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The Orator, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The Orator

4.0
4
287 Reviews
£25 and under
Contemporary British
Nothing delights quite like The Orator, serving up contemporary British food, cocktails, beer and wine. Set in a stunning Victorian gothic venue with high ceilings bathed in swathes of natural light.

We can offer private dining for up to 20 in our private Dining Room used to host guests of the Cambridge Union Society, recently including Dua Lipa and Robert de Niro. For larger groups, we have a number of different rooms throughout the venue to cater for any occasion.
Speak to our events team at enquiries@theoratorcambridge.co.uk for more information on all private hire options.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary British, British, Café

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Wed 11:00 am–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am Sun 10:30 am–5:00 pm

  • Phone number

    01223 417142

  • Payment options

    Cash not accepted

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Private party facilities

    We have a number of small and large event spaces available to hire. Contact us at enquiries@theoratorcambridge.co.uk for more information.

  • Neighborhood

    Cambridge

  • Cross street

    Located on Round Church St that runs between Bridge Street and Park Street

  • Parking details

    None

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Easter at The Orator

    £35.00 per person

    Apr 9 - Apr 10, 2023
    Come and celebrate Easter at the Orator We are having a special set menu that To Start A choice of ; Pork Rillettes (gf) Apple and beer chutney, toast, watercress Gravalax (gf) Pickled beetroot, sour cream and dill Cauliflower and cumin soup (gfo,V) Curried oil and pickled raisins To follow a choice of - Roast beef Roast lamb (£5 Supplement) Nut Roast (pb) With all the trimmings To Finish A choice of Dark chocolate tart, pistachio, kumquat syrup (pb) Sticky toffee pudding (gf) Lemon meringue Sundae (gf)

Popular dishes

What 287 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.0
4 based on recent ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 3.8Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Great for brunch

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Good for business meals

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Good for business meals

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Lively

  • Cambridge

    Great for brunch

  • Cambridge

    Good for business meals

  • Cambridge

    Good for business meals

  • Cambridge

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Cambridge

    Healthy

  • Cambridge

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Cambridge

    Lively

  • Cambridge

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. Vidya

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and atmosphere. Lovely staff. Will definitely visit again.
  2. LivC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed the Sunday brunch menu. It was quiet in there so a good place for a Sunday morning
  3. kayleighw

    Cambridge

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The food was very average and nothing special, portion size okay. Nice atmosphere and drinks
  4. PennyB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service1ambience4
    We were quite a large party, so woukd expect to wait a bit, however the service was so appalling it was comical. They did say they had issues with staff numbers, but tge waiting staff we had were clearly extremely inexperienced with little direction and no motivation. Food was great, although they had run out of a lot of things..... No cheese?! Hopefully as tgey find their feet a bit more things will improve
  5. AW12

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    good service, drinks arrived then food in goo time, good food, great place for lunch
  6. AmandaS

    Cambridge

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food2service3ambience3
    Food was very disappointing. Chips were awful and plant burger not very appetising. I would think twice about going back
  7. Chef

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    Lovely space to meet for drinks. Food could be improved. Service polite but slow.
  8. NickT

    Cambridge

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    The Orator has a very lively bar / restaurant atmosphere, and a menu with a lot of flexibility as to how you structure your food choices - two/three courses, small plates / big plates, side dishes and little extras. The wine list has a good choice of wines by the glass or half litre carafe, or bottle! There are quite a lot of vegetarian / vegan options, it that's your thing. The staff were young and enthusiastic, very engaging with the customers. Overall a fun meal out.
  9. WayneA

    Cambridge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful place to eat and the food and service were excellent.

    The OratorResponded 6 days agoHi Wayne I really appreciate the 5 stars and the kind comments, thank you! Take care :) - Freddie

  10. HelenC

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really nice food, and staff very helpful and accommodating, happily moving us to a new table when the original one had very high bar stools which my elderly mother definitely could not have sat on!
  11. JeremyN

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Good service, Food quality was ok but not hot enough. Menu was limited especially for Kids. Reasonable experience. Would go back.
  12. AlanP

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great food, interesting history and lovely building, we had great service from our Portuguese Maitre’d…

    The OratorResponded 6 days agoHi Alan Thanks for leaving your lovely feedback! I'll pass your comments onto our Portuguese Supervisor, Kika, Im sure she will be pleased Hope to see you soon, Kind regards - Freddie

  13. ChristopherD

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent food and great ambience. Staff were very welcoming and friendly. It’s a nice relaxed place to eat/drink and talk.

    The OratorResponded 7 days agoHi Christopher I really appreciate the 5 star rating! Im so proud of the team, its nice to hear you had such a lovely visit We would love to welcome you again soon :) All the best - Freddie

  14. RisboroughPrince

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    This is an amazing venue, matched with some great staff who really made us feel welcome. We were invited to view the debating chamber after our lunch and were given a personal talk from one of the friendly staff. I would highly recommend The Orator to anyone interested in understanding the art of debating and how the Universities contribute to our freedom of speech.
  15. SimonT

    Cambridge

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Nice, tasty food in a lovely, light room, with friendly service.

    The OratorResponded 7 days agoHi Simon Love the kind comments, thank you so much! I will pass your feedback on to the rest of the team, its very much appreciated Hope to see you soon, - Freddie

  16. HelenS

    London

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Nice place in a central location and very friendly staff

    The OratorResponded 7 days agoHi Helen Hope you're well! Thank you for leaving a lovely review We are incredibly proud of our team, I'm so happy they took good care of you during your visit All the best - Freddie

  17. mariel

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really Friendly team and great decor . Fun choice of mock tails .

    The OratorResponded 7 days agoHi Mariel Thanks for the lovely comments :) Keep an eye on our socials as new summer mocktails will be released soon! Many thanks - Freddie

  18. Richard

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food, fast service, great staff all set in a wonderful and interesting building - Cambridge Union

    The OratorResponded on March 12, 2023Hi Richard That's wonderful! Thank you so much for the kind comments When you next visit please book directly through me at freddie.doe-turner@theoratorcambridge.co.uk All the best, - Freddie

  19. RICHARDH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Really good quality venue, food perfectly acceptable. Service friendly but inept - more training needed. First waiter forgot my drink order, second waiter got it wrong. Given table too small for the booked group. When did waiters stop taking your coats?

    The OratorResponded on March 12, 2023Hi Richard Hope you're doing well, thanks for leaving you feedback Please take my apologies for your bad experience. Its disappointing to hear that our service wasn't up to standard and I will be looking further into this to ensure the staff take extra care with all our guests I would love to see you again soon :) All the best, - Freddie

  20. DavidM

    London

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Family get together after the Cambridge Half Marathon. Lovely setting , great service and food

    The OratorResponded on March 12, 2023Hi David Thank you so much for this lovely feedback! We would love to see you again soon, All the best - Freddie

  21. PaulD

    London

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    Average food, terrible service

    The OratorResponded on March 12, 2023Hi Paul Its really saddening to hear this I would really appreciate if you got in touch with me at freddie.doe-turner@theoratorcambridge.co.uk to discuss further Kind regards - Freddie

  22. Lola

    London

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience5
    Hostess who greeted and served us was not very friendly/ borderline rude. Food needs some improvement - buffalo wings dry and very over cooked, some parts burnt. Caesar salad soggy and the egg was like rubber (asked for it to be hard boiled as pregnant). Bread dry and butter too hard to spread. Cocktails great and olives and chips were good. The other staff were very friendly. Atmosphere great.

    The OratorResponded on March 12, 2023Hi Lola Hope you're well Please take my sincere apologies, its really disappointing to hear that you did not enjoy your visit. We take situations like this very seriously and I would really appreciate if you contacted me to discuss further. My email is freddie.doe-turner@theoratorcambridge.co.uk All the best - Freddie

  23. geg1

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience3
    Really delicious food that was very well cooked, but the service was incredibly slow. Took over 20 minutes from being seated with menus to getting order taken (and we had to attract a server's attention to even get that!) They were not busy at this time so shouldn't have taken that long.
  24. Liddz

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience2
    Booked a table for the restaurant, was sat in the bar area. Very disappointed overall. The staff were friendly but that was about it. I recommend if a customer books in advance for a table in the restaurants, that’s is where they are sat. Food was below par for value. Overall I see the restaurant as a basic/casual gastro bar with an overpriced menu.
  25. MarkW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I made a special request. A message for my guest who was a former president of the Union. This was delivered in chocolate on a dessert plate with ice cream and fruit. Brilliant! The Head Waiter was charming and made a special effort for my guest.
  26. Cathelbut

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Excellent. Lovely atmosphere. Great food. Service was really good.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Cambridge

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    Valentine’s Day dinner - overpriced considering the cheap ingredients and overall serving. 1. Drink was ok, a little too sweet for a cocktail. Served in a sloppy way as the glasses were sticky. 2. Shrimp cocktail side: Reminds me of the one bought from Tesco (my wife said) 3. Main dish: cod and potatoes were soaked in beurre (calling it “Beurre” in your menu instead of “butter” doesn’t make the whole dish fancy if the cook is mediocre); the steak was good but the amount of salt was exaggerated (I would prefer to Salt-bae it myself) 4. Deserts- just regular panna cotta in a glass hardly to eat
  28. Disillusioned

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    3rd time unlucky! Been twice before with really positive experience. This time went for husband's birthday, waitress disinterested and disengaged, didn't listen to order as a result food came out in bits. When I complained about the service she just got the card machine. I have since complained but no response from them. Will not be going back or recommending.
  29. LexieF

    London

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Character filled bar/restaurant in the middle of cambridge. The staff were really helpful and understood the requirements for our toddler moving food from a skillet into a cooler bowl and removing knives etc. We had lovely chilled lunch.
  30. RoscoeH

    London

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Lovely last minute evening. Food was delicious. Dessert portions a little small for price. Great service and ambience
  31. Clare

    Cambridge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, so much choice. Staff where lovely and service was great. Really recommend
  32. AndreaT

    Cambridge

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 26, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We have visited The Orator on a number of occasions. The decor is beautiful, the staff welcoming and attentive but allow diners time without rushing.
  33. MatthewS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 24, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    The Waitress that survived me and my boyfriend was so incredibly nice, she went out of her way to make the evening special for us and she can not be faulted in anyway. Would come back again just for her service alone.
  34. GillianM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, good food. Nice wine. Highly recommended.
  35. AndreaD

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    All good. We’ve been politely rushed by the waiter who was claiming that the kitchen was closing despite we booked on an available slot (16:00).
  36. StephanieK

    London

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Food was really good and quick but service was inattentive and waiters seemed to disappear.
  37. nicolab

    Warwickshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    A lovely restaurant in Cambridge with great home cooked fresh food and good service. It made for a v pleasant evening. Thank you.
  38. LorraineD

    Cambridge

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time visiting, we loved it. The food was perfect, could not fault one thing. The food was cooked fresh in front of us as we were on the table in front to of the chef. The atmosphere was great, excellent attentiveness when needed by all staff. Will definitely return
  39. RobJ

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall2food1service4ambience4
    Been six moths since I last dined at the Orator. Returned yesterday to have a special meal with a friend. Great ambiance and good service but whats happened to the menu?! Its been transformed from being above average quality in terms choice and value for money to a burger bar. I was shocked and would have left without ordering if the weather had been better. I will not be returning or recommending the Orator in a hurry unless there's a rethink on the menu.
  40. Max46

    Cambridge

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Good choice of food and drinks. Service attentive without being obtrusive.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

FAQs

The Orator is rated 4 stars by 287 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Orator

The Orator, Round Church Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB5 8AD

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Located on Round Church St that runs between Bridge Street and Park Street

  • Neighborhood

    Cambridge

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Wed 11:00 am–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am Sun 10:30 am–5:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary British, British, Café

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    None

  • Payment options

    Cash not accepted

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    01223 417142

  • Private party facilities

    We have a number of small and large event spaces available to hire. Contact us at enquiries@theoratorcambridge.co.uk for more information.

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