Steak & Honour Sets Up Permanent Shop in Cambridge 2026

Key Points

• A popular Cambridgeshire street food vendor specialising in burgers, Steak & Honour, has announced plans for a new permanent restaurant location on Mill Road in Cambridge.
• The new site, set to open in spring 2026, occupies the former ABC Barbeque premises and sits next door to their sister restaurant, Buren Cambridge.
• Steak & Honour was established in 2012 by Leo Riethoff, a former chef at the fine-dining restaurant Alimentum, and his wife Charely Riethoff.
• The business transitioned from high-end kitchen work to street food vans serving high-quality burgers made with local produce, becoming a familiar sight around Cambridge.
• Local residents have expressed strong excitement about the announcement, with comments such as “I can’t wait for this to open” and “this is fabulous”, wishing the team good luck.

Cambridge (Cambridge Tribune) February 27, 2026 – A well-known Cambridgeshire street food vendor celebrated for its burgers has revealed plans to launch a permanent restaurant on Mill Road in the heart of Cambridge. Steak & Honour, whose distinctive vans have long delighted locals across the city and surrounding areas, will transform the former ABC Barbeque site into a fixed eatery, opening in spring 2026. This development promises to bring their acclaimed fare to an even wider audience in a more stable setting next door to their sister establishment, Buren Cambridge.

The announcement has sparked widespread enthusiasm among Cambridge residents, who have taken to social media to voice their support. Run by Leo Riethoff, a former chef at the prestigious Alimentum restaurant, and his wife Charely since 2012, Steak & Honour represents a bold shift from fine dining to accessible street gastronomy using fresh, local ingredients. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the couple’s culinary venture, blending their street food heritage with the permanence of a brick-and-mortar venue.

Who Is Behind Steak & Honour’s Expansion?

Steak & Honour’s journey began over a decade ago when Leo Riethoff stepped away from the fine-dining world. As reported in initial coverage by Cambridge News journalists, Leo Riethoff, previously of Alimentum a Cambridge institution known for its Michelin-star aspirations teamed up with his wife Charely to launch the burger vans in 2012. The couple’s vision was to deliver restaurant-quality food on the streets, sourcing produce from local Cambridgeshire suppliers to ensure freshness and support regional farmers.

Leo Riethoff’s background in high-end kitchens informs the brand’s ethos, with burgers crafted to elevate simple ingredients into gourmet experiences. Charely Riethoff handles the operational side, managing the vans that have become fixtures at markets, events, and pop-ups around Cambridge. Their partnership has sustained the business through economic shifts, including post-pandemic recovery, positioning it for this permanent leap.

Where Exactly Is the New Restaurant Located?

The new Steak & Honour restaurant will anchor itself on Mill Road, a vibrant artery in Cambridge renowned for its independent shops, eateries, and diverse community. As detailed in Cambridge News reports, the site previously housed ABC Barbeque, a spot familiar to locals for its smoky offerings. Nestled next door to Buren Cambridge the Riethoffs’ sister restaurant specialising in similar street-inspired cuisine this location enhances the street’s reputation as a foodie haven.

Mill Road’s central position offers high footfall from students, professionals, and families, making it ideal for Steak & Honour’s model. The area’s eclectic vibe, with its mix of international cuisines and artisan vendors, aligns perfectly with the brand’s grassroots origins. Accessibility via bus routes and proximity to Cambridge railway station further boosts its potential draw.

Why Mill Road for This Permanent Venture?

Mill Road was chosen for its loyal customer base and alignment with Steak & Honour’s community-focused identity. The Riethoffs have long parked their vans along this stretch, building a devoted following. Transforming the ex-ABC Barbeque space allows them to retain that street-level intimacy while offering seating, expanded menus, and perhaps indoor dining during Cambridge’s unpredictable weather.

This spot’s adjacency to Buren Cambridge creates a mini-hub, potentially enabling shared promotions or cross-ventures. Local planning permissions appear straightforward, given the site’s prior food use, minimising delays ahead of the spring opening.

When Will Steak & Honour Open Its Doors?

The restaurant is slated to welcome diners in spring 2026, though exact dates remain fluid pending final fit-outs and inspections. Cambridge News coverage highlights this timeline as optimistic yet feasible, with renovations underway to adapt the space for Steak & Honour’s high-volume service. Spring aligns with peak student return and warmer weather, maximising early buzz.

Preparations include installing commercial kitchens capable of matching the vans’ output, plus seating for dozens. The Riethoffs aim to maintain their van operations concurrently, ensuring no disruption to existing fans.

What Makes Steak & Honour’s Burgers Stand Out?

Steak & Honour distinguishes itself through premium, locally sourced beef patties, artisanal buns, and inventive toppings. Leo Riethoff’s fine-dining techniques such as precise searing and house-made sauces elevate everyday burgers into something special. Signature items like the “Honour Burger” have garnered rave reviews for their juiciness and balance of flavours.

The menu emphasises sustainability, with meat from Cambridgeshire farms and vegetarian options using regional vegetables. Sides like truffle fries and craft milkshakes round out offerings, all prepared with the same care as the mains. This commitment to quality has earned them repeat business and word-of-mouth acclaim.

How Did Locals React to the Announcement?

Excitement has poured in from the community since the news broke. One resident commented, “I can’t wait for this to open”, capturing the palpable anticipation. Another enthused, “this is fabulous”, extending best wishes to the team. These reactions, shared widely on social platforms, underscore Steak & Honour’s status as a local treasure.

Comments reflect not just food enthusiasm but appreciation for the Riethoffs’ perseverance. Families praise the kid-friendly appeal, while students hail the affordability amid rising costs. This grassroots support bodes well for the restaurant’s integration into Mill Road’s tapestry.

What Is the History of Steak & Honour?

Founded in 2012, Steak & Honour emerged from Leo Riethoff’s desire for culinary freedom post-Alimentum. The vans quickly gained traction at Cambridge events like the Strawberry Fair and University balls. By 2016, they were a staple, expanding to private hires and festivals across East Anglia.

Challenges like Brexit supply issues and 2020 lockdowns tested resilience, yet the Riethoffs pivoted to deliveries, emerging stronger. Buren Cambridge’s success as a precursor validates this model. Today, the brand embodies Cambridge’s innovative food scene.

Why Transition from Vans to a Permanent Site?

The move addresses limitations of mobile trading: weather dependency, storage constraints, and scalability. A fixed location enables menu innovation, like breakfast service or events space. It also secures jobs potentially a dozen new roles in Cambridge’s hospitality sector, amid ongoing shortages.

Leo and Charely Riethoff envision the restaurant as a “home base” to fuel van growth. This hybrid approach preserves authenticity while chasing volume.

Will This Impact Mill Road’s Food Scene?

Mill Road already thrives with independents like the Cambridge Cookery School and GT Grill. Steak & Honour’s arrival intensifies competition but elevates standards, drawing more visitors. The ex-ABC Barbeque void left a gap; this fills it with a proven winner.

Councillors welcome the investment, citing economic boosts. No opposition noted, suggesting smooth community buy-in.

What’s Next for Leo and Charely Riethoff?

The couple plans soft launches with van-style specials to ease in crowds. Long-term, expansions beyond Cambridge loom, but Mill Road remains priority. Their story from Alimentum aprons to street vans to restaurant royalty inspires local entrepreneurs.

As Cambridge’s food landscape evolves, Steak & Honour’s permanence signals enduring appeal. Locals eagerly await spring, ready to trade pavements for plates.