Grand Central, Ely

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Pub SignMan left this review about Grand Central

Essentially this is an American diner style restaurant on the banks of the Great Ouse, but a sign outside proclaimed it as a 'Bar and Diner', which prompted us to break a walk around town for some riverside drinks. If you've ever been to an American diner theme restaurant before, you'll know what to expect inside - plenty of red banquette booths and padded benches, tiled flooring and walls plastered with USA related bits and bobs, including countless photos of New York, road name signs and a New York graffiti mural in the corridor leading to the toilets. It's all set up for those wanting to eat of course and the bar area in the rear right corner with an open kitchen next to it, didn't seem like an ideal spot to sit for a drink either. However, it is the sizable outdoor front seating area that is the drinker's salvation, with several rows of tables and chairs giving lovely views up and down stream at the point where the river bends.

There is no ale available, but Peroni can be taken on draught and they have a few interesting craft (and less interesting mainstream) bottles. I tried a bottle of Steven Point Amber Lager, which was sensibly priced and a nice refreshing drink after several hours walking. I had a quick peek at the menu which has all your normal American calorie-packed favourites at quite respectable prices.

Clearly this place isn't really designed for those just wanting a drink, but the pleasant riverside setting and selection of interesting bottles makes this a tempting option for a quick summertime drink. Ultimately, it is still more of a restaurant and thus fails to score highly for the purposes of this site.

On 20^th July 2015 - rating: 4
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