
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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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 Matt and Judith
From their gloriously indulgent Big Brunch Boards to their divine hand-crafted artisan breads, Stir Cafés and Stir B ...
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Meet Beth
Voted one of the Top 50 UK Independents by Grazia Magazine, Iris & Violet is a vibrant fashion and lifestyle bou ...
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Meet Samantha
Samantha de Reus is so passionate about young artists having a platform to showcase their talents she launched Galle ...
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Meet Jens
First introduced to chocolate by his beloved grandmother, Jens Knoops has created an incredible eponymous brand, exp ...
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Meet Oliver
Home to exceptional cuts of meat, handcrafted real ale, fine French wines and an iconic view of King’s College Chape ...
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Meet Tara
Beginning at the kitchen table making wax melts, mum and son Tara and Noah Carlile-Swift now head up Freckleface Hom ...
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Meet Gemma
Tantalise your tastebuds at Cambridge’s all day restaurant and bar Gastrono-me, with delectable dishes dreamt up by ...
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Meet Carla
Where in Cambridge can you lay eyes upon a 68-million-year-old dinosaur skull alongside a Grayson Perry print? Extra ...
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Meet Rosheen
Crowned the UK’s ‘best vegan-friendly restaurant’ and proudly net zero, Stem & Glory is a trailblazer for plant ...
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Meet Jeremy
Primavera presents you with a choice from around 14,000 pieces of art at the Cambridge gallery and its Haddenham hom ...
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Meet Matthew
Elegant modern cuisine, delicious Lindisfarne oysters and amazing Champagne are amongst the delights on offer at Cam ...
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Meet Kym
A new addition to King Street’s thriving independent scene, Concrete Surf is a mecca for skateboarders. We chat to o ...
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Meet Mark
Inspired by Spain’s historic markets and restaurants, Mercado Central in Cambridge offers top quality seasonal produ ...
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Meet Bill
Welcome to Cambridge’s newest eatery, Market House, offering friendly, one-of-a-kind dining from a host of local sup ...
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Meet Nate
Passionate about sustainable fashion, Nate Revell runs Cambridge repair shop Gokotta Handcraft, using his exceptiona ...
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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
Home of spirited dining, drinking and debate, The Orator and associated Cambridge Union Society have hosted stars in ...
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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
Born out of a shared passion for beautiful timepieces, Cambridge based Beaucroft Watches is the creation of friends ...
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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
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
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
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
Home to innovative cocktails, authentic tapas, vibrant live music and a bustling dancefloor, La Raza is the perfect ...
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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
Award-winning Cambridge boutique Burr Bridal specialises in exquisite wedding dresses and elegant attire for groomsm ...
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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
Family-run Tindalls is the leading independent supplier of fine art supplies to East Anglia. Jemma Wiltsher, assista ...
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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
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
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
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
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
A family-run business synonymous with quality and style, SageBrown produces sumptuous leather goods, from briefcases ...
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Specialising in handmade prints, paintings, sculptures and crafts, Cambridge Contemporary Art gallery shows the work ...
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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
Originating in Australia, F45 Training is an innovative and exciting fitness concept, specialising in 45-minute work ...
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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
Premier Travel is family run independent business and was established in 1936. Eighty years after Premier Travel arr ...
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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
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
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
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
Located in Green Street, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery is a multi-award winning business and leaders in bespoke ...
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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
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
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
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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Cambridge – Flying the Purple Flag
The Purple Flag working group work on a number of initiatives across the nighttime economy, including the following which are designed to keep us all safe on a night out: Taxi Marshals – Providing professionally trained licensed Taxi Marshals on key dates throughout the year helps to ensure people get home swiftly and safely after… View Article read more

Be Our Guest
University Arms University Arms is a landmark hotel located in the historic heart of Cambridge, overlooking Parker’s Piece. Since opening in 1834, the University Arms hotel has played an important role in the history of the city. In 1848, in the shadows of the hotel the defining rules of football were invented by locals playing… View Article read more

Bon Appetit
Street Vendors Whether you arrive by bus, train, car, or bicycle there’s a strong chance you will see a street food vendor within the first few minutes of your arrival. There is so much choice from this fun, affordable food option. There are Tacos, falafel, burgers, hotdogs, crepes, ice cream, traditional Indian food and much… View Article read more

Bags of Style…
Cambridge is spoilt for choice when it comes to unique gifts which can be found in one of the many independent boutiques that you will find spread throughout the city. Head to the historic centre to find those special gifts for your loved ones. Stroll down Rose Crescent and Trinity Street, Magdalene Street, Bridge Street… View Article read more

48 Hours in Cambridge
Friday Afternoon Upon arrival, why not stop at one of the local cafes and treat yourself to a cuppa (or something stronger!) while you wait for your hotel to be ready. If you arrive by train, you can jump in a cab or hop on a bus if you don’t fancy the 10-minute stroll into… View Article read more

Accessible Cambridge
FIRST STOP, SHOPPING! From independent boutiques to big-name brands, you’ll find something for everyone here in Cambridge. Not only are you spoilt for choice with the Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade, but this city is also home to hundreds of high street stores. And for those with temporary or permanent mobility issues, Shop Mobility is a free-of-charge service that… View Article read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Traveling into the heart of Cambridge on the Park & Ride Services
Save on parking, skip traffic and help reduce emissions! read more

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

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
