La Sella, Kimbolton.

About 6 months ago The Saddle Pub in Kimbolton re-opened as an Italian restaurant. I was keeping an eye out for some reviews or mention of it in the local press, but not having heard anything about it I decided we should give it a go ourselves for my Mothers birthday. At this time of year when celebrating a birthday, it’s nice to find somewhere to eat that is not too festive. A huge thank you to Fraiser for driving us there on the very icy roads that night.



I have known the Saddle as a pub for 15 years. It has changed hands a few times and recently had a face lift, but being in a small village (Kimbolton was once a small market town part of the main A45 trunk road from the Midlands to the East and used to boast over 100 pubs, there are now 3) the basic feel of the place has always been maintained, whether the pub has been hosting live bands or providing pub grub. The name ‘La Sella’ means ‘Saddle’ in Italian, and I’m glad it has kept this even if in a different language as the building has been known as this since 1747.

The restaurant is a light and airy space with about 10 tables. There is a back garden that I remember from Summers past, which I am sure will come into good use in 2010. It was a bit too cold and icy this evening to have a look. In the small bar area you could stand or sit, if you did still want to pop in for a pint, although it’s mainly Peroni. No cask ales.

The menu was basic Italian, Pizza & Pasta.

To start, I had the mussels which were served in a cream sauce. My Mother commented that she thought it was a bit salty but I thought it carried the mussels well. Lenny’s starter of antipasti meats and cheeses was very well presented and quite a generous portion, and the bruschetta was reported as quite delicious. Crispy bread, but softened nicely by the tomatoes.

For main course I had gnocchi, served with pesto and prawns, and the distribution of prawns was quite favourable. The calzone and pizzas were thin based, but big on flavour. We all agreed much tastier then our local pizza chain, and worth the treacherous drive.



Someone happened to mention they had a birthday to celebrate, so when we declined dessert we were brought out a large chocolate mousse with a candle in the top. Sometimes this can be a bit cheesy, but it was the end of the evening and it was a nice touch. This was followed by a limoncello each, on the house.

We had two bottles of Montepulciano, and the total bill came to approximately £100 for 5 people. Very reasonable prices, really good food and a relaxed atmosphere. I hope to go back soon.

La Sella, 26 High Street, Kimbolton, Huntingdon, PE28 0HA, 01480 860 408