About Us
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About Us
The Rupert Brooke in Grantchester offers a unique drinking and dining experience in an idyllic setting just outside Cambridge. It is the latest adventure of Pasquale Benedetto, who has been part of the Cambridge dining scene since joining his father at Don Pasquale on Market Square over 30 years ago.
While the venue is a fresh start there are many familiar faces among the team, many of whom have worked together at previous sites for several years.
The mission of the entire team is to set ourselves apart through great service, a buzzing atmosphere, good food executed well & a wide offering of high quality drinks.
There has been a public house serving up drinks and food on the site since 1839, well before the days of the poet Rupert Brooke who the pub is now named after. It was originally opened as The Rose & Crown and the name only changed in the 1970’s. The new name is a homage to one of Grantchester’s most famous residents. Rupert Brooke was a wartime poet known for his idyllic sonnets about home, whilst studying at Cambridge University, he spent time living and working in the village and ‘Grantchester’ is one of his most famous poems.
Keeping it local
Our Suppliers
Whenever possible we aim to work with local suppliers. We do this to encourage growth amongst local businesses and reduce our carbon footprint by limiting how far our produce has to travel. We also think the personal touch of meeting and dealing with small local companies matches our ethos of an independent free house. It allows us to respond quickly to changing demand as our suppliers are always on hand to source anything we need.
On the drinks side some of the companies we work closely with are Cambridge Gin Distillery, Peter Graham Wines, Brewboard Beers & Brew Project Coffee. Our chefs also work closely with Hilary’s Vegetable Wholesaler, Stickleback Fish Company & Infusions.
The People Behind the rupert brooke
Meet The Team
Pasquale Benedetto
Owner
Pascky comes from a family with a close connection and a long history in the Cambridge hospitality industry. Customer service is second nature after 30 years.
He brings attention to detail, drive and some Italian flair to the team.
Matthew King
Head Chef
Matt has been a chef for over 15 years, at a range of venues and picked up skills and knowledge along the way. He brings all of this together to create memorable dishes at the Rupert Brooke making the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
William McAuley
General Manager
Will has spent over a decade in hospitality, with a background in cocktail bars and high volume venues in London.
Will looks after our customers and our team with a quiet confidence and is passionate about promoting our culture.
Max Bacon
Assistant Manager
Max has worked alongside Pascky for 5 years and rejoined the team full time after university.
Max is a credit to the industry and always hungry to learn new skills, especially in cocktail creation. Max is the joie de vivre to our team.