The Old Fire Engine House

In Ely, The Old Fire Engine House has combined a restaurant and art gallery in a Georgian house since 1968, with a long-standing emphasis on local recipes, local produce and seasonal cooking. Its walled garden, historic domestic setting and Fen-inspired approach make it one of the strongest food-and-place stories in Ely, rather than simply a restaurant that happens to be near the Cathedral. For visitors, this is more than a pin on a restaurant map. Its British, European offer adds variety to Ely and helps make the wider East Cambridgeshire viable for longer stays, evening visits and food-led itineraries. It is particularly useful when paired with nearby heritage, waterways, wildlife sites or market-town exploration. Menus, service times and opening arrangements can change seasonally, so visitors making a special journey should check the venue’s current information before travelling.