A rainy day tried its utmost best to create a dampened mood, but thanks to a joyful experience at one of Ely’s riverside pleasures, our Sunday afternoon was very much lifted.

Smiling faces and a warm reception greeted me and my fiancée at The Cutter Inn, as we arrived through the March rain.

As the venue also boasts a bar, many pubgoers were sitting by as we made our way to the expansive dining area, where we were gifted a riverside view.

Efficiency seemed to be of the essence for staff, and waiting for food and drink orders was certainly something you would struggle to complain about.

Our faultless designated waitress was on hand to take our drinks order, followed by the all-important food, which did not fail to please.

Ely Standard: An antipasti platter provided a satisfying preview to what was to come at The Cutter Inn, Ely.An antipasti platter provided a satisfying preview to what was to come at The Cutter Inn, Ely. (Image: Daniel Mason)

On a wide-ranging menu, I chose to delve into the antipasti platter featuring Parma ham, salami, roasted duck and brie with grilled flatbread, costing £8.95.

My fiancée chose the Tamari soy marinated confit pork belly at £7.50, which also looked tempting.

Ely Standard: A Tamari soy marinated confit pork belly was part of the starters on offer at The Cutter Inn, Ely.A Tamari soy marinated confit pork belly was part of the starters on offer at The Cutter Inn, Ely. (Image: Imogen Goult)

With the addition of sundried tomatoes, I could enjoy a satisfying taste thanks to a happily large portion ahead of what was sure to be a plentiful roast pork dinner.

Then, after a short period to digest what came before, we were served our main course, headlined by the Suffolk pork loin and roast beef.

An assortment of roast potatoes, carrots and parsnips provided the traditional flavours we came to enjoy, on top of extra gravy on request.

Ely Standard: A roast beef dinner was one of the main course options during our time at The Cutter Inn, Ely.A roast beef dinner was one of the main course options during our time at The Cutter Inn, Ely. (Image: Imogen Goult)

Ely Standard: Traditional flavours oozed from a roast pork dinner at The Cutter Inn, Ely.Traditional flavours oozed from a roast pork dinner at The Cutter Inn, Ely. (Image: Daniel Mason)

Wholesome to say the least, and at £15.95 and £17.95 each, the quality alone was worth it.

Had we not opted for a Sunday roast, there were various other dishes to try, from an Aubrey Allen chargrilled beef burger to wild linguine.

I was unable to take part in the third and final course, but having seen what was on offer such as a chocolate fudge brownie, it was hard to resist.

Ely Standard: Desserts at The Cutter Inn, Ely included a chocolate fudge brownie with ice cream.Desserts at The Cutter Inn, Ely included a chocolate fudge brownie with ice cream. (Image: Imogen Goult)

We decided to visit The Cutter after many months away, and came to the conclusion it was before the Covid-19 pandemic that we last dined here.

Judging by our latest outing, it is safe to say that will not be the last.

Ely Standard: The Cutter Inn is located on Ely riverside and despite the cloudy weather, still provided picturesque views.The Cutter Inn is located on Ely riverside and despite the cloudy weather, still provided picturesque views. (Image: Daniel Mason)

Ely Standard: We were fortunate to have a riverside view while dining at The Cutter Inn, Ely.We were fortunate to have a riverside view while dining at The Cutter Inn, Ely. (Image: Daniel Mason)

RATING: **** out of 5