Welcome to Hidden Gems - Explore Cambridge : Hidden Gems

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.

Say hello

Meet David

The toast of Portobello Road and Camden’s iconic markets for many years, Goldrush Vintage opened on Green Street in ...

Meet Matthew

From its botanical cocktails and vibrant brunches to its modern British small plates and sumptuous smoked barbecue d ...

Meet Louise

Louise Holly runs MASH, Cambridge’s super-inclusive independent club and live music venue which brings open-minded f ...

Meet Hal

Selecting incredible wines and spirits from around the world with love, dedication and flair, multi-award-winning Ca ...

Meet Kerrie

Paying homage to the world of science with its experimental cocktails, The Lab in Cambridge exudes a decadent art de ...

Meet Sonal

Sonal Jogia launched Urban Butterfly last summer, serving plant-rich wholefood delights, from bountiful Buddha Bowls ...

Meet Ben

A passion for coffee led Ben Griggs to begin roasting beans at his Waresley Park Estate home late last year. Fast fo ...

Meet Lucy

Independent sustainable clothing brand Lucy and Yak, which opened a Cambridge store in April, specialises in colourf ...

Meet Matt and Judith

From their gloriously indulgent Big Brunch Boards to their divine hand-crafted artisan breads, Stir Cafés and Stir B ...

Meet Beth

Voted one of the Top 50 UK Independents by Grazia Magazine, Iris & Violet is a vibrant fashion and lifestyle bou ...

Meet Samantha

Samantha de Reus is so passionate about young artists having a platform to showcase their talents she launched Galle ...

Meet Jens

First introduced to chocolate by his beloved grandmother, Jens Knoops has created an incredible eponymous brand, exp ...

Meet Oliver

Home to exceptional cuts of meat, handcrafted real ale, fine French wines and an iconic view of King’s College Chape ...

Meet Tara

Beginning at the kitchen table making wax melts, mum and son Tara and Noah Carlile-Swift now head up Freckleface Hom ...

Meet Carla

Where in Cambridge can you lay eyes upon a 68-million-year-old dinosaur skull alongside a Grayson Perry print? Extra ...

Meet Rosheen

Crowned the UK’s ‘best vegan-friendly restaurant’ and proudly net zero, Stem & Glory is a trailblazer for plant ...

Meet Jeremy

Primavera presents you with a choice from around 14,000 pieces of art at the Cambridge gallery and its Haddenham hom ...

Meet Kym

A new addition to King Street’s thriving independent scene, Concrete Surf is a mecca for skateboarders. We chat to o ...

Meet Mark

Inspired by Spain’s historic markets and restaurants, Mercado Central in Cambridge offers top quality seasonal produ ...

Meet Bill

Welcome to Cambridge’s newest eatery, Market House, offering friendly, one-of-a-kind dining from a host of local sup ...

Meet Nate

Passionate about sustainable fashion, Nate Revell runs Cambridge repair shop Gokotta Handcraft, using his exceptiona ...

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 ...

Meet Sam

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

Meet Philip

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

Meet Karim and Matt

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

Meet Zach

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

Meet Lee

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

Meet Vicky & Jason

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

Meet Paul

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

Meet Peter

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

Meet Glen

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

Meet Kim

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

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 ...

Meet Jemma

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

Meet Sarah

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

Meet Nigel

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

Meet Julie

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

Meet Owen

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

Meet Anita

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

Meet: Dave

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

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 ...

Meet: Glen

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

Meet: Simon

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

Meet: Alex

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

Meet Amanda and Mark

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

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 ...

Meet: Simon

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

Meet: Nathalie

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

Meet: Catherine

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

Meet: Sarah

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

Meet: William

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

Meet: Amanda

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

Meet: Paul

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

Meet: Alex

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

Meet: Alison

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

Meet: Anne

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

Meet: Harriet

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

Meet: Meggy

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

Meet: Max

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

Meet: Rich

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

Owners

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Latest News

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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

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Welcome to

Hidden Gems

Explore

Love Cambridge

Say hello

Meet the Owners

Meet David

Meet Matthew

Meet Louise

Meet Hal

Meet Kerrie

Meet Sonal

Meet Ben

Meet Lucy

Meet Matt and Judith

Meet Beth

Meet Samantha

Meet Jens

Meet Oliver

Meet Tara

Meet Carla

Meet Rosheen

Meet Jeremy

Meet Kym

Meet Mark

Meet Bill

Meet Nate

Meet Irena

Meet Sam

Meet Philip

Meet Karim and Matt

Meet Zach

Meet Lee

Meet Vicky & Jason

Meet Paul

Meet Peter

Meet Glen

Meet Kim

Meet Matt and Sophie

Meet Jemma

Meet Sarah

Meet Nigel

Meet Julie

Meet Owen

Meet Anita

Meet: Dave

Meet: Rob

Meet: Glen

Meet: Simon

Meet: Alex

Meet Amanda and Mark

Meet: Jane

Meet: Simon

Meet: Nathalie

Meet: Catherine

Meet: Sarah

Meet: William

Meet: Amanda

Meet: Paul

Meet: Alex

Meet: Alison

Meet: Anne

Meet: Harriet

Meet: Meggy

Meet: Max

Meet: Rich

Meet the

Owners

Be the first to know about Love Cambridge

All the

Latest News

Cambridge – Flying the Purple Flag

Be Our Guest

Bon Appetit

Bags of Style…

48 Hours in Cambridge

Accessible Cambridge