Cambridge Edition February by Bright Publishing

Cambridge FEBRUARY 2014

Cambridgeshire’s quality lifestyle magazine www.cambsedition.co.uk

EDITION

Inside this issue...

FREE MAGAZINE

FAM I LY F U N

ARTS

CULTURE

NIGHTLIFE

GIG GUIDE VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS

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Love your city

Food & Drink

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CONTENTS

February 2014

Welcome

45 43 47

7 • FIVE THINGS TO DO Our pick of the best things to do around the city this month 9-15 • NIGHTLIFE After-hours ideas for everyone, whether you’re a comedy fan, love your live music or fancy a night on the tiles 19-26 • ARTS & CULTURE Soak up some culture this month with a visit to the theatre, see what’s on at Cambridge’s undiscovered art galleries or take a twilight tour of your favourite museums… 29 • FAMILY Keep everyone entertained with these fabulous family ideas 32-33 • LISTINGS Our comprehensive guide to what’s on in Cambridgeshire in February 34-35 • GROUP SPOTLIGHT This month, we meet the dazzling duo behind burlesque and cabaret sensation, the Neon Moon Club 40-41 • LET’S GO TO… ELY Take a day trip to England’s second smallest city, home to Oliver Cromwell and known for its stunning cathedral

51 • RESTAURANT REVIEW After a cocktail or two in their New Yorkstyle loft bar, we indulge in an authentic Italian dinner at De Luca Cucina & Bar

NICOLA FOLEY, EDITOR

53-57 • FOOD COLUMN & RECIPES Sample exotic Moroccan flavours and find out how to roll the perfect croissant

Cover Art

58 • VALENTINE'S DAY Stuck for ideas? We round up the best Valentine’s Day gifts and events in the area

The artwork on the cover is by Clare Phillips, an illustrator and printmaker. Inspired by vintage travel posters, she captures the landmarks of Cambridge in her whimsical, 1950s style illustrations. See more at clarephillips.com

61-64 • BUSINESS We speak to five inspirational local female entrepreneurs 66-68 • FASHION The Editor takes a look at some key transitional trends as spring (slowly but surely) approaches 70-72 • BEAUTY Tried & tested: the best heat-based hair products, plus read up on the latest openings, offers and beauty events 77-80 • INTERIORS A special focus on environmentally friendly and upcycled furniture to help you boost your eco credentials

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com Features editor Jennifer Shelton 01223 499463 jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com Sub editors Lisa Clatworthy, Hannah Bealey & Siobhan Godwood

Senior sales executive Claire McGrath 01223 499461 clairemcgrath@bright-publishing.com Senior sales executive Lucy Nelson 01223 499451 lucynelson@bright-publishing.com

Key accounts manager Julie Skeet 01223 499464 julieskeet@bright-publishing.com

Alex Rushmer, Charlotte Griffiths, Angelina Villa-Clarke, Ruthie Collins, Daisy Dickinson, Jordan Worland, Megan Croft, Catherine Carr

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Designer Emily Stowe 01223 499450 emilystowe@bright-publishing.com

ADVERTISING

43 • INDIE OF THE MONTH Jennifer Shelton gets elbow deep in vintage treasures at The Old Chemist Antique Shop on Mill Road 45-49 • FOOD NEWS We’ve put our ear to the ground to bring you the latest new openings and foodie events taking place in the city for February

In the month of all things romance, I heartily recommend taking some time to truly fall in love with your city (if you weren’t already besotted, of course). Cambridge certainly has lots of tempting offerings over the coming weeks, from a crop of great gigs (check out the music blog on page 15) to the chance to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks in a whole new light – literally – with both the e-Luminate Festival and the always magical Twilight at the Museums event. Fancy treating your significant other to a romantic dinner à deux in honour of Valentine’s Day? Take a look at our food section, which features some rather enticing new openings, plus a review of a Cambridge favourite that truly deserves the accolade, Italian eaterie and cocktail bar De Luca. Just in case you want to venture a little further afield, we also had lots of fun planning the perfect day out in the diminutive and ludicrously pretty city of Ely – I hope you enjoy (the even bigger and shinier!) new-look Edition! See you next month.

Designer Nicole Henson 01223 499450 nicolehenson@bright-publishing.com

PUBLISHING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

www.bright-publishing.com

CAMBRIDGE EDITION MAGAZINE • Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ 01223 499450, www.cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area

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5 THINGS TO DO

thingsthistomonth do

HALF TERM IDEAS

CAPTIV8 PHOTOGRAPHY

Dreaming up things to do for a summer half term is easy, but the ideas don’t flow so freely when it’s drab and chilly outside. Still, 15-23 February, your little ones will be in need of entertaining – and luckily there’s lots to keep them occupied, whatever the weather. Budding racers can watch monster trucks, stunt displays and flame-throwing jet vehicles in action at Santa Pod’s half term family Stunt Fest on 22 February. It’s based out towards Northampton (about an hour’s drive), and tickets cost £15 (£7.20 early bird). Gates open 12 noon. Closer to home, get a lungful of fresh air with a walk around the grounds at Audley End House. The house also holds its Everything But The Squeak Week from 17-21 February, where you’ll get to see the Victorian kitchens in action (11am-4pm). See page 29 for more family ideas. www.santapod.co.uk www.english-heritage.org.uk

WEDDING SHOWCASE

CAMBRIDGE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Entries are now open for the tenth annual Dragon Boat Festival, taking place along the River Cam, out by Fen Ditton, in September. Cambridge Edition is a proud partner for this event, which sees over 40 teams taking to the water in all manner of garb, while stalls and entertainment line the banks. The Festival raises a significant amount for charity each year, with £20,000 being raised for EACH in 2013. Crews consist of up to ten paddlers, plus a drummer, and there’ll be trophies and prizes for the winners and best dressed. Boats are provided and no experience is necessary. Call 01780 470718 to request an entry form. www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/ cambridge

WILLIAMS ART Local artist and Anglia Ruskin University tutor Jim Butler is the focus of this month’s exhibition at Gwydir Street gallery Williams Art. The artist and printmaker makes dynamic, linear creations inspired by urban scenes, and this collection, What the Butler Saw, will see him exploring the famous streets and scenes of Cambridge through the medium of paper and paint. The exhibition is open until 23 February, with a talk from the artist on the 5th. www.williamsart.co.uk

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If you’re planning on tying the knot in 2014, don’t miss Hotel Felix’s Wedding Showcase, taking place on 23 February (11am-3pm). An elegant Victorian villa set in sweeping grounds, with a romantic gazebo and range of private rooms, this boutique hotel is a gorgeous venue for civil ceremonies and weddings, and it will be decked out in its finery for the day. Take a tour of the hotel and chat with the team, then sit back and watch a bridal fashion show at 12pm and 2pm. Call 01223 814358 for further details. www.hotelfelix.co.uk

CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION SEASON LAUNCH NIGHT See what’s in store for Cambridge Junction this year at the new season launch party on 6 February. A popular date in the Cambridge cultural calendar, the night will showcase snippets of work by resident artists, including music, theatre and comedy, with drinks and nibbles available too. It also launches Paper Stages, a beautifully designed book containing works by different artists, which you’re invited to perform in various locations around the city. Find out more on the night or go online. www.junction.co.uk

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FEBRUARY

MADE IN CHINA: GYM PARTY If you like your comedy dark and razor sharp, make a date with Made in China, three comedian performers known for their anarchic, thought-provoking works, which have drawn glowing reviews from the likes of The Times, The Guardian and The Scotsman. Made in China: Gym Party, which swings by Cambridge Junction on 19 February, invites us to follow three intrepid contestants who take part in a series of arbitrary games. They’re eager to win, but eager to please you, the audience, too. Ultimately it’s a show about people and how we treat each other – with added wigs and dance routines. 7.30pm, tickets £6/£10. www.junction.co.uk

RUSSELL KANE Essex boy-done-good Russell Kane has so far tackled family, class, manliness and even Shakespeare through the medium of stand-up, and now he’s back with another riotous show, and another theme: smallness. Why are we obsessed with everything that’s miniature? And things that are tiny but fierce? Is it something to do with coming from a small island? Poking fun at ourselves is something else we Brits love, and another thing Kane has down to an acute art. Self-deprecating, naturally witty and king of getting into awkward situations – with a rapid-fire delivery to boot – this Englishman of the moment is sure to give a good giggle when he stops by at the Corn Exchange. Smallness kicks off at 8pm, 8 February; tickets £17.50. www.cornex.co.uk

DAN LE SAC VS SCROOBIUS PIP Laptop musician and producer Daniel Stephens and witty wordsmith David Peter Meads are the formidable twosome behind Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip; an innovative hip hop duo which combine wry, socially conscious spoken word poetry with bassy electronic grooves. Their seminal debut single Thou Shalt Always Kill – a damning condemnation of the ills of the modern world, accompanied by a hypnotically catchy beat – earned them a cult following, and they’ve since become favourites on the festival scene. Find out what all the fuss is about at Cambridge Junction on 5 February at 7pm, £13.50. www.junction.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

FOOTLIGHTS

NEON MOON VALENTINE’S BALL Forget cringey Valentine’s clichés and whisk your other half off for a magical evening of retro glamour and mesmerising cabaret in the atmospheric setting of Anstey Hall this month. Brought to us by the ever-fabulous Neon Moon Club (who you can find out more about on pages 34-35), the event takes place on 15 February and features a spectacular array of decadent entertainment, from illusionists to international burlesque superstars, as well as a bawdy peepshow for your viewing pleasure. The evening’s music will have a vintage flavour, with DJ Jazzlord spinning a heady mix of rhythm and blues, Jamaican ska, afrobeat, soul, funk, Latin and world jazz as you dance the night away. There will also be an enchanting boutique to explore, brimming over with unique vintage clothing, trinkets and treasures, as well as plenty more surprises dotted around every corner of the magnificent stately home. Tickets for the event are £30 (£25 advance), or if you fancy really throwing the boat out, there’s also the option to upgrade to the Be My Valentine package (£150), which includes luxury bed and breakfast accommodation at Anstey Hall, a bottle of sparkling wine and a table reserved for two. That’s not all; the very next night, Neon Moon will be returning to the Willow Tree in Bourn to provide the entertainment at the ‘My Sweet Valentine’ supper club (tickets £50, 7-11pm), which promises to be an evening of indulgent dining and good oldfashioned romance, with a twist. www.theneonmoonclub.com

Head to Cambridge Arts Theatre for an evening in the company of the talented Cambridge Footlights this month, who’ll be showcasing their trademark blend of sketches, songs and stand-up on 16 February (7.45pm, £10-£20). Following the sell-out successes of their 2013 shows, the troupe are raring to go with their new material, joined by their pals from the Oxford and Durham Revues. As anyone who has seen a Cambridge Footlights show will know, this isn’t your average student comedy. With an illustrious history of comic brilliance and alumni including Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, Mitchell and Webb, John Cleese, Rachel Weisz and many more, the standard is sky high and you’re guaranteed a good laugh. Book in advance as it’s likely to be a sell-out. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

FULL FRONTAL NERDITY On 5 February, Cambridge Junction invites us to indulge our inner geek as Festival of the Spoken Nerd, the sell-out comedy trio, set up their laughter lab to feed our minds and tickle our ribs with their sciencey stand-up. Even if you shunned the school science lab, these guys and gals aim to light your Bunsen burner as they celebrate the Venn diagram, electrocute a large gherkin and sing songs about cryogenics. If anything ever sounded perfectly Cambridge, it’s this. Festival of the Spoken Nerd have amassed over a million views on YouTube, and won over the Edinburgh Festival crowds. Go see them at 8pm, tickets £15. www.junction.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

now

booking

RUSSELL BRAND

LONELY THE BRAVE 2013 was an incredible year for Lonely The Brave, the local rock five-piece who’ve gone from gigging at The Portland Arms to performing at the Leeds and Reading Festivals and supporting their heroes, Deftones. They started the year by landing a record deal and released their EP, Backroads, in the autumn. Now the boys – who hail from Cambridgeshire – are on their debut headline tour, concluding with a homecoming gig at Cambridge Junction this month. “I can’t wait,” says guitarist Mark Trotter. “Having our own headline show there will be amazing. It’s the last date of the tour and all our friends will be there. There’s always something really special about a homecoming show. “Last year was nuts,” he continues. “We’ve been really fortunate with all that’s happened so far and all seems to be going faster and faster.” If you’re wondering what they sound like, think thoughtful lyrics with nods to Pearl Jam and The National. “It’s rock music if you want to pigeonhole it, but they’re just honest, heartfelt songs,” explains Mark. As for the name: no-one knows. “We don’t know where it came from!” laughs Mark. “Someone asked if it was based on the film Lonely Are the Brave, but we’ve never even seen it.” The band have a slightly quirky performance style too. “Dave stands at the back, by the drums, and sings from there,” says Mark. “That’s just where he’s always stood and that’s where he’s comfortable.” Lonely The Brave play Cambridge Junction at 8pm, 8 February. Tickets £8 adv. www.junction.co.uk

LONELY THE BRAVE ON CAMBRIDGE’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE:

“Cambridge has a really strong music scene – there are a lot of talented people about. We’ve been involved with it forever so we know almost everyone. The only thing that lets Cambridge down these days are the venues. There aren’t any midlevel venues any more, so after The Portland you’ve only really got Cambridge Junction or the Corn Exchange, and you have to be a big band to fill those places.”

BOOMSLANG Taking place on the first of the month, February’s Boomslang looks set to be one of the biggest and best yet. Headlining Room 1 will be house and garage DJ Adam Dyment, aka Duke Dumont, who stormed to the top of the charts last year with summer anthem Need U (100%). He’ll be joined by poster boy of the bassline scene, Toddla T, UK garage royalty DJ EZ, plus Rockwell and Trolley Snatcha. Over in Room 2, hosted by Low Key, will be local lads Looped DJs, Boca-J, Vendetta and Tanjo. It kicks off at 10pm, right the way through until 6am and it’s strictly 18+, tickets £15 advance. www.junction.co.uk

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1 & 2 April, Corn Exchange, £27.50 With the release of a couple of new dates in Cambridge, you can still get tickets to see Russell Brand, who comes to town as part of his Messiah Complex tour. www.cornex.co.uk

THE TYBURN TREE 4 March, Corn Exchange, £10-£24 Next month, check out The Tyburn Tree – an epic song cycle that shines a lantern into the terrifying corners of London's history, with a pulsating score from John Harle (whose work includes O Mistress Mine for Elvis Costello and the theme to BBC1’s Silent Witness), and unique vocals of Marc Almond. www.cornex.co.uk

WILD BEASTS 31 March, Corn Exchange, £17.50 Thrillingly different, Wild Beasts blend poetic lyrics with lead singer Hayden’s distinctive falsetto, creating atmospheric ‘art rock’ which sends a shiver down your spine. This tour coincides with the release of their hotly anticipated fourth album. www.cornex.co.uk

SECRET GARDEN PARTY 24-27 July You can now get your tickets for Cambridgeshire’s wildest festival, which takes place just a short hop away from the city in Abbots Ripton. Acts already announced for 2014 include Little Dragon, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Morcheeba and Wild Beasts – but as ever, there’s a whole lot more to this flamboyant festival than the headliners… Adult weekend tickets are currently available at £180.50. www.secretgardenparty.com

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NIGHTLIFE

PUNT & DENNIS

ACOUSTIC ROUTES Head down to the basement at CB2 Bistro this month for an evening of intimate live music with some great local acts including Edition favourites Fred’s House. Acoustic Routes, which takes place on 15 February, is a monthly showcase of some of the finest singer/ songwriters on the scene, spanning traditional folk, blues and Americana. The event was established way back in 2001, and has since earned itself a sterling reputation, playing host to high-profile acts including Seth Lakeman and Hank Marvin. This month, catch Cambridge five-piece Fred’s House, whose captivating sound swings between 1970s-inspired folk rock, country music and alt-folk-pop. They’ll be joined by folk duo Hicks & Goulbourn and acclaimed virtuoso guitarist Michael Berk. Tickets cost £8 and the event starts at 8.30pm. www.acousticroutes.co.uk

It seems great comedy acts often come in twos: Morecambe and Wise, Mitchell and Webb, Bert and Ernie… many of which were formed thanks to chance meetings in the corridors of Cambridge University. One such duo are Punt and Dennis (that’s screenwriter Steve Punt and familiar panel show and sitcom star Hugh Dennis), who return to their alma mater this February. The pair fell into a double act while treading the boards in Footlights in the 80s, then transferring to radio then TV with The Mary Whitehouse Experience. Now, they’re returning to the stage in Ploughing On Regardless, coming to the Corn Exchange on 13 February. It’s winter, the gritting lorries are out in force, the boiler has broken down and the gas bill is due. The AA are advising comedians not to tour the country unless absolutely necessary – not that these two are paying any attention… Starts 7.30pm, tickets cost £22.50. www.cornex.co.uk

CATE LE BON While her first taste of fame came when she supported Gruff Rhys of the Super Furry Animals on his 2007 tour, Welsh singer Cate Le Bon has gone on to gain a huge following of her own, recently playing festivals including Glastonbury and Latitude and collaborating with the likes of Neon Neon and the Manic Street Preachers. This folk rock multi-instrumentalist has many strings to her bow and always gives a captivating performance – catch her at Cambridge Junction on 10 February at 8pm, tickets £10. www.junction.co.uk

SARAH MILLICAN Recently-hitched comedian, the lovely Sarah Millican, returns to Cambridge for a night of domestic bliss, funny stories and the odd cheeky confession. Home Bird is her latest tour, which packed out the Apollo in November and is currently touring the country. Gone are the days of wild parties and killer hangovers: the South Shields lass is now happily ensconced in her love nest, with hubby, cats and lots of cookery books. But don’t let this twee picture deceive you: her taste for smutty jokes is still very much present. She’ll be at the Corn Exchange 6-7 February, 8pm. Tickets £25. www.cornex.co.uk

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MUSIC

Jordan Worland from local music website Slate the Disco selects his must-see gigs in Cambridge this month n the month of romance, Cambridge has many a gig for you to fall in love with this February. And in a bumper edition of our guide to what’s on live music-wise we kick things off with our gig of the month: The Wytches return to Cambridge on the 18th to play The Portland Arms. Two thirds of the band originally hail from up the road in Peterborough but the band began upon relocating to Brighton. Last time The Wytches were in town they were a littleknown group, now the trio’s cosmic brand of psychedelic surf doom is hot on the lips of many musos and with a debut LP on its way, The Wytches are definitely one of 2014’s tipped entities. February kicks off with London Grammar playing the Corn Exchange on the first. Flying high from reaching number three in the album charts, this trio formed whilst studying at university together and have made many fans with their sparse electronic pop. Canadian noiseniks Pup make their first trip to Cambridge this month, playing The Portland Arms on the 11th. This punk outfit comes hotly recommended from across the pond where their well balanced and infectious sound is highly acclaimed. Pup will be joined at The Portland by Kent duo Slaves. These garage punkers exhort a British punk sound crossed with some bluesy riffs; expect to be hooked. Lonely The Brave were THE Cambridge band of 2013; festivals, radio airplay, tours, they conquered all. 2014 starts with them preparing for the release of their debut fulllength album, and their first headline tour concludes with a hometown show at the Cambridge Junction on the 8th. The New Music Generator live shows return in February. Their first outing of 2014 sees a colossal line-up at The Portland Arms on 27th. Headlining are Birmingham outfit Dumb who, contrary to their name, are quite clever at producing American college-inspired indie-rock. Also on the

bill are indie outfit Treehead, Suffolk fivepiece Cathedrals and Cars, and singersongwriter Lester J Allen. Lisa Knapp plays Cambridge Junction on the second. Knapp merges a radiant style of traditional folk and self-penned songs with fiddle, hammer dulcimer, strings, banjo and sonic delights from the technological age: this is one not to miss. Singer-songwriter Dan Wilde creates richly observant folk music and on the 6 February he returns to The Portland Arms. Support comes from Jess Morgan, a songwriter who is steadily building a name for herself in roots and folk music. Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip make a return to Cambridge Junction on the fifth; their latest album charted at number 22 in the album chart and the duo are renowned for their live shows. Formed when just out of their teens, Southend band Nothing But Thieves head to Cambridge this month, playing The Portland Arms on the fourth. They’ve built a reputation in their short existence for being a powerful indie band, with a moody clatter. This is one for fans of The Verve or The Boxer Rebellion - support on the night comes from 28 Boulevard and The Cogo. Cambridge Junction was packed the last time Little Comets played there and on the 15th the Geordie four-piece return. With a new album in the works, this outing will no doubt road-test some newer tunes

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PICKS as well as their better-known numbers. Local folk noir balladeer Rachel Sermanni also plays Cambridge Junction on the 17th. Her last release was a fine folk record and with new material set for release this year this event is set to be an intimate and stirring affair. Fresh from supporting Bombay Bicycle Club on their mammoth UK tour, Rae Morris, who also guests on their latest album, has now hit the road alone. With her powerful voice and emotive vocals, the event at The Portland Arms on the 26th promises to be memorable. We end this month’s round-up with a word on this year’s Green Mind birthday show. These guys have been putting on gigs in Cambridge for 13 years, and this month they’re putting on an all-day event at The Portland Arms. Taking place on the 22nd, the day promises to highlight the best of Cambridge’s scene with local acts already lined up including The Centimes, Breedlings, She Is Dead Now, Bomb Factory, Seeds & Bones, The Vitamins, Beverley Kills and Bricolotheque. Tell us about your gig at www.slatethedisco.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

We explore the arts and culture scene in Cambridge, showcasing some of the many exciting exhibitions and shows taking place around the city

TWILIGHT AT THE MUSEUMS See some of Cambridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exciting places in a whole new light on 19 February as museums and collections across the city open up after dark for Twilight at the Museums. Tours and events take place from 4.30pm until 8.30pm at 12 Cambridge venues, all of which are free to attend. Journey by torchlight through the Botanic Garden Glasshouse, or get the kids playing Explorer Bingo at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, featuring a welltravelled grizzly bear, a skeleton which inspired Sylvia Plath and 500-year-old potatoes. See statues loom out of the shadows at the Museum of Classical Archaeology and meet the dinosaurs at the Sedgwick, then experience the chilling sounds of the Arctic at the Polar Museum. There are all sorts of happenings to get involved in as you travel between museums too, from four metre high animated globes and pop-up installations created by local schoolchildren, to torchlit tours through the ancient streets of Cambridge. www.cam.ac.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

WYSING ARTS

DICKIE BEAU: BLACKOUTS (TWILIGHT OF THE IDOLS)

A startlingly original show arrives at Cambridge Junction this month, leading us on a journey into the subconscious, and reflecting on lost icons. On 27 February, drag artist Dickie Beau presents Blackouts (Twilight of the Idols), an innovative audio adventure tinged with darkness. With him, we encounter the ghosts of his childhood idols through haunting and exclusive interview recordings of Marilyn Monroe, Dickie’s own recordings with Richard Meryman, who conducted Monroe’s last interview, and a truly spellbinding tape of Judy Garland alone in a room with a Dictaphone. This study of pop-culture figures, and into the psyche of the artist himself, begins at 7.30pm, with tickets costing £6/£10. www.junction.co.uk

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Past and future collide in Wysing Art’s latest exhibition, which celebrates the work of its resident artists in 2013. Annals of the Twenty-Ninth Century showcases the work of Anna Barham, James Beckett, Keren Cytter, Cécile B. Evans, Michael Dean, Gustav Metzger, David Osbaldeston, Seb Patane, Charlotte Prodger, Florian Roithmayr and maker-in-residence Rupert Norfolk. The title of the exhibition comes from writer Andrew Blair’s Victorian science fiction novel of the same name, which contained some wildly speculative forecasts for the future. The exhibition launches a significant year for Wysing, as the organisation marks its 25th anniversary (which you can read more in next month’s magazine). Throughout 2014, the centre’s programme aims to look at the potential of the future through what we know of the past; realised through ongoing residencies, artistic retreats, events, exhibitions and an innovative Futurecamp during the summer of 2014. As the first exhibition of the year, Annals of the Twenty-Ninth Century gives an insight not only into the ambitious work produced at Wysing and where this may lead, but also to the research, discussion and exchange of ideas that take place at this rural site outside Cambridge. It runs from 16 February until 30 March, Monday-Sunday, 12-5pm. www.wysingartscentre.org

THE DUCHESS OF MALFI When Shakespeare died in 1616, the stage was in the hands of a new wave of English dramatists, with John Webster among its most celebrated. Though he created several popular comedies, history has remembered him as a writer of tragedies, in particular The Duchess of Malfi, which was first performed at The Globe in 1613. Initially a love story about a duchess who marries beneath her station, the plot takes a darker turn as power, corruption and class come together in a terrible clash. This production updates the action to 1930s Italy, where two brothers run a bleak and merciless regime which struggles to contain one ungovernable force: their sister, the duchess. It runs at the ADC Theatre from 25 February until 1 March. Tickets are £6-£10. www.adctheatre.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

AVENUE Q Funny, naughty and packed with songs you’ll be humming for weeks afterwards, Avenue Q takes over the Mumford Theatre 5-15 February, performed by the Festival Players. Leave all thoughts of Sesame Street behind you: this is puppetry that’s strictly for adults only. Set in a fictional New York neighbourhood, the show follows Princeton, a fresh (and orange)faced graduate full of hopes, dreams and showstopping songs. As he struggles to come to terms with the realities of life in the big city, he meets friends along the way who help him realise what truly matters. Featuring memorable characters such as the Bad Idea Bears, Trekkie Monster and Mrs Thistletwat, it’s as much a masterclass in the intricacies of puppeteering as it is a rollicking story. It opened on Broadway in 2003 and won the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical, followed by three Tonys. Songs include If You Were Gay and Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist.. If you liked Team America or wondered what Bert and Ernie got up to when the cameras were off, you’ll love this. Showtimes are 7.30pm (& 1.30pm Saturday); tickets £10-£12. www.anglia.ac.uk

I, PEASEBLOSSOM AND I, CALIBAN Two of Shakespeare’s most popular and most performed plays get an update by Company of Angels this month, providing us with new thoughts about stories we thought we knew. On 23 February, revisit the characters of The Tempest at 11.30am in I, Caliban, a sweet and sad tale of missing your mum, told by the monster of the story after everyone else has left the island. Writer Tim Crouch then reimagines the story of Helena, Hermia, Puck and the fairies from the perspective of Peaseblossom, Titania’s most overlooked fairy servant in I, Peaseblossom. It takes place at 2.30pm. These funny and moving plays mix contemporary language with the original text and give a fascinating glimpse of how the stories we know so well might have unfolded if told from the sidelines. Tickets for both cost £5/£9. www.junction.co.uk

RENT Get a bit of West End razzle-dazzle in your life with RENT RENT, coming to the Corn Exchange on 9 February for the final leg of its acclaimed UK tour. The story follows a group of friends over the course of a year as they struggle to make it in New York, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama when it came out 20 years ago, it continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Expect a star-studded cast, with Broadway star Kerry Ellis – who recently played Elphaba in Wicked – reprising her role as Mimi, plus soaring songs such as Seasons of Love, Out Tonight and Without You. It’s curtain up at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £25-£28. www.cornex.co.uk

ETERNAL LOVE If you enjoyed the English Touring Theatre’s production of Anne Boleyn in 2012, don’t miss this latest performance of Eternal Love, taking place at the Cambridge Arts Theatre from 6-8 February. Written by Howard Brenton, it tells the story of Abelard and Heloise, performed in traditional Medieval costume. When Abelard begins a passionate affair with his brilliant student Heloise, he gives his enemies the perfect pretext to destroy him. Scandal, a child born out of wedlock and a battle with the church; Eternal Love combines drama, stunning costumes and a live score to tell one of history’s greatest love stories. Performances take place at 7.45pm (& 2.30pm Saturday); tickets £15-£30. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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Mixed Exhibition featuring Louise Shotter 30 January – 23 February

Prints Charming

27 February – 23 March

14 King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ 01223 464646 www.byardart.co.uk

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Info@byardart.co.uk Mon – Sat 9.30am – 5.30pm Sun 11.00am – 5.00pm

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ARTS & CULTURE

THE ART INSIDER

love this time of year. The first promise of spring may be in the air, but it’s still cold enough to warrant cosy, feel-good nights out with your pals – so those who snagged a complimentary ticket to Cambridge Junction’s new season launch night on 6 February are in for a treat. With its sprinkling of wow factor, this season’s launch is presented by punchy-duo New Art Club, with live music, free drinks and burgers available from the ever popular Steak and Honour. I’m a firm fan of the family theatre shows at Cambridge Junction – which were a total hit last year, a mix of contemporary theatre that’s clever and innovative enough to engage with busy parents and sometimes catering for ages as young as small babies. Book early, as many of the shows sell out – plus there’s often soft play for the tots or colouring books on the tables, so you can relax over a coffee before or after the show. Perfect for catching up with friends while babes play! You’ll leave with a big, kaleidoscopic smile on your face. I’m also making a beeline for August: Osage County, showing at the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse early this February, with a long-awaited critically acclaimed performance from Juliette Lewis – rock chick extraordinaire, star of Natural Born Killers and now 40 (yes, 40!), determined to do her best work yet – starring alongside Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. You can also catch ballet, opera and a range of plays all streamed live to the cinema, plus with regular art shows in the gallery, the Arts Picturehouse is an absolute treasure of a place – long may it last. I’m also intrigued to see how the solo show from former graffiti artist Maya Deren will come together at the Cambridge Art Salon on 20 February, too. I’m a huge fan of her graffiti and much of Cambridge will know the artist’s brilliant street art portraits of classical icons that appeared all over the city (published in Graffiti Woman, 2004). But what has Maya been up to since? Come along and find out. Whether with your beau, your family or yourself, there’s also enough happening art wise on the city’s outskirts

Juliette Lewis stars in August: Osage County, showing at the Ca mbridge Arts Picturehouse

Don't miss New Art Club as they present the new season launch night at Ca mbridge Junction

Keep an eye out for Louisa Taylor's charming cards and illustrations

Fans of Maya Deren's graffiti will want to catch her solo show this February to try a Valentine’s (yes, the ‘V’ word!) mini break or day trip that doesn’t take hours, with a cultural twist. Fuse crisp cool country air with refreshing new work from contemporary artist Peter Sutton’s solo show at Burwash Art from 7 to 24 February. Sutton has fast been making a name for himself with his technically-brilliant explorations into memory, repetition and pattern – so this promises to be a show well worth a visit. The gallery is perched just outside the city at Burwash Manor in Barton (spa lovers check out Dragonfly Spa on site, too!) and is open every day. Plus a fascinating show from Wysing Arts, Annals of the Twenty-Ninth Century, runs from 16 February – with a launch party on the 15th. The title of the show is taken from the 1874 science fiction novel of the same name by Andrew Blaire, but is actually a nifty contrast to the ideas of activist and artist Gustav Metzger,

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whose fans have included rock star Pete Townshend. If you’ve ever wanted to know what inspired all that guitar smashing on stage in The Who’s performances, go to Wysing and find out. Those wanting a gorgeous surprise for that special someone this month could commission cat-loving illustrator Louisa Taylor to create a card – she’s brilliant (check her illustrations for the soon to be launched Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in Shoreditch). Lovers head to Kettles Yard from 15 February to catch Art and Life, which focuses on the marriage of Winifred and Benjamin Nicholson from 1920 to 1931, plus their relationships with artist friends and how they shaped the story of twentieth century art (gosh!), that’s perfectly timed for Valentine’s. Winifred once said that “all artists are unique and can only unite as complementaries” – so it goes in love, too. Have a fantastic February all!

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ARTS & CULTURE

ALAN AYCKBOURN ENSEMBLE A trio of plays by acclaimed Yorkshire playwright Alan Ayckbourn takes us through 17 to 22 February. Known for his incredible insight into human interaction and his light, humorous approach to everyday themes, Ayckbourn has written over 70 plays (78 to be precise) which are always a hit when they come to Cambridge. The ensemble begins with the world premiere of Arrivals and Departures (17, 18, 20 & 22 Feb, 7.45pm & 2.30pm Thurs). Set at a London rail terminus, it draws us into an elaborate trap, set up to capture an elusive terrorist. Then, join Laura Stratton’s birthday party in Time of My Life (19 & 21 Feb, 7.45pm; 22 Feb, 3pm) in which a family gather in their favourite restaurant for what turns out to be a significant moment for everyone. Finally, catch a comic double bill on 22 February with Farcicals at 11am. All tickets from £15. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE For an evening of swashbuckling songs and landlubbing fun, look no further than Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s production of The Pirates of Penzance, performed at West Road Concert Hall from 5 until 8 February. Having completed his pirate apprenticeship, 21-year-old Frederic prepares to leave the kind-hearted band of buccaneers who have brought him up, only to discover that a mix-up regarding his age means he won’t be leaving them as easily as he thought. Plus, he’s only gone and fallen in love with the MajorGeneral’s daughter… Packed with songs, from Pour, Oh Pour, The Pirate Sherry to Climbing Over the Rocky Mountain, The Pirates of Penzance has remained popular since it first delighted audiences in 1880. It sets sail at 7.45pm, tickets £6-£19. www.westroad.org

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Oscar Wilde’s sparkling comedy of mistaken identity is brought to the stage in Fulbourn from 19 to 22 February by the St John’s Players – a local troupe established in 1947, making them one of the oldest drama groups in Cambridge. In the genteel world of Victorian high society, bachelor and landowner Jack invents a wayward brother, Ernest, as an excuse to indulge himself in London – calling himself Ernest when he gets there, as he woos the high-born Gwendolen. Back on his estate, his friend Algy turns up, posing as the fictitious Ernest, and making a beeline for Jack’s enchanting ward Cecily. When the two women find they are both allegedly engaged to marry ‘Ernest’, chaos and hilarity ensues – with lofty aunts and a particularly sensational backstory about a handbag all joining the fray. Tickets cost £6-£8; performances start at 7.30pm at the Fulbourn Centre, Townley Hall. www.stjohnsplayers.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

ACIS AND GALATEA On the back of their success with Britten’s delightful comedy Albert Herring in 2013, the Mid Wales Opera bring another operatic gem our way in the shape of Handel’s Acis and Galatea. Escape to a land of mythology with Acis, the son of the spirit Pan, and the sea nymph Galatea. The two are in love, but the monstrous Cyclops threatens their peace. World-renowned violinist Rachel Podger performs, with members of the Brecon Baroque ensemble. It takes place at the Fitzwilliam College Auditorium on 21 February, 7.30pm. Tickets £10-£25. www.fitz.cam.ac.uk

E-LUMINATE See your city in a whole new light at the e-Luminate festival, taking place across a range of venues from 12 until 23 February. This annual celebration of light, art and technology sees the city swathed in beautiful light shows and installations, alongside talks and events organised by the e-Luminate volunteers and creative team. The opening ceremony takes place at the Grand Arcade, led by artistic director and Guinness World Record holder Ross Ashton, who headed up the Cambridge 800 closing ceremony and worked on the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. As well as creating visually exciting installations, e-Luminate aims to promote low-carbon energy and energy efficiency, reminding us to appreciate the wonder of light, which we can all too easily take for granted. www.e-luminatefestivals.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

PRINTS CHARMING Fall in love with beautiful, original prints at Byard Art’s new exhibition of collectable and affordable pieces, created by the gallery’s most popular local printmakers. It’s a chance to see what’s being produced in your local area, and pick up something stunning for your walls. There’ll be a whole array of styles and subjects on display, from lino-prints to etchings and collagraphs. For fellow artists, it’s also a great way to pick up some inspiration. Artists exhibiting include Anne Gournay, who depicts solitary landscapes using powdered resin; Mandy Walden, a collagrapher whose work often has a costal theme; and Jo de Pear who creates more abstract prints. The exhibition runs between 27 February and 23 March. www.byardart.co.uk

AIDA

DON GIOVANNI Arguably one of Mozart’s most powerful and dramatic operas, Don Giovanni is plucked from its 18th century Sevillian setting and reimagined for 1945 in this local production, taking place at the West Road Concert Hall. Zerlina and Masetto are due to be married, as is the Commendatore’s daughter. But the return of wealthy libertine Don Giovanni from military service throws their plans into disarray, spinning a web of seduction and deceit. Cambridge University Opera Society bring to life this tragi-comedy, which runs 20-22 February, 8pm, conducted by Patrick Milne. Tickets are £7-£20. www.westroad.org

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Ellen Kent’s magnificent opera, Aida, returns to the UK stage this year, ready to impress with its lavish costumes – taken from designs found in tomb paintings – stunning ballet sequences, special effects and epic storyline. Aida is a beautiful Ethiopian slave girl, beloved of the Egyptian military commander Radames, who struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. Then, to complicate matters further, the Pharaoh’s daughter Amneris falls for Radames, sparking deceit, jealousy – and revenge. Catch it at the Corn Exchange on 20 February, 7.30pm. The opera will be sung in Italian with English surtitles, and promises to be visually and vocally gripping from beginning to dramatic end. Tickets £20-£34.50. www.cornex.co.uk

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Cambridge Early Music CEM, Trinity College, Cambridge CB2 1TQ â&#x20AC;˘ 01223 847330 info@CambridgeEarlyMusic.org; www.CambridgeEarlyMusic.org

Adrian Butterfield - baroque violin Laurence Cummings - harpsichord

registered charity no. 1127932

The Angel & the Devil

Violin sonatas by Leclair & Locatelli

Friday 7 March 2014 7.30pm Trinity College Chapel by kind permission of the Master & Fellows

Box Office: 01223 847330 www.CambridgeEarlyMusic.org

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FAMILY

MAKE A BEHIND THE SCENES AT

Wood Green

Take a tour of Wood Green animal shelter and find out how all the cats, dogs and other animals are cared for by the team over in Godmanchester. Join in making fun pet toys and get involved with the feeding. It’s £5 per person and takes place 18 February, 10am until 2pm, and 1pm until 3pm. Booking is required. www.woodgreen.org.uk

bird box

Build a home for the birds in your garden at Burwash Manor, then wait until spring to see which feathered residents move in! Taking place from 11am until 4pm on 16 February, this fun, outdoor family activity encourages children to interact with nature, as well as helping with the conservation of birds and wildlife. The RSPB will be there to give a talk, and you might even get to ride a tractor too... www.burwashmanor.com

FROZEN LIGHT:

Tunnels

A wonderful adventure show for teens with learning disabilities is showing at Cambridge Junction from 23 to 25 February. Leaving her home behind, Lana travels into a magical underground world full of music, interesting smells and curious characters, depicted through sign and movement. This unique show is aimed at an audience of just six, who’ll follow Lana on this journey of discovery and wonder. See online for times; tickets are £9 (companions go free). www.junction.co.uk

ERNEST ET

Celestine

Watch this delightful animated film about a bear who makes friends with a mouse, then join in an afternoon of craft activities. The film is in French, with English subtitles, and there might even be some delicious French pancakes going round, too! The event takes place at Alliance Française on Hills Road, 1 February (suitable for ages 5 plus), 2-4pm. Tickets are £7. www.alliance-cam.co.uk

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ERTH’S

Dinosaur Zoo

Ever wanted to meet a T-Rex? Or feed a brontosaurus? Intrepid Jurassic explorers can do just that at Erth's Dinosaur Zoo, a spectacular live show stomping into Cambridge from the West End, 16-18 February. Some of the most ravenous reptiles to ever walk the earth will be brought to life through skilled puppetry, creating a lifelike experience like no other. Watched wide-eyed from a distance or get right up close to cute baby dinos, gentle giants and ferocious carnivores, and find out more about how the dinosaurs lived (and died), millions of years ago. 11am and 2pm (just 2pm on Sunday), £12.50/£15. www.cornex.co.uk

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LISTINGS

WHAT’S ON A round-up of events in and around Cambridgeshire for February

5-27 February

ANNE FRANK {+YOU} Time: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 12pm-3pm Location: Ely Cathedral Price: Adult £8, children £2 Description: A dramatic multimedia exhibition powerfully bringing the messages of Anne Frank into the 21st century. Visitors can explore the history of the Holocaust alongside Anne Frank’s words and wisdom. elycathedral.org/annefrank

BRENDAN COLE: LICENCE TO THRILL

6-7

FEB

5-8 February

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Time: 7.45pm Location: West Road Concert Hall Price: £6/£19 Description: Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society set sail for adventure with this action-packed adaptation of the classic comic opera. An enchanting heroine, a dutiful hero and a crop of pirates – whatever could go wrong? westroad.org

Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £28/£32 Description: Ballroom bad boy Brendan sashays into town this month for a night of live music, dance, drama and stories. A chance to get to know the man himself… cornex.co.uk

15 February SARAH MILLICAN Time: 8pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £25 Description: The charming South Shields comedian and presenter is back with her third national tour and it’s going to be a cosy affair, full of domestic bliss – and a little naughtiness. cornex.co.uk

NEON MOON VALENTINE’S BALL Time: 8pm-1am Location: Anstey Hall Price: £25 advance Description: Cabaret club Neon Moon are taking over the whole of Anstey Hall – the gorgeous stately home in Trumpington – for a special burlesque event. Think fire eaters and mermaids in the roll-top bath… theneonmoonclub.com

FEB

15-16 February

LOVE FOOD WEEKEND Time: All day Location: Burwash Manor Price: Free Description: Discover new culinary treats, watch live demonstrations and meet the people behind the products at Burwash Manor’s festival of food, taking place at their Food Hall in Barton for one delicious weekend. burwashmanor.co.uk

11 February

6 February

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £22.50/£32.50 Description: They’ve performed over 500 concerts around the globe, and now bring their celebration of the music of Fleetwood Mac to Cambridge for what’s sure to be a knockout night of entertainment. cornex.co.uk

TOM GREEN QUARTET Time: 8pm Location: The Hidden Rooms Price: £10 Description: Tom Green leads Cambridge Modern Jazz’s first event of the year. Tipped as one to watch in the jazz world for 2014, his music is full of variety, intensity and depth, and he’s joined by Scott Chapman on vibes, Conor Chaplin on double bass and Jay Davis on drums. cambridgejazz.org 32 | Cambridge Edition | February 2014

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16-18

ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO

16FEB -18

Time: 11am & 2pm (just 2pm Sunday) Location: Corn Exchange Price: £12.50/£15 Description: Get up close and personal with astonishingly lifelike dinosaurs in this unique, interactive theatre show, which wowed crowds of all ages at the West End this Christmas. cornex.co.uk

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LISTINGS

IMAGES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Visit Burwash Manor on 15 or 16 February to tempt your tastebuds at the Love Food Weekend, head to Byard Art to see a fantastic range of prints from ten artists from 27 February, and don’t miss Beth Nielson Chapman at Cambridge Junction on the 20th.

20 February

BETH NIELSON CHAPMAN Time: 7pm (doors) Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £26 Description: The country legend returns for an intimate gig at J1, showcasing work from her new album, Uncovered, as well as popular hits from her back catalogue. junction.co.uk

21 February 19 February

WEDDING FAIR AT WOOD GREEN Time: 11am Location: Godmanchester Centre Price: Free Description: Getting married in 2014? Pick up ideas for your big day at this friendly local fair, with florists, cake makers, photographers and more on hand to discuss your requirements. Includes a bridal show at 12.30pm and again at 2.30pm. woodgreen.org.uk

19 February

TWILIGHT AT THE MUSEUMS Time: 4.30-8.30pm Location: Various sites in Cambridge Price: Free Description: Museums across Cambridge will be inviting guests to explore their collections in a whole new way as they open after dark for just one night. Expert guides will lead and light the way on this exciting twilight adventure… cam.ac.uk

ZOE LYONS Time: 7.45pm doors Location: Comberton Sports and Arts Centre Price: £10–£12 Description: Funnywoman Zoe Lyons headlines the latest Custard Comedy night, bringing us her sideways view of life which has won her the Nivea Funny Women Award and reach the finals of Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny award. Tickets available from Comberton Leisure, 01223 264444, or online. www.wegottickets.com/ event/253591

26 February - 8 March

PYGMALION Time: 7.45pm Location: Cambridge Arts Theatre Price: £15-£35 Description: Alistair McGowan stars in this spectacular production of George Bernard Shaw’s enduring masterpiece about a Cockney flower girl who is transformed into a society lady. Best known as the inspiration for My Fair Lady, Pygmalion celebrates its 100th anniversary this year – don’t miss it. cambridgeartstheatre.com

FEB

23 February

ITALIAN WINE DINNER Time: 7pm Location: Hotel Du Vin Price: £80 per person Description: Master sommelier Nigel Wilkinson will talk you through some exquisite wines over a delicious, perfectly matched four-course dinner created by the hotel’s head chef. To book email: events. cambridge@hotelduvin.com hotelduvin.com

19-22 February

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Time: 7.30pm Location: The Fulbourn Centre Price: £6-£8 Description: St John’s Players present Oscar Wilde’s iconic Victorian comedy of love, duty and mistaken identity. When two young bucks adopt the same alter ego to win their fair ladies, a delectable chaos breaks out. stjohnsplayers.co.uk SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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THE NAKED SCIENTISTS LIVE Time: 6pm Location: Cambridge Science Centre Price: Free Description: See science stripped down and made fun by The Naked Scientists, who reveal the extraordinary workings of the world using ordinary, everyday objects. Includes insights from local scientists, live experiments and a Q&A session afterwards. cambridgesciencecentre.org

27 FEB 23 MAR PRINTS CHARMING Time: 9.30am-5.30pm (11am-5pm Sundays) Location: Byard Art Price: Free Description: An exhibition of new and recent work by ten of the gallery’s most popular printmakers, all of which are affordable, engaging and unique. byardart.co.uk

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GROUP SPOTLIGHT

NEON MOON This month, Jennifer Shelton takes a peek into the dazzling world of local cabaret and burlesque club Neon Moon

t’s not often you can expect to see a sword swallower, showgirl and snake charmer on your Saturday night out in Cambridge, but for Neon Moon, this element of glamour and surprise is what it’s all about. Ruby Truelove is the group’s director, and one half of the international burlesque and pin-up duo Cherry and Ruby. She describes Neon Moon’s cabaret shows as “Feasts of the imagination where, as a guest, you are invited to explore and interact with carnivalesque characters, magicians, sword swallowers and showgirls. Our aim is to thrill, surprise and delight our guests with glorious feats of illusion, trickery and showmanship, with a surprise around every corner.” Cherry and Ruby’s last Neon Moon event was a cabaret supper club for New Year’s Eve, held at The Willow Tree gastro pub in Bourn – one of their regular venues. Next up is a lavish Valentine’s Day ball at the stately Anstey Hall. But firstly…

Q: How did Neon Moon come about? A: I was inspired to create The Neon Moon Burlesque and Cabaret Club through a combined love of burlesque and all things vintage, and a desire to embrace my roots as an artist and producer. My background is in film-making, and I trained in fine art in the UK and in Norway and have exhibited and lectured across Europe, Australia and the USA. My aim has always been to create immersive and interactive experiences that draw the audience in to a place where they can be involved in something extraordinary, beautiful and unusual. Something that allows them to remove themselves, albeit momentarily, from their day-to-day lives.

34 | Cambridge Edition | February 2014

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Q: How did you become involved in burlesque? A: I first became involved in the burlesque and cabaret scene in 2008 as a resident performer and member of the original Salon Rouge creative team. The club at Cambridge Junction in Cambridge went on to achieve sell-out success and for me what started as a social pursuit rapidly escalated into an international career as a burlesque performer and as a vintage pin-up model! Q: What do you enjoy about burlesque? A: I don’t think ‘enjoy’ quite covers it! I obsess about burlesque. I love the mixture of glamour and grit that performing brings. The beautiful intricate costuming with nipped-in waists and trailing sheer vintage fabrics teamed with the diamanté bruises, calloused sewing fingers and glitter sneezes. Q: Why do you think audiences enjoy it? A: Especially in this climate of austerity,

I think people love the escapism, empowerment, sensuality and tonguein-cheek humour of a good burlesque show. There is nothing like good old knees-up entertainment teamed with a show packed full of eclectic entertainers with real skill, electric stage presence and realistic bodies – of both the male and the female performers! Q: What do your family think? Is there an elderly auntie who still doesn’t quite get what you do? A: I come from a very supportive family with a heritage of strong women. If anything, it might be the uncles who don’t get what I do rather than the aunties! Q: Generally people know that burlesque shows are for fun, and how to behave correctly. Has anyone ever stepped over the line? A: Our Neon Moon guests are creative, wonderful, polite people. As a performer the rudest thing that you can experience is the audience talking loudly over

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GROUP SPOTLIGHT

your act, as in a central London Super Club show we used to perform in. An extremely inebriated audience member also tried to steal our knickers once… Q: You have male performers in Neon Moon too – who performs a particularly good routine? A: Bendini is a brilliant Cambridgebased contortionist, sword swallower and all-round anatomical wonder, who is also involved in Cambridge Community Circus. All our Neon Moon shows are in partnership with Wildfire Productions: Guy Smith is the director and a fantastic fire performer in his own right and we are also proud to introduce Mick Montagne at our Valentine’s Ball, spinning his cowboy ‘boylesque’ striptease magic – with a twist! Q: Your costumes are always beautiful – do you come up with them yourselves? A: Our costumes are devised, researched and made by ourselves. Each item contains originally sourced vintage fabrics nestled in with car boot finds, Swarovski crystals and a tiny drop of blood, sweat and tears! Q: You must put a lot of trust in your costumes – are you ever afraid you’ll lose a tassel at a crucial moment? A: If you are happy to appear almost nude on stage I think you need to be able to embrace the fact that you may well be completely nude by accident! Saying that, we do use incredibly strong tape to glue the tiniest parts of our costumes in place. Q: Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction yourself? A: Yes, I lost my hair on stage once. It was absolutely awful.

Q: What does the future look like for Neon Moon? A: 2014 is set to be the most exciting year for us yet. We will be bringing you four exclusive alternative ball events at Anstey Hall in Trumpington. Our ‘Gourmet Cabaret’ Supper Club at the wonderful Michelin-acclaimed Willow Tree pub in Bourn will continue with great aplomb and we also have shows planned in a beautiful restoration theatre, at several festivals and in an enchanted woodland, so watch this space! Q: Where can people see you next? A: Our next show is our Valentine’s Ball at the beautiful Grade I listed

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mansion Anstey Hall in Trumpington. Neon Moon has luckily been granted exclusive access to the entire building. Our previous shows have seen a multitude of international burlesque and cabaret glitterati performing in a Venetian ballroom, a contortionist in the oakpanelled bedroom, taxidermy-inspired original artwork for sale in the parlour and even mermaids in the roll-top bath! • The Neon Moon Valentine’s Ball takes place on 15 February, tickets £25-£30. www.theneonmoonclub.com

Cambridge Edition | February 2014 | 35

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17/01/2014 12:18

NEWS

CAMBRIDGE BID MONTHLY UPDATE

Welcome Hello and welcome to the February update from Cambridge BID. It’s been a busy time for us recently as we’ve been planning lots of exciting initiatives, events and partnerships for 2014. One of these is the innovative e-Luminate festival, which is gearing up for its second annual celebration of light, art and technology this month. Sites marked out for events include John Lewis, King’s College, and the Grand Arcade for the opening ceremony on 12 February. Full details on all the amazing installations will be available soon, so stay tuned and watch out for the final countdown! We’re also getting ready for the return of Cambridge Style Week, which takes place in March and should be top of the must-do list of any local fashion fans. Be sure to check the BID website for more details on these and other great local events – see you next month.

What is the Cambridge BID? The Cambridge Business Improvement District, or BID, is an initiative set up by Cambridge businesses and organisations to ensure continued investment in Cambridge City Centre. Businesses within the Cambridge BID area (shown in the map, right), were given the opportunity to vote for or against the BID during the ballot and on 1 November 2012 a vote in favour of the BID was returned, paving the way for an organisation which will ensure sustained investment in this historic city and the delivery of a wide range of projects and initiatives. Find out more at www.cambridgebid.co.uk Follow us on Twitter at @cambridgebid

We are delighted to announce that we are partnering with Cambridge Style Week this year, during which Cambridge BID will be taking over three shows covering lingerie, family and occasion wear. Taking place at The University Arms hotel 26-30 March 2014, the second Cambridge Style Week looks set to be a truly fantastic fashion event for the city. Celebrating all forms of design, Cambridge Style Week brings together cutting-edge creations with iconic collections from local, national, and international designers. A diverse range of complementary events will accompany catwalk shows, including exhibitions, networking events, themed parties and many more functions designed to innovate, inform and inspire. Bringing town and gown together, Cambridge Style Week represents and celebrates Cambridge’s diversity. Tickets will be available soon. www.cambridgestyleweek.com

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NEWS

Spotlight on…

Bridge Street, Magdalene Street & All Saints Passage The Bridge Street, Magdalene Street and All Saints Passage area is known for its diverse array of great independent shops and being a fabulous shopping destination – so much so in fact, that it’s often referred to as the 'Boutique Quarter' of Cambridge. A trip to this corner of town yields a new surprise around every corner, and offers plenty of opportunities for indulging in a little retail therapy – as well as being one of the most picturesque areas in Cambridge. Stroll down Bridge Street and

you’re spoilt for choice with stores ranging from Providence, which stocks beautiful, rustic style furniture, to Lilac Rose, a gorgeous independent fashion and gift boutique which has a range of colourful, vintage-inspired clothing from brands including Louche, Fever, emilyandfin, Closet and Miss Patina, as well as quirky jewellery, accessories, books and cards. There’s also Sevenwolves, which specialises in top-quality menswear from brands like Norse Projects and Oliver Spencer; and Mayhem, which is home to a unique collection of women’s and men’s fashion. Another store firmly on the radar of local fashionistas is Petrus, which stocks a range of contemporary and distinctive clothing in its funky, retro-styled shop. Also definitely worth seeking out is Hardys Original Sweet Shop, based opposite the famous Round Church, in which the shelves groan under the weight of old-fashioned sweets, as well as new favourites, teas, biscuits and American candy and sodas. If its indulgence you’re after, make a beeline for the newly revamped and

e-Luminate festival Look out for the e-Luminate festival, which takes place 12-23 February, at various locations around the city. Cambridge BID is a proud partner of this event, which launched last year and features an array of breathtaking interactive light-based art installations, as well as thoughtprovoking workshops, all geared

towards shedding light on lowcarbon innovation. For more information, turn to page 25. www.e-luminatefestivals.co.uk

extended Bridge Street branch of Cambridge Wine Merchants – not only one of the best wine shops in the country, but now also home to a stylish wine bar, with great views across Quayside and Magdalene College. Stop in to pick up a bottle or join in with a wine, whisky or spirit sampling – they also serve up tasty food including a deli platter and cakes. If you’re after a little spruce up, pay a visit to family-run hair salon Scruffs, which was established in 1968 and boasts a friendly team of highly qualified hairdressers led by brothers Grant and Garry Chapman.

Bridge Street Medical Centre Tucked away down All Saints Passage you’ll find Bridge Street Medical Centre, a fully modernised premises in the heart of the city centre. Open 8.30am6pm, Monday to Friday, the centre offers a wide range of appointments, including a walk-in, nurse-led clinic for young people at lunchtime in term time and access to GP advice on telephone, plus evening GP and nurse appointments once weekly and an Early Bird Surgery from 7.20am once a week. The centre also offers an online booking and prescriptions service and a variety of GP and Nurse led clinics, as well as providing a large, comfortable and bright waiting room with a children’s play area. 2 All Saints Passage, Cambridge CB2 3LS, 01223 652671 www.bridgestreetmedicalcentre.com

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LET'S GO TO...

PEACOCKS TEAROOM AND FINE B&B Taste your way round the world in teas at the quintessentially English Peacocks Tearoom and Fine B&B, who lay claim to the fact that they are the only tea room to serve tea from every continent in the world (with the excusable exception of Antarctica). Pop in for a cuppa and cake, or if you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, Peacocks has a brilliantly quirky menu of munchies to choose from – we’re pretty intrigued by the bacon, banana and maple syrup sandwich – along with some classic afternoon tea platters. Its pretty riverside location, friendly service and scrumptious menu make this tea room one of the loveliest places to stop off in Ely. Peacocks is open WednesdaySunday, 10.30am-5pm and they now offer a B&B service. www.peacockstearoom.co.uk

BABYLON GALLERY

Tucked away on the lower floor of a former riverside malthouse, Babylon Gallery exhibits contemporary art from local and national artists. You’ll be pleased to hear that most exhibitions are free entry, and from 8 February you can catch the Evelyn Binns Botanical Paintings exhibition, showcasing her exquisite watercolours of plants from native wildflowers to rainforest exotics. Take a stroll along the river and peek in to the gallery to see what it’s all about. Open 12-4pm Tuesday-Sunday. www.adec.org.uk/babylon-gallery

POETS HOUSE

A refined and innovative menu is what’s on offer at the ever so stylish Poets House; it’s a boutique hotel as well as a restaurant and the rooms are the height of luxury. Built around the philosophy of traditional with a contemporary twist, The Dining Room and more casual Study serve up something for every palate: alongside dishes of pulled pork, cod cheek and poached lobster tail, there is a selection of ‘garden dishes’ for non meat eaters, plus a cocktail menu that’s to die for. If you’re feeling a bit peckish or would like something fancy to quench your thirst, head over to Poets House. www.poetshouse.com

CATHEDRAL

Thousands of visitors flock each year to see Ely Cathedral and we can see why: it’s one of the most striking and magnificent buildings around with stained-glass windows on almost every wall, an intricately carved interior and fascinating history (it was built in the 11th century for William the Conqueror, no less). The cathedral’s architecturally impressive towers reach up above the city’s skyline, providing those brave enough to tackle the stairs (the West Tower alone has 288 steps) with farreaching views across the countryside. Guided tours around the ground floor are included in the admission (£6.50-£18) and it’s open Monday-Saturday 7am6.30pm, closing at 5.30pm on Sundays. www.elycathedral.org

WATERSIDE ANTIQUES

Brimming from floor to ceiling with all sorts of treasures, from miniature figurines and war medals to antique armoires, you could easily spend a whole day exploring Waterside Antiques. It’s the largest antiques centre in East Anglia and the building itself has as interesting a history as some of the antiques: built as a maltings in the 18th century, it has been repurposed over the years, including becoming a morgue during the Second World War, and even has a friendly resident ghost! 65 antique dealers have set up shop there, selling all manner of collectibles. It’s open Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm, and from 11am until 5pm on a Sunday. www.watersideantiques.co.uk

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LET'S GO TO...

THE CUTTER INN

With some of the best views of the river Great Ouse, a selection of cask ales and a varied menu of freshly prepared food (there’s a whole gluten-free menu available too), the Cutter is one of the best places in Ely to head for a refreshing pint or bite to eat. Their ‘from the grill’ menu has a lip-smacking seven kinds of 28-day aged Hereford steaks to choose from, cooked just how you like it and served with one of six sauces. The grill is reason enough alone to visit the contemporarily quirky (drinks are served from a half-boat bar!) and little bit swish Cutter Inn. www.thecutterinn.co.uk

Let's go to.. Plan a perfect day trip to picturesque Ely

SAMOVAR TEA HOUSE SHOP There are over 100 types of tea from around the world (some are personally blended by owners Marta and Sophia) to choose from and almost as many teapots and cups for your brew to be served in at this eclectically decked out, vintage-style tea shop. Samovar Tea House Shop has shelves lined with glass jars filled with curious looking varieties of loose-leaf teas, making it the tea equivalent to an old sweetie store. The shop also doubles up as an art gallery and you can pick up some tea-related wares whilst you’re there too. Check out their website for opening times and more information. www.samovarteahouse.co.uk

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LIBERTY BELLE Fans of real ale and proper pies won’t be disappointed at Liberty Belle, Ely’s first micro-pub, where the finest cask ales are sourced from small specialist local breweries and the pork pies are locally made and deep filled. Search for the Liberty Belle Ely on Facebook for up-to-date info on their tap beers and ciders and look out for their boat tours which run during the warmer months from their eponymously named vessel. TV, electronic games and music aren’t required at this pub, as it’s all about the beer and banter. www.libertybelleely.co.uk

ROSIE AND DOLLY Be sure to arrive at Ely railway station with enough time spare to swing into the much-adored Rosie and Dolly next door, a vintage and retro store set in the station building. Scour the rails for one-off dresses and beautifully patterned skirts, or get lost looking for little trinkets and lovely handmade homewares. Even if you aren’t travelling by train, Rosie and Dolly should definitely be on your list of stops in Ely. It’s open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am5.30pm and from 11am until 4pm on Sunday. Search for Rosie and Dolly Ely on Facebook for more info.

TOPPING & COMPANY BOOKSELLERS OF ELY Toppings in Ely is one of the most talked about indie bookshops in the region – even in the country – as its reputation far surpasses its postcode. It is a real book-lovers paradise with three floors that are stacked to the ceiling with novels and non-fiction alike. Flick through your soon-to-be new favourite book and soak up the sights – the shop has some of the best views of Ely’s magnificent cathedral. Toppings regularly hosts book signings with distinguished authors too, most recently Sandy Toksvig and Neil Gaiman promoting their new books, so keep an eye on the website for future plans. Open 8.45am-6pm MondaySaturday, Sunday 9am-6pm. www.toppingbooks.co.uk

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INDIE OF THE MONTH WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON IMAGES DAISY DICKINSON

INDEPENDENT OF THE MONTH

The Old Chemist Shop Antique Centre

A genuine old chemist’s shop is the location for this Aladdin’s cave of vintage trinkets and clothing on Mill Road. Jennifer Shelton pays a visit to find out more

ow many times did you hear the word ‘retro’ in 2013? Or ‘vintage’? As we push further into the 21st century, it seems our tastes are looking increasingly to the past; perhaps to anchor us in the familiar, or simply because we’ve realised that A-line dresses, red lipstick and courts can’t easily be bettered. The Old Chemist Shop Antique Centre on Mill Road is an emporium of wonderful things, from vintage clothing to magnificent old telephones and typewriters, watches, furniture and other beautiful bits. Even the building itself has an interesting past, as owner Tansy Tucker explains: “It was my dad’s chemist’s shop before this, and his dad’s before him. He took it over during the war because his dad became ill. " Signs of the shop’s former use can still be glimpsed in the original wooden frontage and glass jars and bottles in the window, and Tansy remembers seeing her father at work in the shop. “All along here was the counter,” she gestures behind her, where a fuzzy black and white photo of the shop at the turn of the last century hangs on the wall, "and he did all his prescriptions in the back room. "The reason I took it on was to save the shop front from being modernised," she adds. "It now has a place of local interest

order on it, so it’s safe.” After buying the shop, Cambridge resident Tansy set out in search of stock with just £10 in hand, buying, restoring and reselling furniture until she’d built up quite an empire. “I started off by going to antique dealers and bought a few cupboards and re-sold them, then started selling some antique clothes. Today I get some things on the Internet, and people bring lots in. It’s a real buzz when you find something really special.” Tansy also has an eye for what’ll be popular with the Cambridge public. “We had a jukebox a while ago, but that got snapped up,” she says. “People just wanted to play the records on it all the time! Record players are popular too. We also sell vintage bikes.” The Old Chemist Shop is also a popular stop for students in search of a good fancy dress outfit, or those with a vintage party coming up. “We hire clothes out for parties and plays,” says Tansy. “Sometimes people come in and say they’ve got a 1940s party to go to, and we kit them out. 1920s is popular too – though it’s harder getting the clothes from that era as they didn’t always survive. People can buy them, or if they’re really special I put them out for hire. Sometimes it’s hard to part with them! “We have men’s clothes too, like trilbies,

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jackets and waistcoats. It’s nice when the men come in as they’re often unsure what to wear, then you build up a rapport and by the time you’ve finished they’re delighted with what they’ve got.“ The prices are reasonable too. £20 could get you a hat or accessory, or step out in a handsome greatcoat for £75 – which is probably (at least) what you’d spend on the high street anyway. “We have dress patterns too,” says Tansy. “50s and 60s patterns are very popular, as people tend to like those shapes.” Handy, then, that the fashion for all things retro has also got us digging out our sewing machines. The only trouble, perhaps, with today’s love affair with vintage is the faux-retro imitations appearing in the mass market. Still, to me, an authentic pair of evening gloves beats a synthetic pair from Accessorize every time. After all, antiques get even better with age: and nobody wants a fake pocket watch passed down the generations... So, next time you’re down Mill Road, pop into this gem of a shop for a leisurely rootle about and soak up the stories. Just maybe you’ll find something to treasure for years to come, just as someone else did before you. 206 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 3NF, 01223 247324

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Valentine’s d’Ay at d’Arry’s* SMALL PLATES

Sweet potato, coconut and chilli soup, toasted nuts and crusty bread £5.95 (V) Home smoked potted shrimps and langoustines, fennel and cucumber salad, lemon puree and toasted sour dough £11.50 Honey and pine nut mini baked camembert to share, cured meats, pickles and crusty bread £14.95

LARGE PLATES Roasted baby aubergine with a chick pea masala, curried crisp polenta cake, garlic creamed spinach and korma sauce £13.95 (V) Pan seared loin of Venison, Venison and ale hot pot, smoked cauliflower puree, roasted new potatoes and silver skin onions, shallot and port marmalade and juniper and port sauce £23.95 Cote de boeuf to share, chunky chips, onion rings, roasted vine tomatoes, watercress salad, peppercorn sauce and mushroom ketchup £55.95

PUDDINGS Passion fruit soufflé with white chocolate ice cream £6.95 (V) Cappuccino crème brulee with cinnamon doughnuts and coffee cream £5.95 (V) Chocolate plate to share, served with a glass of bubbles £24.95

Call 01223 505015 to reserve your place *Full menu available on the website

2-4 King Street Cambridge CB1 1LN info@darrys.co.uk

www.darrys.co.uk

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FOOD

Love Food AT BURWASH MANOR

urwash Manor in Barton will welcome back its sixth annual celebration of gastronomic delights this month with not one, but two free food and drink festivals. First up, head over on 15 and 16 February for Love Food Weekend, a huge foodie fair bursting with a variety of mouth-watering delicacies to try and buy from a range of great suppliers. Among their number will be Africaninspired Bim’s Kitchen, Chocolicious Cakes, run by local mum and home baker Ann-Marie (we seriously recommend her rocky road!), Kandula Tea, Norfolk Cordial, Capsicana Chilli Co and Bray’s Pies, to name a few. “The event gives you the chance to meet a host of our suppliers and producers, chat to them and taste what they have to offer,” says Rebecca Saunders, organiser and co-owner of The Larder at Burwash. “With the other 15 independent shops, tea rooms and day spa, along with free parking, it gives you something exciting to do in a somewhat dreary month. Love Food gives us the chance to tap into Cambridge’s everincreasing food profile, and to show off our own fabulous chef Paola Davies who will be doing all sorts of cookery demonstrations.” She’ll be joined by Deborah Holmes, the Food Hall’s talented Italian pâtissier, and together they’ll be demonstrating a range of tasty recipes, both sweet and savoury, throughout the weekend. After that, from 17 to 21 February, bring the kids along for Little Love Food Week, a series of children’s cookery and art classes taking place in the marquee. There will be lots of food to try and recipes to make, from chocolate salami to pasta and calzone workshops. It’s a great way to keep them occupied during half term, and could teach them some useful kitchen skills! There’s a children’s play area too, plus a tea room and shops – and parking is free. www.burwashlarder.com

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FOOD

F OOD NEWS

A monthly round-up of gastronomic goings-on in Cambridge and the surrounding area ITALIAN WINE DINNER

URBAN LARDER VALENTINE’S WORKSHOP

If you’re looking around for something sophisticated, don’t miss Hotel Du Vin’s wine-tasting event on 23 February. Master sommelier Nigel Wilkinson will lead this evening of fine food and wine by divulging some of his trade secrets and introducing you to some of his favourite wines from around the world. These will be paired with delicious and perfectly matched dishes prepared by the hotel’s notable head chef (four courses in total). It costs £80 per person and takes place at 7pm. Places are limited so you are advised to book in advance. www.hotelduvin.com

We’ve discovered a great new independent supplier in Cambridge: Spanish-born Gloria from Mama Bombon, whose beautifully packaged handmade chocolates are in stock at Urban Larder. On 11 February she’ll be hosting a Valentine’s Day chocolatemaking workshop at the shop – a top idea, guys, if you’re stuck for somewhere to take your date, or need an original gift idea! On the night you’ll find out all about the origins and properties of cacao, have a go at tempering raw chocolate and try out some flavour combos, from cinnamon to chilli and basil. Then go nuts with the glitter, edible paints, different moulds and frosted gems and generally express yourself through the medium of chocolate! The class lasts three hours, starting at 6.30pm, with a glass of fizz on arrival, and Gloria will also be bringing lots of gift wrap, ribbons and boxes if you’re making a present for someone special. Priced at £40 per head. To book a place please either email info@urbanlarder.co.uk or call 01223 212462. www.urbanlarder.co.uk

FOOD FOR A GREENER FUTURE We’re big advocates of local food, restaurants and produce, so were delighted to hear about a fascinating conference taking place at Emmanuel United Reformed Church on 8 February. Run by Cambridge Carbon Footprint, it will highlight issues surrounding sustainable food and ethical food production, on a global, national and local scale, offering help on how to achieve this. The aim is to encourage more people to eat locally and seasonally, for a greener future. It’s open to anyone who’s interested, and takes place 9.30am-5.30pm with talks from Jess Halliday of City University, Duncan Williamson from WWF and Tine Roche from Cambridge Cookery School. Tickets cost £10-£15, book your tickets online. www.cambridgecarbonfootprint.org

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FOOD

N EW

PADDOCKS HOUSE

OPE

The House Collection, also responsible for the uber chic Poets House in Ely, have just opened their latest boutique hotel, Paddocks House, in Six Mile Bottom. A luxurious rural retreat, it even has a literary claim to fame, being the former country home of Lord Byron’s sister. It has been rejuvenated with a focus on design and comfort, offering highquality hospitality, dining and special events. Food and drink is a passion for the House Collection, and they have carried across the ‘Dining Room’ concept from their sister hotel, offering a restaurant which features an exciting choice of seasonal dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served with a contemporary twist. Whether you’re after a decadent dinner, an indulgent afternoon tea, a hearty full English breakfast or brunch, this spectacular venue is guaranteed to impress. The team are also planning a busy schedule of tempting special events for 2014, including cocktail masterclasses with in-house mixologists, cheese and wine evenings, Sunday supper clubs and a dessert night – keep an eye out. www.paddockshouse.com

W NE G EN I N CARPENTERS ARMS

Victoria Road residents have had some great news already this year with the reopening of the Carpenters Arms. It’s been bought by Mike Champion, the award-winning former operations manager of the Red Lion in Hinxton and the Black Bull, Balsham. “I’d been looking for somewhere as my own venture, and the Carpenters Arms is my local, so as soon as it came up for sale that was it,” Mike explains. “We’re a bar and restaurant with guest rooms – like the Red Lion and the Black Bull, but in the centre of town.” Mike took over in January, installing a wood-burning pizza oven for authentic Italian stone-baked pizzas, as well as rolling out a new menu and renovating the upstairs rooms, plus the bar and restaurant, to create five double bedrooms above. “There’s a restaurant area, bar area and little individual areas, and a patio out the back. It’s all much cosier,” he says. Those in search of a perfect pint will be glad to hear there are plenty of real ales on the bar, too. “We’ve got four hand pumps, which will be rotating local real ales and craft beers,” says Mike. “We’re using mainly local breweries, so we’ve got some Milton Brewery beers on at the moment, and there’ll be Woodfordes, Buntingford and Adnams too. It’s all about keeping it local.”

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N I NG

After the overwhelming success of last March’s Eat Cambridge, which saw the cream of the local gastro scene gather in force at a huge day-long food fair, as well as a string of tempting fringe events (from a night market to supper clubs, tastings and debates), we’re delighted to announce that the event will be back in 2014 – bigger and better than before. Now a two-week long event, it will run 10-24 May across a range of venues, offering talks, demonstrations, supper clubs and tours. The main food fair will be held on 17 May, this time decamping to a new, bigger venue at the Corn Exchange. With more than 50 stalls, it’s a must for any locals wanting to find out more about food and dining in their city. Cambridge Edition is a proud partner of Eat Cambridge, and we’ll be bringing you more news as it breaks, so stay tuned. www.eat-cambridge.co.uk

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THE MAYPOLE A Family run City Centre Free House • Up to 16 Real Ales on hand pump • NEW menu launched in February. Delicious homemade Italian & English Food • Amazing NEW covered & decked outdoor area • Award Winning Cocktails & 50 foreign Speciality bottled Beers

BEER FESTIVAL 19TH - 23RD FEBRUARY

Everyone welcome, visit our website for more details

01223 352999

V.J.castig@gmail.com www.maypolefreehouse.co.uk 20a Portugal Place, Cambridge

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FOOD

PUB of th

e MONT

WORLD OF WINE Escape to South America on 4 February with Cambridgeshire Wine School’s tasting course. Taking place at the Royal Cambridge Hotel on Trumpington Street, the evening will highlight the modern success stories of Chilean and Argentinean wine, as well as the differences in approach, as part of an eight-week course. Chile is known for its fresh, fruity wines, while those after a more robust glass would do well to browse the Argentinean aisle. You’ll try six different wines, with nibbles provided too. And, if French wine is more your tipple, head along to the Bordeaux, Rhone and Languedoc evening on 6 February. Both start at 7pm and cost £25 for one class. cambridgeshirewineschool.com

MAYPOLE BEER FESTIVAL Family-run pub The Maypole, near Jesus Green, is already a popular haunt for those in search of a good pint, but this month, between 19 and 23 February, it’s holding its fifth annual Beer Festival to celebrate 32 years under the ownership of the Castiglione family. More than 30 real ales will be available, some of which have been created especially for the event. There’ll also be a range of Belgian and other foreign bottled beers and ciders, plus live music from local musicians. This also coincides with the launch of their new food menu, which features delicious, freshly prepared English and Italian dishes. www.maypolefreehouse.co.uk

PORTLAND ARMS What do Ellie Goulding, Mumford and Sons, Paolo Nutini and The Broken Family Band have in common? They’ve all, believe it or not, performed at The Portland Arms. “We’ve had some massive names. The thing is, at the time, you don’t realise how big they’re going to be, and you wish you’d paid a bit more attention!” laughs Hayley Pellegrini, who has owned the pub with husband Steve since 2004. The pub, which stands on the corner of Chesterton Road and Milton Road, has long had a reputation as the place to discover great bands still under the mainstream radar, and for local bands to cut their teeth in front of an appreciative, music-savvy crowd. “It was very important for us to keep the live music going, as well as the live comedy,” adds Hayley. “But we also wanted to make sure we’re a pub as well. We want it to be a community place.” In 2012 The Portland gained a designated 200-capacity function room which has greatly improved its offering as a performance space. It also boasts a patio garden – prompted by the smoking ban – which has just been revamped. So, what else keeps the streams of people coming back to The Portland?

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“The staff – we’re really lucky to have some fantastic staff,” confirms Hayley. “And just the community spirit, really. I think that’s important, especially for people who may be on their own now. If they don’t come out to their pub they might not see another person for days.” In 2009, the future of the beloved Portland Arms looked uncertain as developers threatened to close the pub to make way for new flats. “When we were under threat from developers the way people rallied was amazing,” Hayley admits. “When you see things like that you realise how much people think of The Portland – and long may they continue to do so.” It offers a ‘traditional pub menu’, with home-made burgers a particular hit. “We have The Portland Big One, which is a burger with hash browns and onion rings and everything,” says Hayley. “But we’re more entertainmentled, with the live music and live football, so we wanted to keep the menu simple. We’re constantly investing in the place – we call her a she!” Hayley laughs. “We feel that if we show her some love she’ll do the same back.” www.theportlandarms.co.uk

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EATING OUT WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

RESTAURANT REVIEW

De Luca Cucina & Bar

If you’re after delicious, authentic Italian cuisine and a top quality cocktail in a stylish setting, make this Cambridge favourite top of your list

t’s a bit of a travesty that this was my first time dining at De Luca, Regent Street’s sophisticated little Italian eaterie and bar. I’d heard great things however, so it was with eager anticipation that my dining partner and I escaped the chill of a gloomy January evening and slipped inside the buzzing restaurant. The first thing that struck us was how it busy it was – De Luca is evidently a hugely popular choice for discerning local diners, and I was quickly beginning to see why. With statement red walls, an open-plan kitchen, exposed brickwork, a large skylight and twinkling candles on the tables, the décor is stylish and cosmopolitan, whilst also managing to feel welcoming and relaxed. Before sitting down to the main event, we were asked if we’d like to venture upstairs to the restaurant’s cocktail bar for a drink, an offer which we enthusiastically accepted. Reminiscent of a New York loft – complete with low lighting, squishy leather sofas, ambient jazz and iconic black and white photos on the walls – this is a real hidden gem, with a lovely, intimate atmosphere and an extensive cocktail menu. Nonetheless, our friendly mixologist encouraged us to go off-piste with our drinks selections, whipping us up two bespoke creations based on our favourite spirits and flavours (mine a refreshing raspberry elderflower Collins and my companion’s a potent and delicious hybrid of a sidecar and a Martini). If you fancy having a go on the other side of the bar, De Luca also offers interactive cocktail classes, where you and your group will have the run of the bar, mixing up drinks under the guidance of one of the experienced bartenders (available for groups of 6-24 people, £25 per person). Suitably warmed up, we headed downstairs to claim our table in the restaurant area, opting for a bottle of Gavi di Gavi under the owner’s recommendation (an immensely

quaffable, Chablis-esque white which I made a note to seek out in future) and began the task of deciding what to order – no mean feat when presented with a menu as mouth-watering as De Luca’s. After much deliberation I decided to start with the arancini – a Sicilian delicacy and personal favourite of mine which is woefully rare on menus in this country. De Luca’s take on this rice-based dish, with its smoky chorizo, gloriously gooey fontina cheese and roast pepper and cream pesto encased in crispy breadcrumbs, was exceptional. My dining partner was equally pleased with his choice of deep-fried squid, which arrived succulent, perfectly seasoned and accompanied by a deliciously tangy home-made sweet chilli relish. The superb standard was maintained when it came to our main courses. I kept it traditional once more, selecting the handmade ravioli stuffed with goat’s cheese and shallots with sage butter and topped with caramelised red onions. It might not be especially adventurous but the classic pairing of luxurious, creamy goat’s cheese with the rich sweetness of red onions was an indulgent delight. On the other side of the table, the main menu had been eschewed in favour of the lamb and caponata special – and rather special it was too. The rack of

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lamb was melt-in-the-mouth tender, and the caponata (a sort of Italian ratatouille) provided a medley of sweet peppers, fennel and leeks, all beautifully cooked and bursting with colour and flavour. When it came to dessert, we felt it only right to go for a true Italian classic: a brilliantly boozy tiramisu which was light and creamy with a kick of espresso, and one of the best I’ve ever tasted. A digestif came in the form of a shot of chilled Limoncello; the almost fluorescent yellow, citrus-scented liquor that heralds from the Amalfi Coast – a delicious denouement to a delectable dinner. We left De Luca’s raving about the super friendly service and the incredible food. In my opinion it’s the best Italian restaurant in Cambridge, and in fact one of the best meals I’ve had in the city in some time. It might be a teensy bit out of the way if you’re in the city centre, but it’s well worth the trip – I’m already planning my next visit. 83 Regent Street, Cambridge 01223 356666; www.delucacucina.co.uk

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17/01/2014 12:10

Bringing curry closer to home

FULLY REFURBISHED

Fine Indian & Bangladeshi restaurant 84 High Street, Sawston, Cambridge 01223 837025/837026 www.kazindianrestaurant.co.uk eating@kazindianrestaurant.co.uk

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2007, 2008, 2010, 2012

17/01/2014 12:33

FOOD

Eastern promise WORDS ALEX RUSHMER

This month, Alex Rushmer hangs up his apron and heads off on a heady foodie adventure in Marrakech t seems that even chefs need a break sometimes. After another great year – a year during which we enjoyed awards, new openings and The Hole in the Wall cemented its position in all the major food guides – I decided to take a holiday. Naturally, it had to be somewhere warm but also (and possibly more importantly) it would be a location in which it would be impossible not to further my culinary education. Enter Morocco. More specifically Marrakech, a truly ancient and, superficially

at least, terrifically alien city where foods both familiar and strange are available from dawn until long after darkness has descended. The dominance of street food is impossible to ignore. During the day the famous Jemaa el Fna square hums to the sounds of impromptu theatre, snake charmers and henna tattooists hawking their wares. Juice sellers pitch up early in the morning and squeeze oranges, grapefruits and lemons into delicious

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submission throughout the day. But it is only as the sun descends that the real fun begins. Heavily laden metal carts attack the square from all directions and by the time we had completed four or five laps of the area, these had been assembled, Transformer-like, into the skeletons of 100 different pop-up restaurants. Benches, tables, pots, pans, cutlery, firepits – all had been unloaded from the rickety-looking carts and what had previously been an empty square just half an hour ago now had the promise of the most exciting food arena I’d ever seen. Much like in the souks – where likeminded traders band together to sell their goods – the Jemaa el Fna night market also has a loose grouping. The snail sellers set up first and soon after you can drink cups of steaming tea flavoured with heady spices. From there it is a bold adventure and there is merely one course of action – to dive right in and be swept away along the tide. Which is exactly what I did. The rise of the street food cart in England is also worthy of note. Whilst our tradition of dining on the hoof (sometimes literally: a favourite roadside snack of the Elizabethans was braised sheep feet) died out over the last few centuries, the previous three or four years has seen an exciting resurgence, one that seems to be gaining traction and popularity as dedicated artisans, chefs and entrepreneurs spot a definite void in our dining habits. Cambridge too has not been immune from the trend. Although it hasn’t been as quick on the uptake as other cities there are a few bold pioneers blazing a muchneeded trail. Leo Riethoff’s celebrated gourmet burger operation Steak & Honour and ice cream peddlar of note Jack’s Gelato are two both worth seeking out. But in my opinion there is always room for more and who knows, perhaps a few years down the line we’ll have our very own nightly gourmet festival in the Market Square, capable of rivalling the sheer indulgent bliss of the Jemaa el Fna.

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EATING IN

WORDS ALEX RUSHMER IMAGES CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

RECIPES

Alex Rushmer shares some delicious discoveries from his Moroccan adventure, perfect for a warming February feast

Tabbouleh The mistake often made with tabbouleh is the predominance of couscous. Instead it should be a celebration of the soft green herbs that give it its vibrant colour and fresh flavour. The salad should be consumed swiftly after assembling, so the acid from the lemon juice doesn’t discolour the herbs.

Ingredients 100g couscous 100ml cold water or stock 1 bunch f lat leaf parsley half a bunch of mint leaves, picked off the stalks 2 large, ripe tomatoes 1 red onion, finely diced zest and juice of half a lemon seeds from half a pomegranate sea salt Serves black pepper

Step-by-step guide

Ingredients

1 shoulder of lamb, on the bone 2tbsp ras-el-hanout sea salt 4 red onions, peeled and sliced 2 tins of chickpeas, drained and rinsed 250ml water

Serves

Step-by-step guide Season the lamb with plenty of salt and the ras-el-hanout. Empty the chickpeas into a deep-sided roasting tray and top with the sliced onion. Place the lamb shoulder on top of the mix and cook in a preheated oven at 220°C for 15 minutes before adding 250ml water, covering with foil and lowering the oven temperature to 130°C. Cook for a further four hours and serve with plenty of warm flatbread and fresh yoghurt chopped through with a little mint.

4 Wine Match

Combine the couscous with the water or stock and leave to rehydrate and soften in a single, thin layer on a flat tray for five minutes. Meanwhile chop the parsley and mint and dice the tomatoes. Mix the herbs, onion and tomatoes through the couscous. Season with salt, pepper and the lemon zest and juice and top with a handful of pomegranate seeds.

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Slow-roasted shoulder of lamb with onions and chickpeas

Alex’s Moroccan lamb and tabbouleh will be drop dead gorgeous served with a mellow oak-aged red wine, such a Carta Roja Gran Reserva 2005, the ‘thriller from Jumilla’ in the very south of Spain. It’s made entirely from the Monastrell grape in a region where the Arabic influence is still felt in the cuisine and culture. This soft and richly fruity wine allows all the ras-el-hanout flavours to blossom without being overpowered. Chateau Musar 2000, the ‘fruit of Beirut’ (aka Bekaa Valley) is reaching perfect maturity and is a sublime food wine. This famous wine from Lebanon, made from a blend of European grapes, has a mellow dusky character all of its own. Powerful and complex yet complementing the spices perfectly. Both wines are available at the Hole in the Wall by the glass during February and by the bottle from Cambridge Wine Merchants so you can try at home or in the restaurant.

in association with

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EATING IN

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Cambridge Edition | February 2014 | 55

17/01/2014 13:00

Visit us for the ultimate experience in fine Indian dining.

Open 7 days a week from 12 pm to 2.30pm 5.30pm to 10.30pm Email: info@rangmohol.com Website: www.rangmoholrestaurant.com

01223 577540 76-78 High Street, Sawston CB22 3HJ

Delivery service available from 6pm to 9pm seven days a week, online order also available for take away service

Valentines Weekend at Ramsey’s Brasserie and Slepe Hall Hotel

Ramsey’s BRASSERIE

Treat your Valentine We will be serving our Valentines menu in the Brasserie on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February. A glass of Bubbles on arrival, followed by a delicious 3 course menu, followed by coffee and homemade chocolates.

Priced only £40 per person Or D O Dance the night away at our Valentines Dinner i Dan D a Dance in the Brunel Suite on Saturday 15th February! Fantastic 3 course menu, with dancing till late, only £35 per person.

01480 463122

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Slepe Hall Hotel, Ramsey Road, St Ives Cambs PE27 5RB

www.ramseysbrasserie.co.uk info@ramseysbrasserie.co.uk

17/01/2014 12:47

RECIPE

Makes 1kg dough Portions About 12 croissants

Croissant dough – détrempe Ingredients 500g f lour, type T55 10g salt 60g caster sugar 20g fresh yeast approx 250g tepid water 250g French butter*, cold *President/Beurre d’Isigny

This month, the talented bakers at Stickybeaks on Hobson Street share their famed croissant recipe with Edition. As this is a very wet mixture, it is much easier to do in an electric mixer, using the dough hook. The dough can be used for all types of croissants and pastries; it will keep in the fridge for up to three days before folding in the butter.

Step-by-step guide

2. 3. 4.

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Place the flour, salt, sugar and yeast in the mixer, making sure the salt and yeast do not touch at this stage. Add the water and mix on a slow speed for ten minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly springy. Cover the dough with cling film and place in the fridge overnight. The next day, take the butter and sandwich it between two sheets of baking parchment. Pound it with a rolling pin until you have a large rectangle about a centimetre thick. Roll out the dough on a well-floured surface to form a rough square that is about twice as big as the butter. Place the butter on the dough and enclose it, by folding it up like an envelope. Dust the work surface with a little more

7. 8. 9.

10. 11.

flour and roll out the dough to form a rectangle, about one centimetre thick. Take one of the short sides and fold it over twice, so it is one third of the original size (imagine folding a letter to fit in an envelope). Rest the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes, then repeat this rolling and folding process three more times. Chill the dough for at least an hour before you begin to make the pastries. For croissants, roll out to a thickness of about 5mm, cut into triangles and roll them up from the short end to the point. Bring both ends round and place on a baking tray. Brush with an egg and milk wash. Leave in a warm place to rise for at least an hour. Bake at 200°C for 15 minutes.

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17/01/2014 12:17

VALENTINE'S

Valentine's DAY

WHERE TO GO 1. VALENTINE'S PUNTING Celebrate Valentine’s Day in quintessentially Cambridge style with a romantic private punt down the River Cam. Scudamore’s are offering a special Valentine’s experience which includes a chauffeur, cosy blankets, hot water bottles and Chinese lanterns – as well as a traditional long-stemmed red rose. From £75 per boat. www.scudamores.co.uk 2. UNIVERSITY ARMS HOTEL With a fabulous central location overlooking Parker’s Piece, the University Arms Hotel is ideal for an indulgent dinner à deux. Pop into the hotel’s sophisticated in-house eaterie, Restaurant 17, on 14 or 15 February to take advantage of their Valentine’s Special which includes a delicious four-course menu and a glass of sparkling wine in a gorgeous setting for just £29.95 per person. www.devere-hotels.co.uk

3. PADDOCKS HOUSE HOTEL The recently opened Paddocks House Hotel is the perfect place to spend a romantic evening. Sleek, stylish and oozing sophistication, it occupies a beautiful 18th century building within landscaped grounds, between Newmarket and Cambridge. Their Valentine’s Day menu includes oyster beignet, roasted duckling for two and a mango and white chocolate dessert (£39 per person). www.paddockshouse.com

6. 9.

10.

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1. ‘You’ll Do’ wooden sign £14.99 www.mygifttree.com 2. Vintage Letter ‘I Love U’ fridge magnets £4.50 Ellie Ellie 3. Always Right, Never Wrong cufflinks £20 Podarok 4. Aubade Roses Rebelles bra £85 & briefs £70 Elouise Lingerie 5. Love Is All You Need embroidered cushion £55 Barbara Coupe 6. Rob Ryan This Same Moon pair of mugs £18.99 Mollie & Fred 7. I Love U heart lolly £2 John Lewis 8. Je T’aime tote bag £12 www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk 9. Albany Square gold heart silver necklace £25 Podarok 10. Blue Butterfly Cluster earrings £17.95 Ark

BEDFORD LODGE HOTEL Plan a romantic escape to Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa where a special Valentine’s dinner will be served at £47 per person for three courses and a glass of fizz, available 14 and 15 February. Or, you can dine and stay the night for £220, which includes dinner, accommodation and breakfast for two. Two spa packages are also available, at £170 for two (includes massage or facial plus use of the hydro and heat facilities) or £290, which includes lunch, a Rasul Experience and a glass of champagne. www.bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk

17/01/2014 13:35

Cambridge University Arms Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AD

Valentines Special Friday 14th & Saturday 15th February 2014 Roses are red...

Enjoy a romantic 4 course menu created by our Head Chef, Mark Brazier.

ÂŁ29.95 per person including a glass of sparkling wine served in R17, one of Cambridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top restaurants.

Menu served from 18.00 to 21.30 TO BOOK, PLEASE CALL US ON

01223 273003

or e-mail for more information on enquiries@universityarmshotel.com Booking is subject to availability. Terms and Conditions apply. Bookings must be made in advanced to guarantee space. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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17/01/2014 12:35

NEWLY REFURBISHED BEDROOMS NOW AVAILABLE

Westminster College The beautiful Grade II listed Westminster College has just emerged from a stunning programme of refurbishment, adding to its already attractive facilities. Located in the historic heart of Cambridge, the college is a beautiful example of Arts and Crafts architecture and stands within secluded grounds, close to the famous college Backs. It provides a perfect setting for weddings, parties, meetings and conferences, while overnight accommodation is now available for any guests wishing to stay. The bedrooms – all of which are en suite – have been newly updated, and oﬀer access to a well-furnished communal kitchen. A full English or continental breakfast is oﬀered to all guests, served in the impressive dining hall. In addition, two delightful self-contained cottages are also available all year round, perfect for couples or longer stays. www.westminster.cam.ac.uk

Conferences

Weddings

10% DISCOUNT on Conferences, Meetings and Dinners during January, February and March 2014* *Bookings should be made before end of February 2014 and oﬀer valid for direct bookings only, no agents.

Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0AA | 01223 330633 wmevents@hermes.cam.ac.uk | www.westminster.cam.ac.uk Westminster Full .indd 1

17/01/2014 12:14

BUSINESS

CAMBRIDGE’S FEMALE

Cambridge wouldn’t be Cambridge without its fizzing entrepreneurial spirit. This month, five inspirational businesswomen share their stories with Catherine Carr

here’s an Italian proverb,” says founder of Cambridge Imprint (www.cambridgeimprint. co.uk), Claerwen James: “patti chiari, amicizia lunga… Which means ‘clear agreements, long friendship’.” For Claerwen and co-founders Jane Powell and Ali Murphy, the saying rings true. Although their business only started trading in November 2012, the three ‘patternistas’ have already agreed on who brings what to the party – whether it’s

financial savviness, negotiating chutzpah or a decisive nature. “The learning curve was extremely steep – and sometimes daunting,” says Claerwen. “There’s a tendency to put off tasks like getting to grips with your accounting software. Then when you finally apply yourself, it turns out not to be rocket science.” The idea for the company came out of ‘a coincidence of aesthetic interests’ and a good local contact. It was Jane Richards – who owns local gift shop Ark – talking

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about the difficulty of finding beautiful stock that sowed the seed. “We all work with our hands, in the studio and at home,” says Claerwen, “making cards, Christmas decorations, cushions… But Cambridge Imprint was always about manufacturing our products, not handmaking them.” All three women already juggled jobs around children – Claerwen comments, “we only had evenings free, and had to make it worth the effort.” The trio started working on designs

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BUSINESS

and in the summer of 2012, the first paper and mugs were produced. The company – which is still very much a kitchen table operation, with stock stored “under the sofa and in friends’ lofts” – now supplies Ark and several independent shops further afield. “We got our first enquiry from Germany a couple of weeks ago.” Claerwen says: “The ambition for 2014 is to carry on very gently building the Internet business as well as finding new stockists.” The women are keen not to force rapid growth and are scrupulous about the process from sketchpad to product. “We watch the paper come off the press,” smiles Claerwen. “This is not a case of emailing a file to China; there needs to be integrity and craft at every step.” For Rebecca Chicot, founder of The Essential Parent Company, (www. essentialparent.com) the acquisition of new skills has been an eye-opener: “I never thought of myself as a techy person before,” she laughs, “but here I am developing an app. Through this experience I’ve been constantly tested in ways I may not have been in a nineto-five role.” However, what she lacked in technical savviness Rebecca made up for with other skills. A PhD in child development and work as an assistant producer at the BBC were key in turning her idea – for a childcare manual on video – into reality. Like Claerwen, Rebecca also has a business partner, Diana Hall. “It was Diana’s attempts to swaddle her first baby that sparked the idea,” says Rebecca. “She’d never held a newborn

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For Rebecca, founder of The Essential Parent Company, the acquisition of new skills has been an eye-opener before and there she was attempting ‘baby origami’, using hopeless 2D pictures! We thought that there must be a better way to show mothers how to do these things.” The result is a beautiful DVD kit, presented by Professor Robert Winston and backed up by solid science. “In times gone by,” explains Rebecca, “women would have learnt to parent by watching others. That just doesn’t happen anymore.” In 2013, the duo signed a deal to provide Tesco’s mother and baby club website with content. “We’re always striving to stay ahead of the curve,” says Rebecca, who hopes their newest venture – weekly Twitter talks – will do just that, by using social media to help a whole new swathe of parents (www.tesco-baby.com/epc/talkto-our-baby-experts-on-twitter). It was a desire for flexible working and spotting a definite gap in the market which inspired Natalie Langdon to set up Cambridge Relocations four years ago (www.cambridgerelocations.co.uk). After moving around in France and struggling to find advice, Natalie had a mini ‘eureka’ moment: she would move back to Cambridge, and set up a bespoke service for people moving there. In 2009, she took redundancy from her job as a BA flight attendant, used her cheque to build a website and hasn’t looked back. “It was busy from the word go,” says Natalie, who

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BUSINESS

fits work around her two children. “We now have a really good client list and lots of returning business – especially from the science parks.” The idea’s simple: make relocating to the city as stress-free as possible. “We provide what people need, before they have to ask for it,” explains Natalie. But the firm’s USP has to be the impressive seven languages that Natalie and her husband speak between them. “While the person starting a new job in Cambridge may have good English,” Natalie points out, “their partner may not. Being able to speak fluently to them is crucial.” While Natalie works from home, she also has a business address at the St John’s Innovation Centre. “It’s a great service,” says Natalie. “I can

book meeting facilities without having to commit to costly premises.” As for her ambitions for the business – Natalie is just as no-nonsense: “Saturate the Cambridge market and then look at expansion. I think I can do that without compromising on the quality of the service.” You can’t talk about growing a business in Cambridge without mentioning the meteoric success of Julie Deane and her Cambridge Satchel Company – www. cambridgesatchel.com. For those on catchup, her story goes like this: looking for a way to finance two sets of private school fees, Julie decided to manufacture leather satchels. Fast-forward five years and she is the first ever female winner of the coveted European entrepreneur of the year award, and her business turns over £13 million a year. “My success wasn’t born out of a love

Julie is keen to point out that she uses skills learnt in previous jobs; her advice to young people now is to extract as much as you can from every opportunity SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE02_061-064 (BUSINESS)hbSG.indd 63

of making hand-stitched leather goods,” laughs Julie. “It was because I made an Excel spreadsheet with ten ideas on it, and this was the best bet.” Originally an accountant, Julie admits that she gets a buzz out of a job which gives her freedom. “Anything with too much structure is crushingly boring.” She also gets a kick out of learning, but needs motivation to do it. “When I had 16,000 orders backed up and no factory to make them in, I was very motivated to understand the manufacturing process, I can tell you!” Despite the success of Cambridge Satchels, Julie is keen to point out that she uses skills learnt in previous jobs; her advice to young people now is to extract as much as you possibly can from every opportunity. “Then when THE thing comes along... You’ll be ready.” To others who have great ideas and are “dithering” about getting started, Julie simply says: “Just get on with it! You can’t pre-empt the obstacles, so get stuck in.”

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BUSINESS

For Hannah Postgate, getting started at all was a bit of a victory. After her daughter Rose was diagnosed with a range of special needs, Hannah requested flexible working, but got nowhere, as she recalls. “I was forced into being a stay-at-home mum, and got really low.” Hannah then realised that the only viable job that would fit in with her mind-boggling schedule of pickups and appointments, was one she made for herself.

“Then this amazing thing happened,” says Hannah. “Lauren Allen, Rose’s one-toone support worker, and I had exactly the same idea on exactly the same day!” That idea was to create www.rosyandbo. com, a stylish online marketplace to help families with special needs children. “We aim to stock something to help every special needs family make their life a little bit easier, a little bit more stylish,” says Hannah. “There are 1.5 million special needs children in the UK,” outlines Hannah “so we knew we had a very real market to serve.” Using savings and some investment from family, RosyandBo launched last year – just in time for Christmas. “We have 600 products listed, and are aiming for 1000,” says Hannah, “but the legwork involved in sourcing appropriate stock is immense.” Lauren and Hannah have now been joined by Lesley Delamare, who has a solid retail background and a superb network. “We’re now looking at ways to finance the next step,” says Hannah, who relishes the challenge before her. “I don’t know whether I was as tenacious and determined before I had Rose,” smiles Hannah, “certainly my experiences of fighting for her have stood me in good stead when it comes to launching RosyandBo. I’m not going to give up!”

There are 1.5 million special needs children in the UK so we knew we had a very real market

For women wanting to give running their own business a try, all five of these entrepreneurs featured heavily recommend networking and support. Some time on Google will serve you well, but here are some places to start your research:

• www.stjohns.co.uk

As Natalie from Cambridge Locations mentioned, St John’s Innovation Centre has all kinds of accommodation and services for fledgling businesses, from telephone answering to training and support for new ventures.

• www.cambridgewomen.co.uk Cambridge Women is a business networking group for women living in and around Cambridge. The group holds regular lunches with discussions on things like PR, blogging and marketing. A very friendly lot.

• www.enterprising-women.org The Cambridge branch is all about supporting female entrepreneurs. Go along to a meeting, and benefit from a ‘feed forward’ session: other members will put their heads together to solve your specific business problem. Bingo!

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17/01/2014 12:26

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17/01/2014 12:39

FASHION

Skirts

FULL

We’re smack bang in the middle of inbetweener-fashion season right now, so the savviest shoppers will be keeping an eye out for styles that will work right the way through until SS14. A prime example is the full skirt, tipped to be a key new-season trend. Opaque tights and ankle boots will work with this look whilst there’s still a chill in the air, but come springtime, the full skirt will go beautifully with a pair of strappy sandals. Best of all, the midi is absolutely the most flattering skirt shape imaginable!

MAXMARA SKIRT £200 HOUSE OF FRASER

FULL MIDI SKIRT NOW £12 WAREHOUSE

ORLA KIELY FULL SKIRT IN QUEEN OF HEARTS PRINT £218 ASOS

MOTO DENIM MIDI SKIRT £35 TOPSHOP

ASOS FULL MIDI SKIRT IN SCUBA £35 ASOS

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17/01/2014 12:16

FASHION

VILLAIN IKAT SWEATER £85 HOUSE OF FRASER

DETAILED KNIT SWEATER NOW £9.99 ZARA

KNITTED CRYSTAL SHOULDER SWEATER £46 TOPSHOP

Sweaters

LUXE

FRED PERRY EMBROIDERED DIAMOND SWEATER £85 ASOS

Keeping snug doesn’t have to mean compromising on style, as this gorgeous crop of luxe sweaters demonstrates perfectly. Whether you opt for a frosting of embellishment or a statement pattern in a luxurious fabric (Zara has a dizzying array), this is the ideal transitional wardrobe piece.

EMBELLISHED COLLAR JUMPER NOW £55 FRENCH CONNECTION AT ASOS

MUUBAA AGEN LEATHER SHIFT DRESS £335 ASOS

SILVER LEATHER SKIRT BY UNIQUE £195 TOPSHOP

TOMATO LEATHER ZIP DETAIL SKIRT £80 MISS SELFRIDGE

PRINTED LEATHER SKATER DRESS £150 ASOS

Leather

NICO LASER CUT PU LEATHER TOP BY JOVONNISTA £45 TOPSHOP

Leather never goes out of fashion, but the high street’s positively teaming with options in every imaginable colour and style right now, from dazzling metallic skirts to laser-cut tops and eye-poppingly bright statement dresses (we love this cobalt number). We’re even seeing patterned styles emerge, like this quirky leather floral skater dress from ASOS.

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LIMITED EDITION CONTRAST LEATHER WRAP SKIRT £100 TOPSHOP

AUTOGRAPH LEATHER SKIRT £149 M&S

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FASHION

GET SPORTY Set to be a key menswear trend for spring/summer 2014, the sporty look is already cropping up all over the high street. Forget your sloppy joggers and tatty hoodies though, this is a crisp, urban take on sportswear, with lots of bright pops of colour and luxe fabrics.

COLOUR BLOCK CREW £10 PRIMARK

HYPE BLACK SUEDE TRAINERS £50 TOPMAN

ADIDAS ORIGINALS COLORADO WINDBREAKER £24.79 KITBAG

NIKE SB JANOSKI MID TRAINERS £70 ASOS BLUE NYLON SPORTS JACKET £35, SKINNY BLACK JEANS £30, TRAINERS £28, SUNGLASSES £12, ALL BURTON

THE CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY 14” LEATHER SATCHEL £115 ASOS

BAG £129 M&S

J BY JASPER CONRAN LEATHER BAG £150 DEBENHAMS

BAG IT UP

TAN LEATHER CROSS BODY BAG £129 TED BAKER

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THE CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY 15” TARTAN LEATHER SATCHEL £140 ASOS

GREEN HUGO BRIEFCASE £60 TOPMAN

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BEAUTY WORDS DAISY DICKINSON & CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

It's getting

HOT IN HAIR

Don’t get left out in the cold this winter; we’ve tested the hottest products out there, guaranteed to give you a sleek new look without damaging your locks

Beautifully blow-dried

Home hair tip! Is your mane suffering from static? Smooth a tumble dryer sheet from root to tip for instant relief from flyaway hair.

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Many pick up a hairdryer every morning as part of their daily routine, either giving a quick blast, or using heat to create volume, but daily heat can cause a driedout barnet with split ends and breakage. We tried the Elchim 3900 hairdryer (£95, www.salonsecrets.co.uk), which recently launched from Italy into the UK and is even endorsed by British Hairdresser of the Year, Angelo Seminara. As well as being extra quiet, we’re told its ionic and ceramic systems help to close the hair’s cuticles and moisturise them to help make them soft, shiny and free from static. For those who like all the trimmings, we also tried the Limited Edition Session Style Kit from Toni&Guy (now £29.99, Boots). Designed for creating curls and waves as hair dries, the kit includes a 2000W Lightweight Salon Motor hairdryer, Curl Enhancing Volume Diffuser, and Big Barrel Rollers, in a faux suede vanity pouch. The diffuser was simple to use and with a little help from Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray (£9.50, Boots), a tousled look was easy to achieve.

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BEAUTY

Curious curls It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a girl in possession of poker-straight hair will dream of naturally curly locks, while those with wavier barnets wail over perfectly flat tresses. As both of us are in the former camp, the correct way to craft curls is something we often debate – though we think we’ve now solved the crisis. Step forward, the O Ultimate from Cloud Nine (£199.95, www. cloudninehair.com). With an eyebrow-raising name and truly mysterious packaging, this space age looking tool has proven to be worth its weight in gold. Unzip the leather-look hat box and you’re greeted by a ring of traditional-looking heated Velcro rollers, surrounding a central pod that blasts individual rollers up to temperature in less than four seconds, rendering them ready for curling as you need them so there’s no waiting around for them to heat up. And the results? Natural, gorgeously tousled curls that last the whole evening. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we can’t fault the Nicky Clarke Mayfair Multistyler (now £30, Debenhams). Recently launched, this magic wand comes with three different interchangeable barrels, giving you the ability to create a number of different styles quickly and easily. Using ceramic and tourmaline technology, Nicky Clarke says the wand will create optimum style with minimal damage. Ceramic technology features to give your hair that gorgeous shiny finish whilst tourmaline locks in moisture to keep hair smooth.

Smooth and sleek Already fans of the Macadamia Natural Oil range, we were excited to try their new ergonomic Smoothing Iron (£129, www.macadamiahair.co.uk). This hardworking straightener reaches a heat of 220°C in less than a minute, allowing for superquick styling, great if you’re in a rush for work but have tresses to be tamed. Infrared heat technology locks moisture in the hair, with negative ions smoothing and tightening the hair’s outer cuticle so hair becomes more manageable, softer, smoother and much more resilient to everyday stresses and changes in air humidity levels.

Fashion forward For those who love a bit of glam styling, we simply couldn’t resist this wild range of styling tools from Mark Hill. The Salon Professional Style & Shine Power Dryer (now £28.99, Boots) offers powerful volumising drying without damaging your hair, and comes in a choice of animal prints. We also tested out the Bad Girl Glam Wicked Waver (now £29.99, Boots), which was easy to use and gave natural-looking tousled curls that had a softer appearance those created with regular curling irons - this one is perfect for dishevelled, textured waves. For vintage lovers we thought this Corioliss Vintage Compact Hairdryer in Blue Floral would make a great gift, or sit pretty on your own dressing table (now £35.99, www.beautybay.com).

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Keep a cool head In a fluster about what product to use? Here are our top three styling products to apply before turning up the heat: L’Oréal Studio Line Silk & Gloss Hot Straight Cream (£3.75, Boots) This budget-friendly crème is fab for smoothing locks before straightening, but we also found that it’s fantastic for combating static and frizz, which is more common while it’s cold and dry outside, especially if your hair is fine. Rub a little between palms and work through the ends. Label.m Protein Spray (£13.25, www.lookfantastic.com) is great for coloured hair. The moisturising blend of jasmine, sweet pea, vanilla, wheat and soy in this protein spray helps to shield hair from heat damage and evens out porosity, whilst the Enviroshield Complex provides seductive shine. Perfect for scrunching into hair before curling, or smoothing before straightening.

Lee Stafford Argan Oil Heat Defence Spray (£12.99, Boots) A lightweight heat protection spray that uses argan oil and moringa seed extract to help protect your mane from the heat, as well as helping to promote clean, baby-soft hair with a really glossy shine. It smells truly gorgeous too!

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BEAUTY NEWS

BeautyNEWS NARYNDA LAUNCH SKINCARE LAUNCHES

NEW

WIN!

THE GLASSWORKS RELAUNCH Rather excitingly, The Glassworks on Thompson’s Lane has just relaunched, unveiling a brand new gymnasium and spa concept for 2014, and to celebrate, we're giving away a three-month membership worth over £150! Situated next to luxurious boutique hotel The Varsity, The Glassworks is located within an impressive 18th century glass warehouse (hence the name), and offers a perfect city centre spot to relax and unwind or re-energise with a workout using state of the art fitness equipment. The gym boasts a range of high-tech equipment designed to give you a fully interactive workout. The cardiovascular equipment can store past activity, making it easier to complete a bespoke plan, whilst traditional strength training equipment is replaced with Functional Fitness apparatus encouraging multi-directional training. The first-rate equipment incorporates

touch screens that will transport users to inviting locations, livening up workouts with a virtual trip to anywhere from the French Alps to the Trinity Mountains in California. If you’re in need of a little extra advice or motivation (or both), there is also a dedicated team of personal trainers at Glassworks, in addition to sports massage therapists and nutritionists. Also on offer are pilates classes and three different types of yoga, all taking place in an innovative studio which does away with single mats in favour of the Glassworks large permanent stretch area. If all that sounds a little too much like hard work, then you might like to make a beeline for the newly revamped spa, which offers possibly the most exquisitely located Jacuzzi in the whole of Cambridge, overlooking the River Cam through large windows, as well as a full range of indulgent Elemis treatments and a luxurious sauna and steam room. www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk

If you’re a fan of natural beauty products, check out the Narynda skincare range, launched last month by Cambridge-based grandmother Narynda Kumar. The original inspiration came when Narynda, 53, was diagnosed with stress-induced dermatitis, and found the prescribed methods, such as antihistamines, did not work for her. She adopted a holistic approach and set about attempting to treat herself, experimenting with the leftover wax from her own bee honey harvest. The cream she made not only cleared up her skin complaint, but significantly improved her skin – so much so that she began getting requests from friends and neighbours who wanted to try the cream for themselves. One thing led to another and Narynda launched her own range in January, maintaining her holistic philosophy and using all-natural ingredients. The line includes a light but intensively moisturising day cream (£14.50 for 50ml) which features oat beta glucan to help with skin repair and provide effective cell protection from UV damage, helping regain elasticity and collagen the natural way. There’s also a body lotion rich in oat oil, beeswax and shea butter that provides deep moisturising properties (£11.50 for 100ml), as well as a hand cream, heel balm, cleanser, toner and face and body scrub, all bursting with natural wonder ingredients. www.narynda.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning go to www.cambsedition.co.uk

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INTERIORS

THE SIMPLE LIFE WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

What does being ‘eco-friendly’ mean when it comes to your own home? From upcycled furniture to energy-saving measures, we cut through the confusion and reveal how easy it is to be a little more planet-conscious from the comfort of your armchair

or many years, overinflated prices, confusing jargon and outdated styles have left many enthusiasts at best befuddled and at worst put off when it comes to choosing ‘greener’ options. But with an increasing number of companies offering eco-friendly alternatives, being ‘green’ has now become much easier. Cambridge Carbon Footprint is an award-winning environmental charity that promotes practical solutions to help people live sustainably (01223 301842; www.cambridgecarbonfootprint.org). “At Cambridge Carbon Footprint we run events and workshops on how to ‘green’ all aspects of your life. It’s a really good way to educate homeowners,” says Alana Sinclair, coordinator at the charity. “For our biggest event, Open Eco Homes (www.openecohomes. org), we develop case studies of homes around Cambridge that have been built or renovated to be environmentally friendly. The case studies include details on the materials used, costs, and what the savings have been to their energy bills and we give visitors the opportunity to go into the homes to talk with the homeowners.”

ESSENTIAL MEASURES

Energy-saving measures are the most effective ways of being environmentally aware in the home, and, according to Peter

GREEN VIEW An easy way to lay a sustainable foundation in your home is with a flooring such as this Cork Identity Moonlight click system. From £36.51 for 2.136m2 packs from Urbane Living (020 7138 3838; www.urbaneliving.co.uk)

Thom, managing director at Cambridge’s Green Heat Ltd (01223 277278; www. greenheat.uk.com), these will also improve comfort, reduce fuel bills and increase your property’s value. Providing an unbiased service as well as offering suggestions for the most suitable mix of solutions that are appropriate for each individual home, Green Heat Ltd aims to guide consumers through the minefield of information on the many

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options available on the market, as well as advising on Government initiatives to help homeowners be more eco-aware. “The first measure is to insulate your home to keep the heat in and to prevent wasting energy that has been paid for to produce the heat,” advises Peter Thom. “This will include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or solid wall insulation for older properties. An Energy Survey of the home will help to prioritise all energy-saving

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INTERIORS

Tim Rawle

MINDFUL ENVIRONMENT Farrow & Ball’s wallpapers, such as this Rosslyn pattern, are printed on FSC-assured papers. £90 a roll (01223 367771; www.farrow-ball.com)

NATURAL ENERGY This house has solar panels from Midsummer Energy (01223 858414; www.midsummerenergy.co.uk)

improvements and indicate the costs and benefits with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is something we carry out at Green Heat. Recent research indicates that higher energy ratings will increase the value of a property.” Alana Sinclair at Cambridge Carbon Footprint agrees: “One great way to see where the heat is escaping in your home is to take a look at it with a thermal imaging camera,” she adds. “Thermal imaging can help detect where insulation has collapsed, hidden moisture problems and other building issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.” Visit www. cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/thermalimaging for more information. The way you heat your house is an area where energy efficiency is key. “Over 80 per cent of energy used in the home is for heating and hot water so it makes sense to ensure your boiler is the most efficient,” says Peter Thom. “We are accredited

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DECORATE WITH CARE A range of accessories from Ecocentric. Teddy lamp £66.30, Earthborn paint from £27 (08000 197855; www.ecocentric.co.uk)

GREEN EXAMPLE A house from the Cambridge Carbon Footprint’s Open Eco House scheme (www.openecohomes.co.uk)

installers for Worcester Bosch boilers, the Which Best Buy for the past three years. “Also vital is a well-controlled heating and hot water system,” Peter continues. “Recent research by Salford University indicated that as much as 40 per cent could be saved by having basic controls such as a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves installed. There is now a full range of options including wireless programmable thermostats, multi-zone controls and even controls that work with a smartphone app.”

SOLAR PANELS

Making sure your hot water is being produced efficiently is often overlooked. “Over 80 per cent of boilers installed are now combination boilers which produce hot water instantly, so make sure you have an efficient ‘A’ rated combi or one with flue heat recovery, which enables the flue

gases to preheat the hot water,” says Peter Thom. “You may also want to consider solar thermal hot water to provide free hot water from the sun. The Government will hopefully launch the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive later this year to provide some financial support for this.” Cambridge-based Midsummer Energy (01223 858414; www.midsummerenergy. co.uk), a specialist in solar PV panels, which are fitted to suitable south-facing roofs, has installed several hundred installations around the city. “Solar panels are a great way of reducing your reliance on the national grid and can generate a good proportion of electricity, reducing your carbon footprint and saving money,” says installations coordinator Tom Henshaw. What’s more, Green Heat can advise on a lucrative Government-funded Feed In Tariff (FIT) to help with the cost of installation. “The FIT is tax free and index linked and lasts for 20 years,” says Peter

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INTERIORS SUSTAINABLE LIVING ‘Originals Dawn’ cork flooring is manufactured from a completely natural, sustainable material. From £34.16/m2, from Urbane Living (020 7138 3838; www.urbaneliving.co.uk)

COLOUR WITH CONSCIENCE Down 242 (left) and Knightsbridge 215 (right), from £35 for 2.5 litres, from Little Greene. (0845 880 5855; www.littlegreene.com)

OUTSIDE IN Interior designer Lisa K Tharp uses organic elements in her schemes, resulting in a holistic sensibility. (www.ktharpdesign.com)

You don’t have to undergo a major investment to give a nod to an eco way of life Thom. “It easily recovers the installation cost several times over and provides free electricity when the sun is shining.”

FLOOR TO WALLS

There are many eco options available for home enthusiasts looking at improving their homes and their effect on the planet. Farrow & Ball (01223 367771; www. farrow-ball.com) may be renowned for their selection of heritage paint colours, but that’s not to say the company hasn’t got its eyes firmly on the future. The brand implemented a change in direction in 2010 in making their paints more eco-aware. “Our commitment to the environment means we are always working towards a more eco-friendly business,” comments Sarah Cole, marketing director at Farrow & Ball. “Back in 2010, we made the change to water-based paints and, now, all our paints are eco-friendly with a low or minimal VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content. As a result, our work has been recognised by the ISO 14001:2004 certification.” Another company utilising the same sensibility is Little Greene (0845 880 5855; www.littlegreene.com). With records dating back to 1773, it is well known for its

commitment to the responsible production of paints and wallpapers and was one of the first UK paint manufacturers to achieve the European environmental standard BS EN ISO 14001. “From big business decisions to the smallest everyday tasks, we act positively and responsibly to minimise our ecological impact, without compromising our high-quality standards,” says David Mottershead, managing director of Little Greene. “From our range of paints to our wallpaper collections, the environment and the well-being of our customers is at the heart of what we do.” Flooring company Urbane Living (020 71 383838; www.urbaneliving. co.uk) offers products that are carefully sourced and made only from sustainable materials. The company also works with manufacturers who share its values to ensure its products are ecologically sound. Its modern click cork flooring system, for instance, is completely renewable, 100 per cent natural and recyclable while creating a softer, quieter surface to walk on. Cork is harvested without damaging the tree and provides excellent thermal insulation, reducing energy wastage in the home. Marmoleum flooring is another option

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at Urbane Living. It is made of primarily natural materials consisting of linseed oil, wood flour, rosin binders, dry pigments mixed on to a natural jute backing. Durable and long lasting, it also does not harbour dust mites and has natural bactericidal properties making it easy to keep clean. With her ethical and eco-friendly approach, American interior designer, Lisa Kauffman Tharp (www.ktharpdesign. com) provides practical and creative advice for all aspects of eco homes on her blog www.concordgreen.blogspot.co.uk. It charts Kauffman’s journey during the construction of the New England style Concord Green Healthy Home in Boston – a model for sustainability. “I believe that great interiors start with the great outdoors,” she says. “Working with nature lets us heat, light and cool our homes passively, making us less reliant on mechanical methods. I often incorporate stone flooring, for instance. It provides thermal mass, which means that it collects heat from the sun and releases it as the interior temperatures drop while staying cool in the summer months.”

FINISHING TOUCHES

You don’t have to undergo a major investment to give a nod to an eco way of life. Follow Lisa Kauffman Tharp’s ethos of ‘reclaim, reuse and repurpose’ and you

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INTERIORS

IMPACT FROM YOUR ARMCHAIR Some luxury brands are eco-aware too, like sofa specialist John Sankey. Hawthorne chair from £1,110 (0115 946 2121; www.johnsankey.co.uk)

SUPPLIER SUPPORT Cambridge Kitchens & Bathrooms work with suppliers who also have an eco approach, such as Hansgrohe. (01223 213266; www.cambridgekitchens.co.uk)

Considering what furniture to buy and where from can also impact. Choose vintage, upcycled pieces SATISFYING SEATING This Navajo sofa uses ecofriendly Palmwood as its core material. £3,500, from Pacific Green (www.pacificgreen.net)

UNIQUE STORY This upcycled Vasco sideboard is kind to the environment. £645, from Little Tree Furniture (01424 734191; www.littletreefurniture.co.uk)

will be doing your bit for the environment. Unused pieces of furniture can be given new life; if you look at your possessions with a new eye you will come up with original ideas for your home. “The most creative design ideas usually emerge when you change your perspective,” she adds. “Try the unexpected. Look at ordinary objects in new ways. You might just invent a great new conversation piece.” Home interiors website EcoCentric (08000 197855; www.ecocentric.co.uk) agrees that being sustainable doesn’t mean being dull. “From our toxin-free clay paint to a wealth of pretty accessories, like our round-bottomed whisky glasses, which have been handblown from recycled glass, EcoCentric offers a huge range of ecofriendly, ethical and beautiful products for the home,” says Diana Green at EcoCentric. “We support designers with ecocredentials and source as many products

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as possible from the UK to reduce the environmental impact of transport. Every little bit helps so buy thoughtfully; things you really love, quality that will last.” Considering what furniture to buy and where from can also impact. Choose vintage, upcycled pieces that use reclaimed wood, from dedicated companies such as Little Tree Furniture (01424 734191; www.littletreefurniture. co.uk), whose company philosophy is ‘woodworking with a conscience’. Founder Neil Buckley-Jensen explains: “There has been a surge in the popularity of ‘upcycled’ wood furniture and this trend shows no signs of abating in 2014. Reclaimed wood displays the original markings and colours from its former life; creating undeniable charm and a unique style. Each piece tells its own unique story; such as a wardrobe made from old boat timbers. The reclaimed materials used to create Little Tree Furniture’s upcycled collections are well seasoned and present a natural appearance that reveal the wood’s colours and graining.” Jane Levick, marketing and brand manager at luxury sofa and chair specialist John Sankey (0115 946 2121; www. johnsankey.co.uk) agrees that the passion for being ‘green’ is indeed growing: “Ecological manufacturing processes and materials with a gentler impact on the environment are now an integral part of today’s product design and consumers no longer have to sacrifice style for sustainability. At John Sankey, we source quality Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

timbers to produce our bespoke designs. The FSC is an international not-for-profit organisation established to promote responsible management of forests. The company also prides itself on optimising resources to ensure minimal waste.” Another furniture company doing its bit for the environment is Pacific Green (www. pacificgreen.net) which uses Palmwood®. “Here at Pacific Green, our charter is to provide inspirational eco-friendly furniture that sets new benchmarks in sustainable product design,” says managing director Dominic Ryan. “Our core material is Palmwood, an advanced material exclusively derived by Pacific Green from plantation coconut palm stems using an environmentally certified process and breakthrough techniques.” Having the last word is kitchen designer Erika Zytynska at Cambridge Kitchens & Bathrooms (01223 213266; www. cambridgekitchens.co.uk) who points out that it is also important to consider how ‘green’ your manufacturer is. “Our German kitchen manufacturer Hansgrohe is a good example of this,” she reveals. “The whole factory is run with energy efficiency, emission reduction and waste disposal of recyclable materials in mind. They have recently swapped from oil-based lacquer to a water-based alternative as it significantly reduces emissions, with no compromise on the quality of the finish. Companies like Hansgrohe make life very easy for the eco-conscious customer.” Proving that the simple life is easy when you know how.

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