Cambridgeshire's 'best' breakfast restaurant shares its secrets to success

The winner of the best place in the county for breakfast, as chosen by CambridgeshireLive readers, has revealed its secrets for success. Arbuckles, which serves American-style food at its restaurants in Ely and Downham Market, was chosen by 36 percent of voters in our poll.

Jon Grief, managing director at Arbuckles, said in response to the accolade: "It is fantastic to see that our lovely, loyal customers voted for us and hold us in such high esteem. It is rewarding to know that all the work staff members put in pays off."

Arbuckles first opened in Downham Market, Norfolk, in 2008, while the Ely restaurant started up in 2017. The previous owners, John and Maxine, sold the business to staff members through the creation of an employee ownership trust in 2018.

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Jon continued: "Our staff members are really, really essential to everything we do. They are absolutely paramount to our success.

"At both the restaurants, we try to keep our family-run feel and ethos. Those dining with us are not treated like customers, but like guests. They form a personal connection to the members of staff, and sometimes pop in just to ask how they are doing."

There are 160 people working at Arbuckles in total, with a 50/50 split between part-time workers and full-time employees.

As well as US-style food, Arbuckles offers Mexican, Canadian and English offerings in its extensive breakfast menu. Dishes include the Big English, Huevos Rancheros and 'Buttermilk Chicken Fried Waffle'.

However, it is the popular classic, the Big American, that takes the spot as Jon's all-time favourite. This includes three pancakes, a jug of warm maple syrup, two slices of bacon, two sausages, two eggs, and hash browns.

Jon said: "Our secrets to good breakfasts are big portions and high-quality food. We use locally-sourced ingredients and, once again, the high level of service creates a good overall experience."

Arbuckles in Ely Leisure Village is open seven days a week, from 9am to 9pm on Sunday to Thursday, and between 9am and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The Downham Market location off the A10 opens between 8.30am and 9pm, Sunday to Thursday, and from 8.30am to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.