Mark Poynton to host one-night autumn game dinner at the Ancient Shepherds, Fen Ditton

Michelin-starred chef Mark Poynton will host a one-night-only seasonal game dinner on Wednesday 19^th November at his restaurant, The Ancient Shepherds in Fen Ditton, near Cambridge. Beginning at 7pm (with guests invited to arrive from 6.30 onwards), the evening will feature a six-course meal, aiming to showcase the variety of British meats during the autumn season.

Poynton has designed the menu to highlight the versatility of game through a series of offerings that include pheasant, guinea fowl, hare and partridge. Among the dishes to be served are a Pheasant and Chestnut Terrine with pickled walnut ketchup and toasted sourdough, a Guinea Fowl and Duck Liver Ballotine with vin jaune, and a Hare Loin and Leg Ragu accompanied by red cabbage, white chocolate and cardamom. Also featured is partridge served with savoy cabbage, truffle and Madeira. The feast will conclude with two dessert courses: an Oat Cake made with Binham Blue cheese and Granny Smith apples, and a Dark Chocolate Tart paired with a yogurt sorbet.

The chef, whose work focuses on seasonal British produce and refined cooking techniques, is drawing on his culinary background to deliver a menu that reflects both traditional and contemporary approaches. The venue says the selection is intended to highlight “the depth and versatility of game meats, with each dish paired with carefully selected ingredients to bring out their rich and distinctive flavours”. The fixed-price menu is £85 per person, with an optional wine pairing available for an additional £65. 

Food Desk

The seasonal game dinner takes place on 19^th November 2025 at The Ancient Shepherds, 5 High Street, Fen Ditton, Cambridge CB5 8ST. To book tickets, call 01223 293280 or email info@ancientshepherds.com. 

For further information about The Ancient Shepherds, visit their website here.