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 Rich

Inspired by 1830’s beer houses, Pint Shop is famed for its hot scotch eggs, awesome drinks and seasonal British food ...

Meet Amanda

Wondering which dream destination to jet off to in 2025? The globe-trotting experts at family-run agency, Premier Tr ...

Meet Harriet

Voted Bespoke Jeweller of the Year 2024 (and scooping the Ethical Jeweller crown, too), Harriet Kelsall is a bona fi ...

Meet Sarah

Sarah Craske runs F45 Training Cambridge Station, a groundbreaking fitness concept which originated in Australia. He ...

Meet Victoria

Lifelong tea devotees Victoria and Edvard Rothe have transformed their passion into thriving business, Tea Apothecar ...

Meet Catherine and Jeremy

A trip to award-winning Cambridge boutique Podarok is a true feast for the eyes with its vibrant array of quirky gif ...

Meet Nathalie

Home to an enchanting array of handmade prints, paintings, sculptures and crafts, Cambridge Contemporary Art champio ...

Meet Wendy

Located in the heart of Cambridge, family-run Café Abantu is renowned for its fresh, seasonal fare and passion for p ...

Meet Ellie

Award-winning KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar opened its fifth restaurant in Cambridge, serving authentic dishes, f ...

Meet Ros

Independent contemporary gallery Byard Art has been showcasing innovative pieces that intrigue and enchant for 25 ye ...

Meet Julia

Innovative, eclectic and fabulous with flowers, Julia Zimmerman and her talented team at What The Fleur exude positi ...

Meet James

A haven of tranquillity in the heart of CB1, Floatwell offers an array of wellbeing therapies, from flotation pods t ...

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 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 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: William

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

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: 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 ...

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24 Hours Exploring Quintessential Cambridge

Your Cambridge adventure begins with check-in at the elegant University Arms, the city’s oldest hotel and a true leader in luxury hospitality. Effortlessly blending timeless British style with quintessential Cambridge character, it’s the perfect base for your stay. Kick-start your trip with a flavour-packed visit to Permit Room, tucked along the cobbled charm of Trinity… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Grand Arcade

Officially opening to the public an award-winning shopping centre featuring a wealth of premium stores set over three stunning sky-lit floors. It’s build was nothing short of historic as the 2.8-hectare site was the single largest redevelopment ever undertaken within the city centre (and Cambridge’s largest archaeological dig). Today, anchored by John Lewis & Partners… View Article read more

Down Your Street – The Lion Yard Shopping Centre

Vision Express From opening its first store in Gateshead over 30 years ago, Vision Express has expanded to 550 stores across the UK and Ireland. Customers are offered a personalised service through their eyecare journey, with a range of glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, eye care products and accessories available in-store. Visit visionexpress.com Hotel Chocolat One… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Bridge Street

Welcome to the quintessentially Cambridge Street where you can hop onto a punt for a river-bound tour, savour a glass of wine alfresco or devour a Fitzbillies Chelsea bun! Follow in the footsteps of Bill Gates, Rachel Weisz and the Dalai Lama by visiting the iconic 12th century Round Church or explore an array of… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Burleigh Street

Dotted with bikes, cafes, nail charity shops, Burleigh Street is the eclectic Cambridge thoroughfare where you can savour global flavours, bag a bargain, watch live bands and sink a snooker ball. Joining East Road with Fitzroy Street, it was home to Cambridge Co-operative Society for nearly 100 years. Today it sits astride The Grafton Centre… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Green Street

One of Cambridge’s most beloved thoroughfares, Green Street boasts an enticing array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Here, you can commission exquisite bespoke jewellery, feast on wild Cornish monkfish or sip expertly-crafted hot chocolate. Named after Dr Oliver Green, of Caius College, on whose estate it was laid out in 1614, it’s currently adorned… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Petty Cury

Its name is a tad unusual, but derives stalls’ (a cury) and the French for small, petit. Originally lined with bakeries, by the 15th century, Petty Cury housed most of the city’s inns, though these had vanished by the early 20th century when the area was redeveloped. In the 1970s its south side was demolished… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Sussex Street

A pretty pedestrianised thoroughfare, Sussex Street is rich in history and packed with character, from its neo-Georgian architecture to its quaint covered bridge linking both sides of the street. A shopper’s paradise, over the years it’s housed a German watchmaker, Paris House costumiers, a wool store, master bootmaker and even a bird fancier! Let’s visit… View Article read more

Let’s explore some new businesses in Cambridge!

First stop: I headed over to Bloom Mill Flowers on Trumpington Street, a delightful little shop just opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum. This beautiful boutique is brimming with stunning bouquets, lush plants, and thoughtful gifts. Venture towards the back and you’ll find an elegant selection of hand creams, fragrances, and home décor items. Whether you’re treating… View Article read more

Call for Cambridge Artists: Help Shape a New King Street Mural

Cambridge BID is commissioning a new mural for King Street – a street known for its mix of independents, eateries and hidden gems. Led by street art collective Graffwerk and with the permission of Sidney Sussex College to use their wall, this piece will form part of the Cambridge Arts Festival 2026, bringing a touch of colour and storytelling… View Article read more

Brand-new Sky Garden has arrived on Green Street for the summer

Cambridge BID are proud to present the brand-new vibrant Sky Garden installation on Green Street for this summer! Made up of 100s of hanging flowers, the Sky Garden adds a pop of fun and colour to one of our beloved shopping streets in Cambridge city centre. Becky Burrell (Director of Operations & Development at Cambridge… View Article read more

Grab your popcorn – Cambridge BID’s beloved alfresco cinema is back this summer!

Now in its fourth year, this popular series transforms the usually quiet evening square into a lively hub of family-friendly entertainment under the stars. Enjoy a fantastic lineup of free film screenings throughout June, July, August & September, with films starting every evening starting at 6pm. Whether you’re bringing the kids, a date, or just… View Article read more

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

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Welcome to

Hidden Gems

Explore

Love Cambridge

Say hello

Meet the Owners

Meet Rich

Meet Amanda

Meet Harriet

Meet Sarah

Meet Victoria

Meet Catherine and Jeremy

Meet Nathalie

Meet Wendy

Meet Ellie

Meet Ros

Meet Julia

Meet James

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 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 Amanda and Mark

Meet: Jane

Meet: Simon

Meet: William

Meet: Paul

Meet: Alex

Meet: Alison

Meet: Anne

Meet: Meggy

Meet: Max

Meet the

Owners

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All the

Latest News

24 Hours Exploring Quintessential Cambridge

Down Your Street – Grand Arcade