Harden's says
Restaurant-with-rooms in a 1580 village pub on the edge of Cambridge, from ex-Alimentum chef Mark Poynton (who previously ran the venue as MJP @ The Shepherds, with different backers). Tasting menu-only with the choice of 3, 5 or 7 courses.
Harden's survey result
Summary
Still known locally for the now-defunct Alimentum in central Cambridge, this new restaurant with rooms – three miles outside the city – opened in July 2025 (too late for our annual diners’ poll) and which replaces Mark’s former venture here, MJP @ The Shepherds. It’s in partnership with locals Gareth & Emma John, nearby residents for over 20 years. Menus come in options of three (£35 per person), five (£55 per person) or seven courses (£85 per person) each including bread, snacks and amuse bouche. Having recently won a Michelin star for his Norwich restaurant, Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, Mark will lead the kitchen alongside his new right hand man Chris Lee whose experience includes holding 3 AA rosettes for over a decade at multiple places around Suffolk including the Bildeston Crown.
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Have you eaten at Ancient Shepherds with Mark Poynton?
5 High Street, Fen Ditton, CB5 8ST
Ancient Shepherds with Mark Poynton Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Last week we went once again to the Ancient Shepherds in Fen Ditton to try out the new menu, which has been influenced by the arrival back in the kitchen of Byron Franklin, previous head chef at Michelin starred Caistor Hall. Having eaten Mark Poynton's food for decades we know that we will always have a great meal. We have enjoyed going to the Ancient Shepherd as it is a charming, relaxed space with delicious food. We have enjoyed several meals at Caistor Hall in the last year where we had thought the cooking sublime. Those high standards seem to have now elevated the cooking at the Ancient Shepherd even higher. There are several elements that have been carried over, such as the perfect oyster amuse bouche and little snacks plus the iresistible mushroom pate. The whole meal was extremely well balanced, beautifully presented and perfectly cooked. The fish course on the 7 course menu was, as always, exceptional - Mark has always been a genius with fish.As a non dessert person, I found myself scraping my dessert plate of chocolate and banana clean. Very reasonable price for the quality"
"Flavours which I could identify, service very good and not obsequious, ambience relaxed and comfortable."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £0.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
5 High Street, Fen Ditton, CB5 8ST
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑4:45 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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