I didn't think this was going to be the most difficult part of planning a wedding

[liv]

Does any restaurant exist which:

• Is located in Cambridge or within a reasonable half hour's drive of there?
• Serves interesting, tasty food for veggies and meat-eaters?
• Can cope with gluten-free and other special diets? Able to tell you exactly what's in the food and make substitutions if necessary?
• Is realistically (not just theoretically) accessible to wheelchair users?
• Can cope with a party of 20?

Blehhhh. Not being able to think of any such place (let alone one that actually seems appealing) is causing a load of drama that I would really rather not be dealing with.

Comments

[emperor]

I've never been, but friends speak highly of Alimentum (though I also gather they are seriously not cheap); they might be worth asking if they could do you something suitable?

[kaberett]

I was really, REALLY not impressed by the veggie option at Alimentum the one time I went. Someone else's company was paying, but... £20 risotto? No. Not even slightly. I'd have tolerated it being £10, but no way was that a £20 main. (The meat-eaters in the group I was with didn't sound too impressed either: I definitely have the impression that it's a form-over-function restaurant.)

[emperor]

Hmm, that's disappointing. Also, the first negative review of the place I've heard, so thanks for that.

[kaberett]

Sooner or later I'll get together the spoons to write up my complaints about it in slightly more detail. One of the other really impressive things is the way the disabled loo is labelled only with a baby-changing symbol, not the, you know, internationally recognised wheelchair one. In spite of the grab-handles and emergency pull-cord. Maybe they think crips make the place look untidy, or something?

[liv]

I quite like Alimentum. But I agree the veggie food is overpriced considering that it's usually some variation on risotto. I mean, it's good risotto, but I don't want to pay Alimentum prices for it. Also jack really doesn't like it; I think his impression is similar to yours.

[kaberett]

The Anchor at Sutton Gault?

The food's good, they're definitely wheelchair-accessible (I've been there with wheelchair users), they're definitely good at veggie food and other special diets (and will create a whole menu for you in consultation if you give them a bit of notice, make everything from scratch, etc), generally good sorts, have B&B accommodation and enough space for 20, etc. I would wholeheartedly recommend them.

I'm not sure if they fulfil your "reasonable distance from Cambridge" requirement, though :-s

[liv]

If we do end up compromising on the distance criterion, the Anchor has a lot going for it. I mean, jack and I both adore the place; it's even where he took me to propose, so it would be very appropriate to go there to celebrate wedding-related milestones. I've only been there with AB folk, so although I remembered it being at least level access, it's very good to have the reassurance about accessibility. The geography is such a big downside, though; if people are coming from a distance, it's a bit much to make them all drive way out into the Fens to get lunch.

[green_knight]

Can you organise a car-share? That way, only some people would have to drive the distance, and more people could partake in alcohol with their meal should they wish. And if the place has a personal resonance for you, and meets your requirements, all the more reason to go for it.

[403]

That sort of thing is why I'm glad I hired a caterer.

[liv]

Definitely; the actual reception is going to be catered. But we are trying to organize a meal for immediate family (I have a lot of immediate family), and I thought it would be easy to find a restaurant and book for a party of 20 (lunchtime, midweek, off season), but actually it's proved really complicated and annoying.

[vatine]

There used to be that pub that did Thai food. But I don't know if it's still around (it's been at least 3 years since I've been in Cambridge-proper and at least 8-9 years since I was there, so for all I know, it's been closed since then) and don't remember strictly how well it did accessible.

[liv]

I don't think I knew you had a Cambridge connection. The problem with Thai food is that it can be a bit weird for vegetarians; they tend to put shrimp paste or oyster sauce in everything, even the food labelled as veggie. I'm sometimes willing to turn a blind eye, but some of my family feel really uncomfortable with the cuisine.

[vatine]

I know an eclectic bunch of Cambridge residents, from two (somewhat overlapping) circles, as it were. Spent a fair chunk of late 2000, early 2001 flying over to Cambs (from Skavsta, as I then lived in Nyköping, so near and close) for the weekend.

wheelchairs

[(Anonymous)]

Just a thought: For me, getting dragged up and down steps is just as easy/difficult as getting lifted in and out of cars. So, if it's just me with access issues you may as well go for the steps. The back street bistro is good and step free. probably a bit weak for veggies although I bet they will design a menu for you.

YAB