache, as is a perfectly risen strawberry soufflé with basil sorbet and crème de cassis. Of course, an exemplary additional course of perfectly kept British cheeses – five or nine different types – with all the proper accompaniments and crackers is another way to round off a memorable meal. An extensive wine list has been carefully considered to complement the dishes, with wine flights and a strong choice also available by the glass.

Awards, accolades & Welcome Schemes

award
3 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
award
Highest Quality Assured
The Chubby Castor
34 Peterborough Road, Castor, PETERBOROUGH, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, PE5 7AX

Features

Facilities
  • Seats: 50
  • Private dining available
  • On-site parking available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Steps for wheelchair: 1
  • Accessible toilets
  • Assist dogs welcome
Opening times
  • Closed: Monday, Tuesday, 1–15 August
Food and Drink
  • Wines under £30: 10
  • Wines over £30: 90
  • Wines by the glass: 30
  • Cuisine style: Modern British
  • Vegetarian menu

About the area

Discover Cambridgeshire

To the west of East Anglia is Cambridgeshire, a county best known as the home to the university that makes up the second half of ‘Oxbridge’ (the other half is Oxford). As well as its globally renowned educational credentials, it also has a rich natural history; much of its area is made up of reclaimed or untouched fens. These are low-lying areas which are marshy and prone to flooding. The lowest point in the UK is at Holme Fen, which is some 9 feet (2.75 metres) below sea level. Some of the fens had been drained before, but it was in the 19th and 20th centuries that wide-spread, successful drainage took place, expanding the amount of arable and inhabitable land available.

Ely Cathedral was built on an island among the swampy fens, but now sits among acres of productive farmland, albeit farmland criss-crossed by miles of flood-preventing watercourses. Oliver Cromwell was born in Ely, and his family home can still be visited. Cambridge itself is a beautiful and historic city, with any number of impressive old buildings, churches and colleges, and plenty of chances to mess about on the River Cam which gave the city its name.

Why choose Rated Trips?

Your trusted guide to rated places across the UK
icon example
The best coverage

Discover more than 15,000 professionally rated places to stay, eat and visit from across the UK and Ireland.

icon example
Quality assured

Choose a place to stay safe in the knowledge that it has been expertly assessed by trained assessors.

icon example
Plan your next trip

Search by location or the type of place you're visiting to find your next ideal holiday experience.

icon example
Travel inspiration

Read our articles, city guides and recommended things to do for inspiration. We're here to help you explore the UK.