In a city better known for its colleges than its chippies, The Architect brings a fresh take on two British stalwarts: fish and chips, and pie and mash. Positioned as Cambridge’s first dedicated bar for both, it's big on tradition while giving diners the option to tailor their plates - modernising the format without losing sight of what makes these dishes so deliciously enduring.
Housed in a quaint, Tudor-style building, the interiors nod to heritage with a sense of nostalgia, creating a space that feels familiar from the start. The menu is built around a fun, interactive “design your own” approach, allowing diners to customise their meal or stick with classic combinations, if you just can't beat a classic.
The main menu starts with a handful of light bites such as crispy spiced whitebait with seaweed, panko crusted goat’s cheese with a hot honey and thyme drizzle, or a classic Scotch egg with English mustard. There are also hot chicken wings if you fancy something finger-licking.
From there, the main event centres on “the catch.” Guests can choose between haddock, cod, halloumi or a vegan fish alternative, before selecting a coating such as traditional beer batter, a seaweed and lemon variation, or a spiced tomato and basil option for something slightly different. Add your sides, which range from minted garden peas and mushy peas to more contemporary additions like truffle mac and cheese or miso-braised hispi cabbage.
There's a long list of sauces to add, too. You can't go wrong with tartare, then there’s a Thai red curry sauce, lemon and seaweed aioli, or a mango and a creative Scotch bonnet option. Finally to drink, there’s a broad selection of real ales, craft beers and the team are passionate about interesting, independent gins with over 20 available for you to try.