Cambridge’s exquisite independent district
Boutique Quarter Treats Hardy’s Sweet Shop Bellina Chocolate House Prohibido Grace’s Accessories Stilo Hair & Beauty
BOUTIQUE QUARTER ...VELVET
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Velvet spends an afternoon exploring Cambridge’s INSPIRATIONAL INDEPENDENT DISTRICT
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Spending a sunny afternoon in the unique, historical city of Cambridge, I soon found myself falling in love with its bustling charm, magical atmosphere and cobbled
paths. Not far from the high street shopping areas is a maze of independent stores offering a whole new world to explore ... I had crossed into The Boutique Quarter. Aptly named for the individuality of its offerings, The Boutique Quarter is the proud location of some of Cambridge’s most prestigious independent retailers, and even includes sandwich stores and hair salons. On offer is a wealth of delights ranging from the finest Belgian chocolates to some of the most exquisite lingerie, jewellery, fashions, and sweets to be found in the city. Stretching from All Saints Passage along impressive Bridge Street and either side of St Johns Street, the distinctive district that is The Boutique Quarter caters for a multitude of shopping needs. I began by exploring All Saints Passage, and was delighted to discover the wonderful world of Grace’s Accessories. Having moved into premises in this characteristic alleyway over
Article by Georgie Campbell
The Boutique
Grace’s Grace’s Accessories, 6 All Saints Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3LS. Tel: 01223 301166.For more information visit www.gracesaccessories.com
eighteen months ago, the stunning store is the third manifestation of Grace’s presence in Cambridge, the others being the stall in the market square and another boutique in The Grafton Shopping Centre. The humble demeanour of Chris Townsend, who co-owns the business with his wife Grace, is a perfect foil for the exquisite jewellery within. With everything from friendship bracelets, fine silver pendants, and apple jade necklaces to matching opal sets, pearl-inspired designs and mixed stone features, his fascinating store caters for all tastes. The couple’s passion for detailed jewellery and unusual designs readily distinguishes this store from other jewellery outlets in the historic city. Grace’s Accessories competitive prices and unusual materials are the reason why this splendid store, situated on the edge of The Boutique Quarter, attracts so many fashion fans.
BOUTIQUE QUARTER ...VELVET
Prohibido Prohibido, 5 All Saints Passage Cambridge CB2 3LS.Tel: 01223 316553. For more information visit www.prohibido.co.uk
Mercedes and her team truly go the extra mile for their customers, putting customer service at the heart of what the store offers, and order extra sizes and designs on request. As I stepped back out on to the cobbled passage, my eyes I couldn’t wait to continue my journey through The Boutique were drawn to the enticing shop front of Prohibido. Its Quarter, and could almost scent my next discovery, Bellina alluring window display heightened my enthusiasm for the Chocolate House, before I had even turned the corner; the mouthdelights of brightly coloured lingerie sets and accessories watering aroma of chocolate was enough to make me quicken waiting within. my steps. The boutique’s owner Mercedes Lee welcomed me into As I entered Bellina’s world of hidden delights, row after row of this Aladdin’s cave of luxurious treats. I immediately delicious, chocolates revealed themselves, enticing me further realised why it had been named best newcomer from Stars in. I couldn’t take my eyes off the extensive rage, which included Underlines Best Shop Awards in 2011. flavours I had never even imagined. Giftbox selections lined the Browsing the rails which house so many gorgeous labels, shelves, some even handcrafted by the boutique’s owner Elaine including Chantelle, Stella McCartney and Pleasure State Owen; I didn’t know where to look first. to name but a few, I could well understand why the store had gained such a loyal following since it opened almost two years ago.
BOUTIQUE QUARTER ...VELVET
Bellina, 8 Bridge Street, Cambridge CB2 1UA. Tel: 01223 322352. For more information visit www.chocolatehouse.co.uk
Towards the rear of the store I even discovered an array of home-made fudge, rock and yet more gift ideas. As Bellina’s also offers a range of hot drinks, including hot chocolate, coffees and teas, it’s hardly surprising that it continues to reign supreme after 17 years in Cambridge’s Boutique Quarter. As, reluctantly, I made my way outside once more, my attention was drawn to the neighbouring store that stood proudly at the top of the prestigious Bridge Street pathway. The windows of Catherine Jones Jewellery lay twinkling in the sunlight, demanding my attention. With its range of women’s jewellery, wedding and engagement rings, men’s essentials, watches and even homeware, this prestige boutique welcome all. Its secure reputation rests on the design of some truly beautiful pieces; its enticing displays of sterling silver and gold designs in a range of innovative styles and finishes, beckoned me inside. With so many wonderful boutiques and shops in such close proximity to one another, it was hard to imagine what I else I could possibly find. Walking past Cambridge’s famous Round Church, I found myself facing the quirky, colourful awning of the one and only Café on the Round.
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Catherine Jones, 9 Bridge Street, Cambridge CB2 1UA.Tel: 01223 261596 For more information visit www.catherinejones.com
BOUTIQUE QUARTER ...VELVET
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I moved closer, fascinated by this hotspot for Cambridge’s hungry visitors, with its range of freshly prepared baguettes, sandwiches and even wraps, along with fresh fruit, delicious cakes, freshly brewed coffees, teas, hot chocolates and cold drinks. Opened in 2010, the family run business, owned by Mal and Helen Colman and their daughter, takes up two floors; with its upstairs seating, it offers so much more than the average sandwich store that I couldn’t wait to investigate further. I could hardly believe it when I saw freshly made breakfast tacos featured on the menu. Takeaway Mexican? It felt as though all my Christmases had come at once! Forcing myself away from the mouth-watering assortment of cakes, I returned to the hustle and bustle of Cambridge’s busy boutique Quarter. My sights set on my next port of call, I felt as though I was stepping into a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Hardy’s sweet shop is simply what every child, or perhaps even every adult, dreams of; whether they’re looking to spend that last little bit of pocket money or simply to buy something to satisfy that sweet tooth, Hardy’s selection truly offers something for all ages and tastes. Stepping inside I was amazed to find the long-forgotten sweets of my childhood, ranging from rhubarb and custard boiled sweets to the biggest selection of nougat that I have ever seen; it was hard to concentrate as David Mead, the store’s co-owner, ushered me in. Inside, two floors of candy-land are separated by a fascinating,Wonka-inspired spiral staircase; I felt as though I had been transported to an imaginary world. With over 300 jars of pick and mix on the upper floor, and over 4,500 lines of sweets, chocolates and drinks on offer, it’s easy to see why Cafe on the Round, 16 Round Church Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AD.Tel: 07970507488. For more information visit www.cafeontheround.co.uk
BOUTIQUE QUARTER ...VELVET
Hardy’s
Hardy’s Original Sweet Shop, 17 St Johns Street, Cambridge. Tel: 01223 367657.
this flourishing store seems constantly rushed off its feet! Hardy’s imports sweets and drinks from America on a weekly basis, making its list of available goods simply astounding. From Mountain Dew to Reeses Chocolates, there was simply something for every taste. Having finally forced myself to leave, I emerged on to the busy corner of St Johns Street and Bridge Street, with my last destination, the stylish Unisex salon of Stilo Hair and Beauty, in sight. As I stepped inside, the vast array of products on display was simply outstanding. The buzz of conversation as stylists worked on their clients’ hair and beauticians pampered the city to perfection, made it a truly exciting place. Proprietor Gennaro Polito proudly told me about everything that the salon had introduced in this year alone. Now specialising in IPL laser treatments, Stilo offers whole body hair removal, pigmentation reduction, age spots removal and rosacea removal for both men and women. Gennaro has tested the treatment himself, so it was great to see such determination and belief in his own products. With 16 stylists, colourists and beauty therapists all working under the Stilo name, it’s no wonder that there are such innovations in cutting, colouring, hair and beauty treatments in
such a vibrant area of the city. As I eventually tore myself away into the outside world once more, I reflected on the sheet amount of talent to be found in such a compact area of the city. Shining like a beacon of independence at the heart of the historical city of Cambridge, The Boutique Quarter truly epitomises everything our local area represents, adding an extra dusting of sparkle for good measure. Stilo, 13 St. Johns Street, Cambridge CB2 1TW.Tel: 01223 355339. For more information visit www.stilonuovo.co.uk
Stilo
BOUTIQUE QUARTER ...VELVET
Boutique Quarter TREATS Bellina Chocolate Chip Biscuits, Bellina
OPI products, Stilo Hair and Beauty
Empreinte Bra, £79.99 and Thong £46.99 Gift Box, Bellina
Columbine Ring, £2,829, Catherine Jones
Millionaire Shortbread, Cafe on the Round
American Crew products, Stilo Hair and Beauty
Rose Gold Shamrock Ring, £2,900, Catherine Jones
Kérastase products, Stilo Hair and Beauty
Rocky Road Cake, Cafe on the Round
Nerds Sweets, Hardys
Keep Calm and Carry On Tea Bags, Hardys
Amber Earrings and Beaded bracelets, Grace’s Accessories
Find the BOUTIQUE QUARTER...
Cafe on the Round
Hardy’s Stilo Hair and Beauty Catherine Jones Prohibido Grace’s Accessories