Welcome to

Hidden Gems

Cambridge is a wonderful city full of exciting independent businesses just waiting to be discovered. We want to emphasise the importance of supporting your local businesses, and celebrate those who love to share their creative ventures with the community!

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Explore

Love Cambridge

Love Cambridge is the brand developed by Cambridge BID to deliver a range of events and projects designed to animate and entertain our city. These will range from the Love Cambridge Gift Card, Open Air Cinema Nights, Wimbledon screening, magazines, maps and much much more.

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Meet the Owners

We think it’s incredibly important to get to know the experts behind our local businesses, to understand their inspirations and motivations, get to know where the money is going, and see the friendly faces behind independent operations.

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Meet Irena

Meet Irena

A solicitor for more than 30 years, Irena Spence always dreamt of owning her own craft shop. So, in 2018, she and hu ...

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Meet Sam

Meet Sam

Home of spirited dining, drinking and debate, The Orator and associated Cambridge Union Society have hosted stars in ...

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Meet Philip

Meet Philip

Since opening its doors in March 2009, The Oak Bistro has earned a reputation as the home of elegant Cambridge dinin ...

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Meet Karim and Matt

Meet Karim and Matt

Born out of a shared passion for beautiful timepieces, Cambridge based Beaucroft Watches is the creation of friends ...

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Meet Zach

Meet Zach

Home to an array of delectable desserts, from fluffy bubble waffles to exquisite French-baked cakes, B. Tap Baron in ...

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Meet Lee

Meet Lee

Thanks to Cambridge Vintage Tours, you can explore our historic city ‘VIP-style’ in an award-winning electric replic ...

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Meet Vicky & Jason

Meet Vicky & Jason

With its array of nature-inspired soaps and pottery, the aptly named Soap & Clay is all about great quality, sus ...

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Meet Paul

Meet Paul

De Luca Cucina and Bar is a well-loved local restaurant in the heart of Cambridge offering delicious food at afforda ...

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Meet Peter

Meet Peter

Home to innovative cocktails, authentic tapas, vibrant live music and a bustling dancefloor, La Raza is the perfect ...

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Meet Glen

Meet Glen

Started in Paris about 15 years ago. YellowKorner has around 150 galleries worldwide with two in the UK. Glen the ow ...

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Meet Kim

Meet Kim

Award-winning Cambridge boutique Burr Bridal specialises in exquisite wedding dresses and elegant attire for groomsm ...

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Meet Matt and Sophie

Meet Matt and Sophie

Fancy some good food, good wine and good conversation by the river? Then pop to Café Foy on the Quayside, run by Cam ...

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Meet Jemma

Meet Jemma

Family-run Tindalls is the leading independent supplier of fine art supplies to East Anglia. Jemma Wiltsher, assista ...

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Meet Sarah

Meet Sarah

Book-mad from an early age, Sarah Key took over The Haunted Bookshop in Cambridge in 1994. Here she talks about her ...

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Meet John

Meet John

Espresso Library: Is it a bike shop, is it a café, or perhaps an art gallery? Actually, it’s a quirky fusion of all ...

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Meet Nigel

Meet Nigel

Fancy tucking into a top-quality burger and craft beer in a cool basement restaurant? Then head to Cambridge’s Butch ...

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Meet Julie

Meet Julie

From humble beginnings (at her kitchen table), Julie Deane has grown The Cambridge Satchel Company into a global hit ...

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Meet Owen

Meet Owen

Established in Cambridge in 1952, Campkins Cameras is THE go-to for all things photographic. Owner Owen Howell revea ...

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Meet Anita

Meet Anita

A family-run business synonymous with quality and style, SageBrown produces sumptuous leather goods, from briefcases ...

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Meet: Kate

Meet: Kate

Join us on a tour behind the scenes of Angela Reed, the family business trading since 1881, which is renowned for so ...

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Meet: Dave

Meet: Dave

Founded in 1936 by John Maynard Keynes, Cambridge ArtsTheatre has launched the careers of a host of stars, fromSteph ...

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Meet: Rob

Meet: Rob

Captivated by music from the age of four, Rob Campkin turned a hobby into a career and now owns Lost in Vinyl in Cam ...

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Meet: Glen

Meet: Glen

Biking enthusiast Glen Todd left his career in IT to takeover Barton Bicycles on King Street – and now, having disco ...

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Meet: Simon

Meet: Simon

 Today he has two bustling Cambridge cafes and a roastery in Shepreth, but Simon Fraser’s idea for speciality coffee ...

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Meet: Alex

Meet: Alex

Born and bred in Bergamo, Alex Signorelli is famous for bringing authentic Italian flavours to the menu at Signorell ...

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Meet Amanda and Mark

Meet Amanda and Mark

From vibrant dresses and elegant jewellery to quirky accessories and gifts, you’ll findit all at Lilac Rose in Cambr ...

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Meet: Jane

Meet: Jane

Specialising in one-of-a-kind gifts in a rainbow of vibrant hues, Ark Cambridge is the perfect place to pick up uniq ...

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Meet: Simon

Meet: Simon

It may be Cambridge’s oldest independent music shop – with more than 165 years’ experience selling top-quality instr ...

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Meet: Nathalie

Meet: Nathalie

Specialising in handmade prints, paintings, sculptures and crafts, Cambridge Contemporary Art gallery shows the work ...

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Meet: Catherine

Meet: Catherine

Podarok is a proudly independent, award-winning gift boutique based in Cambridge’s Art’s Quarter. They a ...

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Meet: Sarah

Meet: Sarah

Originating in Australia, F45 Training is an innovative and exciting fitness concept, specialising in 45-minute work ...

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Meet: William

Meet: William

Cambridge Gin Laboratory is an interactive space in the centre of Cambridge, dedicated to the appreciation of gin! B ...

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Meet: Amanda

Meet: Amanda

Premier Travel is family run independent business and was established in 1936. Eighty years after Premier Travel arr ...

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Meet: Paul

Meet: Paul

Find the clues, solve the puzzles and make your escape—will you make it out in time? Cambridge Lockhouse Games is pe ...

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Meet: Alex

Meet: Alex

What was a dream many years ago, Father & Son Duo, Regis & Alex created a brand new food concept for the UK. ...

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Meet: Alison

Meet: Alison

On 4th October 2020 Fitzbillies will celebrate its 100th birthday. A century of Chelsea buns and all manner of cakes ...

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Meet: Anne

Meet: Anne

To survive on a High Street crowded by corporate giants, which can squeeze out sole traders, Indies have a real chal ...

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Meet: Harriet

Meet: Harriet

Located in Green Street, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery is a multi-award winning business and leaders in bespoke ...

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Meet: Meggy

Meet: Meggy

Bridges is an independent cafe that has been located on Bridge Street since 1996, serving fresh food and drink to th ...

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Meet: Max

Meet: Max

Smokeworks is a BBQ restaurant with two sites in Cambridge. Featuring steam-punk inspired decor and a menu packed fu ...

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Meet: Pippa

Meet: Pippa

Boudoir Femme is an award winning, independent, womenswear boutique in Cambridge city centre is home to a mix of sty ...

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Meet: Rich

Meet: Rich

Set in a Grade II listed building in the centre of Cambridge, the Pint Shop boasts parquet flooring and industrial-c ...

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Family friendly activities for £10 or less in Cambridge this summer

Family friendly activities for £10 or less in Cambridge this summer

The Cambridge Book Bench Trail Explore every nook and cranny of our wonderful city as you follow the trail to discover 12 completely unique book benches across Cambridge from the historic core to shopping centres and parks. This summer Cambridge BID in partnership with Wild in Art has installed 12 individually designed Book Benches across… View Article read more Asset 1

Top five things to see and do in Cambridge on an autumnal city break

Top five things to see and do in Cambridge on an autumnal city break

Be enchanted by Cambridge’s history and heritage, cultural offerings, events, cosy restaurants and leafy walks, perfect for a long weekend or midweek break as the days get shorter. read more Asset 1

Flying the Purple Flag this Winter

Flying the Purple Flag this Winter

The long wintry evenings Cambridge are extra special, so why not make a night of it in the City? read more Asset 1

Dining out this Christmas in Cambridge

Dining out this Christmas in Cambridge

Cambridge is jam packed full of delicious eateries, so this Christmas, why not try and sample as many as possible?Here is just a very small selection of what’s on offer.. read more Asset 1

Cambridge Markets

Cambridge Markets

Cambridge is very lucky to have a thriving, 7 day a week market, offering a range of produce to suit all tastes. read more Asset 1

Dog Friendly Cambridge

Dog Friendly Cambridge

Park and Ride Accessing the city with your pooch has never been easier with the network of Park & Ride buses allowing you to travel with your dog for free (however, they will need to sit on the floor). Buses run from five sites across the city, and tickets cost as little as £3 return… View Article read more Asset 1

Staycationing in Cambridge: A Bovine Guide to the City

Staycationing in Cambridge: A Bovine Guide to the City

This summer, the Cows about Cambridge sculpture trail is helping staycationers discover the joy and wonder of this world-renowned city. read more Asset 1

Top five things to see and do in Cambridge this summer

Top five things to see and do in Cambridge this summer

This summer, the historic city of Cambridge invites holidaymakers to venture along its quaint streets to discover brand new boutique accommodations, exciting attractions and unrivalled al fresco dining throughout the charming city centreand its lush green spaces beyond. read more Asset 1

Truly Gifted!

Truly Gifted!

Did you know that the Love Cambridge Gift Card can be spent at more than 200 businesses, from independent and High Street shops to restaurants and galleries? Invest in one today to support the city’s brilliant retailers this Christmas  read more Asset 1

Love Cambridge Christmas Guide

Love Cambridge Christmas Guide

Our gift guides this year will hopefully give you some inspiration of what to buy that special person in your life read more Asset 1

The Big Christmas Lights Switch On at Home with Star Radio

The Big Christmas Lights Switch On at Home with Star Radio

The annual Christmas Lights Switch On Event this year will be moving online in light of the ongoing risk of Covid 19 read more Asset 1

Traveling into the heart of Cambridge on the Park & Ride Services

Traveling into the heart of Cambridge on the Park & Ride Services

Save on parking, skip traffic and help reduce emissions! read more Asset 1

Why the Love Cambridge Gift Card is the Perfect Gift

Why the Love Cambridge Gift Card is the Perfect Gift

Give the Love Cambridge Gift Card & Support Local Businesses. Take the guesswork out of buying a gift. read more Asset 1

Cambridge Christmas Lights Switch On Moves Online

Cambridge Christmas Lights Switch On Moves Online

Cambridge’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On Event this year will be moving online in light of the ongoing risk of Covid 19. read more Asset 1

Support Local; Help Sustain Cambridge Independents!

Support Local; Help Sustain Cambridge Independents!

Shopping independent is a step towards preserving a wonderful city – the rich culture, variety, and heritage is what makes Cambridge the exciting destination it is. read more Asset 1

‘You’ time is back – six ways to indulge yourself in Cambridge

‘You’ time is back – six ways to indulge yourself in Cambridge

As Cambridge gradually gets back to normal, why not visit the city and indulge in some retail, beauty, leisure and maybe sports therapy as the young ones catch up on learning? read more Asset 1

Rediscover Cambridge this summer

Rediscover Cambridge this summer

Ian Sandison, CEO of Cambridge BID, takes a look at the measures that are in place to give you confidence to visit our beautiful city read more Asset 1

Travel tips for visiting Cambridge

Travel tips for visiting Cambridge

The city has been making improvements since the lockdown was eased, giving pedestrians more space and making it easier and more relaxed to navigate the streets read more Asset 1

Safely welcoming visitors come back to Cambridge city centre

Safely welcoming visitors come back to Cambridge city centre

We and our partners have put in place a range of safety measures to support social distancing as businesses in the city centre begin to reopen. read more Asset 1

Welcome back to Cambridge: Top tips for enjoying one of the world’s best small cities

Welcome back to Cambridge: Top tips for enjoying one of the world’s best small cities

Cambridge has so much to offer everyone, so why not be a tourist in your own city – and support our local businesses? read more Asset 1