Oh, lucky, lucky, lucky Cambridgeshire to have The Pear and Olive right on the doorstep. Tucked away in the charming village of Hildersham, this restaurant is a true hidden gem. When Josh and Jade left the hustle of London behind, they fell head over heels for both the village and the building that would become their restaurant home. As Jade puts it, together they’re the perfect recipe for hospitality success, he commands the kitchen, she leads the front of house, and their shared passion for good food and great service is unmistakable. It’s just the two of them and one waitress, and it works beautifully.
A scroll through their before-and-after photos on social media reveals the thoughtful transformation they’ve made. Simple, elegant updates that have downsized the number of covers while turning up the charm. The restaurant itself is stunning: deep green tones, elegant glassware, and a serene, refined simplicity.
We arrived on foot from a neighbouring village, and being two slightly overheated, perimenopausal women we opted for a much-needed moment of cool and calm outdoors. A bottle of wine later, we wandered inside for what turned out to be an utterly delightful dinner.
There were only two Cornish octopus on the menu, so naturally, we pounced, along with a chicken and ham hock terrine to share. Anyone who pickles mushrooms wins serious points in my book, and the tiny pickled Scottish girolles served alongside the terrine were the perfect burst of flavour and texture. Sharp, delicate, and exactly what that rich terrine needed.
Now, I have a complicated relationship with octopus, I always order it, and I always feel mildly guilty doing so. But this one was cooked to perfection: tender, never mealy, and not even a whisper of chewiness. The Romesco sauce, piped delicately onto crisp fried potato, was spot on,bright, balanced, and thankfully free of that overpowering punch so many places lean into. It was thoughtful cooking, the kind that shows restraint in all the right places.
For mains, we each chose something different. I rarely order steak, but watching one sail past our table triggered immediate food envy. I gave in and was thoroughly rewarded. Perfectly seasoned, flawlessly cooked, and served with a tumble of vibrant rainbow chard (one of my homegrown favourites). Jade had mentioned that the roasted garlic on the side was the best bit. She wasn’t wrong. Soft, sweet, and utterly addictive.
The pork cutlet, meanwhile, was a triumph. A generous, juicy slab served atop a pillow of pomme purée so smooth and velvety it felt almost sinful. Pork can go dry in a blink, no risk of that here. Every bite was packed with flavour and cooked with absolute confidence. In Josh’s hands, it was handled with care and respect, and it showed.
We passed on dessert,not for lack of temptation (they looked absolutely divine), but we were well and truly full, and with a 40-minute walk ahead of us, it felt like the sensible choice. Still, there’s a small pang of regret… perhaps we should have shared one. All the more reason to plan a return visit. No doubt about it, another trip is definitely on the cards!
A Steak to Remember
I rarely order steak, but this one was impossible to resist and absolutely worth it. Perfectly seasoned, cooked exactly as it should be, and paired with roasted garlic and rainbow chard, it was a true highlight of the meal.
Effortless Elegance in the Setting
The restaurant is beautifully curated, deep green tones, exquisite glassware, and an atmosphere that’s both refined and welcoming. Every detail feels considered, without being overdone.
A Wine List That Speaks Volumes
The wine selection struck the perfect balance: interesting enough to surprise and delight, but without a trace of pretension. It’s the kind of list you can explore without needing a sommelier’s degree.
Small Menu, Big Impact
They’ve smartly kept both the menu and the number of covers tight, allowing focus, precision, and quality to shine through. It’s a case of less being very much more.
Confidence That Doesn’t Shout
There’s a quiet confidence in everything they do, from the pared-back design to the unfussy service. It’s clear they know they’ve got the recipe right—and they’re letting the food and experience speak for itself.
To Josh and Jade you have the perfect recipe and congratulations. I loved that in your own words you are “so passionate about the dining out experience,” because luckily for those who visit you, you do it brilliantly.
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