Hidden Gems
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David from Goldrush Vintage
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Goldrush Vintage
The toast of Portobello Road and Camden’s iconic markets for many years, Goldrush Vintage opened on Green Street in December. Owner David Crawford gives us a tour We’d love to hear how Goldrush Vintage started? We opened our Cambridge store on December 1 last year but I’ve been running the... Read moreSay hello to
Novi
From its botanical cocktails and vibrant brunches to its modern British small plates and sumptuous smoked barbecue dishes, Novi is the home of sociable dining, as owner Matthew Knight explains You took over The Fountain in 2005 and rebranded as Novi in 2015. What inspired the change? The Fountain was... read more
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Matthew from Novi
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Louise from MASH
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MASH
Louise Holly runs MASH, Cambridge’s super-inclusive independent club and live music venue which brings open-minded folk of Cambridge together on the dancefloor Do you have a background in the nightclub industry? My husband Josh and I have always been promoters. When I was 21, I started working for promotions company... Read moreSay hello to
Cambridge Wine Merchants
Selecting incredible wines and spirits from around the world with love, dedication and flair, multi-award-winning Cambridge Wine Merchants are passionate about their craft. Co-founder Hal Wilson tells us the story so far. . . What inspired yourself and business partner Brett Turner to launch Cambridge Wine Merchants back in 1993?... read more
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Hal from Cambridge Wine Merchants
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Kerrie from The LAB
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The LAB
Paying homage to the world of science with its experimental cocktails, The Lab in Cambridge exudes a decadent art deco, prohibition aesthetic. Kerrie Dickson, events manager, takes us on a tour The story so far The Lab was invented in 2018 by scientists; cancer research specialist Professor Tony Kouzarides, Director... Read moreSay hello to
Urban Butterfly
Sonal Jogia launched Urban Butterfly last summer, serving plant-rich wholefood delights, from bountiful Buddha Bowls to fruit-packed smoothies. Louise Cummings visits the family run independent cafe What inspired you to launch Urban Butterfly? We moved to Cambridge about seven years ago, having lived in India for 12 years, and London... read more
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Sonal from Urban Butterfly
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Ben from Bean Theory
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Bean Theory
A passion for coffee led Ben Griggs to begin roasting beans at his Waresley Park Estate home late last year. Fast forward to May and he launched Bean Theory café in Newnham What inspired you to launch Bean Theory? I’ve always had a fascination with coffee – and I was... Read moreSay hello to
Lucy & Yak
Independent sustainable clothing brand Lucy and Yak, which opened a Cambridge store in April, specialises in colourful, comfy clothes, designed to ‘give people joy’. Co-founder Lucy Greenwood shares the story of her planet-friendly brand. We hear Lucy & Yak started with the sale of some pouches on a beach in... read more
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Lucy from Lucy & Yak
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Matt and Judith
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Stir
From their gloriously indulgent Big Brunch Boards to their divine hand-crafted artisan breads, Stir Cafés and Stir Bakery are spreading joy across Cambridge. Louise Cummings chats to owners Judith and Matt Harrison about their newest city centre bakery shop The success of Stir Cambridge has been nothing short of phenomenal.... Read moreSay hello to
Iris and Violet
Voted one of the Top 50 UK Independents by Grazia Magazine, Iris & Violet is a vibrant fashion and lifestyle boutique in Cambridge. We speak to its owner, former fashion buyer Bethany Scott-Morris. You have a background in fashion, don’t you? Yes, I did a fashion course at university and... read more
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Beth from Iris and Violet
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Samantha from Gallerie V
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Gallerie V
Samantha de Reus is so passionate about young artists having a platform to showcase their talents she launched Gallerie V in Cambridge, dedicated to artists aged 14 to 25 Where does your love of art stem from? I don’t have a background in art as such, but my daughter Vienna,... Read moreSay hello to
Knoops
First introduced to chocolate by his beloved grandmother, Jens Knoops has created an incredible eponymous brand, expertly crafting luxurious chocolate drinks. Jens explains what inspired Knoops and why he loves the Cambridge store When did you first discover a passion for chocolate? I think it started because from the age... read more
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Jens from Knoops
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Oliver from Cambridge Chop House
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Cambridge Chop House
Home to exceptional cuts of meat, handcrafted real ale, fine French wines and an iconic view of King’s College Chapel, The Cambridge Chop House is a must-visit, as co-founder Oliver Thain explains You have various restaurants within your Cambscuisine portfolio. What inspired you to open The Cambridge Chop House in... Read moreSay hello to
Freckleface
Beginning at the kitchen table making wax melts, mum and son Tara and Noah Carlile-Swift now head up Freckleface Home Fragrance, which has three shops and over 600 stockists. Tara tells us the story, including why she chose Cambridge for her second store… How did Freckleface begin? My son is... read more
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Tara from Freckleface
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Carla from Extraordinary Objects
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Extraordinary Objects
Where in Cambridge can you lay eyes upon a 68-million-year-old dinosaur skull alongside a Grayson Perry print? Extraordinary Objects gallery, of course. We meet founder Carla Nizzola, an avid collector of natural history and contemporary art What inspired your love of art? I’ve always been in the art world. I... Read moreSay hello to
Stem and Glory
Crowned the UK’s ‘best vegan-friendly restaurant’ and proudly net zero, Stem & Glory is a trailblazer for plant based, sustainable eating. Velvet talks innovative dishes and green ambition with Business Development & Sustainability Officer Rosheen Toner. Congratulations on winning Best Vegan Friendly Restaurant in the UK! Thank you! We felt... read more
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Rosheen from Stem and Glory
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Jeremy from Primavera
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Primavera
Primavera presents you with a choice from around 14,000 pieces of art at the Cambridge gallery and its Haddenham home studio. Its Director Jeremy Waller talks to Louise Cummings about his passion for supporting fellow designers When did the Primavera story begin? Primavera launched in 1945 in London and in... Read moreSay hello to
Concrete Surf
A new addition to King Street’s thriving independent scene, Concrete Surf is a mecca for skateboarders. We chat to owner Kym Michell about what’s in store… What inspired you to open a skateboard shop? I actually started off buying a surf shop in Perranporth in Cornwall on a whim about... read more
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Kym from Concrete Surf
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Mark from Mercado Central
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Mercado Central
Inspired by Spain’s historic markets and restaurants, Mercado Central in Cambridge offers top quality seasonal produce cooked with authentic Iberian flavours, as owner Mark Hughes explains What inspired you to launch Mercado Central in 2019? I lived in Madrid for 20 years, where I owned various bars, so learnt a... Read moreSay hello to
Market House
Welcome to Cambridge’s newest eatery, Market House, offering friendly, one-of-a-kind dining from a host of local suppliers, a food lab and flexible meeting space. Owner Bill Brogan discusses his exciting vision for the five-floor venue… You’ve carved out an amazing career in hospitality. When did you first discover a passion... read more
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Bill from Market House
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Nate from Gokotta Handcraft
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Gokotta Handcraft
Passionate about sustainable fashion, Nate Revell runs Cambridge repair shop Gokotta Handcraft, using his exceptional tailoring skills to breathe new life into pre-loved denims What inspired the repair shop name? Gokotta is actually a Swedish word which evokes the idea of waking early in the morning and embracing the freshness... Read moreSay hello to
Sew Knit Craft
A solicitor for more than 30 years, Irena Spence always dreamt of owning her own craft shop. So, in 2018, she and husband Ian took the plunge, launching Cambridge’s creative hub Sew Knit Craft When did you first discover a passion for crafting? When I was five my sister taught... read more
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Irena from Sew Knit Craft
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Sam from The Orator
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The Orator
Home of spirited dining, drinking and debate, The Orator and associated Cambridge Union Society have hosted stars including Stormzy, Robert De Niro and Margaret Thatcher. Velvet chats to manager Sam Heap to find out more… Tell us a little about the history of The Orator? The Orator opened in May... Read moreSay hello to
The Oak Bistro
Since opening its doors in March 2009, The Oak Bistro has earned a reputation as the home of elegant Cambridge dining. Velvet chats to owner Philip Newman about his recipe for success What inspired you to open The Oak Bistro? I ran restaurants all over London for about 10 years... read more
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Philip from The Oak Bistro
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Karim and Matt from Beaucroft Watches
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Beaucroft Watches
Born out of a shared passion for beautiful timepieces, Cambridge based Beaucroft Watches is the creation of friends Karim Faisali and Matt Herd. Here Karim explains how the unique venture began What inspired Beaucroft Watches? I’ve always been a watch collector and have had a growing interest over the past... Read moreSay hello to
B.Tap Baron
Home to an array of delectable desserts, from fluffy bubble waffles to exquisite French-baked cakes, B. Tap Baron in Lion Yard is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth! There’s an inherent feeling of happiness that envelopes you from the minute you step into B. Tap Baron, welcomed by... read more
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Zach from B.Tap Baron
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Lee from Cambridge Vintage Tours
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Cambridge Vintage Tours
Thanks to Cambridge Vintage Tours, you can explore our historic city ‘VIP-style’ in an award-winning electric replica Model T Ford, as owner (and chauffeur extraordinaire) Lee Cave explains… You launched Cambridge Vintage Tours in 2019, but where did the idea come from? I first had the idea whilst on holiday... Read moreSay hello to
Soap and Clay
With its array of nature-inspired soaps and pottery, the aptly named Soap & Clay is all about great quality, sustainable living that doesn’t cost the earth. Owners Vicky and Jason Axell tell us more about their Magdalene Street emporium. What drew you to the idea of selling both soap and... read more
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Vicky and Jason
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Paul from De Luca
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De Luca
De Luca Cucina and Bar is a well-loved local restaurant in the heart of Cambridge offering delicious food at affordable prices. Actually, it’s much more than that, as owner Paul De Luca explains… There’s so much to say about De Luca it’s hard to know where to start! How would... Read moreSay hello to
La Raza
Home to innovative cocktails, authentic tapas, vibrant live music and a bustling dancefloor, La Raza is the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry, as head of Operations, Peter Rawlings, explains… How would you describe La Raza to anyone who hasn’t experienced it before? La Raza is a small... read more
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Peter from La Raza
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Glen from YellowKorner
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YellowKorner
Started in Paris about 15 years ago. YellowKorner has around 150 galleries worldwide with two in the UK. Glen the owner of one of those galleries here in Cambridge, tells us more… Tell us about YellowKorner and the services you offer? Our concept is very different to anything else on... Read moreSay hello to
Burr Bridal
Award-winning Cambridge boutique Burr Bridal specialises in exquisite wedding dresses and elegant attire for groomsmen, VIP guests and prom queens. Owner Kim Burr talks Big Day trends and reveals the secrets to her success. What type of bridal gowns do you specialise in? Over the years I’ve worked with most... read more
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Kim from Burr Bridal
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Matt and Sophie from Cafe Foy
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Cafe Foy
Fancy some good food, good wine and good conversation by the river? Then pop to Café Foy on the Quayside, run by Cambridge-born Matt Martin and his sister Sophie What inspired you to launch Café Foy? I was working in London as a consultant, and prior to that had been... Read moreSay hello to
Tindalls
Family-run Tindalls is the leading independent supplier of fine art supplies to East Anglia. Jemma Wiltsher, assistant manager of the Cambridge store, gives us a flavour of the business A brief history Tindalls started life as a family business (Tindalls & Son) in 1870 in the town of Newmarket, printing... read more
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Jemma from Tindalls
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Sarah from The Haunted Bookshop
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The Haunted Bookshop
Book-mad from an early age, Sarah Key took over The Haunted Bookshop in Cambridge in 1994. Here she talks about her speciality books, unique shop and its mysterious ghostly presence You set up Sarah Key Books in 1987. What made you want to work in this industry? I’ve always been... Read moreSay hello to
Butch Annie’s
Fancy tucking into a top-quality burger and craft beer in a cool basement restaurant? Then head to Cambridge’s Butch Annie’s, where owners Nigel Howell and Tim Luther, along with their trusty team, offer a warm welcome. How did the Butch Annie’s story begin? It all began when Tim and I... read more
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Nigel from Butch Annie’s
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Julie from The Cambridge Satchel Company
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The Cambridge Satchel Company
From humble beginnings (at her kitchen table), Julie Deane has grown The Cambridge Satchel Company into a global hit, her leather satchels gracing the arms of celebrities, from Taylor Swift to Lady Gaga. Louise Cummings finds out more. What made you choose to make satchels? It has a lot to... Read moreSay hello to
Campkins Cameras
Established in Cambridge in 1952, Campkins Cameras is THE go-to for all things photographic. Owner Owen Howell reveals which camera will be snapped up this Christmas and rejoices at the revival of film How old were you when you got your first camera? There’s a picture on our website of... read more
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Owen from Campkins Cameras
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Anita from SageBrown
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SageBrown
A family-run business synonymous with quality and style, SageBrown produces sumptuous leather goods, from briefcases to handbags, as owner Anita Pekdemir explains: Background to the business SageBrown was created by husband-and-wife team Mehmet and Anita Pekdemir back in the early noughties. Using Mehmet’s leather retail and manufacturing knowledge and experience and Anita’s... Read moreSay hello to
Cambridge Arts Theatre
Founded in 1936 by John Maynard Keynes, Cambridge ArtsTheatre has launched the careers of a host of stars, fromStephen Fry to Emma Thompson. Here, Chief Executive DaveMurphy explains its enduring appeal What brought you to Cambridge Arts Theatre? I arrived in 2003 and fell in love with working in the... read more
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Dave from Cambridge Arts Theatre
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Rob from Lost in Vinyl
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Lost in Vinyl
Captivated by music from the age of four, Rob Campkin turned a hobby into a career and now owns Lost in Vinyl in Cambridge – a mecca for record lovers When did your love of music begin? I think my first record was bought for me when I was four... Read moreSay hello to
Barton Bicycles
Biking enthusiast Glen Todd left his career in IT to takeover Barton Bicycles on King Street – and now, having discovered a passion for bike restoration – he hasn’t looked back since When did you take the reins of Barton Bicycles? About five years ago and my Dad owned the business... read more
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Glen from Barton Bicycles
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Simon from Hot Number
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Hot Numbers
Today he has two bustling Cambridge cafes and a roastery in Shepreth, but Simon Fraser’s idea for speciality coffee company Hot Numbers originated in Australia, over a decade before, as he explains: The Hot Numbers story begins I was working in the engineering department at Cambridge University, and went on... Read moreSay hello to
Signorelli's Deli
Born and bred in Bergamo, Alex Signorelli is famous for bringing authentic Italian flavours to the menu at Signorelli’s Deli Cambridge, his Cambridge deli and bistro. Over the past few years he has also opened Mediterranean-inspired La Piazza By Signorelli’s and Il Mertato at The Grafton. The quality of the... read more
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Alex from Signorelli's Deli
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Amanda and Mark from Lilac Rose
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Lilac Rose
From vibrant dresses and elegant jewellery to quirky accessories and gifts, you’ll findit all at Lilac Rose in Cambridge Step off Cambridge’s bustling Bridge Street into vibrant treasure trove, Lilac Rose, and you can’t help but emit an audible ‘whoop’. A feast for the eyes, the independent fashion boutique has... Read moreSay hello to
Ark
Specialising in one-of-a-kind gifts in a rainbow of vibrant hues, Ark Cambridge is the perfect place to pick up unique treasures, as owner Jane Richards explains: How did Ark begin? We opened a little shop in Norfolk Street back in 2001 selling vintage furniture. We travelled all over the country in a... read more
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Jane from Ark
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Simon from Millers Music
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Millers Music
It may be Cambridge’s oldest independent music shop – with more than 165 years’ experience selling top-quality instruments from around the world – but Millers Music is far from old fashioned. In fact, innovation has been the key to transforming Millers to meet the needs of a nation in lockdown. ... Read moreSay hello to
Cambridge Contemporary Art
Specialising in handmade prints, paintings, sculptures and crafts, Cambridge Contemporary Art gallery shows the work of over 100 UK-based artists, with a new exhibition every month. Situated just a stone’s throw from King’s College, the gallery is in the heart of Cambridge City Centre. We spoke to owner of the... read more
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Nathalie from Cambridge Contemporary Art
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Catherine from Podarok
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Podarok
Podarok is a proudly independent, award-winning gift boutique based in Cambridge’s Art’s Quarter. They are filled to brim with beautiful gifts for your loved ones, or a treat for yourself. Especially known in Cambridge for their quirky handbags, along with some unique homewares and beautiful jewellery. From pocket money pieces to... Read moreSay hello to
F45
Originating in Australia, F45 Training is an innovative and exciting fitness concept, specialising in 45-minute workouts, which happen on the same day, all around the world. We spoke to Sarah Craske, who launched Cambridge’s first F45 studio on Station Road. Tell me a bit about F45, what you have going... read more
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Sarah from F45
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Will from Cambridge Gin Laboratory
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Cambridge Gin Laboratory
Cambridge Gin Laboratory is an interactive space in the centre of Cambridge, dedicated to the appreciation of gin! Based in Green Street, you can sample a range of their award- winning Cambridge Distillery Gins and even blend your own with their gin experts. If you want to know more, you can... Read moreSay hello to
Premier Travel
Premier Travel is family run independent business and was established in 1936. Eighty years after Premier Travel arrived in Cambridge as a coach company, the agency is still at the heart of the historic city. We spoke to Manager Amanda who has worked for the company for nearly 29 years: What... read more
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Amanda from Premier Travel
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Paul from Lockhouse Games
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Lockhouse Games
Find the clues, solve the puzzles and make your escape—will you make it out in time? Cambridge Lockhouse Games is perfect for a family day out, a corporate event or a hen/stag do. Throughout October and November 2020, Lockhouse Games are running a ‘Get Out to Help Out’ campaign and... Read moreSay hello to
Amelie
What was a dream many years ago, Father & Son Duo, Regis & Alex created a brand new food concept for the UK. Flammekueche was originally created in the 14th centuries by bakers in Alsace on the French-German border as a means of testing an oven’s temperature for their bread with... read more
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Alex from Amelie
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Alison from Fitzbillies
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Fitzbillies
On 4th October 2020 Fitzbillies will celebrate its 100th birthday. A century of Chelsea buns and all manner of cakes and bread, behind its original Art Nouveau facade. In a world where most businesses do well to last a few years or a few decades Fitzbillies is a survivor. In... Read moreSay hello to
Jacks on Trinity and Giles & Co
To survive on a High Street crowded by corporate giants, which can squeeze out sole traders, Indies have a real challenge. Anne Bannell – owner of city centre gift shops Jacks on Trinity and Giles & Co – had the prudence to recognise this, and has prospered thanks to continually... read more
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Anne from Jacks on Trinity and Giles & Co
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Harriet from Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery
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Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery
Located in Green Street, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery is a multi-award winning business and leaders in bespoke jewellery, specialising in bespoke engagement rings, bespoke wedding rings and bespoke eternity rings. The company was one of the first jewellers in the UK to be licensed to sell Fairtrade gold and was... Read moreSay hello to
Bridges
Bridges is an independent cafe that has been located on Bridge Street since 1996, serving fresh food and drink to the good people of Cambridge. They are passionate about serving the freshest fare, whether it be croissants and pastries for breakfast, with aromatic Italian coffee, baguettes, soups and Chinese food for... read more
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Meggy from Bridges
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Max from Smokeworks
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Smokeworks
Smokeworks is a BBQ restaurant with two sites in Cambridge. Featuring steam-punk inspired decor and a menu packed full of flavour, Smokeworks is the perfect place to sink your teeth into deliciously prepared ribs, wings and more. Max Freeman is the Operations Director of Cambscuisine, which owns the Chop House,... Read moreSay hello to
Pint Shop
Set in a Grade II listed building in the centre of Cambridge, the Pint Shop boasts parquet flooring and industrial-chic décor. With a stylish retro feel and delicious selection of chargrilled meat dishes, steaks and vegetarian options, it’s the perfect place to settle in for lunch or a drink. What... read more
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Rich from Pint Shop
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