Cambridge Edition May 2018

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YOUR MONTHLY FIX OF

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LOCAL LIFE

T H E

FOOD &DRINK S P E C I A L

Y O U R G U I D E T O E A T C A M B R I D G E 2 018 From fringe highlights to the need-to-know info on the main event, plus recipes, restaurant reviews and a round-up of the best cream teas in town

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ALSO THIS ISSUE BRILLIANT BANK HOLIDAY IDEAS ● TOP MUSIC FESTIVALS ● ARTS & CULTURE ● GIG GUIDE ● LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET ● PROPERT Y & INTERIORS ●

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Cambridge

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W E LCO M E

EDITORIAL

Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com Senior sub editor Lisa Clatworthy Sub editors Siobhan Godwood, Felicity Evans

ADVERTISING

Senior sales executive Chris Jacobs 01223 499463 chrisjacobs@bright-publishing.com Sales executive Lee Fifield 01223 492240 leefifield@bright-publishing.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Alex Rushmer, Angelina Villa-Clarke, Charlotte Griffiths, Cyrus Pundole, Daisy Dickinson, Elodie Cameron, Jordan Worland, Alex Ruczaj, Ruthie Collins, Siobhan Godwood, Ali Miller

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Editorial designer Flo Thomas 01223 492242 flothomas@bright-publishing.com Ad production Man-Wai Wong 01223 499468 manwaiwong@bright-publishing.com

MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK find us @cambsedition CAMBRIDGE EDITION MAGAZINE • Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, 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.

This month’s cover illustration was created by Flo Thomas. See more of Flo’s illustrations on Etsy at HeydayDesignsUK or at heydaydesigns.co.uk

Author illustrations by Louisa Taylor louisataylorillustration.blogspot.co.uk

Welcome

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s enthusiastic champions of the city’s independent food scene, we’re over the moon to see the return of Eat Cambridge this month. A sparkling, fortnight-long showcase of the top local eateries, chefs and producers, the organisers have pulled out all the stops to make this year’s event the biggest and most delicious yet. From street food markets to wine tastings; a rooftop supper club to a botanical high tea; a boozy four-course brunch to a Latin American feast on a bus, it’s promising to be a belting month for foodies – get the lowdown on page 53.

This is also the month of Love Your Local Market, an international initiative which runs from 17 to 31 May and encourages everyone in the community to celebrate the many and varied traders which line our streets and squares, rain or shine.

We’re fortunate to have a fantastic daily market here in Cambridge, but many of us are guilty of scuttling past, or only pausing to pick up a quick drink from the periphery stalls when we’re in the city centre. But as we discover over on page 75, there’s so much more to explore and enjoy – from the amazing food from all corners of the globe, to the handcrafted jewellery, beautiful flowers and second-hand records and books – and Love Your Local Market is a perfect excuse to see for yourself!

From an ancient feature of Cambridge life to a brand new one in our property section, where we take a look around Eddington: the futuristic new development from the University of Cambridge.

With 3,000 homes in the pipeline across the site, which spans a staggering 150 hectares, this newly-minted community has been turning heads in the national press for its eco credentials and unique architecture – find out more on page 108.

I don’t know about you, but the longer days and warmer weather have got me daydreaming about summer fun, including which music festivals I’ve got my eye on. We’ve rounded up the best of the (nearby) bunch over on page 23 – and whether you fancy a glittery woodland party or a weekend of chilled-out folk or blues, there’ll be something to take your fancy. Final shout out goes to the Cambridge Beer Festival, which returns 21 to 26 May and is one of my (and hundreds of tipsy Cambridge-ites) favourite local events of the year. Grab some pals and join me in hoping for sunshine so we can all soak up some rays with our beers – there’s more info on page 50. Enjoy the issue and see you next month!

Nicola Foley EDITOR IN CHIEF

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CONTENTS 6 l STARTERS

Miscellaneous musings on Cambridge, plus our fave social media pics of the month

11 l ARTS & CULTURE

Exhibitions, art shows, theatre highlights, interviews and more

21 l THE ART INSIDER

Ruthie Collins, founder of Cambridge Art Salon, shares her arty picks of the month

23 l MUSIC FESTIVALS

Fancy some frolicking in a field? We’ve rounded up the best festivals in the area

30 l AFTER HOURS

The club nights, comedy, festivals and gigs you don’t want to miss this May

33 l MUSIC BLOG

The inside track on the best live music this month, from Slate the Disco’s Jordan Worland

34 l LISTINGS

Our at-a-glance guide to the top events and goings-on this May

38 l BRILL BANK HOLIDAYS With two extra days off this month, there’s plenty of fun to be had

49 61 l CHEF’S TABLE

80 l BUSINESS

42 l DRAGON BOAT FEST

Alex is full of the joys of spring with a bumper crop of seasonal delights

Local businesses give us their sales pitch, plus we check out networking events in the area

62 l REVIEW

82 l INDIE OF THE MONTH

49 l FOOD NEWS

We pay a visit to Shelford’s esteemed curry house, Zara Indian Cuisine

53 l EAT CAMBRIDGE

Under the spotlight this month: the finest cream teas Cambridge has to offer

Cambridge’s most colourful river race returns this autumn; here’s what’s in store The latest news and tidbits from Cambridge’s buzzing food scene From fringe highlights to the huge food and drink fair, we’ve got all the Eat highlights

65 l 5 OF THE BEST

68 l MAKE THE BEST...

Continuing the cream tea fun, chef Alex Rushmer shares his favourite scone recipe

71 l NATURE’S LARDER

The Gog gives us the lowdown on which ingredients are in season

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72 l DRINKS TROLLEY

Wine tips, cocktail recipes and a peek at some of our favourite hidden bars around the city

75 l LOVE YOUR MARKET

In honour of Love Your Local Market fortnight, we get better acquainted with Cambridge’s traders

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We pay homage to Lockhouse Games, Cambridge’s exuberant escape game company

84 l FASHION

This month’s top trends, plus picks from local indie fashion stores

88 l HEALTH & BEAUTY

Health, fitness and wellness chat, plus the latest beauty finds from Daisy Dickinson

97 l INTERIORS

We look at how to make a feature from windows and doors in your home

108 l EDDINGTON

We explore Cambridge’s new neighbourhood, and discover what makes it unique

114 l ASK THE AGENT

Ali Miller from local letting agents Redmayne Miller offers essential tips for landlords

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WATCH OU T F ES T I VA L Watch Out, Cambridge’s annual festival of ‘dangerous theatre’, returns to the Junction on 26 May with a showcase of brand new work by some of the brightest sparks in the game. Catch an offbeat, live art adaptation of Little Women, get stuck into a virtual reality playtime, go on an intergalactic nightclubbing adventure and more on the day, which also features music, street food, cocktails and an after party. The event runs all day from 12pm and tickets are £20. junction.co.uk

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STA X X XRT X XEXRXSX WITHIN T H ESE WA L L S

DI TCHBU R N PL ACE

THE MORE YOU KNOW

A CAR ATOP SENATE HOUSE: URBAN LEGEND OR THE GREATEST STUDENT PRANK OF ALL TIME?

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n anecdote beloved of tour guides, the one about a group of mischievous Cambridge students hoisting a car onto the roof of Senate House is the stuff of Cambridge folklore. But did this baffling feat ever actually take place?

Remarkably, this local legend is 100% true. The year was 1958, the car in question was an Austin Seven and the plan was hatched by Peter Davey, a bright engineering student studying at Gonville & Caius. Davey, who was in his final year, could see the roof of Senate House from his lodgings and had long felt that it was crying out to be made more interesting. He recruited some accomplices and began the groundwork; creating detailed technical drawings, sourcing the necessary lifting equipment and, of course, procuring a suitable vehicle, which they found in a nettle patch in Harston and snapped up for £4 and 10 shillings as payment. Next, they had to get the car through town without raising suspicion – a problem the group solved with the genius solution of dressing the car with signs promoting an upcoming May Ball – if anyone asked, it was simply a PR stunt.

Once it had been parked outside and the lifting gear stowed for later, the gang waited until midnight. They chose the night that coincided with the final day of the May Bumps, reasoning that any authorities would be preoccupied with

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the antics of rowdy rowers. The actual mechanics of the job involved a ground party moving the car into position (and warding off unwanted attentions) while a lifting party up on the roof hoisted it up using a derrick made from scaffolding poles and steel rope. A third group – the bridge party – were tasked with creating a passage between Senate House and Caius, passing a plank of wood across the so-called Senate House Leap (adjacent to Davey’s bedroom), allowing the lifters to hop over. There were hairy moments in the complicated lifting process, culminating in the car slamming down five feet onto the roof rather than the gentle descent the group had planned, and in the end they had to use brute force to get the vehicle up the slope and onto the top of the roof where they planned for it to sit. Terrified of being discovered, they hastily reattached the earlier removed doors and wheels, packed up and dispersed – with Davey only returning to the scene in the early morning to take a photo.

The group, sensibly, kept their heads down over the ensuing days, while the Police, Fire Brigade and eventually Civil Defence force got the car back down to terra firma and the story attracted international media attention. They needn’t have feared punishment though: the only response from the College Dean was to send a case of champagne to Davey’s stairwell…

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Now known for its cafés, pubs and indie shops, Mill Road is one of the liveliest corners of Cambridge.

There’s so much going on that you might well have missed Ditchburn Place – an imposing Georgian style building which sits tucked away between Gwydir Street and Perowne Street. The oldest surviving building on Mill Road, it dates back to 1838, when it began life as The Cambridge Union Workhouse: a place for the sick, the poor, orphans, unmarried pregnant women, or widowed women with no means of supporting their children. It might sound like a pioneering welfare state initiative, but life at the workhouse was no picnic – a harsh, prison-like environment, it was a place of shame, designed to be as unappealing as possible.

By 1879, Ditchburn Place had expanded its remit to helping tramps and vagrants, giving them food and a night’s shelter in exchange for work the next day.

Come 1930, all workhouses were closed, signalling the start of a new chapter for the building as the County Infirmary. During the second world war it became an emergency hospital where soldiers from Dunkirk and victims of the Blitz received treatment, and then, in 1948 with the formation of the NHS, it would become the Cambridge Maternity Hospital. A precursor to the Rosie Maternity Hospital, thousands of babies were brought into the world inside its walls, some of them still alive today. Eventually, the volume of patients meant a larger space was needed, which is when the Rosie site was added to Addenbrooke’s Hospital. In 1988, the building was repurposed as sheltered accommodation for the elderly, which it remains to this day.

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Culture Club ART EXHIBITIONS • THEATRE HIGHLIGHTS • INTERVIEWS • GIGS & CONCERTS

Image from A Streetcar Named Desire, at Cambridge Arts Theatre from 1 to 5 May

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Arts Culture

ELY CATHEDRAL FLOWER FESTIVAL Ely Cathedral welcomes back its spectacular flower festival next month, offering a chance to see magnificent floral displays, watch demos, hear musical recitals and even do a spot of shopping. Taking place 21 to 24 June, guests will be treated to the sight of thousands of flowers in over 100 displays, all inspired by the four seasons. Highlights are sure to include the water feature, a floral arc the length of the impressive nave and an entire transept dedicated to commemorating the end of the first world war. The crowning glory is a 12 metre wide kaleidoscope of flowers positioned in splendour directly under the famous Octagon tower.

In addition to the abundance of gorgeous flowers, the 14th century Lady Chapel will host an exciting programme of musical performances by choirs from across the world. Visitors to the cathedral will also be able to enjoy floral demonstrations and shopping in the Gift & Craft Marquee.

The festival’s Creative Director is Chelsea gold medal winner Roger Woolnough, who was part of the design team for Westminster Abbey’s Festival of Flowers and was the mastermind behind Ely Cathedral’s nationally acclaimed 2013 Flower Festival. The event will feature the work of over 35 flower clubs and guilds from across the eastern region, and will be officially opened at the preview evening on Wednesday 20 June by garden designer Diarmuid Gavin. elycathedral.org CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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ENCHANTED CINEMA Snuggle up under the stars and enjoy the magic of the silver screen with Enchanted Cinema, which is poised to return for its latest programme this May. Creating beautiful, vintage-inspired cinema experiences at locations around Cambridge, guests can relax in deckchairs, drink in hand, soaking up the fairy lit magic of the surroundings while they enjoy great films old and new. Enchanted Cinema has been steadily building its following for the last few years, and this time its back at one of its very favourite locations, the hidden garden at the Gonville Hotel, just opposite Parker’s Piece. It will also be popping up at Burwash Manor, Brewboard Brewery in Harston and Anstey Hall, and there’s a star-studded line-up of cinematic gems to catch across the board. Catch Blade Runner and Pulp Fiction at Brewboard, The Great Gatsby, Grease, Dirty Dancing and more at the Gonville, La La Land and Romeo & Juliet at Anstey Hall and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and a range of family-friendly films at Burwash Manor.

There will be lots of tasty food and drink options at all the screenings, plus live music and pre-theatre entertainment. Keep an eye on the Enchanted Cinema website for updates. enchantedcinema.co.uk

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CLASSICAL CONCERT SERIES

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In 2002, aged 12, violinist Jennifer Pike became the youngest winner to date of the BBC Young Musician of the Year award. She performs with Dresden Philharmonic on 20 May at the Corn Exchange The centrepiece will be Tchaikovsky’s dazzling violin concerto, with Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony to finish off the night in bravura fashion.

Tickets from £32.

Cornex.co.uk

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LATE AT THE FITZWILLIA M Go on an after-hours adventure at the Fitzwilliam Museum this month, which will be open until late on 16 May for an evening of ‘Objects in the Round’. Grab a cocktail and a bite to eat (the café will be serving Mediterranean nibbles), and explore the museum’s current exhibitions – Things of Beauty Growing and Flux: Parian; both of which celebrate ceramics.

There’ll be a chance to get hands on with clay yourself in the studio, plus take part in a 3D Scanathon, see Hans Coper’s pottery wheel in a special demonstration and watch a film by Matt Smith, curator of Flux. It’s free entry and the museum will be open until 9pm. fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

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‘ P OP!’ U P AT T HE A R T HOU N D

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Normally found at Burwash Manor, The Art Hound Gallery will be popping up in the city centre for a very special evening of art, music and cocktails this month.

Pop! Up, taking place on 11 May upstairs at Benet’s on King’s Parade, will showcase an exciting selection of works from the gallery’s collection, bringing together pieces by both world-famous pop artists and their successors – the street and urban artists whose work fizzes with the spirit of Pop. See work by the high priest of the movement, Andy Warhol, plus pieces from the likes of Sir Peter Blake, creator of the album artwork for The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Representing the new guard, there’s art by the current crop of contemporary artists directly inspired by the masters of Pop Art, including Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.

There will be a cocktail on arrival, an Andy Warhol-inspired soundtrack and live entertainment at 7pm, and the event runs 6.30pm to 9pm. To secure an invitation, email enquiries@thearthoundgallery.com.

STAPLEFORD GRANARY Nestled in a sleepy corner of South Cambridgeshire in a beautiful old building, Stapleford Granary is an inspiring space for music and the arts, hosting both education activities and courses and its own exciting programme of concerts, lectures, and events, which are open to all. In June, catch a recital of Haydn and Beethoven by pianist Imogen Cooper (23rd), enjoy songs of travel with tenor James Gilchrist accompanied by pianist Anna Tilbrook (27th), and immerse yourself in the heavenly sounds of the Stapleford Choral Society at the group’s summer concert on 25 June. On Sunday 24 June, stop by between 11am and 1pm for jazz and a cup of java, when Shakey Breaks the Ice will provide the tunes and Hot Numbers will be pouring the coffees.

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Classical music comes to the fore at Saffron Hall this season, with a packed programme that includes four must-see concerts.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra celebrates Leonard Bernstein’s centenary on 5 May with music he loved and wrote, before acclaimed British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor performs Bach, Brahms and more on 13 May. Countertenor Andreas Scholl teams up with period instrument ensemble The English Concert for baroque with an English twist on 26 May, before The Academy of Ancient Music perform on 28 May, alongside artist-in-residence Nicola Benedetti, in a concert marking 250 years since Telemann’s death. saffronhall.com

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CATS See Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world-famous Cats next month in Cambridge when acclaimed local theatre society Festival Players bring their brand new show to town.

Featuring a 27-strong cast of actors, singers and dancers, the show offers a new interpretation of this much-loved musical – with a different look and feel to the original that still honours the timelessness and charm of the music and poetry. Since taking the West End and Broadway by storm in 1981, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s feline masterpiece, based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by TS Eliot, has delighted theatregoers young and old around the world. A musical fantasy of contrasting styles and interweaving stories, it explores the secret lives of everyday cats as they gather for their annual Jellicle Ball. Join the fun from 7 to 16 June at the Mumford Theatre, when Grizabella, Rumpleteazer, Skimbleshanks and The Rum Tum Tugger will be taking audiences on a spellbinding journey with charismatic characters around every corner. anglia.ac.uk/mumfordtheatre

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From page to stage NICOLA FOLEY TALKS TO RACHEL WAGSTAFF, WRITER OF THE ACCLAIMED STAGE ADAPTATION OF SEBASTIAN FAULKS’ BIRDSONG, WHICH RUNS IN CAMBRIDGE THIS MONTH

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ebastian Faulks’ outstandingly successful novel Birdsong – a tale of love set against the horrors of World War I – has become a modern literary classic on a scale rarely seen. Published in 1993, it’s sold over three million copies in the UK alone, is a regular fixture on school syllabuses and often appears in polls of the nation’s favourite books of all time. All in all, a rather intimidating prospect for a hopeful young writer with ambitions of taking the novel from page to stage – but Rachel Wagstaff stepped up to the challenge (almost) undaunted, propelled by an unwavering belief that Birdsong would work powerfully well as a piece of theatre.

“I hoped to bring it to life afresh for current fans, while also taking it to a new audience of people who had alwaysmeant-to-read-it-but-just-hadn’t-yet!” she says of her motivation. “I thought that if I could write something that got the stamp of approval from Sebastian, then there was hope that the millions of fans of his novels might like it, too.”

A lover of the book since her teenage years, Wagstaff had known from the moment she began to read Birdsong that she’d love to create a theatre adaptation.

“Even then it had struck me how vividly it could work on stage,” she recalls. “I was encouraged to write a play when studying and, at the time, was very interested in the war poets, so wrote a play about the life of Rupert Brooke. It was staged at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and then had a small London transfer. I sent it to a few theatres, including the Orange Tree Theatre, where one of the literary team was very kind about the play. We talked about dramatising history and I mentioned how much I’d love to adapt Birdsong.

Sheer coincidence but he had recently been working with Sebastian Faulks so he encouraged me to contact Sebastian via his agent. I did, and Sebastian, his agent and I then met, discussed ideas, and it went from there.”

A first draft was written within six months, at which point she sent it off and endured an ‘agonising’ month-long wait for feedback. Eventually Faulks himself responded, glowingly praising her skill CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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in capturing the heart of his novel and the voices and rhythms of his characters.

From there, they worked closely together, with him providing feedback and encouragement throughout the process.

“The main challenge was balancing the responsibility I felt towards the novel and the real stories Sebastian was representing, versus the need to create a play that lived and breathed in its own right,” she says.

“It was very helpful having Sebastian involved, realising that he was very behind artistic decisions and entirely supportive of any condensing, elision or simple cutting that had to be made.”

Everything came together beautifully, and it wasn’t long before the adaptation was picked up for a production in the West End. Fast forward to today and the stage show of Birdsong has been seen by more than 200,000 people, enjoying widespread critical acclaim and a remarkable lifespan which continues into 2018.

“Our director recently pointed out that this current production has now lasted longer than the first world war,” marvels Wagstaff. “It means a great deal that this final tour coincides with the final year

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of four years of the commemoration of the war. When you write something, you hope that it will mean something to other people, too.

“I really hoped audiences would respond in the way they have and I’m so... well, relieved is probably the best word, after all those years that it seems to engage and move people in the way it now does. I’m very grateful to all involved for pouring in heart and soul to make it such a powerful production and this year’s show, remounted by Charlotte Peters, is the most powerful yet.”

Currently dividing her time between adaptations of The Girl on the Train and Flowers for Mrs Harris, we’re set to hear much more from Wagstaff over the coming years – but are there any other novels she would love to bring to life on the stage? “Always. But right now, I’ve got two toddlers and far too many deadlines so I’m trying not to think beyond the current projects!” she says. “I’ll hope to come back to you on that one as one of my dream novels is actually set in Cambridge, so fingers crossed…” l Birdsong runs at Cambridge Arts Theatre 14-19 May and tickets are £19-£34.

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W I M P OL E HIS TORY F ES T I VA L A feast of history and heritage against the backdrop of a grand old country pile, Wimpole History Festival is poised to return for its second outing from 22 to 24 June. From talks and tours to workshops, kids’ activities and a chance to step back in time with living history enactments, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

Go on an adventure across Europe with author, broadcaster and anthropologist Alice Roberts, who’ll be unearthing the fascinating history of the Iron Age ancestors we call the Celts, or join Sarah Churchwell for a piercing exposition of Trump’s USA and the American dream. TV historian David Olusoga will be charting the story of black Britons from Afro-Roman times to the present, while Thomas Williams presents a remarkable new history of the Vikings. From Mary Beard to Kate Mosse, yoga to ceilidh dancing and scything, there’s plenty more to see and do too – stay tuned to the next issue of Edition when we’ll be chatting to some of the speakers and giving the full lowdown. wimpolehistoryfestival.com

CAMBRIDGE 3 POSTAL PROJECT Three artists who taught at The Perse School more than a decade ago return to the area for an exhibition inspired by a project that’s kept them in touch through art.

When Lesley Birch left the school for Yorkshire, Karen Stamper sent a piece of wood with a map collaged on the front and a note saying: “Respond and send on to Clare”. And so the Cambridge 3 Postal Project began, with shared artwork travelling back and forth in the post between the three.

The latest postal pieces and lots more will be on display at The Locker Cafe, 54 King St, Cambridge June 2-30, 2018. thecambridge3.com

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A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE First released in 1947, the years have dulled none of the potency of Tennessee Williams’ groundbreaking masterpiece, A Streetcar Named Desire. A portrait of what it means to be an outsider, the story follows the events which unfold when Blanche DuBois – anxious, but seductive and fiercely clever – arrives to stay with her sister and brutish brother in law Stanley Kowalski; sparking an explosive chain of events which will change them all forever. Widely regarded as one of the greatest plays ever written, Streetcar won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1948 and made stars out of a young Marlon Brando and his co-star Vivien Leigh when adapted for the big screen a few years later. This month, you can see a bold reimagining of the play at Cambridge Arts Theatre, when a production by English Touring Theatre, Theatr Clwyd and Nuffield Southampton Theatres runs from 1-5 May. Tickets are £19-34. cambridgeartstheatre.com

BECK IE R EED AT BYA R D A R T Beckie Reed’s distinctive woodland scenes will be taking over Byard Art’s ground floor gallery from 4 to 27 May. With more than 25 paintings using different techniques that merge abstract with detail, the exhibition offers tree trunks and branches vying for attention against delicate, dappled light. Many layers are built up to create these beautiful, evocative paintings.

“I am constantly inspired by my surroundings and I always have a camera with me,” says Beckie. Her work has been exhibited by Byard Art since she graduated from Loughborough university in 2004, and is now exhibited and collected worldwide.

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The Art Insider RUTHIE COLLINS, FOUNDER OF CAMBRIDGE ART SALON, GIVES HER ARTY PICKS OF THE MONTH

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brilliant poet). The book itself is packed with illustrations, helping the reader unravel the mysteries of consciousness: find it in all good bookshops.

Continuing this theme of curious minds questioning the status quo is Flux: Parian Unpacked at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Coinciding with the BBC Civilisations festival, lead artist of the show, ceramicist Matt Smith, questions how we should remember figures in British history through an installation of over 100 dazzling 18th century parian busts.

Juxtaposed against a vibrant (pink!) backdrop of wallpaper taken from Punch illustrations, plus boxes emblazoned with the words ‘fragile’, the exhibition has a modern edge: a reminder that history is open to interpretation, that power structures and privilege are not given, but volatile. That even the most impenetrable of powerful icons has a human, vulnerable side.

While there, also see the Fitzwilliam’s current keynote show, Things of Beauty Growing, which is a total treat –

emember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet…”

So starts one of the most famous quotations from Professor Stephen Hawking. This line, from one of the world’s greatest scientists whom we said goodbye to last month, could have been written by any poet or artist. Why is a scientist being quoted in an arts column? Well, his call for us all to stay ‘curious’ is one of the shared values of both arts and sciences, making them more similar than you might think.

Professor Hawking leaves an undisputed legacy worldwide, an inspiration to millions. Watch out for his image that’s appeared on the graffiti wall of Argyle Street Co-Op’s car park, just over the bridge on Mill Road – a colourful tribute that says a lot about what he meant to the city. My own family’s homage was also creative: we’ve started reading his children’s book George’s Secret Key to the Universe, co-written with daughter Lucy Hawking, a marvellous overlap between arts and sciences that helps children decode everyday mysteries, like electricity or the moon.

This month also sees the return to Cambridge of Pint of Science and its artistic twin Creative Reactions, from 14 to 16 May. The event matches scientists with over 60 artists to help unlock scientific research in a creative way, with an end-of-project exhibition at St Barnabas Church on the 18 and 19 May. Creative Reactions, curated by Karen Jinks and Mandy Knapp, started in Cambridge in 2015. It’s a real sign of the city’s curious, creative mind – and has grown to be an annual event in several other cities. Watch out for artists such as Alan Rogerson and Kelcy Davenport, plus jeweller Lorraine Hitt, creating work in response to cutting-edge scientific research.

“Science is about building our knowledge all the time.

What was previously thought to be fact can be proven to have exceptions,” says Cambridge-based Dr Hannah Critchlow, one of Britain’s leading scientists, whose book Consciousness: A Ladybird Expert book, is released this month at the Hay Festival where she returns this year in conversation with former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (also a

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“A marvellous overlap between arts and science” an amazing insight into the dizzying possibilities across British studio pottery. Watch out for contemporary reworks of the iconic ‘moonjar’ (a large bowl-like pot) that greet you as soon as you arrive, plus Clare Twomey’s lavish Made In China installation, also part of the show, drawing understated attention to the differences in working conditions for artisans in the UK and China. Food for thought, indeed – in a world marked by inequality, technology offers mind-blowing potential to either reduce it or widen it. Gorgeous 36-piece installation Virtues of Unity by Halima Cassell, also part of the show, celebrates unity throughout the world through hand-carved bowls made from clay from sites of ceramic production. Singing with a sense of balance and light, and an interactive element too which brings you closer to distant countries in an unexpected way; a reminder, that wherever we live or work, artist or scientist, we are all human. It’s something that in times of increasing political divide often seems forgotten.

So as the summer approaches, those of you facing deadlines or exam pressures should remember Hawking’s wise words: “It matters if you don’t just give up.” l

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Staying out for the

SUMMER WITH SUMMER ON ITS WAY, WE ROUND UP THE BEST MUSIC FESTIVALS IN AND AROUND CAMBRIDGE

2-5 AUGUS T

CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL CHERRY HINTON HALL, CAMBRIDGE A huge celebration of folk music of all kinds, this festival has been pitching up at Cherry Hinton Hall in Cambridge for over 50 years. The event has come a long way since its debut event, when a few hundred gathered around one small stage (even if they were entertained by Paul Simon), and it’s earned a reputation for serving up a fabulously eclectic mix of folky talent. This year’s offering will be no exception, with headliners including the legendary Patti Smith, plus indie folk sisters First Aid Kit, Nashville’s finest Beth Nielsen Chapman and country folk singer-songwriter John Prine. As ever, in addition to the big name stars of the scene, the festival will showcase the hottest rising stars, plus offer workshops on everything from ceilidh dancing to guitar playing. Full weekend tickets are £175, or £145 for Cambridge residents. cambridgelivetrust.co.uk CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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26 -29 J U LY

STANDON CALLING STANDON LORDSHIP, HERTFORDSHIRE

This colourful festival started life as a small garden party but – as great parties tend to do – it escalated spectacularly.

Nowadays, Standon Calling is one of the UK’s top boutique festivals, serving up three packed days of incredible acts, just an hour away from central Cambridge. Described by Time Out magazine as having “more charm than you can imagine”, the event combines a glorious rural setting – complete with heated open-air swimming pool – with top music, tasty food, family activities and loads of fancy-dressed silliness.

Heading up the impressive line-up this year are Paloma Faith, George Ezra and Bryan Ferry, as well as Django Django, Goldfrapp, Morcheeba and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

For a late night party, catch heavyweights like 2MANYDJs, Yoda and Hot Chip spinning tracks, drum and bass in the Hospitality takeover at the Groove Garden or take a trip down memory lane with a set from garage duo DJ Luck & MC Neat. You can also laugh along with top drawer comedy on the Lawn, sing your heart out at rockaoke, dance like a starman at the Bowie Disco and zen out with a whole host of wellbeing workshops.

If you’ve got little ones with you, they’ll be well catered for too for with entertainment including a live Horrible Histories show, and the whole family can get involved with the futuristic theme. Adult Weekend Tickets from £159. standon-calling.com

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FARR FESTIVAL BYGRAVE WOODS, HERTFORDSHIRE

5-8

An ultra-boutique festival held in fairy light festooned woodland deep in the Hertfordshire countryside, Farr has been doing its thing for nine years now. If electronic beats are your bag, this one’s for you: the festival has a reputation for bringing in some of the biggest names on the house and techno scene and this year’s offering will be no exception. By night, dance to the likes of Maribou State, Shy FX, Mount Kimbie and Tom Misch, and by day, limber up with a yoga session, soak in hot tubs and taste your way around some great food and drink trucks. For the first time, this year’s event will feature a Sunday line-up, when they’ll be rounding off the weekend in style with dub, reggae and disco vibes. Weekend tickets are £125. farrfestival.co.uk

JULY

1

15 SEPTEMBER

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CORN EXCHANGE, CAMBRIDGE From the makers of the Cambridge Folk Festival, Subterranean returns for its second outing in September, bringing another funpacked, 12-hour marathon music event to the Corn Exchange. The event will present a great line-up of indie and rock across four stages – The Inferno Stage, The Labyrinth Stage, The Underworld Stage and the exclusively acoustic Lair.

National bands meet local talent on the line-up, which features appearances from Andy Cairns, lead singer of Therapy?, Belfast two-piece band REWS, blues and rock outfit Austin Gold, and Cambridgebased classic rock band The Brink.

Advance tickets are available for £15. cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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WYSING ARTS ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL WYSING ARTS CENTRE, BOURN

Taking place in the sleepy village of Bourn, there’s every chance you’ve not heard of this festival; but to those in the know, it’s one of the hottest tickets in town. Now entering its ninth year, the event was selected as one of Vogue magazine’s top independent festivals, and brings together boundary-pushing musicians for a genre-spanning frolic into the outer edges of the musical spectrum. Expect captivating innovation in a lush rural setting.

Keep an eye on the Wysing website for ticket announcements. wysingartscentre.org

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31 MAY–2 JUNE

RED ROOSTER EUSTON HALL, SUFFOLK A whisky sippin’, guitar strummin’, Deep South-vibed get-down in the Suffolk countryside, Red Rooster returns 31 May to 2 June. As always, the music line-up has a heavy Americana, country and roots bent, with acts including Pokey LaFarge, Alabama 3 and Daddy Long Legs hitting the stage. It takes place in the grounds of Euston Hall, a gorgeous, grassy patch of countryside with a lake and woodland, overlooked by a grand old country house. Expect a laid-back weekend spent hearing great music and eating good food (think southern fried chicken and gourmet mac and cheese), with singalongs around the campfire and a family-friendly feel. Day tickets are available from £40 and weekend tickets (including camping), are available from £59.50. redrooster.org.uk

13-15 JULY

BIG W EEK EN D PARKER’S PIECE, CAMBRIDGE A local event which barely needs an introduction, the Big Weekend is one of the most popular events in Cambridge’s summer calendar. It returns from 13 to 15 July for a three-day extravaganza of music, entertainment, food, fireworks, family activities and community celebration in the heart of the city on Parker’s Piece. With previous headliners including Boney M, Slade, and ABC, we can’t wait to hear who’ll be entertaining us this time around – stay tuned to Cambridge Edition for details. cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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STRAWBERRY FAIR

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MIDSUMMER COMMON, CAMBRIDGE

One that always pulls in the punters, Strawberry Fair pitches up on Midsummer Common on the first Saturday of June each year. Entirely volunteer-run, it’s free to attend (though donations are welcome), and attracts some 40,000 visitors annually, who swarm to the spot to see bands and DJs, browse stalls, eat, drink and dance. The event runs all day – take a picnic blanket and some pals and soak up Cambridge’s lesser-seen bohemian side. strawberry-fair.org.uk

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30 JUNE

WILD WOOD DISCO

HORSEHEATH RACECOURSE, LINTON

If there was one local festival which got everyone talking last summer, it was Wild Wood Disco. Blessed with gorgeous sunshine for its debut event, everyone lucky enough to be there last year raved about it – and the organisers are gearing up for something even bigger and better this year.

Taking place at Horseheath Racecourse, Linton, it’s organised by local party-makers My Little Festival, who’ll be bringing their characteristic sparkle and eccentricity to this day-long mini festi. Hidden woodland dancefloors, art installations, lasers, firepits and a secret absinthe hut will make a magical backdrop, while up on the stage acts like the legendary Groove Armada, festival faves Stanton Warriors and house music titan Seb Fontaine will be keeping the crowd dancing.

There’ll also be cocktails to sip, tasty food to try and plenty more surprises – get glittered up and join the fun!

Tickets are currently on sale at £45 and camping options are available. thewildwooddisco.com

16 JUNE

STRAWBERRIES AND CREEM HAGGIS FARM, CAMBRIDGE Rising up unexpectedly out of the local countryside, Strawberries and Creem becomes more of a festival force to be reckoned with every year. Delivering a stonking bill of urban and grime artists, S&C transforms its corner of Cambridgeshire from sleepy farm to bassline-pulsing party each summer, attracting a younger crowd and an always-impressive calibre of names. Up this year is A-list US rapper T-Pain, who’ll be making his one and only UK festival appearance at Strawberries and Creem. Known for tracks like I’m Sprung and Buy U a Drank, the double Grammy award-winning artist will be joined by drum and bass producer Shy FX, reggae selector David Rodigan and house and techno DJ Secondcity.

Tickets are currently available for £40. strawberriesandcreem.com CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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After Hours THE NIGHTLIFE EVENTS NOT TO MISS THIS MONTH

13 15 & J U LY

CONCERTS AT AUDLEY END Catch some rays, grab a picnic and a bottle of something cold and enjoy great tunes at Audley End this summer when the stately home hosts a duo of top concerts.

Here and Now – Back to the 80s features Jason Donovan, Midge Ure, Five Star, Hot Chocolate, Altered Images, T’Pau and Toyah on 13 July.

Donovan is famous for a string of hits, including a No 1 duet with former Neighbours co-star Kylie Minogue, while Ure reached the top of the charts on his own, and had a string of hits with Ultravox and Visage, plus co-wrote the Band Aid single. Hot Chocolate’s You Sexy Thing is the only single to have hit the UK top ten in the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Then, on 15 July, 2Cellos take to the outdoor stage, featuring Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser. The duo have worked with Sir Elton John, played at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012 and their 2017 world tour finished at the Royal Albert Hall.

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29 M AY

BE T H DI T T O Famous for vocals with swagger at the forefront of pounding tunes, Beth Ditto has blazed a trail for female singers in the indie sphere during the last decade. The former lead singer of Gossip performs tracks from her solo debut Fake Sugar at Cambridge Junction on 29 May. Expect a mash-up of driving blues, swooning rock and countrified soul, as Ditto approaches love, loss, looking back and moving on in her own way. Tickets are £20.50 in advance.

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NIGHTLIFE

NOW BOOKING JA M E S B AY 3 JUNE, CORN EX, £32.50

The critically acclaimed singer songwriter hits Cambridge as part of a tour for his new album Electric Light.

W IL L ROBER T Local singer-songwriter Will Robert is back with a new record, Few & Far Between, and a gig at Cambridge Junction to celebrate. Sometimes compared to the likes of Ben Howard, Newton Faulkner and Bon Iver, Will’s sound blends a velvety smooth voice with a unique, percussive style of guitar. Few & Far Between is a follow up to 2015’s Transitions, which earned him much praise from critics and a spot on BBC Radio 1’s playlist with his single City Lights. This month’s show, taking place on the 19th, will see him perform with a full band, serving up an energetic indie-folk offering with a slightly rockier edge than his previous material. “I’ve been building a band around my solo stuff for the last couple of years and the new record has quite a different feel, more electric guitars, drums and a bigger band sound overall,” he explains. “The live show is a much bigger event now too thanks to Mike, Oli and Jamie joining me.” Tickets are £13.50. junction.co.uk

FOREST LIVE: THE SCRIPT 7 JUNE, THETFORD FOREST, £42.50

One of the world’s biggest bands, these chart toppers have enjoyed four number one albums and in excess of 29 million record sales – catch them in the magical setting of Thetford Forest next month.

C A MBR I D GE F R I NGE F EST I VA L

C A MBR I D GE SK A & R EGG A E F EST I VA L

On Sunday 6 May – the day before this month’s first Bank Holiday Monday – the Cambridge Fringe pitches up in CB4 for a day of top-notch comedy across venues The Portland Arms, Thirsty and The Boathouse. A mini Edinburgh Fringe, the festival will offer a chance to chuckle along with a total of 28 different shows, ranging from the racy humour of Tanyalee Davis to the witty political commentary of Rahul Kohli, plus local talent like Adele Cliff. The event runs from 12 noon until late and shows are free to attend, with donations welcome. For more information, search FringeCambridge on Facebook.

With hits like The Israelites and You Can Get It If You Really Want, Jamaican reggae star Desmond Dekker rose to fame in the 60s and 70s. Though he passed away in 2006, his music lives on through his band The Aces, who visit the Junction this month for the Cambridge Ska & Reggae Festival on 12 May. The gig also features support from BIG 10, a ska covers band well-loved for their energetic covers of Madness, The Specials, Bad Manners and many more.

There’s also DJ support from Sir Eddy and Rev Nix, plus reggae vocalist Susan Cadogan. Tickets are £22.50.

Junction.ac.uk

Funny, frank and unapologetically filthy humour from the popular comedian’s Control Enthusiast show.

29 AUG, CORN EX, £28

Gomez, the blues-indie-folk-rock you-name-it band that won the Mercury Music Prize in 1998 ahead of Pulp, The Verve and Massive Attack play the Corn Exchange on 6 May. They won the prestigious award with debut album Bring it on, which is to be released in a 20th anniversary edition four-CD deluxe bundle with a mere 35(!) unreleased tracks. Tickets are £30.50.

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20-23 JUNE, CORN EXCHANGE, £30.25

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Annie Clark, aka St Vincent, is on the road in support of her latest release MASSEDUCTION. Expect guitar wizardry, excellent outfits and a great live show.

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Music Blog

MUSIC

JORDAN WORLAND FROM LOCAL MUSIC WEBSITE SLATE THE DISCO SELECTS HIS MUST-SEE GIGS IN CAMBRIDGE THIS MONTH

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folk. An inveterate collaborator, she first emerged through her duo with Jonny Kearney and is possibly best known as one quarter of The Furrow Collective.

Back in 1998 a quirky indie band from Southport saw off favourites Massive Attack’s Mezzanine and The Verve’s Urban Hymns to the Mercury Prize. 2018 sees Gomez commemorate the 20th anniversary release of Bring It On with a run of shows where they’ll play the album in full, including a date at the Corn Exchange on the 6th. The record realised the possibilities of combining indie and roots music with lo-fi electronics and can still be heard as an influence in other bands today: this is one not to be missed.

May is ridiculously busy at The Portland Arms with two must-see acts in particular, starting with Bully on the 15th.

Fresh from releasing their second record, Bully mix sugary melodies with yawning slacker guitars and songs that smile and snarl. From Nashville, the quartet have been charming

ay’s must-see show is the Cambridge debut of Will Toledo’s acclaimed musical project, Car Seat Headrest, at the Cambridge Junction on Monday 21st. Starting out as a bedroom project, 25-year-old Toledo has written and released some fifteen albums, the most recent of which, Twin Fantasy, was released earlier this year. Toledo’s style and sound has moved from bedroom pop to something approaching classicrock grandeur with nods to The Cars and William Onyeabor.

Elsewhere at the Junction this month we have Sydney trio DMA’S – who released their sophomore album last month – on the 7th. Expect stadium-ready guitars with jangling acoustics and melodic yet gritty vocals. The former frontwoman of dance-punk trio Gossip, Beth Ditto opens her UK tour at the Junction on the 29th; part of the tour in support of her solo debut, Fake Sugar.

Cambridge legend Robin Hitchcock will play two Cambridge dates this May. The 18 May date sold out almost instantly but tickets for Thursday 17th at the Unitarian Church Hall on Emmanuel Road are still available. Famed for his neopsychedelia band The Soft Boys, Hitchcock is playing a small run of UK shows in support of his acclaimed, self-titled 21st studio album.

There’s a busy month down Norfolk Street at the Blue Moon. It kicks off on the 4th with Les Carter, best known for his work in Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine in the early 90s, but these days he plays guitar for folk punk kings Ferocious Dog. When not on the road with said Dogs, he is on stage solo and acoustic. Mary Ocher has become a rather prominent character in the European queer music world over the last five years thanks to her quirky voice, unsettling lyrics and slightly out-of-this-world live performances. Ocher plays The Blue Moon on the 15th. Finally Goldblume, Ragweed, Megalomatic and The Grey play on the 17th.

Jangle-pop Cambridge trio The Centimes have been quiet for some time. They return for a rare show at Relevant Records on the 12th. Meanwhile, The Waterman hosts a rare intimate solo show for Lucy Farrell on the 3rd. She is one of the most vital musicians and vocalists in contemporary British

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“There’s a busy month down Norfolk Street” everyone from Pitchfork to NME ever since they formed, with the kind of college rock that sounds fresh from a repackaged 90s soundtrack. Following that, another top recommendation is Avi Buffalo on the 31st; picture slacker indie-rock with elements of psychedelia, with a sound that falls somewhere between the likes of Modest Mouse and MGMT. Vundabar are a charming, chaotic pile-up of surf-, maths-, and art-rock – though their songs are brimming with hooks, the Boston group’s main draw is an unpredictable, fast-twitch energy. They play The Portland on the 11th. The following night sees the iconic post-punk/new wave The Monochrome Set grace Cambridge as part of their tour to promote their 14th studio album and celebrate 40 years since their formation.

Sticking at The Portland there are honourable mentions for Ciaran Lavery (1st) Hayseed Dixie’s John Wheeler (4th) and the hard-hitting indie-rock sounds of BBC Sound of 2018 nominee Sam Fender (10th). Everything he’s touched so far has been gold (see Slow Club and The Surfing Magazines) so we’re keen to see Charles Watson solo show on the 21st. We end with shining lights of the early 90s alternative dance scene, Jesus Jones, who play The Portland on the 23rd.

A busy month indeed, enjoy! l

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What’s On A ROUND-UP OF EVENTS IN AND AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE THIS MONTH

1-5 MAY

5 MAY

9 MAY

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

SHAZIA MIRZA

HEATHER SMALL

After 2016’s sell-out tour The Kardashians made me do it, the comic returns with views on the periodic table, nudity and more.

8pm | Cambridge Junction | £15.50 junction.co.uk

The voice of M People, Heather was at the forefront of 11 million record sales with hits such as Moving on Up and One Night in Heaven.

7.30pm | Corn Exchange | from £32.75 cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

A bold revival of Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece about what it means to be an outsider in a society that we’re all desperate to belong to.

7.45pm, 2.30pm Thursdays and Saturdays Cambridge Arts Theatre | from £19 Cambridgeartstheatre.com

10 MAY 6 MAY

CAMBRIDGE FRINGE FESTIVAL

1-5 MAY

HAMLET The Bard’s classic tale of revenge takes place at the candlelit Round Church as the ADC Theatre goes on tour.

7.45pm | Round Church | from £9 adctheatre.com

A new one-day comedy festival centred around venues in Mitcham’s Corner. Stand-ups include Tanyalee Davis, Jenny Collier, Rahul Kohli, Matt Price and Russell Hicks.

3pm to 10pm | Mitcham’s Corner venues Free, donations encouraged

SHANE FILAN The former Westlife singer has forged a successful solo career and the setlist is sure to feature tracks from Love Always, a collection of some of his favourite love songs.

7.30pm | Corn Exchange | from £30.50 cambridgelivetrust.co.uk 11 MAY

OUTLANDS #1 A collaboration between US composer Mantana Roberts and British sound artist/improviser Kelly Jayne Jones, who uses prepared recordings, text, rocks, found sounds and flute.

8pm | St Barnabas Church | £11.50 junction.co.uk 11-12 MAY

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGED Two teams featuring three comedians and an expert in a gameshow format with elements of QI, Just a Minute and Mock the Week.

9.30pm | Corpus Playroom | from £5 adctheatre.com 12-13 MAY

TELETUBBIES LIVE The colourful foursome take to the stage for their first theatre show as they explore the magic of Teletubbyland.

10am, 1pm | Corn Exchange | from £25 for family of two | cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

27 MAY

14-19 MAY

BIRDSONG

JOE LYCE T T A frequent face on the small screen on shows such as QI, expect missives from Lycett’s “pathetic internet trolling” plus jokes and paintings.

8pm | Corn Exchange | from £22.75 | cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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The stage show of the book by Sebastian Faulks, its tale of love and the trenches has been seen by more than 200,000 people.

7.45pm, 2.30pm Thursdays and Saturdays Cambridge Arts Theatre | £19-£34 Cambridgeartstheatre.com

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5 MAY

ROYA L PHIL H A R MON IC ORCHES T R A Esther Yoo, artist-in-residence for both the venue and orchestra, performs Glazunov’s violin concerto, plus works by Grieg and Brahms.

7.30pm | Corn Exchange | from £32 cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

16 MAY

19 MAY

22 MAY

NIGEL KENNEDY

EAT CAMBRIDGE

THE RUTLES

The virtuoso violinist, who became famous for his alternative style and attitude as well as his enormous talent, will perform new interpretations of George Gershwin, pieces by Bach plus his own compositions.

7.30pm | Corn Exchange | from £38 cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

A feast for the eyes and tastebuds, expect a range of talks about recipes, drinks and much more, plus local food producers on hand to share their treats. After the main event on the 19th, there’s a host of fringe events until 2 June.

10.30am to 4pm | The Guildhall eat-cambridge.co.uk

Original Rutles Neil Innes and John Halsey return.

The group were created as a fictional Beatles pastiche in the 70s before achieving success in reality (while remaining a Fab Four parody).

7pm | Cambridge Junction | £25 junction.co.uk

17 MAY

19 MAY

ANGELA BARNES

THE DEMON LOVER

Mock the Week regular and host of Radio 4’s Newsjack, Barnes brings her latest show to town, considering what happens when the choices you make aren’t your choice any more.

8pm | Cambridge Junction | £13.50 junction.co.uk

Elizabeth Bowen’s tale of guilt and retribution comes to The Leper Chapel, Cambridge’s oldest complete building, in a one-man storytelling show performed by Richard Spaul.

8pm | The Leper Chapel | £12 | insitutheatre.co.uk

17 MAY

20 MAY

REMEMBERING FRED

THE GINGERBREAD MAN

The latest dance show featuring Strictly Come Dancing professionals pays tribute to Fred Astaire. Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara keep together in perfect time.

7.30pm | Corn Exchange | from £27.75 cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

Imagine being born in an oven and the first person you meet wants to dunk you in their tea! Meet a man who finds his feet and sets off to avoid anyone who finds him tasty.

11.30am, 2.30pm | Cambridge Junction £6 children, £10 adults | junction.co.uk

28 MAY-2 JUNE

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THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

The West End comedy is back after two sell-out runs last year. A polytechnic drama society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but things don’t go according to plan.

7.45pm, 2.30pm Thursdays and Saturdays Cambridge Arts Theatre | £20-£35 Cambridgeartstheatre.com 29 MAY

BETH DITTO Former Gossip singer whose vocal style has often been compared to Janis Joplin and Etta James, and whose lyrics are nothing but direct.

7pm | Cambridge Junction | £20.50 junction.co.uk

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r t B il i n a l BANK HOLIDAYS WE ROUND-UP SOME TOP IDEAS FOR FAMILY DAYS OUT FOR THE EARLY AND LATE MAY BANK HOLIDAYS

WILDTRACKS

Family fun on four wheels of all sizes takes place at Wildtracks, with something to bring out the Lewis Hamilton in everyone.

Whether it’s karts to replicate the world of Formula 1 with a much smaller engine, quad bikes to give an energy rush as you speed through mud, or 4x4 vehicles for an off-road thrill, there’s plenty to choose from at the centre, which is just off the A11, near Red Lodge.

Trying out karts and quad bikes can be combined in one session, with children from eight and up catered for, as long as they are 1.3 metres tall. wildtracksltd.co.uk

H A N N A M’ S WA K E H U B Get out and active with the family at Hannam’s Wake Hub, which offers a range of fun, water-based activities on a unique purpose-built site north of Cambridge. Try kneeboarding, stand up paddleboarding, open water swimming, inflatable rides or wakeboarding, which involves you riding a surfboard–style board, speeding along the lake helped by a zip wire-like cable overhead.

The experiences are suitable for ages six years and up, and Hannam’s also hosts kids’ parties with wakeboarding, inflatables and barbecue options. hannamswakehub.com M A Y 2 018

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GUINEAS FESTIVAL This year’s Guineas Festival at Newmarket Racecourse hosts five sporting legends who will keep guests entertained during two days of packed high-class racing.

On 5 May one of the greatest flat racing jockeys of all time, Lester Piggott, with 4,493 wins and 11 championship titles, will be joined by jump jockey Bob Champion, who overcame cancer to win the 1981 Grand National.

They will be joined on the day in the Winning Post Pavilion by Freddy Tylicki, champion apprentice in 2009.

The next day, 6 May, features former England cricket captain Graham Gooch and Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek, who was a member of Britain’s hockey team in Rio de Janeiro two years ago.

The pavilion is opposite the grandstand on the winning line, offering guests excellent views. If you choose a day at the races in this fab location, you’ll be treated to a three- or two-course meal and a champagne or prosecco reception, CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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plus afternoon tea and a complimentary or cash bar, depending on which day you choose.

Gooch said: “During my career I played at some spectacular grounds, such as Lord’s, the home of cricket; and Newmarket, as the home of horseracing, is part of this illustrious group of iconic sporting venues. Every visit is special.”

Champion added: “It’s right on the winning line, the atmosphere is incredible.”

The two-day meeting includes the season’s first two classic races, the 1000 and 2000 Guineas. Some of the very best thoroughbreds in the world will be going head to head and the race meeting marks the beginning of the QIPCO British Champions Series – 35 flat races that feature four of the top ten rated races in the world.

Package prices are £360 for 5 May and £240 for 6 May. newmarket.thejockeyclub.co.uk

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FA M I LY DAYS O U T

PU N T ING PICN IC Enjoy some quintessentially Cambridge messing about in boats with Rutherford’s Punting. An ideal bank holiday activity, Rutherford’s offers picnic punting tours featuring an indulgent afternoon tea aboard a punt bedecked with blankets and cushions (plus unique lumbar supports, which grown-ups might well be grateful for). The treats are provided by local institution Fitzbillies, and include scones with jam and cream, mini cakes and macarons, plus dainty finger sandwiches and sparkling elderflower cordial. The tour lasts 50 minutes and takes in some of Cambridge’s most iconic sights. rutherfordspunting.com

ANGLESEY ABBEY Discover what it was like to holiday like a lord of the manor when Anglesey Abbey hosts rare collections for the first time.

The first Lord Fairhaven, who lived at the estate, was very well-travelled and used the family’s steam yacht, RY Sapphire, to journey far with family and friends to places including America and the Far East, with stops in Europe to dine with ambassadors.

The conservation team at Anglesey have discovered a cine film he took at Cowes Regatta in the 1920s which has been digitised.

Kate Reeder, house manager, said: “The team discovered it in a trunk in a wardrobe. We’re also celebrating important moments in his life, such as attending royal coronations and his friendship with the royal family.

“Lord Fairhaven’s travels make for a fascinating glimpse into a world that influenced the work he undertook at Anglesey Abbey. In the library, visitors can see the books he created from postcards and guidebooks he collected.” nationaltrust.org.uk

REACH FAIR

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M AY

A feast for the eyes, ears and your belly awaits at a grand day out that mixes tradition with fun. Reach is host to one of the oldest fairs in the country; the Fair was granted a Royal Charter

by King John in 1201 (8 January to be precise).

From 12pm to 5pm on 7 May there will be a big wheel and fairground rides suitable for all ages, the Devil’s Dyke Morris Men will dance through the afternoon and various inflatables will keep young ones bouncing in the top field. Village games – including football, a coconut shy and a crockery stall, where you can reserve an item (to save it) or smash it, are all part of the fun, plus dancing, a gymnastics display, a dog show and lots of live music.

Craft stalls feature jewellery, cards, paintings, photography, hats, scarves, ceramics, textiles and much more. The Reach village barbecue will serve up burgers and hot dogs, plus pastries from Brownbread, fish and chips from Handy Plaice, Hoggies with – you guessed it – a hog roast, Nanna Mexico’s delicious street food, as well as sweet stuff from Lazy Lisa’s doughnuts or waffles, Gourmet Brownies and The Sinful Bakery. You can wash all that down with one of Lord Conrad Brewery’s beers or Gentleman Jim’s draft ales or cocktails, which are served from a horsebox bar. reachfair.org.uk

Look up! What’s that? Check out the thrilling, amazing and sometimes strange aircraft that take to the skies at Duxford Air Festival on 26 and 27 May. There’s so much to see, including AeroSuperBatics, a team of gymnastic wing walkers on biplanes, the TRIG aerobatic team, a Tiger 9 formation flypast, a Great War display and a B-17 Flying Fortress.

On the ground, there’s a family flight challenge that explains, in a hands-on way, all the jobs, from designers to mechanics, that make a plane fly. You can also join a challenge to make a record-breaking paper plane. On the Adventurers Stage aviators and pilots will talk about their experiences and the Inventors Lab features new plane technology, including jetpacks and satellites.

Tickets are from £29.50, children enter for free.

Iwm.org.uk

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DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL CAMBRIDGE’S MOST COLOURFUL BOAT RACE IS BACK FOR MORE FUN THIS AUTUMN – CYRUS PUNDOLE FINDS OUT WHAT’S IN STORE

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D RAG O N B OAT F E ST I VA L

F

ancy taking on an ancient Chinese tradition? Being part of the fastest-growing – not to mention fun – water activity in the country?

Full of colour and beats (well, drumming), the county’s most exuberant boating event, the Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival, returns on 8 September, and you can become part of it and raise funds for charity too.

Teams across the region are starting to sign up for the day, which is now in its 14th year. Crews of up to ten people, each in 30-foot boats, will be taking part.

Complete with a drummer at the front, and a helm at the back to steer, you need plenty of team spirit, but no previous boating experience is required, as the crews battle it out along a 200-metre stretch of the River Cam out in Fen Ditton, cheered on by hundreds of spectators.

Each year the event – in terms of competitors – sells out in advance, with

more than 40 crews taking part and more than £20,000 raised for charity, so don’t delay your entry.

Teams are made up of companies, organisations, clubs and groups of friends, all competing in a nail-biting river race to see who will take home the crown. Each team is guaranteed at least three races and there are trophies

NEED-TOKNOW lC rews are up to ten paddlers,

plus a drummer. Squads can be larger, up to 15 people. lB oats can be crewed by all male, female or mixed teams. lA ll crew members must be confident in cold water conditions and in moving water, wearing light clothing. lT he minimum age is 16. No prior experience required. lQ ualified helms, buoyancy aids and water safety cover are provided. lT rophies for the top three crews, plus best mixed crew, best-dressed crew and the squad that raises the most funds. lS tandard entry is £650 plus VAT per team. lE ntries on a first come, first served basis. lE ntry fees go towards the running of the event. ACT only benefits from sponsorship in addition to standard fees.

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and medals for the top three teams.

It’s all in aid of a fantastic local cause: Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), which is the only charity dedicated to making a difference for patients at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals in Cambridge.

Whether it’s treatment for an emergency, acute condition, pregnancy or long-term illness, they believe that every patient deserves the highest quality of care available.

The aim of the charity is to continue to support the hospitals by raising funds for cutting-edge technology, additional specialist services, vital research and extra comforts for patients over and above what would be possible through NHS funding alone.

As well as all the action taking place on the river, there’s plenty to enjoy on the banks of the Cam, including Chinese lion dancing, children’s activities and funfair rides.

And there’s no need to decide whether to go before or after lunch if you’re planning to watch the action, as there will be a wide variety of hot and cold food and drink available, including burgers, hot drinks and ice cream.

There’s a bar too, though strictly for spectators only until the competitors have finished their races!

And to give you an incentive to be top dog not only on the water but also in terms of raising money, there’s a prize for the team that raises the most, in the shape of a sushi-making extravaganza.

The charity trophy winners will receive a private group masterclass at Cambridge Cookery, an award-winning cookery school and café. Hosted by their sushi chef, it comes complete with sake shots, wine and boxes full of delicious treats to take home.

If you fancy getting involved, visit dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/cambridge to download an entry form.

Gold and silver entry categories are available to give additional benefits compared to standard entries, and include a guaranteed team entry, and room for a slightly larger number in your team. l

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Food & Drink EAT CAMBRIDGE • BEST CREAM TEAS IN TOWN • THE DRINKS TROLLEY • FOOD NEWS

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FO O D & D R I N K

Food News A MONTHLY ROUND-UP OF GASTRO GOINGS-ON AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE

NEW MENU AT PHO A tantalising taste of Vietnamese cuisine just got more enticing with a new menu at Wheeler Street eaterie Pho. Reflecting increased interest in all things vegan, a selection of dishes that was already around a quarter vegan now has two more to choose from. A super-healthy tofu and vegetable rice, topped with wok-fried Chinese leaf, radish, cucumber, pickles and fresh chillies sounds sublime. Shiitake mushrooms, with courgettes, Thai basil and chillies over broken rice topped with herbs is the other addition. For dessert try the pandan waffle with ice cream and fresh mint (according to Nigella Lawson, pandan is the new avocado). And to drink, Beavertown’s popular Neck Oil IPA and Gamma Ray American pale ale are now available, plus Daura Damm’s gluten-free lager. phocafe.co.uk

V EG A N C A F É OPENS IN ELY

LAGONA BAKERY OPENS Lagona, the first Lebanese restaurant in the city in 2016, has spread its Mill Road wings with the launch of the stylish new Lagona Bakery. Open from 8am to 5pm, it will offer pastries, both sweet and savoury, fresh from a stone oven. Also expect dried fruit delights and an extensive selection of teas from Kanuka, plus treats to buy such as jars of the finest honey from London Honey Company.

Find Lagona on facebook for more.

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New fab sweet treats and delicious savoury bites arrived in Ely last month when vegan café Lucy at 35 opened its doors. Gluten free too, it’s not just aimed at vegans, but hopes to tempt anyone who has thought about plant-based food. Chef Lucy Andrew, 24, adopted a GF lifestyle when she was 15. “Lots of my family and friends now follow a gluten-free or vegan lifestyle,” she says. “We share recipes and tips, which is fun, as it can lead to trying new recipes.”

The new café, at Forehill – open every day except Monday – will serve up everything from peanut and banana porridge, smoothies, wraps, risotto and noodles, to sweet stuff such as marshmallow and peanut butter rice crispy squares. Sounds yum!

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FO X X XOX D X X& X XD R I N K

A ROM I L AT E N IGH T OPEN INGS

CAMBRIDGE BEER FESTIVAL A highlight of the local calendar, Cambridge Beer Festival returns to Jesus Green from 21-26 May. It’s the 45th outing for this CAMRAorganised event, and as always, there’ll be hundreds of great brews to taste your way around, plus cider, perry, wine and mead, and a few nibbles too. Grab some pals, pick up your speciallydesigned Beer Fest glass and get stuck in – all we need now is some sunshine! cambridgebeerfestival.com

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Much-loved Sicilian eatery Aromi, which has three branches in Cambridge, has announced that it will now be opening its Bene’t Street café late at weekends. Right in the heart of the city centre, Aromi will be open until 10pm on both Friday and Saturday evenings, meaning there’s even more time to swing by and enjoy a taste of their mouthwatering Sicilian delicacies.

From freshly made pizzas to bite-sized pasticceria and melty arancini, there’s plenty to enjoy washed down with glass of Italian wine or beer. aromi.co.uk

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My Favourite Table

PA S TA E VA NGEL IS T S L AU NCH IN C A M BR IDGE

CHEF, FOOD WRITER AND SOON-TO-BE SUPPER CLUB HOST ROSIE SYKES GIVES HER TOP CAMBRIDGE FOODIE PICKS

Delivering boxes of fresh, handmade pasta and flavour-packed sauces made with top quality ingredients, Pasta Evangelists has arrived in Cambridge to bring a taste of Italy to our tables.

Based in London, the company’s backers include foodie A-listers like Giles Coren (The Times food critic), Bake Off star Prue Leith, and Masterchef critic William Sitwell, all of whom have been part of the business from the beginning, as co-founders and official ‘Pasta Evangelists’. Delivered directly to your home, the boxes of carby delights include everything you need to whip up delicious pasta dishes in five minutes, with choices including emerald gnocchi with sage butter and parmesan, and seabass tortelloni with yellow tomato sauce and samphire. A new menu is launched weekly and prices start at around the £6 mark per serving. Buon appetito! pastaevangelists.com

l WHAT’S

YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT IN CAMBRIDGE?

That’s a tricky one as Cambridge has such a diverse food scene – I love that more independent places pop up all the time. For the very fact that it is the grandfather of owner-run food business I love going to the Queen’s Head in Newton as they do what they do so expertly. If I am in Cambridge itself I love to pop into Steak and Honour; they do fantastic specials, their burgers are always top notch and then it means we can swing by Jack’s Gelato for a scoop of the good stuff! l YOU’RE

HAVING A NIGHT IN: WHERE ARE YOU CALLING FOR TAKEAWAY?

I am a fan of Zhonghua traditional snacks, the dumpling house on Norfolk Street – their cucumber salad is amazing, as are most of the dumplings. It’s easy to eat the first dozen as they are so tasty! l WHERE

DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP FOR INGREDIENTS?

I absolutely love the variety and quality of the vegetables one is able to get in a Cambridge Organic Food (COFCO) veg box. I also really enjoy the endless supply of interesting and unusual stock to be found in Culinaris on Mill road. l WHAT

DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE CAMBRIDGE FOOD SCENE?

TAPAS PICNIC BOXES

Whether drifting along the Cam on a punt, lazing on Grantchester Meadows or relaxing by the Mill Pond, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to glorious picnic locations around Cambridge. Once you’ve stocked up on drinks and rolled up your picnic blanket, you’ll be needing some tasty nibbles: and that’s where Que Rico Tapas comes in. This local company’s recently launched picnic boxes are packed with Spanish tapas dishes, olives, almonds and cake – plus you can add a bottle of cava or Seville orange juice.

The minimum order is for ten people, and delivery is limited to Cambridge city centre. Napkins and cutlery can be added if required. quericotapas.com

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The Cambridge food scene is really vibrant and there is so much going on. I love foodPark – there’s such a feeling of camaraderie amongst the traders and so many good things to try.

There are a lot of great producers in and around Cambridge – Chapel and Swan and their amazing smoked goods, Tyler Cotton and his incredible biodynamic vegetables is also one to seek out, as is Hum Closen, the purveyor of very fine cheese. The coffee scene in Cambridge is also thriving at places like Rubiaceae on Mill Road and Bould Brothers by the Round Church. l WHAT

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF?

I was delighted to see a new independent tapas bar opening on Mill Road – Tu Casa. It’s always encouraging to see small owner-led businesses popping up. We need to encourage people to visit these places so that they keep going and in turn make Cambridge an inviting place for new and different independent food businesses.

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E AT CA M B R I D G E

CAMBRIDGE on a

plate

A TWO-WEEK CELEBRATION OF OUR CITY’S FOOD SCENE, EAT CAMBRIDGE IS BACK FROM 19 MAY TO 3 JUNE WITH POP-UPS, MARKETS, TASTINGS, TALKS AND MORE – HERE’S WHAT’S IN STORE

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E AT CA M B R I D G E

S

erving up a delicious two-week celebration of the city’s thriving food and drink scene, Eat Cambridge returns this May with a packed line-up of tempting events.

Established in 2013, the festival took a hiatus last year but is back with a bang for 2018, poised to serve up a sparkling showcase of Cambridge’s impressive roster of independent eateries, artisan producers and talented chefs, with a schedule of events that ranges from food markets to pop-ups, wine tastings, workshops and debates.

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It’s a great representation of just how far Cambridge has come in the last few years, rapidly evolving into a city thronging with exciting foodie enterprises and great places to eat and shop for ingredients.

“The increasing number of independent ventures in food and drink since Eat Cambridge launched in 2013 has been amazing to watch, and we’ve seen the customers’ appetite for high-quality, independent food and drink with a backstory just keep growing and growing,” says event founder Heidi White.

“Trends, like street food, have stuck around and become part of the city’s food scene, rather than passing crazes, which has been fascinating to see.”

Eat Cambridge, run entirely by volunteers, offers a chance to explore the diversity of what’s on offer locally, whether you want to indulge in a botanical-inspired high tea, drink your way around a beer festival, get stuck into an epic brunch feast or enjoy an afternoon of gimlets and gelato. As with previous years, the event kicks off with a huge food and drink market and continues with a programme of fringe events at venues across the city.

“Eat Cambridge is a special, more intimate food festival which focuses only

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on the amazing variety of food and drink to be found in our local area,” explains Heidi. “The main event brings together a huge number of stallholders and speakers to showcase our food and drink scene in one place, making it even easier for people to browse and discover the wealth of choice we have right here on our doorsteps.

“There is so much to choose from during the fortnight of fringe events and at the main event itself, I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite,” she continues.

“I’m really pleased to have some excellent and supportive chefs and speakers involved in our events and main event talks: this year the festival line-up includes Rosie Sykes, Rachel Roddy, Alex Rushmer, Tristan Welch, Hilary Cacchio, and more.

“I’m excited about some new events for 2018 too – a charity supper supporting Wintercomfort hosted by Rosie Sykes and Rachel Roddy; a new supper club by La Latina Bustaurante; an exciting collaborative event by Steak & Honour and Guerrilla Kitchen; and a cheese dinner by Masterchef contestant Giovanna Ryan.”

We’ve rounded up our Eat Cambridge highlights below, so grab your diary and get planning! u

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FRINGE FAVOURITES This year’s Fringe line-up looks set to be the busiest and best yet, with more than 30 food and drink events in total. Kick off your fortnight in style with a seasonal supper by talented local chefs Rosie Sykes and Rachel Roddy. Taking place on 18 May, this special spring-inspired dinner is being held in support of local homelessness charity Wintercomfort, and will include three courses and an amusebouche – BYO wine and join the feasting.

The same evening, Cambridge Cookery School will be laying on Italian wines and nibbles, while bright and early on the morning of the 19th is the truly epic Afternoon Tease x Pint Shop brunch popup. A collaboration between two titans of the local food scene, this four-course breakfast features a brunch Scotch egg, among plenty more deliciousness.

The week of the 21st begins with one of our top picks for the festival: a four-course supper aboard Cambridge’s

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restaurant on a bus, La Latina Bustaurante. Expect a vibrant feast of Latin and South American flavours, with dishes like tostones and green plantain, plus a cookery demo to help you recreate the magic at home.

The next day, experience a day in the life of an Italian bakery, as Biscotti di Debora opens its doors, offering patisserie demonstrations and tasters of Italian baked treats. That evening, Grub Club hosts a special Eat Cambridge edition of their food networking event, featuring a vegan dinner at Stem + Glory, plus talks and plenty of opportunities to hobnob with local foodie professionals.

On Thursday 24th, get to grips with paella at an interactive cookery workshop

with Paola Davies-Romano. As well as preparing an authentic Valencian paella, guests will be treated to tasty nibbles. The same day, learn more about cheese and how it’s made with Hum-Closen, who’ll be offering an enlightening evening with plenty of fabulous fromage and wines to sample in Newnham Bakery Café.

Celebrate the start of the weekend on Friday 25th with cocktails and tapas at Cambridge Wine Merchants, or head to Steak & Honour for an evening of exclusive menu specials.

On Saturday 26 May, Boxed Events and Guerrilla Kitchen will be popping up at Harston-based brewery BrewBoard for a night of meat-free, dairy-free and glutenfree food, teamed with an exciting range

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E AT CA M B R I D G E

A S PA R A G U S D AY & S I Z Z L I N G S U N DAY Festival sponsors Burwash Manor will host their annual asparagus extravaganza on 26 May, offering a celebration of the glorious spears of spring with cookery demos, in-house asparagus treats to sample, street food from Flock Café and wine tastings with on-site wine merchants Cozzi & Boffa, plus tractor tours of the farm. Then, on 3 June, they’re back with Sizzling Sunday: a lazy day of feasting on the farm with exquisite pulled pork, street food and a mini craft beer festival.

of craft beers and eclectic tunes. Also representing Cambridge’s craft beer posse on the 26th is Calverley’s, on Hooper Street, who’ll be celebrating the divine combo of beer and cheese with a little help from Hum-Closen.

For a Sunday afternoon treat, we recommend the delightful sounding Cocafuné Edibles Class & Botanical High Tea, at which attendees will learn how to propagate and nurture unusual edibles with horticulturalist and British flower grower Anna Taylor. Taking place on the banks of the Cam, at the historic Hodson’s Folly, you’ll also learn how to style a beautiful table before enjoying an extravagant botanical high tea created by The Linton Kitchen.

Also on Sunday 27th, get stuck into arty gimlet cocktails and gorgeous gelato at Jack’s Gelato, or head to Novi for five inventive, cheese-based dishes from Masterchef contestant Giovanna Ryan.

On (bank holiday) Monday 28 May, explore the diversity of treats on offer at Cambridge’s central market, where they’re laying on an international street food special featuring food stalls and live

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cooking from around the world. That evening, step back to the 60s at Fabulous Fanny’s Summer Party, an evening of retro party recipes, canapés and drinks inspired by Fanny Cradock. Then on Thursday 31 May, venture up to Novi’s beautiful roof terrace for an alfresco botanical supper in collaboration with Gatto Gateau.

Steak & Honour and Guerrilla Kitchen team up on the 1st for a fantastic collaborative eight-course menu; expect innovative deliciousness in spades.

Delightful Flock Café at Burwash Manor hosts a special Cambridgethemed dinner on the 2nd, featuring pork from Burwash’s rare-breed pigs and stunning fresh produce from Dynamic Organics. Also on the 2nd, the Cambridge Distillery in Grantchester launch their new seasonal gin, serving up G&Ts and a guided tasting of their famed gins.

Street food lovers, check out the foodPark markets on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays – a chance to taste your way around the local street food scene and discover one-off dishes created by the traders just for Eat Cambridge. u

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READY STEADY COOK

A trio of top local chefs put their spin on TV’s Ready Steady Cook format, creating a feast out of food that would usually have gone to waste on 23 May. Manning the hobs will be Edition columnist and erstwhile chef patron at the celebrated Hole in the Wall, Alex Rushmer, alongside Parkers Tavern chef Tristan Welch and chef and food writer Rosie Sykes. As well as getting plenty of inspiration for creatively using surplus food, guests will be treated to wine and canapés prepared by FoodCycle Cambridge.

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E AT CA M B R I D G E

THE MAIN EVENT

19 M AY

The hub of the whole festival, the main food and drink fair pitches up on Saturday 19 May (10.30am-4pm), for a day filled with delicious foodie delights. Be sure to arrive early so that you can make the most of this unique showcase of local indie producers and traders, which features more than 40 stalls, plus demos, talks and, of course, lots of tasty food and drink samples.

Why not begin your food safari with a tipple? Keep it uber-local and hit up the Cambridge Cider Company, who make delicious, hand-crafted ciders from local fruit, or if you need caffeinating make a beeline for Hot Numbers for a cup of their famously punchy coffee. There’s also top-notch small-batch beer from Calverley’s, delightful pinky-hued gins from Pinkster and exquisite fruit-based alcoholic drinks (including blood orange liqueur and raspberry and pomegranate cider) from the excellent Cranes Drinks – bottoms up!

Onto savouries, and you’d be a fool to miss Pata Negra and their delectable Spanish treats, while Que Rico Tapas and Borakis Greek Food will also be bringing an international flavour.

Syms Pantry, meanwhile, will be selling their irresistible bacon mayo, bacon ketchup and even bacon jam, plus you can sample empanadas and tostones from La Latina Bustaurante, freshly-baked sweet treats from One Part Love Bakery, and heavenly loaves of sourdough, French bread and brioche from White Cottage Bakery. Culinaris, a Mill Road favourite, will be stocking all sorts of fine foods and deli items, from cheese to chocolate, while the lovely Allotment pop-up café will be showcasing their homemade treats too.

There’s no slouching in the sweet-tooth department either, with stalls serving everything from gourmet brownies to artisan fudge. Biscotti di Debora will be serving up her home-made Italian pastries, celebration cakes and biscuits (great for gifts, if you can keep your mitts off them long enough), whilst Dulcedo Patisserie is sure to tempt with its chocolates, macarons and dragées.

When you need a break from all the eating and shopping, slip away to the Guildhall’s grand council chamber, which will play host to a superb line-up of speakers throughout the day. Providing food for thought on all manner of topics, speakers include chef Alex Rushmer, Cambridgeshire Wine School’s Mark Anstead and Dr Sue Bailey, a food science and culinary history consultant. l THE MAIN EVENT RUNS ON 19 MAY, WITH FRINGE EVENTS TAKING PLACE UP TO 3 JUNE

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FO O D & D R I N K C H E F ’S TA B L E

Springtime Feast CHEF ALEX RUSHMER BIDS GOODBYE TO STODGY PUDS AND STEWS AND WELCOMES THE BOUNTY OF THE NEW SEASON

I

t seems strange to be writing about the delights of early summer. In between typing these sentences, my hands keep returning to the mug of hot tea that is warming my chilly fingers.

The last remnants of the second ‘beast from the east’ are lingering – the cold air and brutal winds at odds with the light mornings and longer days, normally indicative that spring is afoot. The dinner table is still home to slowcooked stews and stodgy puds as opposed to light salads and delicate desserts. But the food of early summer is so full of promise, so vibrant with the energy of the warming earth that it’s impossible not to get excited about it, even if it only exists in the memory for now. The changing of the seasons always brings a frisson of excitement but this particular transition is my favourite. The beautiful simplicity of the quality of ingredients available to us is enough to excite the most jaded palate. Spears of asparagus, fresh sweet peas, baby leaf spinach, the first tender salad leaves, delicate new potatoes, crunchy radishes – I could go on. What is even more amazing is that all these ingredients share an affinity with each other.

The offerings of May represent a beautiful larder that could be thrown together in any order or combination and still yield something fabulous. Add some suitable meat and fish to the shopping list (lamb, guinea fowl, pigeon and trout are particularly wonderful at this time of year) and you will likely end up creating a meal that could grace any table. Gone are the rich, heavy, robust flavours that we’ve grown tired of over

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the cold months, it’s time to embrace freshness and delicate subtlety. As far as sauces go, I’d suggest adding a few versatile staples to the repertoire. Gravies and heavy reductions can be left behind until the clocks change again – instead focus on herbs, mayonnaise and one or two dairy-based sauces.

A combination of soft herbs (parsley, dill, mint, tarragon, chervil, sorrel) chopped with garlic, anchovies and mixed through olive oil makes an unbeatable salsa verde – or green sauce, if you’re feeling particularly English – which is the perfect accompaniment to fish, vegetables and meat, particularly fowl. Mayonnaise is also a real winner (there is nothing wrong with a jar of Hellmann’s) that can be tweaked with the addition of herbs or spices. I would advise, too, learning the art of making buttery sauces such as hollandaise, bearnaise or beurre blanc – all of which are sensational with fish and infinitely adaptable. Finally, don’t underestimate the brilliance of a tub of crème fraiche, as demonstrated to me just a few days ago during dinner at a friend’s house. The roasting juices and tasty sticky bits that had adhered to the tray of a beautifully cooked chicken were deglazed with a splash of white wine then the whole lot mixed with crème fraiche – sour cream would also do the job here – and finished with plenty of chopped tarragon. The result was a sauce of sublime brilliance and even though the temperature outside was hovering above zero, on the dinner table were the first warm promises of early summer. l

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R E S TAU R A N T R E V I E W

Zara Indian Cuisine

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here are few meals finer than a slapup curry feast, particularly when there’s a chill in the air – and Cambridge boasts plenty of options to tempt spice-lovers away from their sofas and out into the night. Just south of the city in the pretty commuter village of Great Shelford lies Zara Indian Cuisine, a contemporary-styled eatery which continually sets the bar extremely high for other restaurants in the same ballpark.

Nestled in the same long and low building as Shelford train station, Zara’s menus promise a sophisticated but relaxed dining experience with a creative take on “traditional” curry dishes. But don’t just take their word for it: the team has won multiple national awards for their food, including runner-up, finalist and even overall winner in the British Curry Awards and English Curry Awards pretty much every year since 2013, and regularly receives rave reviews from happy diners who’ve succumbed to the restaurant’s winning ways.

The exceptionally friendly front-of-house team welcomed us in from the drizzle and swiftly presented our table with a rustling heap of poppadoms, accompanied by chutneys and pickles (which can so often go wrong, but in this case were splendidly well-judged) before telling us that they’d bring us a selection of their favourite dishes for us to tuck into.

We kicked off with an “assorted Indian” – a flavoursome onion bhaji, a sheek kebab and tender pieces of chicken tikka – and a plate of Shahi king prawns, cooked in a tandoor oven with green peppers and tomatoes, which were judged as “juicy” by my dining companion. These were swiftly cleared before a whole array of curries, rices and vegetable sides appeared on our table, almost completely obscuring the crisp tablecloth.

Our waiter talked us through the highlights: a honey-and-cashew-coated sweet Moducash chicken dish, paneer shashlick – where the freshmade cheese is marinated in a mix of herbs then barbecued with onions, peppers and tomatoes –

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chicken Al Badami, a luxurious mango curry that’s finished with a slick of cream, and a bright green masala curry, heavy with coriander and packing a punch of chili heat. Among the accompaniments were an aromatic bowl of lime-spiked rice dotted with chickpeas, a glossy aubergine bhajee and an irresistibly wafer-light naan bread. Everything was fresh, delicately balanced and hugely flavourful, and there wasn’t a duff dish in sight. It’s easy to see why Zara wins so many accolades.

We did look up from our plates every so often: the restaurant’s modern and bright interior was an extremely pleasant place to while away a couple of hours, but if verticality feels slightly challenging then Zara also offers a full takeaway service with a 10% discount on the bill. Tacticallyminded commuters – and this breed do tend to be exceptional planners – on a return trip from Liverpool Street could call ahead (I’d suggest Harlow Town as the point at which to place an

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS CHECKS OUT GREAT SHELFORD’S MUCH LAUDED CURRY HOUSE

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FO O D X&X XDXRXIXNX KX

“Everything was fresh, delicately balanced and hugely flavourful” order) then hop off the train to collect a pipinghot evening feast.

Our assault on the food mountain slowed to a heavy crawl, and the front-of-house kindly put us out of our misery by clearing our table of the remnants before delivering the short but sweet dessert menu. The neat list tempted with a sticky toffee pudding and a traditional mango kulfi, but our over-indulgent enthusiasm for the mains left us deciding to resist the final course’s charms.

Other nearby tables did not hold back, and seemed extremely pleased with their feasts’ finale. We finished our meal with a pinch of sugared fennel seeds and waved goodbye to the Zara team before strolling out into the Shelfords, completely satiated and planning a return trip very soon. l

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ZAR A INDIAN CUISINE WHAT:

This excellent Indian restaurant is housed in a restored station house and has been serving delicious Indian food since 2007.

WHERE:

1 Hinton Way, Great Shelford HOW MUCH:

Starters from £3.50 and main courses between £6.50 for a vegetable and mushroom korma and £12.95 for a king prawn sagwala.

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FO O D X&X XDXRXIXNX KX FIVE OF THE BEST

Cream Teas

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

THE HUMBLE CREAM TEA IS OFT-OVERLOOKED IN FAVOUR OF ITS SHOWIER COUSINS, THE AFTERNOON OR HIGH TEA, BUT THERE’S MUCH TO LOVE IN THIS CLASSIC COMBO OF TEA, SCONE, JAM AND CREAM. CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS ROUNDS UP FIVE SPLENDID SPOTS WHERE YOU CAN INDULGE IN THIS QUINTESSENTIALLY BRITISH EXPERIENCE SO THE ONLY QUESTION LEFT TO ASK IS: JAM OR CREAM FIRST?

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BEST FOR WATCHING THE WORLD GO BY

FITZBILLIES

Though obviously more well-known for that other fruitdotted sweet bake, I had it on good authority that Fitzbillies’ scones were as superlative as their famous syrup-drenched spirals of dough, so made a beeline for the original branch to put their cream tea to the test. We nabbed the window seat in the coffee bar (best light in the building, #InstaCamb fans) and tucked in: the scone was indeed excellent, with a pleasingly cragged exterior that was easily re-plastered with the generous curl of clotted cream and well-balanced raspberry jam. No pot of tea on our visit, but the cupful was very welcome indeed for washing down mouthfuls of sugar-smothered scone. We ate, spent a while gazing out the window at cyclists and tourists attempting to navigate the Silver Street junction, then relinquished our spot to the next set of Fitzbillies fans. fitzbillies.com | @fitzbillies

CARRIAGES OF CAMBRIDGE

BEST FOR T IM E S T R AV E L L E R

Out in Fen Drayton you’ll find Bannold, leading supplier of stone and landscaping materials – but within Bannold itself, somewhat bizarrely, is quite possibly one of the finest tearooms in the county. Carriages only opened in February this year, but is fast winning rave reviews from Cambridgeshire’s foodie community – so we couldn’t resist a visit, even if it did mean battling through the A14’s seemingly-endless roadworks to do so.

Once the friendly staff have filtered you off from those visiting to peruse the display gardens, you’re escorted to the rear of the plot where – and I can’t quite believe I’m writing this – owner Michael Attle has lovingly recreated a 1920’s railway station complete with waiting room, signals, telephone booth – and three exquisitely refurbished Pullmanstyle carriages, decked out as tearooms.

And my goodness, it is splendid. My fellow foodie adventurer and I couldn’t stop smiling throughout our visit, and immediately started planning multiple return trips.

Thankfully their cream tea lived up to the high expectations set by its surroundings: a neat pot of cream, splendidly sticky but not overly sweet jam, plus two fresh, just-the-right-amount-of-crumbly scones.

The accompanying tea was good and strong, and the delicate china would please even the most discerning brew-lover. As walk-ins we were sat in the carriage with conventional tables and chairs – still hugely comfortable – but booking ahead gets you access to those boasting armchairs galore and even private first-class-style booths (for an additional supplement). carriagesofcambridge.co.uk instagram.com/carriagescambs

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FO O D & D R I N K BEST FOR A BLISSFUL SUMMER AFTERNOON

THE ORCHARD TEA ROOMS, GRANTCHESTER

R B E S T F OM A CREA H T E A W I TS F R IE N D

I was told by multiple sources that under no circumstances would a list of cream teas in Cambridge be complete without this esteemed establishment, but I’ll admit that the research trip marked my first-ever visit to the hallowed spot. Gosh, it’s lovely over there in Grantchester. I visited on a blustery day so the orchard wasn’t too busy, and easily nabbed a seat under the trees, though the pavilion itself was ram-jammed with visitors and tourists. Uniquely amongst the cream-tea purveyors listed here, the Orchard’s offering is a “pick your own” affair, allowing you to select the plumpest-looking scone before sliding your tray along to collect the tea component from the hugely cheerful staff. Yes, the cream is Roddas, and the jams are Tiptree, but both of these are reliably tasty (plus you’re allowed to choose your own jam: raspberry for me) which means that the whole experience borders on blissful. A creaky deckchair under blossom-heavy boughs, in a patch of warm spring sun, with a pot of tea and a scone topped with jam and cream? So that’s why they write poetry about this place. theorchardteagarden.co.uk

TOM’S CAKES Situated up on the town-end of Mill Road, Tom’s Cakes serves up home-made sandwiches, paninis, cakes galore and – crucially – scones with jam and cream to hungry visitors enjoying this vibrant quarter of our city. The rest of Tom’s sweet bakes change with the seasons, but their take on a classic cream tea sticks around throughout the year, though is only freshly-made on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. A sultana-speckled scone arrives prestuffed, burger style, with a thick layer of jam and cream (on our visit it was jam-first, if you’re interested, though it does quite literally depend on your point of view) and is accompanied by a pleasingly chunky teacup and pot, filled to the brim with Earl Grey. The café is cheerful and bustling, and the long skinny garden to the rear looks like it’s another splendid spot to hide away in when the weather’s slightly more clement. tomscakes.co.uk | instagram.com/toms_cakes

BEST FOR AN OLD-SCHOOL TEAROOM EXPERIENCE

HARRIETS

WANT TO MAKE

YOUR OWN

Hidden away on Green Street, Harriets opened in 2012 to delight Cambridge with a quintessentially British tea experience. Their cream tea is neat and precise: two scones, two small jars containing clotted cream and strawberry jam, plus a teapot of any of their loose leaf teas. Service is cheerful and efficient, and although Harriets’ pianist wasn’t in session when we visited, the atmosphere was extremely soothing, despite every table being filled. We even lost mobile reception towards the rear of the tearoom, making it an ideal place to hide out while your other half indulges in retail therapy. harrietscafetearooms.co.uk @HarrietsTearoom

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PERFECT

CREAM TEA? TURN OVER FOR OUR SCRUMMY SCONES RECIPE

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SCONES12 H OW TO M A K E T H E B E S T

MAKE

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RECIPE BY ALEX RUSHMER

Arguably the most quintessentially British of bakes, there’s no ultimate definition of what a scone should be. Sweet or savoury, dotted with dried fruits, studded with jewel-like glacé cherries or topped with crumbly Cheddar – whichever way your taste buds take you, this recipe should work as a base for you to adjust accordingly. It’s actually already a version of my mum’s recipe – her scones are particularly spectacular, as I’m sure most of us would say of our parents’ bakes.

Whatever direction you take this recipe in, these scones are best served with a pot of tea, straight from the oven.

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FOLLOW THE RECIPE TO THE LETTER OR REGARD IT AS A GUIDE, AND TINKER WITH THE RATIO OF FLOURS, SWITCH A LITTLE MILK FOR BUTTERMILK… WHATEVER TAKES YOUR FANCY. ENJOY! INGREDIENTS

225g plain flour (or 100g wholemeal + 125g plain – adjust as preferred) l1 5ml baking powder lp inch salt l 25g butter l1 50ml milk (or buttermilk + milk mix) l7 5g mixed fruit – dates, apricots, cherries or the classic, sultanas (optional) lb eaten egg for brushing l

STEP-BY-STEP

Pop the flour, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Rub the butter into the flour, working quickly so as not to overwork the dough. If you’re adding fruit, add it at this point.

Once combined, slowly add the milk, and mix gently until the dough comes together – it should feel bread-like. You may not need all the milk.

Flour a clean surface and gently roll out your dough to around 2cm thick – thicker if you like your scones craggy.

Using a circular cutter, gently press out circles of dough, and arrange on a lined or buttered baking sheet.

Brush each scone with the beaten egg, then bake at around 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6 for around 15 mins.

Keep an eye on them – they’re ready when risen and golden brown on top.

Serve as soon as possible, ideally with butter, jam and clotted cream.

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© CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

FO O D & D R I N K

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FO O D & D R I N K

Nature’s Larder THE TEAM FROM THE GOG, OUR AWARD-WINNING LOCAL FARM SHOP, BUTCHERY, DELI AND CAFÉ, GIVE THE LOW-DOWN ON THE SEASONAL PRODUCE TO SEEK OUT THIS MONTH

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he recent inclement weather has caused a slight delay to the fine array of British produce coming into season, especially the tasty asparagus which will peak in late May this year. So watch out for some mouth-watering recipes in next month’s instalment from the team here at The Gog. Luckily, we have a whole host of delicious fare to see us through to the warmer weather now the nights are lighter and spring draws near.

Fresh from the rural fields of Kennel Farm in Suffolk, the succulent slow-grown Sutton Hoo Chickens are a perfect centrepiece for any table. Using traditional farming methods combined with a passion for exceptional welfare, the chickens live an entirely natural life. Roaming free in 40 acres of meadows they are grown for 10 weeks, which is 25% longer than standard freerange chickens – you truly can taste the difference!

A fantastic pairing with chicken is the all-time favourite leek.

This majestic member of the onion family has a slightly sweet edge and whilst mostly just the white and pale green parts are eaten, the dark green section has plenty of flavour and can be used to make homemade stock – you can even eat very young leeks raw. Our greengrocers bring the plumpest variety from Chatteris, packed

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with flavour, but they are almost always dirty too as the more of the leek that is hidden from the sun, the lighter the colour and more tender the vegetable.

Top tip for cleaning leeks: place on a chopping board and insert the tip of a sharp knife about a ¼ inch below the lowest opening in the leek. Cut straight through, up to and through the green ends of the leek, leaving the pale part of the leek whole. Fan open the leek and place under cold running water to easily rinse out any dirt. If it tastes woody then it’s probably past it’s best so blitz it in a soup to make a delicious meal.

Combine these two classic flavours with Lincolnshire Poacher cheese; matured for 14 to 16 months it really packs a punch. Made from fresh unpasteurised cheese from the 230 Fresian Holstein cows lovingly cared for on the farm, the recipe is a cross between a traditional West Country cheddar and a continental alpine cheese such as Comté or Gruyère.

Cook up a Sunday roast and use the leftovers in a chicken, leek and cheese bake – the perfect easy midweek supper for the whole family. Serve with new potatoes or on a bed of freshly cooked pasta.

Pop into The Gog to pick up all the ingredients you need, and more. This Great Taste 2017 Farm Shop of the Year is open seven days a week with expert butchers, cheesemongers and grocers on hand every day to share their knowledge and inspiration with you!

Stay tuned for next month, when we’ll be looking at the best of British asparagus l www.thegog.com

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Drinks TROLLEY THE

I K NOW T HIS GR E AT L I T T L E PL ACE ...

196, Mill Road A LOOK AROUND SOME OF CAMBRIDGE’S HIDDEN DRINKING DENS. UP THIS MONTH, 196 ON MILL ROAD Since opening in the spring of 2012, 196 has earned a reputation for serving up some of the best cocktails in the whole of Cambridge. A tiny but brilliant bar on the mid stretch of Mill Road, the menus (endearingly age-worn and hand-scrawled) offer plenty to tempt, from classics like negronis and martinis to the more exotic jalisco sour and vieux carre. In the summer months drinkers line the pavement outside watching Mill Road go by and enjoying the warmer evenings, while in winter 196 becomes a cosy cocoon, all steamed up windows and candlelight, making it a perfect drinking den all year round.

“My idea for the bar was to not have a particular theme in place,” explains owner Darren.

“Like when you go to another country and discover a great little place, you can never remember the name but it didn’t matter because it had a great feeling. A lot of my customers always say it reminds them of a bar they know in Sydney or Amsterdam or wherever, which is what I wanted – I myself travelled a lot in my younger years so I suppose a lot of my influence comes from the places I lived and worked.

“Also important is the right atmosphere, good lighting, good service and of course good drinks,” he continues.

“I’ve been mixing drinks for 28 years this year so I know how to make a decent cocktail, but the other important aspect is consistency. Our drinks are made to exact ingredients. I still work the bar myself and create drinks when I can and I care about every customer’s experience.”

If you’ve not yet tried out 196 put it on your to-do list, but be warned: their cocktails are famously potent. Best pop over the road to The Sea Tree to line your stomach first…

196bar.com

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D R I N KS

‘THAT’LL FALERNUM’ RECIPE ROSE CRESCENT COCKTAIL BAR LA RAZA SHARE THEIR RECIPE FOR A NUTTY, SPICY COCKTAIL WITH A RICH AND VELVETY TEXTURE YOU WILL NEED:

35ml Navy rum, 5ml yellow chartreuse, 20ml Pizz & Pig’s falernum, angostura bitters, lime, 15ml creme d’abricot, 40ml grapefruit soda METHOD:

Shake all ingredients vigorously (omitting grapefruit soda), strain over ice and top with grapefruit soda, garnish with dehydrated pineapple wedges The key to this drink lies in Pizz & Pig’s falernum – a homemade spiced Caribbeanstyle liqueur. The falernum contains kaffir lime, vanilla, ginger, hazelnut, black cardamom, cinnamon and juniper.

“A Tiki powerhouse, this is a potent little number, the perfect summer punch”

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F E E L I N G T H I RS T Y?

Bring on spring ELODIE CAMERON FROM LOCAL DRINKS SHOP THIRSTY TALKS TOP TIPPLES FOR SPRING With Easter out of the way early this year, the school holidays have been and gone, and I now feel we are entering into that time of the year when we can optimistically look forward to enjoying spring and summer. I love the next six months in Cambridge; cycling around town is a pleasure (well, with the exception of dodging a few tourists), there are walks to Grantchester, Sundays in country pubs, a plethora of festivals and events, and of course our gardens come into their own.

Longer days and warmer weather open up a whole new world of wine too, as with the renewing of the seasons and cycles of nature we too are drawn into our spring rituals. The great British weather gives us four seasons which makes not just the weather interesting but also our food and wine habits. This time of year makes me want to drink lighter reds, while complex whites and richer rosés even make an appearance. We are not yet into barbecue weather, but stews are definitely out whilst fish, lighter pastas and warm salads are where it’s at.

Complex whites: explore new varieties to try, start with a style you enjoy and go from there. Ask your wine shop to steer you (at Thirsty we find grouping wines by styles is a great way to try new grapes). If you like a fuller sauvignon blanc try a viognier from southern France or fiano from Italy or Australia. I was blown away by the pansa blanca from Sepo (£12.80) in Catalonia.

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This is a grape found in cava but on its own produces a wine that is both peachy and floral with herbal notes and an almond dry finish.

Lighter reds: at this time of year I’m looking for elegance. I’ll keep some bigger, juicier wines for barbecue season later, so for now my mind immediately leaps to pinot noir – but that can be an expensive habit! The gamay wines of Burgundy offer good value whether you opt for a straight beaujolais or go for a higher classification such as fleurie or brouilly (think violets for the former, blueberries/cherries for the latter) as they offer some more complexity. Again, ask for advice but Austrian reds make a great alternative, or just a little further south in Italy you will find fefosco from Fruili, a region usually associated with white wines. Villa Locatelli produces an inspiring wine that is juicy but with herbal and meaty notes plus a smidge of white pepper (£13.30).

Richer rosés: I love drinking Provencal rosé in high summer when my thirst demands its light, delicate style but it just doesn’t fit the bill in May. Right now I feel rosés that are darker with more body are more in line with the still cooler temperatures and richer foods. Kalkstein rosé (£11.50) shows summer fruits, with a spicy character from the syrah, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, and great minerality as the grapes are grown on limestone.

Just right for spring.

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LO VE

M A R K E TS

YOUR LOCAL MARKET IN CELEBRATION OF LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET WEEK FROM 17 TO 31 MAY, WE SENT ALEX RUCZA J TO FIND OUT JUST WHAT CAMBRIDGE CENTRAL MARKET HAS TO OFFER

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work in the centre of the city, and walk past the market most days and often at the weekend with my family. I occasionally buy flowers and may sometimes be tempted by a watermelon smoothie, or dragged to the Waffle stall by a hungry child (my own – not a random one). But I have to admit that I am more of an occasional market shopper than a regular, and realise by writing the above list that I am also someone who buys mainly from the outside stalls – rarely venturing in to the heart of the market to explore what else is on offer.

Cambridge’s central market has been part of the fabric of the city centre since the middle ages and is one of the only remaining seven-days-a-week markets left in the country. In many ways, it’s still a traditional market, offering everything from fruit, veg, and flowers to secondhand clothes and handmade gifts, but in recent years it has also seen a real growth in hot food stalls, meeting the demand for international street food. I resolve to immerse myself in market life for the day, to not just skirt around the edges but to explore all the market has to offer.

On a cold Tuesday morning the market is quiet, but the Rock and Crystal stall is busy. Mal Faloon has seen her business grow over seven years and is about to put herself through university as a result.

As I wait whilst she serves a long queue of people who all want a conversation about fossils, rocks and crystals I can see why she’s so busy: Mal is welcoming to all, encouraging visiting French students to pick up the stones, even if they don’t want to buy, chatting and giving advice

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Cambridge Market is host to a huge variety of stalls selling everything from fresh flowers and jewellery to a fantastic range of hot food and snacks from all around the world. Photos by Nicola Foley

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and information. She tells me, “the most important thing about markets is that they are one of the last bastions of community – regulars come every day, some have become friends.”

Next door to Mal is brand-new stallholder Sunny Bucktower, from Barley Buzz, who has been in the market for one month. “Our focus is on healthy eating, we do salad boxes and vegan and vegetarian food. All in biodegradable boxes.”

The day I visit is a freezing cold ‘spring’ day and I tuck into a delicious lentil curry that warms me up no end. I ask Sunny what he did before the market. “I worked for a FTSE 100 company in an office. I always wanted to sit by a window.” He beams at me and opens his arms wide. “Now my office is the market and I love it. This has been my dream and I am passionate about good food.” I have only been in the market for a short time and I am already inspired by the passion and dedication of the people that work here – the atmosphere between stallholders is very supportive and fun, and this seems to translate to customers too.

I pop round for a chat to Adam Stevens of Boston, the flower man as he’s otherwise

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M A R K E TS

MARKET HIDDEN GEMS FOOD

Dario Corrias, Grazie Cambridge, taught to cook by his grandmother in Sardinia, trained as a chef and making amazing fusion food (meat and vegan). Simon Currey, from Smoking Cow, all things beef: burgers, hot dogs and beefdripping chips – mmm!

known – who tells me that the key to market success is “adapt!”. He used to have flowers in cellophane ready to be plucked from the stall – but now he specialises in making up bespoke bunches of seasonal flowers. He didn’t stop serving locallygrown tulips and daffodils for a minute whilst we chatted.

Of course, the story is not all of bustling trade. Tracey from the wonderful Emerald Foods has been on the market for over 20 years, and has seen the effect of ‘click and shop’ on her business. “Weekends and lunchtimes are still busy and we have lots of loyal customers, but there’s not the foot fall within the market there once was.”

Rosie Moore, local councillor, tells me that there are plans to improve the market – “to make it a cleaner and more pleasant place to be, to make it more accessible. We want everyone’s view on how to improve things and keep our market thriving.”

Market Manager Dan Richie echoes this, and also tells me that these days the success of a market is more about customer service than pricing. “That is the traders’ speciality – the friendliness of the market, their knowledge and customer service.”

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I see this for myself as I walk around and notice the different types of customer, from residents to day tripping students, that are chatting and laughing with stall holders. People are more inclined to stay and talk and to ask questions in the market environment. Different languages float around the market along with the mingle of different aromas from a multitude of countries, Nigeria, Spain, China, Brazil – the list goes on. Dario, a brilliant Tuscan chef, chats with some Italians about his delicious pulled pork rolls. Mr Alison Cardosa assures a lady that his curries are not too spicy for her young son and informs her they were made fresh by his own mum that very morning. On the food side, much of the produce is sourced locally and seasonally, and then the hot food stall holders source their salad, veg, and bread from the market too – all working together to bring wonderful local, seasonal food and produce to customers.

When on holiday abroad, we often marvel at how Italian or French towns have fantastic markets and lament our own supermarket-led lives, but Cambridge is lucky enough to have its own market, u

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TOP VINTAGE

Not one, but two great vinyl stalls: – North South Records and Matrix Vinyl. Great preloved books from Buckle Books, beautiful vintage clothes from Cambridge Market Retro.

ARTS/CRAFTS & GIFTS

Wooden toys made with loving care by Ted Banuch combining his Polish heritage with his love of Cambridge; or check out the delightfully kitschy, quirky gifts from Lorraine Cheeseman’s Three Little Birds Stall.

SUNDAY FUNDAY

A change of style on Sundays with a mix of produce and craft.

Brownbread stall for fine, nonprocessed fresh bread. Wild Country Organics – incredible local organic salad and veg. Red Poll Cattle – buy meat grazed a stone’s throw away: plus an amazing array of art and crafts.

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M A R K E TS

“When people shop here they are getting something special” brimming with local produce right in the centre of the city.

Side by side with the food and produce are some great services. You can get your phone fixed, trousers taken up, or your bike mended. The Bikeman stall has been on the market for 26 years, and bike mechanic Dima Tretjakov tells me they have customers that have been coming for that long. “We are busy all year around. We compete on price and we offer services that many bike shops don’t.”

Craft and gifts are also an important part of the market’s offering, and along with the All Saints Market (Great British Market award winner 2018), the central market is brimming with handmade toys, picture frames and ceramics. I ask Dominique Leighton, from Peacock’s Jewellery – part of the market for 12 years – why people buy from Peacock’s rather than shop online.

“With pearls and some of the special beads we use, people need to be able to see, touch and feel the product, so the market is the perfect place. Our designs are unique too.

When people shop here they know they are

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getting something special.” Dominique is another one who left corporate life to come to the market, but prefers the community spirit and the friendliness of market life. “Being outside, the atmosphere, the customers, and the support from the other stallholders, is why I love it.”

What strikes me is the fun customers and stall holders alike seem to have. There is an element of stepping back in time, when shopping was not about head-down rushing through the supermarket but a sociable, enjoyable day out to see friends and interact with the community. With planned improvements to the way the market looks and to increasing places to ‘dwell’ a little longer, the future looks bright. Cambridge market is an everchanging patchwork of artisan offerings, run by passionate stall holders with a vast array of goods and services to choose from – you can shop cost-effectively in a sustainable, plastic-free way right in the centre of your city. Do yourself a favour and spend some time exploring, and fall back in love with your market. l

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ELY MARKET Cambridge isn’t the only great local market on your doorstep.

Ely, too, has a vibrant market with stalls selling everything from crafts to food. The team is launching mini-markets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with stalls selling essentials such as fruit, vegetables, bread and coffee.

“They encourage people to shop locally and support small producers,” said Julia Davis of Ely Markets. Buying little and often isn’t just convenient, it cuts down on food waste and packaging. “We want our markets to lead the way in helping residents take a more thoughtful approach to their shopping. We’d love to see people bringing their own containers.” The minimarkets run from 8.30am to 3.30pm and complement the main markets on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

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DOWN TO FAITH IN A NETWORK FROM NETWORKING EVENTS TO CO-WORKING COLLECTIVES – COLLABORATION IS KEY IN THE CAMBRIDGE BUSINESS COMMUNITY. GET IN ON THE ACTION WITH THE HELP OF THESE LOCAL HUBS

CAMBRIDGESPACE

A hotbed of creative thinkers, innovators and social entrepreneurs, CambridgeSpace is a not-for-profit community of co-workers with big ideas.

Founded in 2016, the organisation’s avowed goals are to inspire growth and collaboration, promote learning and develop solutions through activities such as workshops, all from their base at Cambridge University Rugby Club on Grange Road. With a deep network of supporters around the city, a positive, friendly vibe, tasty sandwiches (from Urban Shed’s ‘Shedbulance’), and even a bar for any workers pulling a late one, it’s a dream antidote to lonely days spent hunched over a laptop working from home.

CAMJELLY

A casual co-working event geared towards freelancers, home workers and

people with small businesses, CamJelly combines work, chat, ideas swapping and collaboration opportunities. It’s not a networking event per se, so if you just want to hunker down with your laptop and headphones that’s fine, but the last hour of the day is dedicated to drinks and chatting so it can be a great opportunity to meet like-minded folk and scope out opportunities for working together if you’re so inclined. CamJelly takes place on the third Friday of each month at the Future Business Centre, Cambridge, on King’s Hedges Road, and runs 10am-5pm. There’s free Wi-Fi and you can drop in whenever you like.

GRUB CLUB

The food and hospitality industry in Cambridge might be competitive, but it’s also incredibly collaborative: Grub Club is there to help facilitate local food professionals chatting, networking and

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sparking up ideas – all while enjoying some great food. The group was founded by Vhari Russell of The Food Marketing Expert and Kelly Molson of local design agency Rubber Cheese, and brings together restaurateurs, retailers, producers, buyers and more to talk about the market and what’s new, to share advice and build relationships. The next Grub Club takes place on 22 May at Stem + Glory, Cambridge’s vegan cafe, and will included a menu of kimchi pancakes, gourmet plant-based burgers and more.

Tickets are £42.50.

EAGLE LAB

Supporting Cambridge’s ecosystem of entrepreneurs, Barclay’s Eagle Lab offers a range of support services including access to mentors and funding opportunities. Located on Chesterton Road, the incubator space offers both private office space and co-working/

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B UX XS XI N X XEXSS XX

BUSINESS P I TC H P E R F E C T

altr A LUXURY CUSTOMISABLE FOOTWEAR BRAND BASED IN ELY, ALTR GIVE US THEIR PITCH

WHAT’S YOUR PITCH?

hot-desking opportunities, unlimited refreshments, mentors and coaches from Cambridge Judge Business School. Other facilities include an auditorium, and membership packages start at £99 plus VAT per month.

CAMCREATIVES

Connecting creative types across Cambridgeshire, CamCreatives brings together designers, artists, performers, media workers and more on the last Wednesday of each month. They hope to boost the profile of the sector, foster collaboration and growth, and attract new talent and business to the industry and their meet-ups feature an industry speaker or discussion followed by open networking and a chance to mingle.

They’re a friendly bunch, and there are three to five new members each week so you needn’t worry that you’ll be the only person who doesn’t know anybody! l

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altr is a luxury footwear brand offering the opportunity to fully customise three exclusive signature styles, to create an individual pair of shoes every time.

Made from the finest local leathers and materials, by skilled artisans in the renowned Marche region of Italy, each shoe is created using over 130 handcrafted processes, to your exact specification.

WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND?

altr’s founder and MD, Chris Margetts, is a prominent footwear developer with over 20 years’ experience working with a range of high-profile men’s brands. The lead designer behind the world-renowned Anthony Miles brand, Chris has identified an upward trend in the fashion industry to accommodate the growing demand in customisable footwear.

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE?

altr footwear is fully customisable across three luxury styles, comprising a hightop

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sneaker, lowtop sneaker and a chelsea boot. With over 1000 possible colour and material combinations available, and the customer’s initials monogrammed into the calf leather lining of each shoe, every pair is unique, giving buyers the exclusive experience of being able to customise and wear their own luxury footwear designs.

WHERE DO YOU WANT THE BUSINESS TO BE IN FIVE YEARS?

Since its launch in 2017, altr is already being sold across Europe to high-end retailers, having recently appointed a brand agent in the Netherlands and Belgium. The long-term objective is to have distributors across the world, and build a reputable brand based on style and great quality. Having worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years, Chris is constantly monitoring upcoming trends two to three seasons ahead of time; with this in mind the brand is set to launch two new styles in time for SS19. www.a-l-t-r.com

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INDEPENDENT OF THE MONTH

Lockhouse Escape Games YOU’RE LOCKED IN A ROOM AND YOU HAVE ONE HOUR TO GET OUT TO SAVE THE PLANET. IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOUR IDEA OF FUN, THEN A LOCKHOUSE ESCAPE GAMES CHALLENGE COULD BE FOR YOU, SAYS SIOBHAN GODWOOD

W e wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of escape rooms before, as it’s a fairly new concept in the UK, although it’s hugely popular in the US, Japan and – weirdly – Budapest, which is the escape rooms capital of Europe. It involves you and a group of friends, family members or work colleagues voluntarily being locked into a room for an hour, and having to solve a series of games and challenges in order to escape. Each room has a different theme, so you could be trying to escape an evil villain, or trying to get into another room so that you can save the world. “It’s actually the perfect activity for the UK,”

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says Michael Brown, marketing manager at Lockhouse Escape Games in Cambridge, “as you can play in any weather, at any time of year, and it can be played by people of all different ages and abilities; you don’t need any special skills. Plus, it’s really fun and a great way to enjoy a bit of escapism – quite literally – from everyday life.”

Lockhouse has been running for a year now, but is already well established as a great way to spend a day in Cambridge.

“We’re the number one escape rooms in Cambridge on Trip Advisor, and the tenth best attraction in Cambridge overall, which is amazing given that we only opened last May,” says Michael. The escape rooms concept is really fun and exciting, and the Lockhouse team has clearly worked incredibly hard and made a huge success of their business, but Michael believes that part of their success is down to being in Cambridge, with its diverse population and strong economy. “You’ve got students, tech and science businesses – we’ve got loads of corporate clients who book us for team building days. We also run days where we get groups of teachers and students in from local schools, and they

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can build the problem-solving element into their curriculum. Plus, we have a fantastic location, really close to Parker’s Piece and Downing College, so lots of people see the venue simply by walking past.”

The venue attracts a range of different people coming to play. “It’s not unusual for us to have three generations, grandparents, parents and children, all playing together in one room, which is really nice,” says Michael. “With Cambridge being a university town, we do also get lots of student groups. But outside of term time, we’re still really busy, and we get a lot of tourists and language school students, plus loads of birthday parties and stag and hen groups – we actually get more hens than stags, which might surprise people.”

The team also put on special, themed experiences; last year one of the most successful was the Halloween night.

“Members of the team dressed up in spooky costumes, and we put on special, scary escape room experiences,” explains Michael. “It was so popular that for 2018 we’ll be doing it for the whole of October and right up to 5 November.”

There are three different escape rooms at Lockhouse. “The first one is Armageddon room, which is our entry level game, perfect for people who have never played escape rooms before,” says Michael. “It’s a science lab, and there’s an asteroid coming towards the earth. You have an hour to save the earth, so you have to break from one room to another and collect all the equipment that you need to launch a rocket and destroy the asteroid.

“We also have an Egyptian tomb, which is our most popular game and our biggest experience, featuring four rooms.

It’s also our most physical game, a bit like the Crystal Maze, with lots of handheld challenges. You need four to six people to get everything done, and there are lots of tunnels and secret passages to crawl through.

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I N D E P E N D E N T O F T H EX M X XO X XNXTXHX

“We have our three-room secret agent challenge, which is our toughest game. It’s a kind of James Bond-style spy challenge” “Finally, we have our three-room secret agent challenge, which is our toughest game and designed for adults, although family groups do play it. It’s a kind of James Bond-style spy challenge involving codebreaking and cryptology.”

Lockhouse Escape Games also has two virtual reality areas, and when you arrive, the first area you come into is a board game café, so you can play different tabletop games while you’re waiting for your escape room experience to start. Lockhouse can tailor games to suit different ages, particularly if there

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are younger children in a group, but the one of the venue’s record escape times was achieved by a group of boy scouts, so children can be surprisingly good at solving the challenges. Each group is assigned a Games Master who looks after them and supports them throughout their escape task.

Now that Lockhouse is celebrating its first birthday, the team has big plans to change one of the rooms and introduce a new challenge. “I’m sworn to secrecy,” laughs Michael, “but I can promise you that it will be brilliant and a really

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fantastic challenge. We’ll also be having a big party to launch the new room and celebrate our first year in business.”

If their first year in business is anything to go by, Lockhouse Escape Rooms has got a bright future ahead. So if being locked in a room with your nearest and dearest – or even some work colleagues that you just about tolerate – is your idea of a good time, you’d better hurry: those rooms get booked up fast! l Lockhouse Escape Games | 70 Regent Street Cambridge CB2 1DP | 01223 321216 | lockhouse.co.uk

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POWER PASTELS YELLOW ISSA BOX CLUTCH

Pastels don’t have to be girly and delicate – a sharply tailored blazer in lemon or baby blue works the trend while avoiding looking sickly sweet, or pick up a pair of smart cropped trousers in a pastel hue and team with boxfresh white trainers. Spring outfit perfection.

£45, houseoffraser.co.uk PASTEL BLUE BLAZER

£39, Miss Selfridge, Petty Cury

LILAC SLIP-ON

£59, Office, Grand Arcade

Ice Cream

PALE PINK TRENCH COAT

£69, Marks and Spencer, Sidney Street

DREAM

PASTEL PINK LONG JUMPER

£10, Miss Selfridge, Petty Cury

From Céline to Hermès, lilacs, mint greens, pretty pinks, perfect peaches and lemon hues were all over the spring/ summer ’18 catwalks.

Delicate and fresh, these sorbet shades are perfect for adding a touch of spring to your wardrobe

YELLOW BLAZER

£50, Oasis, Grafton Centre & Market Hill

LIGHT BLUE CREW NECK SWEATER

£15, Pretty Little Thing

ADIDAS ORIGINALS GAZELLE IN PALE PINK

£75 asos.com

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FAS H I O N

HOW TO WEAR IT

Whatever your personal style or colouring, there’s a way of rocking pastels so that they look amazing, and the high street is teeming with options to get you inspired. If you fancy going all out, take your style cue from Céline, where ice cream shades have been teamed up for maximum wow factor, or give a nod to the trend with pastel footwear – we love these cute-as-a-button lilac slipons from Office.

BLOUSE

£35, Maison de Nimes, houseoffraser.co.uk

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FAS H I O N

OASIS X FITZWILLIAM High street clothing store Oasis has teamed up with our very own Fitzwilliam Museum to create a new spring collection brimming with beautiful botanical designs. Adorning pleated midis, tailored jumpsuits, bardot dresses and bags, the prints in the range are inspired by the museum’s collections of flower paintings, plant drawings and floral miniatures, as well as by rare ornithological works. The Oasis in-house design team has reimagined these illustrations from renowned naturalists and painters to deliver a captivating collection of occasion wear and accessories, which is on sale online and at stores across the country.

“The Oasis and Fitzwilliam Museum spring collection is an inspired way to bring our rare natural history and botanical studies to life this summer,” explains Kate Carreno, assistant director of the Fitzwilliam Museum. “These captivating studies will now be shared and enjoyed by a wider audience who might otherwise have been unaware of the Fitzwilliam’s collection. Through these clothes and accessories we hope to expose our little-known treasures to a wider audience, to inspire and create an appreciation of just how informative and beautiful these historic books and prints are.” oasis-stores.com

PICKS FROM THE INDIES

SILK PATTERNED SCARF

£25 Ark, St Mary’s Passage

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PRIMROSE PARK GAIL SHIRT

£174.95, Cuckoo Clothing, Burwash Manor

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MARGOT DRESS BY EMILY AND FIN

£99, Lilac Rose, Bridge Street

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HEALTH & BEAUTY OUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO NEW WAYS TO LOOK AND FEEL GREAT IN AND AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE

ON T HE RU N Have an endorphin-releasing staycation right here in Cambridge with Hotel Felix’s new Running Experience. Guests will receive expert advice and guidance, plus a host of running routes designed to showcase Cambridge’s most picturesque sights. Starting at £150 per person per night, the experience includes a fuelling breakfast with an invigorating smoothie at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant Graffiti, a running shoe MOT from Advance Performance, professional running shoe fitting and gait analysis, plus access to a bite-size injury clinic (ideal for runners with persistent or niggling injuries who want practical expert advice and recommendations to make a difference). Also included is a pair of technical running socks each and a £5 Advance Performance voucher, as well as a slap-up dinner.

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MR. OPENS ON MILL ROAD

Uber-hip gents’ grooming parlour Mr. has opened its second Cambridge branch in recent weeks, offering a range of barber services in a super-stylish setting. The shop, located towards the town end of Mill Road, provides men’s haircuts, shaves and beard trims by specialist hairdressers, on hand to advise and guide on how to get your barnet looking tip-top. mrbarbers.co.uk

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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

TOUR OF CAMBRIDGESHIRE CYCLING FESTIVAL & BIKE SHOW RUTLAND CYCLING GIVE US THE LOWDOWN ON THE BIKE EVENTS PEDDLING INTO TOWN THIS SUMMER The Tour of Cambridgeshire Festival (ToC) is an annual fixture in Rutland Cycling’s calendar, just as it is for thousands of cyclists across the UK and beyond. Rutland Cycling has been retail partner of the ToC, the largest cycling festival in the East Midlands, since 2015.

This year the festival will see the addition of the Cambridgeshire Bike Show, organised in partnership with Rutland Cycling and Golazo Cycling, with more than 50 exhibitors showcasing their products and services, including brands such as Specialized, Trek, Scott, Cannondale, Bianchi, Cube, Whyte and Frog, plus clothing and accessories from Endura, Kask and Chapeau and Oakley.

Entry to the festival is free, so it’s a great opportunity to bring the family along for an exciting weekend of cycling events. It’s guaranteed to be a really fantastic weekend,

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with a carnival atmosphere designed to bring everyone with a passion for cycling together.

There will be over 12,000 cyclists taking part, ranging from professionals and ex-professionals to club riders and beginners. Add some medical support, pit stops filled with volunteers serving snacks, energy products and drinks, completely traffic-free roads to ride on and the Bike Show and you’ve got all the ingredients to create an amazing Tour of Cambridgeshire Festival!

Cycling Events over the weekend start on Saturday 2 June and there’s something for all levels of cyclists and all ages, including the Gran Fondo Race and Sportive, Mellow Velo Ride, Tour Classic, Team Chrono and the Family Fondo. All the races offer a great spectacle and the chance to cheer on the riders and soak up the atmosphere. Rutland’s team will be on hand in the Chrono warm-up

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area, providing and managing the turbo trainers for riders competing in the individual and team time trials – the humming sound of turbo trainers fills Peterborough Arena and adds to the exciting build up to the start of the racing.

Want to get the family into cycling and be part of the cycling events? Join the Family Fondo – a fun event for families and beginners, held on a traffic-free circuit, with three distance choices: 4 miles, 8 miles and 12 miles. The event is accompanied by a DJ playing motivational tunes. Tour of Cambridgeshire medals will be presented to all children completing their distance.

To find out more and book places visit: tourofcambridgeshire.com ToC takes place 1 to 3 June at Peterborough Arena.

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B E AU T Y

the

BEAUTY bible

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think you’d all agree, the unwelcome weather last month left a lot to be desired, and all that cold, wind and rain can cause havoc for our skin. Now that summer is finally on its way, it’s a great time to slough off any remnants of a frostier time and get glowing and ready for sunshine.

I like to think of this type of activity as a bit of a (belated) spring clean for the skin, and in a rather reptilian-manner, shedding the old and embracing the new.

Now, when it comes to skincare, I’m a bit of a die-hard Murad fan, and can honestly not recommend their skincare range enough – especially for those with specific complaints. Open pores? No problem, check out the pink range including the incredible Pore Extractor Pomegranate Mask (£30, murad.co.uk). Aging woes? The new Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream (£65, murad.co.uk) is peptide-rich and promises real-life beauty sleep. Rich and creamy, it works hard to defy lines and pesky wrinkles while promoting elasticity.

However, because I’m a fickle beauty fan, it doesn’t take too much to tempt me to the other side, and I’m always keen to try something new. Clarins recently opened the doors to their new Skin Spa in John Lewis, offering two treatment rooms and an all-new retail space. While I’d admittedly always considered Clarins a brand my nan might opt for, they kept popping up on my insta-feed with rave reviews for their skin treatments, so, keen to see what all the fuss

was about, I booked in for the signature Tri-Active Facial (£70 for 1 hour 20 minutes, or £85 for 1 hour 45 minutes, Clarins Skin Spa, Grand Arcade). Stepping into the new space, it was clearly not just a place for grans! It’s sleek and stylish, with a huge range of products on offer. My therapist Natalie fetched me a drink and showed me upstairs to the treatment room where she explained in detail the treatment I would be receiving, and asked me questions in order to tailor my experience and the products she used to suit my needs. I opted for a back massage (you could have a head massage) and was transported to a wonderful place far, far away from deadlines, demands and daily stresses.

Once I had been reduced to a suitably putty-like person, Natalie used an extensive range of products over my face and neck area, as well as working on my hands and arms. What I really loved about this facial was how uber-relaxing and kind to my soul it felt. I left on a totally other planet, in a really wonderful way. Having since picked up some of the products, I’m loving the SOS Comfort Face Mask (£30), a nourishing balm mask with mango butter, and the Pure Melt Cleansing Gel with Marula Oil (£20), a transformational gel which turns to oil and melts away all traces of dirt and make-up. l

“What I really loved about this facial was how uber-relaxing and kind to my soul it felt” CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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THE ONE THAT I WANT

American brand Drunk Elephant prides itself on only using clean ingredients that benefit and support the skin’s natural health.

No ‘suspicious 6’ (silicones, chemical screens, sensitizing colourants/perfumes, sodium lauryl sulfate, essential oils and drying alcohol), concentrating instead on a harmonious balance. The Lala Retro Whipped Cream is a whipped moisturiser containing a blend of six African oils to lock in moisture and brighten skin.

Once only available in the states and at Sephora, Drunk Elephant is soon coming to SpaceNK, and I’m sure it will be worth the wait!

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Home Edition © HOUSE OF FRASER

TOP INTERIORS TRENDS TO TRY THIS SPRING • EDITION LOVES •ASK THE AGENT

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A DV E RT I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

BE OUR GUEST With a range of stylish serviced apartments around Cambridge, Your Space offers a smart alternative to hotels, aparthotels and Airbnb accommodation

D

o you have a visitor to Cambridge that you need to book accommodation for?

Your Space has a range of serviced apartments in locations around Cambridge, offering luxury self-catering accommodation that gives guests the freedom to really feel at home.

The apartments can be booked for as little as two nights at a time via phone call, email or a simple online form, and guests are met in person on arrival, shown around and offered a chance to ask any questions about their stay.

Your Space goes the extra mile to ensure guests have a home-from-home experience. Because the apartments are serviced, guests have access to all the essentials and creature comforts they might need, and Your Space delivers a welcome basked filled with provisions and ensures that the kitchens are stocked with essentials like salt and pepper and herbs, and bathrooms are fully equipped with fluffy towels, soaps and shampoo. Handy mod cons like a washer-dryer and ironing equipment are provided too, while guests are guaranteed a cosy night’s sleep on the luxurious Egyptian cotton bedding.

There’s a 24-hour support service for all guests too, and all apartments come with a tablet computer pre-loaded with useful local recommendations and up-to-date information on the city. With all this, why would you book anywhere else? l

W H Y CHO OSE YOU R SPACE? GREAT VALUE

Competitively priced, the apartments offer excellent value accommodation, especially for groups and families

Tel: 01223 313383 Email: info@yourspaceapartments.com yourspaceapartments.com

CONVENIENT

Book online or email to book – or you can call if you’d rather speak to a real person HOME FROM HOME

From the equipped kitchens to the fluffy towels and welcome baskets, Your Space goes the extra mile to make guests comfortable 24-HOUR SUPPORT

Your Space offers round the clock support for guests – should they need anything, help is just a phone call away

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In the FRAME

INTERIORS

ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS – SUCH AS WINDOWS AND DOORS – CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE TO THE DESIGN OF YOUR HOME. WHETHER YOU OWN A PERIOD PROPERTY OR LIVE IN A MODERN HOUSE, IT’S EASY TO MAKE THEM FEATURES IN THEIR OWN RIGHT WITH STYLISH DRESSINGS, THE LATEST PAINT COLOURS AND CHIC ACCESSORIES, SAYS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

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rom traditional sash windows to modern bi-fold doors, the windows and doors we choose give a glimpse into the soul of our homes. If you are replacing your windows, remember to consider practical elements first, such as insulation, the style of your property and what type of glazing you need. Traditional homes, for instance, are enhanced by replacing ‘like for like’ – timber frames, sash windows and period doors – while with contemporary properties, homeowners can embrace modernity by opting for more avant-garde styles.

Schnauber is a Cambridge-based company specialising in bespoke timber windows and doors for heritage homes, listed buildings and period properties in the East of England. Michael King, sales and marketing manager, comments: “The Cambridge area is unique in that there’s an abundance of heritage homes in conservation areas. Our speciality lies in working with many of these homeowners to ensure the integrity of their buildings is kept intact. We offer beautiful timber windows and doors which are bespoke to each client, and which give the highest efficiency and security without losing that much-loved traditional look.”

For more modern properties, a trend is to ‘open out’ a home by opting for lots of glass – with bi-fold doors and wide expanses of contemporary glazing – allowing light to flood in. u

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INTERIORS

BI-FOL D BEN EF I T S CAMBRIDGESHIREBASED KLÖEBER’S TOP THREE TIPS

one

Bi-folds are good for opening up your house to the garden. Bi-folds open up to 90% of the aperture whereas sliding doors will always have panes of glass that cannot all be opened.

two

Always consider the number of panels as early as you can, because this really affects the cost and how you use the space.

three

Try and attain a level threshold inside and out to create a cohesive single space, especially when you open up the whole space with a bi-fold door.

Previous page Window fabrics from Vanessa Arbuthnott’s Artists’ Collection, from £52 per metre Left Window Film Company’s frosted film Top Klöeber’s bi-fold doors in Storm Grey Above Schnauber’s timber sash windows, prices vary

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INTERIORS

Cambridge-based N & C Glass is a leading glass company, having been established for over 33 years, and offers a wide range of new and replacement windows, doors and conservatories in UPVC or aluminium, perfect for newer builds.

As one of the most important elements in a room, windows provide the main focal point and connect the indoors with the outside. David Mottershead, managing director of Little Greene, says: “Frame the view, just as you would a piece of artwork, by painting window frames and woodwork in a deep hue in contrast to the wall colour.

Alternatively, create drama in the room by painting window frames in the same colour as the walls. Around smaller windows, paint a wide strip of colour on the wall around the frame to increase the impact

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“Create drama in the room by painting window frames in the same colour as the walls” this window has on the room and create a sense of grandeur.”

When it comes to dressing windows, first consider your space. If you have a grand, opulent room, you can reflect this with dramatic drapes made in heavier

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fabric. If your room is smaller, or minimalist in design, then choose more functional window coverings which are not too obtrusive.

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without the fuss factor. They give privacy for bathrooms or rooms facing a busy road, yet add a touch of style. Micky Calcott, managing director of The Window Film Company, comments: “There is a huge range of coloured, cut and printed patterns available, so you can find something for every taste.

Film is also easy to apply, making it an increasingly popular solution for both functional and decorative requirements.

As well as the aesthetic benefits, frosted film also provides privacy but doesn’t block out the light.”

For a seamless look, opt for roller blinds fitted in the window cavity, such as those from English Blinds. Shutters also give a chic finish and are available in a range of colours and styles to fit any scheme. Shutterly Fabulous offers a wide collection, from cafe style to solid panels.

Secret Linen Store, meanwhile, is also a good source for pared-back window coverings. Molly Freshwater, one of the founders, says: “Dressing your windows up and framing them with a tumbling fabric looks very elegant, especially in the bedroom, and black-out fabrics will also keep out the light. Our curtains are plain and designed so that they can coordinate with many of our bed linen ranges. Curtains are a real investment, and picking the right set will enhance any room.”

For something more dramatic, Kaleidoscope has a range of bolder options.

Lucy McGilvray, homes expert from the brand, gives her view: “We often think of larger pieces of furniture, armchairs and wall art as typical ‘statement’ pieces, but there’s no reason why you can’t dress your window with a stand-out pair of curtains.

After all, windows are often a key feature in many rooms.” u

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INTERIORS

Previous page Door painted in Little Greene’s Trumpet 196, from £24 per litre. Opposite page, left Secret Linen Store’s Relaxed Denim Dove curtains, from £139. Opposite page, right Window Film Company’s frosted film, prices vary. Above English Blinds Textured Organic roller blinds, from £45.76 Below Vanessa Arbuthnott’s By The Sea fabric in Saffron, £52 per metre Bottom Kaleidoscope’s Paper Dove curtains, £120

HEADS UP FABRIC EXPERT VANESSA ARBUTHNOT T ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CURTAIN HEADING

• A softly gathered cottagepleat suits a bedroom or cosy sitting room.

• Hand-sewn double or triple pleats suit a more formal setting, and, because of the depth of the pleat, suit a long curtain better.

• Tie tops are a good solution if you don’t want a heavy weight of curtain at your window, and suit a more contemporary space.

• Pencil pleat headings are the most adaptable, because you can adjust the width of the curtain by loosening the tape or pulling it up tighter.

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INTERIORS This page Find a huge selection of door furniture and lighting at Jim Lawrence, prices vary

STOCKISTS English Blinds 0121 439 6770 englishblinds.co.uk Evolution Windows 01767 821548 evolutionwindows.com Jim Lawrence 01473 826685 jim-lawrence.co.uk Kaleidoscope 0333 200 8018 kaleidoscope.co.uk Klöeber 01487 740044 kloeber.co.uk Little Greene 020 7935 8844 littlegreene.com N & C Glass 01353 667964 nandcglass.co.uk Schnauber 01223 929293 windowscambridge.co.uk Secret Linen Store 01243 822 599 secretlinenstore.com Shutterly Fabulous 0800 970 0800 shutterlyfabulous.com The Window Film Company 01494 853094 windowfilm.co.uk Vanessa Arbuthnott 01285 831437 vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk

When it comes to front doors, many homeowners are becoming more adventurous with the colours they choose, from timeless, muted Farrow & Ball colours to bolder shades. Evolution Windows’ English Door Company has a collection of options which will give immediate impact, including classic cottage doors and townhouse styles.

You can also reveal a touch of personality and a warm welcome with just the right accessories – such as quirky door knockers, lanterns and interesting lighting. After all, first impressions count. l

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EN T RY ON LY

RENOWNED FOR ITS HANDCRAFTED HARDWARE, JIM LAWRENCE GIVES THREE TRENDS FOR DOORS

Bold matte black. This hard-wearing, durable finish is the perfect choice for door hardware, creating a sophisticated look.

A door knocker. An essential whether you accompany it with a bell or not.

A chunky knocker says “welcome” and invites you in.

Make a statement! Statement outdoor lanterns are an inviting addition, while downlighters will illuminate your house, giving a welcome appeal when the night draws in.

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A DV E RT I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

NEW PHASE AT TRUMPINGTON MEADOWS Three- and four-bedroom homes released for sale at exciting Hauxton Road site

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arratt Homes Eastern Counties has launched a new phase of contemporary homes at the Trumpington Meadows development in Cambridge.

Sylva, the tenth phase of homes at the Hauxton Road development, features a range of exciting one- to four-bedroom homes. The first three- and four-bedroom homes have just been released for sale.

With features such as floor-to-ceiling windows, the properties are all carefully designed and inspired by modern Cambridge architecture. Many of the homes at Sylva are spread over three floors and boast sleek and stylish floor plans, with unique townhouse layouts including top floor study rooms, second lounges on the first floor and ground floor bedrooms ideal for converting into a hobby room or home gym.

Jason Colmer, Sales Director at Barratt Homes Eastern Counties, said: “We

are excited to be launching the much anticipated tenth phase of Trumpington Meadows, where homebuyers can find uniquely designed properties only available at Sylva.

“I would urge those interested to visit our sales centre to be one of the first to reserve these fantastic properties and become a part of the growing Trumpington Meadows community.”

Trumpington Meadows is on the outskirts of Cambridge, just three miles from the city centre. The development boasts excellent commuter links, with the Park and Ride next door providing regular buses around Cambridgeshire and with easy access to the M11.

A beautiful 148-acre country park runs alongside the development, with some properties, such as the villas and apartments at Trumpington Vista, offering breathtaking views across the park from their balconies.

There are currently one- to fourbedroom homes for sale at Trumpington Meadows, with prices from £329,995. There are currently two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom villas at Trumpington Vista, with prices starting from £464,995. l For more information visit the sales centre, open Monday 12.30-5.30pm and Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5.30pm. Alternatively call the sales information line on 0844 811 4888 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

Limited offer available on selected plots only. See website for details, subject to contract and status. Prices correct at time of going to press if mentioned. Images include optional upgrades at additional cost. See barratthomes.co.uk for full details. BDW Trading Limited (number 03018173) whose registered office is at Barratt House, Cartwright Way, Forest Business Park, Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1UF (“BDW”) is a subsidiary of Barratt Developments PLC. The Homes and Communities Agency (“HCA”) provides an equity loan for 20% of the purchase price of the property. The equity loan provided by the HCA is secured as second charge on your property. The amount you have to repay to the HCA. *Calls to our 0844 numbers cost 7 pence per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

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INTERIORS

POSTBOX

£39, pib-home.co.uk

MEADOW SCENE SOFT APPLE GREEN FABRIC

£70 per metre, victoria-rebecca.co.uk

STATION LANTERN IN NICKEL PLATE STAINLESS STEEL

£44.95, cuckooland.com

BRASS LION KNOCKER

22, rockettstgeorge.co.uk

EDI T ION

LOVES

ROUND DOORMAT

£40, amara.com

BELGRAVE OUTDOOR LANTERN

£70, gardentrading.co.uk

MID-CENTURY WOODEN HOOKS

£8, sainsburys.co.uk ‘BETWEEN CERTAINTY AND OBLIVION’ FABRIC

£95 per metre, themonkeypuzzletree.com

HEART KNOCKER

£56.60, jim-lawrence.co.uk

SET OF TWO ART DECO BRASS SWAN DOOR HANDLES

£40, rockettstgeorge.co.uk

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P RO P E RT Y

Introducing EDDINGTON

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s Cambridge races to keep up with its own exuberant growth, we’ve become used to the sight of gleaming new developments springing up around the city, but the latest, Eddington, is attention-grabbingly unique for a number of reasons.

For starters, this latest extension to the city – which will eventually include 3,000 homes – has been conceived of and delivered by Cambridge University.

A decade in the making, Eddington is the realisation of an ambitious project by the university to help secure its longterm future through creating homes for key workers and academics. In the face of soaring property prices and a lack of affordable housing, the development is part of a campaign to stem the ‘brain drain’; to keep Cambridge appealing and viable to the postgrads and staff without whom the university cannot function.

Eddington is the first phase of the North West Cambridge development, which occupies a vast, 150-hectare site located between Madingley Road and Huntingdon Road. Of the 3,000 homes in the pipeline for development, half will be allocated to those associated with the university, alongside an additional 2,000 postgrad student beds, and the other half will be privately sold to the general public.

The sheer scale of the development is another marker of its uniqueness – close in size to 90 football pitches, this new suburb for the city represents the largest ever investment by a university in a new

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© JACK HOBHOUSE

EDITION TAKES A LOOK AROUND THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE’S AMBITIOUS NEW ECO-FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENT

EDDINGTON IN NUMBERS

150 3000 2476 HECTARE SITE

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HOMES

TREES

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© MIKE O’DWYER

community. A colossal £1 billion project undergirded by an admirable commitment to sustainability, it encapsulates not just housing but 100,000 square metres of research facilities, 50 hectares of green open space, a primary school and a variety of community facilities.

The University of Cambridge Primary School

© ALAN WILLIAMS

© MIKE O’DWYER

A NEW COMMUNITY FOR CAMBRIDGE

Take a wander around Eddington and something that shines through is the commitment to creating not just a collection of houses but a living, breathing community. Far from an afterthought, community has been designed in from the outset; a sense of identity carefully woven into the fabric of the place in a way rarely seen in new residential developments.

The onsite primary school opened early (around two years ago in fact – before the first homes had been completed), meaning that families moving in would be able to enrol immediately, and that Eddington didn’t add to a school-place shortage in Cambridge. The school, which

combines an innovative circular design with an equally innovative approach to education, will serve not only to educate the children of Eddington families but also as a primary training school for the university – the first of its kind in the UK.

A GREEN DREAM

Storey’s Field Centre, the development’s performing arts hub

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There’s a community and performing arts hub, too; the stunningly state-ofthe-art Storey’s Field Centre. Boasting an impressive 180-capacity main hall for concerts, classes and clubs, two smaller multi-purpose rooms and a walled garden, the centre opened in February and will be available for both local residents and the wider Cambridge community to use.

Adding to Eddington’s unique character are the numerous pieces of public art which pepper the site, animating the built and natural landscape. Through the Fata Morgana Teahouse, a steel pavilion on the edge of the lake, and the Pixel Wall, a mirrored surface which reflects its surroundings, passers-by are invited to see the landscape from a different perspective, continually engaging with and enjoying their surroundings; lingering rather than hurrying through.

Alongside community, another guiding principle across the Eddington u

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P RO P E RT Y

development is sustainability. The eco features are endlessly impressive, from the rainwater harvesting system – the largest of its kind in the UK – which is designed to reduce consumption per person whilst also protecting against flood risk, to the innovative waste management solutions and the dazzlingly energy efficient homes, the site is an exemplar of sustainability.

Eddington also lays claim to the city’s first district heating system, which sees individual boilers in homes replaced with one central network that provides hot water and heat across the site.

The site is green in a physical sense too, with an abundance of parklands, play areas, allotments and sports pitches. Residents are encouraged towards a sustainable lifestyle, with a car share club and topnotch walking and cycle routes – which they’d be little reason not to embrace when it’s just a brisk two-mile pedal to the Market Square in the city centre.

ATHENA

If you’re sold on the Eddington vision, look to Athena: the 240 sleek new homes located opposite the University of Cambridge Primary School. Named, fittingly, after the Greek goddess of wisdom, the development offers a collection of cleverly designed studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and fourbedroom houses.

“These are what we call 21st century period homes, combining contemporary design and vernacular with walkable streets more commonly found in historic places that have evolved over many years,” explains architect Alexis Butterfield,

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Associate Partner, Pollard Thomas Edwards.

“The restrained palette of façade materials has been inspired by the robust qualities of Cambridge; brick, metal and stone”.

Filled with natural light, the homes take inspiration from Cambridge’s period properties (large windows, spacious rooms), while reflecting contemporary lifestyles with underfloor heating, terraces, and hi-tech appliances, offering an appealing mixture of modern and traditional. When asked about what they’re most pleased with though, the architects say it’s the way that the residents’ needs have been put at the heart of the design.

“Open space in our towns and cities is increasingly precious, and with our design each piece of the available space has been has been planned to put people first and cars second,” says Alexis. “Residents’ parking is kept off the

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street. Two whole streets are landscaped and given over to community use – transforming the street from a traffic space into a social space, and providing an attractive walk to the new local centre.”

The compact, low-rise design at Athena is a perfect demonstration of how developers can answer the need for high density housing without compromising the overall aesthetic of a development – or marring the skyline.

Again, sustainability has been extraordinarily well planned in, with Athena homes boasting high levels of insulation, triple glazing, energy efficient kitchen appliances, aerated shower heads and photovoltaic panels on the roof – all of which have helped the homes achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5, the gold standard in environmentallyconscious homebuilding. l

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P RO P E RT Y A S K T H E AG E N T

Thinking of buying to let?

ALI MILLER, DIRECTOR AT LOCAL LETTING AGENTS REDMAYNE MILLER, OFFERS ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR LANDLORDS

S

ummer is undoubtedly the busiest time in the Cambridge lettings market, so if you are considering letting your property now is the time to get ready. Typically, from around about now until autumn is classed as the ‘peak season’ to let your property, with some of the highest rents achieved in the summer months.

Families need to complete school applications so want to have tenancy agreements in place for local schools, the distraction of Christmas has passed, and the brighter days make every home look more appealing!

You will need to invite a letting agent to have a look at the property and give you a rental valuation, so you know what sort of rent is achievable. Any good agent will be able to give you guidance on the following, but as a starting point, here are a few things to bear in mind before setting the wheels in motion.

MORTGAGE

Do you have a buy-to-let mortgage on the property? If not, you will need to speak to your mortgage provider and ask them for their consent to let.

paint to remove furniture marks from the walls or simply giving the place a lift, so it’s a good idea to set aside a contingency fund.

FURNISHINGS

You will need to decide whether or not you are going to let your property furnished or unfurnished. In either case, tenants will generally expect to have white goods provided.

If you decide to leave furniture, then any items will need to comply with furniture and furnishings (fire safety) regulations. If you offer your property furnished then this does not automatically mean you will achieve a higher rent.

I would strongly advise you avoid offering the property part-furnished, as something that works for one tenancy hardly ever works for the next.

“If you decide to decorate the property, keep colours neutral”

INSURANCE

Your insurance provider will be able to advise you on the different packages available to meet your specific requirements with regards to landlord’s insurance.

DECORATING

OVERSEAS

Are you letting your property because you are moving overseas? If you live abroad for six months or more per year, you’re classed as a ‘non-resident landlord’. You will need to register with HMRC for an NRL1 approval number in order to receive the gross rental income from your agent.

Without this, the agent, or tenant, will be legally required to deduct basic rate tax from the rent (after allowing for any expenses). For more information visit gov.uk/tax-ukincome-live-abroad/rent CONTINGENCY FUND

You won’t ever be able to let a property without spending a little bit of money first, whether it be on having the relevant safety certificates completed or giving the property a lick of

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If you decide you are going to decorate the property, I would recommend keeping colours neutral. This way, you are offering a blank canvas, and prospective tenants won’t need to worry about how to match their furniture to your style. It also makes it easier, and cheaper, if touch-ups are ever required.

GARDEN

If you have a particularly large garden, or are a keen gardener with lots of lovely beds and features that need maintaining, it might be worth considering including a gardener in the let. As hard as they may try, not all tenants have green fingers!

After considering the above, now is a great time to call an agent out for a valuation and for further advice. Remember that a lot of tenants have notice periods, so you ideally need to market your property in advance. l

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