Cambridge Edition December

YOUR MONTHLY FIX OF

D E C E M B E R 2 017

LOCAL LIFE

EDITION

S I G N U P TO O U R W E E K LY D I G I TA L N E W S L E T T E R

CE12_001 (COVER).indd 1

Cambridge

EDI T

C A M B S E D I T I O N . C O. U K

11/17/17 3:41 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 2

17/11/2017 09:47

W E LC O M E

Welcome. ecember has arrived, bringing with it parties, presents and one of my favourite Cambridge events of the lot, the Mill Road Winter Fair, which unfailingly delivers enough community cheer and warm and fuzzy feelings to see off any winter chills. There’s all sorts of music, food and stalls to explore right up and down the Mill Road mile, which you can read all about over on page 32. Wrap up, grab a mulled wine or five and enjoy the party.

In celebration of the season of overindulgence, we’ve got a bumper food and drink offering for you this issue. First up, there’s a whopper special on my favourite meal of the day: brunch. A time for leisurely catch-ups with friends over steaming flat whites, buttery toast, crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes smothered in syrup. A meal which legitimises, nay encourages, the drinking of cocktails premidday. What’s not to love? While we’ve lost a notable landmark on the Cambridge brunch trail recently (RIP, Afternoon Tease), the city’s brekkie scene continues to yield delicious treats, from boozy bottomless affairs to virtuous vegan treats. We round up the best of the best in The Cambridge Brunch Bible over on page 69.

As we gallop headlong toward Christmas, chef Alex offers an homage to the trashier side of festive food: Twiglets, Paxo stuffing and all those other nostalgia-inducing, nutritionally bankrupt edibles that make Christmas what it ought to be. Forget artfully arranged, Instagram-worthy culinary masterpieces and embrace the delicious trash this Christmas.

Also in our food section, Thirsty’s Elodie is getting merry on the best Christmas wines around (page 81), and the mixologists at De Luca Cucina have created some incredible festive cocktails – we share the recipes over on page 76 so you can get well and truly into the Christmas spirit at home.

There are also ideas for days out in the area for when Christmas cabin fever sets in (hello, 27 December), a round-up of the best New Year’s Eve parties in town, and a gift guide featuring great present inspiration from our local independent shops.

I hope you have a great Christmas – see you on the other side!

Nicola Foley

E D I TO R I A L

Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com Senior sub editor Lisa Clatworthy Sub editors Siobhan Godwood, Felicity Evans

A DV E RT I S I N G

Senior sales executive Chris Jacobs 01223 499463 chrisjacobs@bright-publishing.com Sales executive Shannon Walford 01223 499457 shannonwalford@bright-publishing.com

C O N T R I B U TO R S

Alex Rushmer, Angelina Villa-Clarke, Charlotte Griffiths, Cyrus Pundole, Daisy Dickinson, Elodie Cameron, Jordan Worland, Ruthie Collins, Siobhan Godwood, Sam Cooke

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Editorial designer Flo Thomas 01223 492242 flothomas@bright-publishing.com Ad production Man-Wai Wong 01223 499468 manwaiwong@bright-publishing.com

M A N AG I N G D I R E C TO R S

Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

FIND US @ CAMBSEDITION

CAMBSEDITION .CO.UK CAMBRIDGE EDITION MAGAZINE • Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, cambsedition. co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area.

This month’s cover illustration was created by Flo Thomas. See more of Flo’s illustrations on Etsy at HeydayDesignsUK or at heydaydesigns.co.uk.

Editor in chief

Author illustrations by Louisa Taylor louisataylorillustration.blogspot.co.uk

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_003 (WELCOME)sg.indd 3

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

3 11/17/17 3:41 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 4

17/11/2017 09:47

XX CO XX NXT EXN XTS X

Contents.

6 Cambridge Covetables.

Find out what’s on our local most-wanted list this month

9 Arts & Culture.

A round-up of arty, cultural events in the city, from exhibitions to theatre

61 5 of the Foodie Best.

28

This month we’re tasting our way around the creamiest, thickest hot chocs in town!

65 Chef’s Column.

Alex Rushmer on his festive foodie guilty pleasures

19 Christmas Show Spectacular 66 Review.

Panto, stunning ballet performances and more in Cambridge theatreland

We pay a visit to Madingley’s Three Horseshoes for a meal to remember

27 Music Blog.

69 Cambridge Brunch Bible.

Jordan Worland from Slate the Disco shares his top live music picks

28 Nightlife.

Gigs, comedy and more after-dark fun this month

31New Year’s Eve.

Some ideas for where to spend your all-important NYE

32 Mill Road Winter Fair.

We bring you the low-down on Mill Road’s annual festive shindig

36 Christmas Giveaway!

We’re giving away than £2,000 worth of fantastic prizes

43 Christmas Days Out. Get out and about over the Christmas break at one of these local attractions

46 Listings.

Our at-a-glance guide to the month’s goings-on

50 Food News.

The latest news from Cambridge’s gastro scene

55 Recipes.

Rosie Sykes, development chef at Pint Shop, shares her favourite Sunday night recipes

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_005 (CONTENTS)sg.indd 5

97

Here’s where to go for your morning feast

76 Christmas Cocktails.

Italian eatery de Luca whips up some festive tipples for you to try at home

81 Mistletoe & Wine.

Elodie from Thirsty on choosing what to drink this Christmas (clue: it involves wine)

82 Indie of the Month.

Great flat whites and plenty of bikes at Espresso Library

85 Indie Gift Guide.

55

Top gift ideas for him, for her and for kids, all from local independents

91 Beauty.

Beauty news, advice and top buys

97 Interiors.

Gorgeous festive decorations and styling ideas for your interiors

76

109 Home Store of the Month.

We have a chat with Eve Waldron, the Cambridge designer creating inspiring living and working spaces

114 Property News

Local agents Cooke, Curtis & Co on the pros and cons of part exchange

69 11/17/17 2:14 PM

1

COVET ABLES O U R M O N T H LY L O C A L M O S T- WA N T E D L I S T

1

2

B LO O M I N G GORGEOUS.

2

Pop along to Cambridge Flower School in Newton on 5 December and get inspired by an evening of floral festivities.

They’re celebrating the season with a special open evening featuring mulled wine, mince pies, gift ideas and demonstrations for simple but impressive designs to decorate your home with. Runs 4pm to 7pm.

HELLO HYGGE. A stunning homeware shop and fine art gallery in St Ives, The English Listed will be hosting a special Christmas shopping day on 2 December. Pop along between 10am and 6pm and enjoy warming drinks and roasted chestnuts while you browse their gorgeous array of festive decorations and homeware gifts. The theme of the event is Hygge, inspired by the Danish concept of cosiness; so expect your cockles to be well and truly warmed‌

6

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_006-007 (CAMBRIDGE COVETABLES)sg.indd 6

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 3:40 PM

3

M O S T -WA N T E D

3

EARLY NIGHT CLUB.

4

Early Night Club – the Cambridge night out for people with responsibilities in the morning – is back for more cocktails, dancing and fun this month. Don’t let the ‘sensible clubbing’ tagline put you off, ENC know how to get the party started; they just start it a lot earlier! The dancefloor is always packed by 9pm and the tunes, tipples and atmosphere are always great. Join the fun at La Raza on 7 December, when youll be greeted with a Christmas bellini and festive glitter station.

4

M E R RY CRAFTMAS! The craft beer revolution rumbles on Cambridgeshire, with the launch of BrewBoard brewery in Harston. Their jazzy cans are stocked in local indies including Burwash’s Larder, Thirsty and Shelford Deli, and you can also try these distinctive brews on draft at The Cambridge Blue and the Flying Pig. If you fancy trying for yourself, check out one of their Friday night tap nights at the BrewBoard HQ in Harston – which feature street food and live music.

5

5

CHRISTMAS BEGINS. One of the loveliest festive warm-up events Cambridge has to offer, Christmas Begins at Burwash Manor will see the shopping courtyards transformed into a winter wonderland on 1 December. All of the shops will be open late, plus there will be a Christmas food market, street food vendors, a chance to meet Father Christmas and even an opportunity to buy your all-important Christmas tree.

Runs 5pm to 9pm.

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_006-007 (CAMBRIDGE COVETABLES)sg.indd 7

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

7 11/17/17 3:40 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 8

17/11/2017 17:33

A RTS & C U LT U R E

BOTH IMAGES © SIMON TOZER

Arts & Culture.

BYARD’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER. King Street gallery Byard Art welcomes back its eclectic Christmas Cracker exhibition for 2017, showcasing a huge range of art from over 50 artists and designer-makers. Running until 23 December, there will be a constantly evolving display of original paintings, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media artwork, limited edition prints, photography and handmade jewellery to explore.

Artists showing their work include Alison Stockmarr, who transforms discarded, seemingly worthless objects and weaves them into rich artworks with a story. Simon Tozer’s bright, clean screen prints will also be on display, as well as vibrant still lifes from Christopher Green, plus ceramics from Erica Just and delicate handmade jewellery

by Emily Bell. Just the thing for a unique Christmas present! byardart.co.uk CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_009-016 (ARTS)sg.indd 9

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

9 11/17/17 1:02 PM

GORDON H O U S E : PA I N T TO P R I N T Showing this month at Broadway Gallery in Letchworth Garden City is an exhibition of paintings and works from Gordon House; an influential graphic designer who grew up in the town.

This exhibition centres on a series of House’s works from the 60s, a pivotal period in his career when he was immersed in London’s swinging art scene. Highlighting the significant contributions House made to contemporary painting and the development of artist printmaking, the exhibition also includes examples of his graphic design for galleries and musicians, most notably his work on album designs for The Beatles.

Gordon House: Paint to Print is at Broadway Gallery through until Sunday 28 January. broadway-letchworth.com

C A R O L C O N C E RTS .

There’s a huge selection of carol concerts and services in and around Cambridge and Edition has a few of the festive highlights. Often the target of the serious carol service devotee, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College on Christmas Eve is one you simply must queue for. Broadcast live on Radio 4, and on 300 stations in the United States alone, the event, which began in 1918, is extremely popular.

The queue regularly starts to form the day before and is admitted to college grounds at 7.30am on the day, and into the chapel for the 3pm service at 1.30pm. According to the college website, they’ll ensure you do not queue for a place that doesn’t exist and in most recent years, those who queue by 9am get in. There is a retiring collection.

On 11 December at 7pm Great St Mary’s Church hosts a carol concert featuring six local schools’ choirs and the Vox Pop singers. The event will raise funds for The Cambridge Homeless Project and Arthur Rank Hospice. Tickets £10, under-18s £5.

At Ely Cathedral the Advent Procession with Carols on 3 December at 6pm, begins in darkness before candles are gradually lit. On 10 December, at 5.15pm, the Big Christmas Tree Light Switch-on Service is designed for young children and families, complete with fairy dust.

And the cathedral’s Hark! The Herald carol concert is at 7.30pm on 22 December, with tickets from £10.

A free event, with donations appreciated, is at the much smaller 12th-century Leper Chapel, on Newmarket Road. Carols by candlelight will feature Cottenham Brass Band on 17 December at 6.30pm, and mince pies and mulled wine will be served.

Cambridge Early Music presents Clare Wilkinson and her group Courtiers of Grace at Trinity College Chapel on 15 December at 7.30pm, when they commemorate the 500th anniversary of Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses with music and readings. Tickets £23, under-16s free.

And St John’s College hosts a Carol concert, in aid of Alzheimer’s Society, on 15 December, at 6.30pm, tickets £13, £6 for children nine and under.

10

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_009-016 (ARTS)sg.indd 10

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:02 PM

A RTS & C U LT U R E

INTERVIEW.

A H E A D O F T H E I R C A M B R I D G E G I G N E X T S U M M E R , W E C AU G H T U P W I T H M AG N E F U R U H O L M E N F RO M L E G E N DA RY B A N D A- H A

I

f you’re of a certain age, A-ha are a band that needs no introduction. Icons of the 80s, their name has been immortalised in the pop canon thanks to Take On Me, a truly monster hit which topped the charts everywhere from Australia to Austria. It was an astonishing debut with a pioneering video to match, catapulting them to fame, acclaim, and onto the bedroom walls of a million admiring teenage girls.

Though often branded one-hit wonders by pop pundits, the Norwegian trio swiftly followed up with another number 1, The Sun Always Shines on TV, going on to record a further ten studio and two live albums, plus their recent, critically-acclaimed fully

acoustic offering.

Though they never quite managed to replicate the commercial success of their mid-80s golden days, one thing they have in droves is enthusiastic fans – who are likely delighted at the news of the band’s 2018 tour, which will see them playing Cambs Glass Stadium next June.

“This kind of tour is a first for us, with lots of outside venues, so we’re really looking forward to it – it’s going to be a blast,” enthuses Magne Furuholmen, the band’s keyboard player.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have very loyal and enthusiastic crowds support the band over the years, and that’s a privilege you don’t take for granted. You want to do the best you can at all times. Ultimately, being on the road is about the two hours a day that you’re on stage to connect with an audience and perform

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_009-016 (ARTS)sg.indd 11

songs that, in many ways, belong to them. Sometimes after 30 years you feel like you’re performing their songs back to them.”

A-ha have been touring on and putting out music pretty much constantly since their breakthrough, give or take some time off when the band temporarily dissolved in the mid 90s. Magne used this downtime in his musical career to establish himself as a visual artist; a path which has seen him exhibiting his work across Europe garnering considerable plaudits in the art world.

“I kind of jump from one medium to another in the space of every week,” he says of the balance in his life between art and music. “But when I sit down to write a song for Morten (A-ha’s lead singer), it feels like putting on an old work glove, your hand fits right in there. I didn’t think I’d miss when we disbanded, but I discovered that I really had when we reformed.”

As well as writing new music together, the band have recently begun revisiting and revitalising their back catalogue, putting a new spin on their material which has included a much-shared acoustic version of Take On Me, transforming it from upbeat pop number to dark, yearning ballad. All these years after the original’s release, Magne remains surprised by the track’s enduring appeal.

“I don’t think it’s anything that we imagined would be such an important part of our career in general,” he says. “It was the first song we released, and it’s just one of those soldiers, it’s been out there for 30 years on our behalf. And the fact that people still love it and listen to it is a great thing.”

We can’t wait to see them belting it out here in Cambridge – if you fancy catching them in action too, head to page 36 to find out how to be in with a chance of winning four Golden Circle tickets as part of our Christmas giveaway. n C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

11 11/17/17 1:02 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 12

17/11/2017 17:33

A RTS & C U LT U R E

JA M E S A N D THE GIANT P E AC H .

The classic tale of a runaway gigantic fruit with a young boy in tow comes to the Great Hall at The Leys in Cambridge Theatre Company’s latest production, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach.

Orphan James Henry Trotter is sent to live with his horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge, after his parents are killed in a tragic rhinoceros accident. Just when he thinks he’ll never have fun again, he meets an old man with the strongest magic in the world.

Join James and his insect friends on a journey across the ocean to New York on 19 to 23 December. camtheatrecompany.co.uk

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING. A feast of four hit movies, plus a festive pop-up café, forms Enchanted Cinema’s delicious-sounding Christmas Film Festival on 16 December. Frozen, The Polar Express (an autism friendly-screeening), Bridget Jones’s Diary and Love Actually will be screened at Robinson Theatre on Hills Road, with 100% of profits going to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). A super-cosy café will run next door to the theatre throughout the day, with hot drinks, homemade cakes, brownies and, of course, mulled wine and mince pies, plus more festive foodie surprises. The programme starts at 10am with Frozen, the huge hit Disney winter’s tale, followed at 1pm by the now-classic Christmas family staple that is The Polar Express. Bridget Jones’s Diary, at 4pm, and Love Actually, at 7pm, round off the festival with familiar lines, scenes and even pants to the fore for fans of hit-Brit comedy.

EACH provides care and support for children and young people with life-threatening illnesses, as well as end-of-life care for dying children and their families. enchantedcinema.co.uk CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_009-016 (ARTS)sg.indd 13

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

13 11/17/17 1:02 PM

SINGALONG BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Join Gaston, Belle and the gang for a special singalong screening of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Corn Exchange on 3 December. Fancy dress and belting out the words to the tunes is enthusiastically encouraged at this event – and the lyrics will be on the screen if you’re a bit rusty. There will also be props to play with and some pre-show singing lessons to get your vocal chords in fine fettle for the fun ahead.

There are screenings at 2pm and 7pm, and tickets are £17.25 for adults and £12.75 for children. cornex.co.uk

T H E OV E RTO N E S Debonair a capella group The Overtones are back in Cambridge once again to perform a selection of classic Christmas tunes on the 7th. We love the Hollywood-style back story of this group, who were discovered by a talent scout whilst singing together on Oxford Street, where they were working at a shop. A major record deal followed along with over a million records sold and five top-five albums. Join them for a night of festive fun which will feature stunning vocal arrangements of much loved songs like White Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Let It Snow. Tickets start at £25.25. cornex.co.uk

14

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_009-016 (ARTS)sg.indd 14

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:02 PM

A RTS & C U LT U R E

THE ART INSIDER. RUTHIE COLLINS, FOUNDER OF CA MBRIDGE ART SALON, GIVES HER ART Y PICKS OF THE MONTH

S

he walks in beauty like the night, of cloudless climes and starry skies…” wrote Byron, one of Cambridge’s most infamous poets – for me, these lines sum up the clear, bright beauty of winter, that you can see everywhere in the city at this time of year. All gilded, sloping rooftops and naked trees. Romantic rebel he might have been – the very definition of male genius. But, let’s give a high five to Lola Olufemi along with the hundred or so academics who also supported Cambridge University’s new, outspoken Women’s Officer, who challenged the colonialist restrictions of authors taught at Cambridge, but was then wrongly accused of trying to get Cambridge to ‘drop’ male, white authors by The Telegraph.

I first met Lola in Sa’adiah Khan’s The Women’s Room art installation, inspired by Marilyn French’s 1970s radical, bestselling novel. She and other FLY girls of Cambridge joined young women from Romsey Mill to talk all things Woman as part of our Arts Council-supported feminist programme, Women of Influence. Inclusion does not have to mean exclusion by its nature.

Having said all that, I love She Walks in Beauty by Byron – it’s a stunning poem. I just don’t love how self-appointed vanguards of a literary canon that is supposed to be fluid oppose fluidity. Who, when asked to become more open, are so defensive, they incite racism. Yes, you’ve probably heard this before, but we need to keep on reiterating the obvious until it’s, well, obvious. And by the way, if you’re looking to buy for political activist loved ones this Christmas, look no further than Cambridgebased Art of Protest’s fabulous offbeat offerings – check artofprotest.com.

December also sees our Pearls of Wisdom Postcards project, that brings old and young together through art, exhibiting postcards by children from The Grove primary school at Stir Café from 1 December. For the last few months, I’ve been talking to elderly residents in care homes throughout the city, asking them for their Pearls of Wisdom that they would pass onto younger generations.

Artists Cathy Dunbar, Sa’adiah Khan, Sukey Sleeper and Daisy Tempest all helped the children create the designs, in response to these pearls, which are on sale and are the perfect presents.

As Christmas comes closer, this is a time for family to strengthen ties, so snap up the postcards supported by Cambridge City Council, plus the High Sheriff Award, and send a few to relatives and friends you haven’t seen in a while. They will be on sale at the Mill Road Winter Fair in Anglia Ruskin’s foyer, a new space for the fabulous one-day event which draws thousands every year. While there catch the ever-brilliant artist Jane Helling, who will be selling Art for a Fiver in Covent Garden. Or why not head over to a Christmas Market with a twist on Sunday 3 December? “Everyone has that friend, someone who you never know what to buy as a gift for them,” says Last Gang’s Laura Freestone. “Well, have no fear this Christmas – the Last Gang Alternative Xmas Market Is back! Handmade and quirky gifts, art prints, unique jewellery, awesome accessories, peculiar homewares and clothing that is too cool for the high street!”. With a DIY punk spirit, this will be at Blue Moon from midday until 4pm – search LastGangInTownUK on Facebook for more info.

They say the best gift you can give someone is your time, but how about buying someone a creative experience? I’ll be sending a special someone off to paint with one of their favourite artists this Christmas. If there’s an artist whose work someone loves, then don’t be shy – reach out and ask them if they might consider it. It’s better than the usual gimmicky gifts and could have a transformative impact on someone’s life.

Meanwhile, those of you who are in search of Christmassy theatre, make the most of Cambridge Junction’s festive show, Rapunzel.

Independent theatre at its best, each Christmas production they host is a fantastic alternative that ruffles up pantomime cliché to leave you genuinely inspired. Dancing Brick, the production company behind Rapunzel, did a fantastic job with Thumbelina’s Big Adventure in 2013. This year, expect dreadlocks and all in this bold, feisty take on the classic fairy tale.

Finally, those of you hunting for Christmas treats for literary types, then pick up a copy of Cambridge novelist Ali Smith’s Winter, which launched last month. This is the incendiary second novel in her seasonal quartet of offerings. One to rug-up with in front of a roaring fire (Hygge, anyone?). Yes, this may be the season of shivering, naked trees.

Of bleakness. But new beginnings are just around the corner. “Winter makes things visible,” Smith tells us. So, let yourself dazzle the world and shine this season, dose up on glitter and sparkle your way into a new year. Happy festivities all. n

This may be the season of shivering, naked trees. Of bleakness. But new beginnings are just around the corner.

Let yourself shine this season

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_009-016 (ARTS)sg.indd 15

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

15 11/17/17 1:02 PM

A RTS & C U LT U R E

CRAFTY CHRISTMAS. If you don’t fancy the mad rush around big chain shops this Christmas, pop along to the Etsy Made Local fair to pick up beautiful homemade gifts. Put on by a team of local designer-makers, the fair runs from 30 November to 2 December at St Andrew’s Street Baptist C8hurch, and has become a firm favourite for gift-hunters on the lookout for something original, attracting thousands each year. The 2017 event will showcase the work of over 40 craftspeople, as well as offering seasonal refreshments and plenty of festive cheer. Shoppers will find artisan chocolates, natural skincare and bathing gift sets, festive wreaths, cards and wrapping paper, prints and wall art, Christmas decorations and more.

The fair will be open 12 to 8pm on Thursday, and 10am to 6.30pm on Friday and Saturday. Search Cambridge Made on Facebook for more info

Top Jolly babygro, hahonline.co.uk Above Books by Richard Horne, elhorno.co.uk

F E S T I V E T R AC KS & F I Z Z Museums are great, and all – but don’t you feel like there should be more prosecco involved? The Cam Lates crew do, which is why they’re laying on the (frankly inspired) Festive Tracks and Fizz evening at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences on 6 December. The scene will be set with atmospheric lighting, while the phenomenal We Are Sound choir will be delivering their usual, uplifting vocal magic while guests explore the collection, glass of fizz in hand. The event runs 7pm to 9pm and tickets are £8. museums.cam.ac.uk

16

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_009-016 (ARTS)sg.indd 16

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:02 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 17

17/11/2017 17:34

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 18

17/11/2017 09:48

C H R I S T M A S S H OW S

I T WO U L D NT B E C H R I S TM A S W I T H O U T A N O U T I N G T O T H E T H E AT R E .

S I O B H A N G O DWO O D RO U N D S U P T H E T R E AT S I N S T O R E T H I S F E S T I V E S E A S O N

RAPUNZEL. The Christmas show at the Junction is always something a little bit special. A nice change from the traditional panto fare, the J2 venue offers a very intimate theatre experience, making it perfect for a magical, escapist festive story. This year, theatre company Dancing Brick are making a welcome return to Cambridge with a follow-up to their hugely successful production of Thumbelina’s Big Adventure back in 2013.

2017’s production is Rapunzel, and we’re all familiar with the story of the young woman, imprisoned by an old witch in a tower, and rescued when she lets down her hair for the handsome prince to climb and set her free. But don’t expect to meet a traditional fairy-tale damsel in distress in this production, waiting helplessly to be rescued. “It’s not set in the modern day, but our version of the story is very much a contemporary version,” explains Thomas Eccleshare, co-director of the show along with Valentina Ceschi. “Our Rapunzel is a wild young woman, with hair everywhere, waiting to be liberated rather than rescued. The story is set in a very conservative, buttoned-up town, where everyone is obsessed with looking exactly right and having the latest, perfect hairstyle. Rapunzel is set to unleash her wildness on the townspeople, teaching them along the way that sometimes it’s good to break out, and not to conform to the standard way of looking and being. It’s a very relevant message in this era of selfies and social media, and the modern obsession with looking perfect and just like everyone else.”

The show is packed with songs and live music, and promises to be a really special Christmas experience. “It’s a show that the whole family, adults and children alike, can enjoy,” says Thomas. “But it’s not a pantomime, it’s not all just fun and farce. It’s a totally unique, theatrical production that will move the audience, make them laugh, but also hopefully scare them a tiny bit from time to time too!”

Dancing Brick has created Rapunzel specifically for the J2 space at the Junction, and will be rehearsing the show there over the coming weeks until the opening night on 5 December. “We’re really excited to be back in Cambridge,” says Thomas. “I was a student here, so it’s where I first got into doing theatre, and there’s really nowhere better to spend autumn and Christmas. I used to do workshops at the Junction when I was starting out, so it’s a really special place for me and I’m thrilled to be back.

Dancing Brick had a fantastic time at the Junction with Thumbelina, and the team here have built up a strong DEC. reputation for putting on really original, unique Christmas shows. There’s a great returning audience and we look forward to welcoming back some of the families who have enjoyed our work here before as well as lots of people who are seeing us for the first time.” Times vary, with shows during the day and in the evening, including a British Sign Language performance on 17 December and a relaxed performance on 28 December.

Tickets cost from £10 to £15.50. junction.co.uk

PROUD MEDIA PA RT N E R

5-31

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_019-022 (FESTIVE THEATRE)sg.indd 19

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

19 11/17/17 1:02 PM

SA I N T P E T E R S B U R G C L A S S I C B A L L E T.

30

Stunning dancers, dazzling costumes, breathtaking Tchaikovsky scores… what better way to say farewell to 2017 and hello to 2018 DEC than with an unforgettable visit to the ballet? Last year’s tour by the Saint Petersburg Classical Ballet was a huge success, and they 1 J A N-. return to the Corn Exchange again this year with two classic ballets. In The Nutcracker on 30 and 31 December, audiences young and old will be captivated by the timeless story of Clara, who is whisked away on a fairy-tale adventure by her Nutcracker Prince. Then on 1 January, prepare to be swept away by the tragic beauty of one of the world’s most famous ballets, Swan Lake, the tale of Prince Siegfried and his true love Odette, who are fooled by evil sorcerer Von Rothbart and his daughter Odile but would rather die than live apart. Both ballets feature a full orchestra and dazzling soloists. Performances are at 2pm and 7pm, and tickets start at £17.75. cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

A CHRISTMAS CAROL. So much of what we think of as a traditional Christmas comes from the Victorians, and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol encapsulates all the best bits of a 19th Century celebration, with plenty of food, drink, romance, a tearjerking cute kid, and of course, a few ghosts.

This was the first of Dickens’ novels that he performed himself in public and he went on to enact it over 150 times. This production at Mumford Theatre reproduces those original performances as closely as possible, with actor John O’Connor as Dickens performing what is arguably his mostloved creation. Tickets from £8.50 to £12.50. anglia.ac.uk

20

12 DEC.

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_019-022 (FESTIVE THEATRE)sg.indd 20

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:02 PM

C H R I S T M A S S H OW S

16D-E1C7.

ALADDIN. Take your family on a magic-carpet ride through space and time to the city of Old Peking for a fantastic pantomime adventure with Aladdin and his friends.

This Mumford Theatre show really is fantastic, traditional panto territory, complete with Widow Twanky, Wishee Washee and the evil baddie, Abanazar, so make sure you’re ready to boo, hiss and shout ‘he’s behind you!’. The show is bursting with laughs, excitement and adventure, and promises to be a fantastic, Christmassy evening out that the entire family will enjoy. Tickets are £8. anglia.ac.uk

JAC K A N D T H E B E A N S TA L K .

Christmas in Cambridge wouldn’t be Christmas without the Arts Theatre panto. This year, it’s Jack and the Beanstalk, and – unbelievable but true – Tony Christie, of Show me the way to Amarillo fame is starring as the King of Amarillo.

Liza Goddard plays the Good Fairy and the hilarious Matt Crosby is Dame Trott, in his 12th Arts Theatre panto!

Stephen Beckett returns for his fourth outing as the panto villain – this year as the evil Fleshcreep. We asked Cambridge’s nastiest repeat offender to tell us a bit about this year’s show. “It follows the traditional Jack and the Beanstalk story that we all know but there are some very exciting departures,” he explains. “I don’t want to give too much away, but how the story develops – what happens to

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_019-022 (FESTIVE THEATRE)sg.indd 21

3 0 N OV

-

7 JAN the giant and the characters – are . all ‘Cambridge-ised’! Your classic panto story is still very much the framework, but we’ve turned it into what Cambridge is famous for – one of the trendiest pantos in the country!”

Stephen is a big fan of our fair city, too. “Cambridge is the perfect Christmas town,” he says. “Spires, cobbled streets, the market… and of course the Arts Theatre has wonderful audiences. It’s a really nice place to play with a team of people who really know what they’re doing. And I love the baked potatoes on the market!” Tickets cost from £17 to £39. cambridgeartstheatre.com

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

21 11/17/17 1:02 PM

C H R I S T M A S S H OW S

10 DEC.

THE S N OW M A N .

This beautiful film, adapted from Raymond Briggs’ animated storybook, is a true Christmas classic, best seen in December, on a big screen. Famously, the film contains no dialogue, telling the story through the beautiful animated illustrations and the original music.

This screening at Saffron Hall – in the grounds of Saffron Walden’s County High school – features live accompaniment by the Southbank Simphonia, and promises to be a truly magical event. As an added bonus, the production also includes a live reading of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by Pui from CBeebies, set to music from Tchaikovsky’s ballet score. Shows are at 1.30pm and 3.30pm and tickets are £15-£25, with under 18s half price.

Saffronhall.com

12

DEC.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY.

If panto isn’t really your cup of tea, but you’re partial to a good Christmas song, then this show at the Corn Exchange will really get you into the festive spirit. A rollercoaster, rock ’n’ roll ride through the Christmas hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s, this seasonal version of the hugely popular variety show is a festive feast of live music, dancing and plenty of Christmassy comedy.

Tickets cost from £22.75 to £28.75. cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

22

NO 2 D EVC .-

T H E H U N C H B AC K O F N OT R E DA M E .

Cambridge University Amateur Dramatics Club and Footlights have teamed up for this year’s Christmas offering at the ADC theatre, an uproarious panto set in the bustling streets of Paris on the Feast of Fools. Featuring gargoyles, pantomime dames, dancing goats, drunken clowns and forgotten villains, it promises to be a real feast for the eyes and ears. There are two shows most days, at 2.30pm and 7.45pm, and tickets start at £9. adctheatre.com

22

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_019-022 (FESTIVE THEATRE)sg.indd 22

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:02 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 23

17/11/2017 17:34

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 24

17/11/2017 09:48

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 25

17/11/2017 17:34

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 26

17/11/2017 09:48

XGXI X GXGXUXIX DX E

MUSIC BLOG.

J O R DA N WO R L A N D F RO M L O C A L M U S I C W E B S I T E S L AT E T H E D I S C O S E L E C T S H I S M U S T-S E E G I GS I N C A M B R I D G E T H I S M O N T H

I

f the pairing of Christmas and music fills you with dread thoughts of carols, Noddy Holder or Walking in the Air then relax – there are plenty of alternatives on offer on the Cambridge live music scene this month.

Christmas is a time for giving. It’s also a time for raising a few glasses, dancing like an idiot and letting your hair down. Beans on Toast arrives at the Cambridge Junction on the 1st and is guaranteed to kick off the festive season with generous lashings of all three, and then some. This tour will also act as the UK album tour for Beans on Toast’s ninth album, released slap bang in the middle of the tour on 1st December. He’ll be bringing a full live band with him, including fiddle, accordion and honky-tonk piano, playing a mix of brand new tunes from the forthcoming album and old classics from his huge back catalogue.

Beans’ birthday falls in December and for each year he gets older, a new album and nationwide tour arrive with it. This time he’ll be joined by Folk Festival faves Skinny Lister. Label mates, touring buddies and drinking companions, they make a perfect match. Both bands are hardworking, fun-loving, heavy touring acts that bring a unique and modern take on the age-old tradition of English folk music. For Skinny Lister, this tour will wrap up the worldwide campaign of their third and critically acclaimed album The Devil, The Heart & The Fight.

There is some ‘math-rock-pop’ on offer at The Blue Moon on the 2nd courtesy of FES. Describing themselves as, “Tubelord meets Biffy Clyro meets Regina Spektor”, we reckon it has to be worth a listen, especially with melodic punk outfit O’Holy Ghost also on the bill.

Lau, meanwhile, have made a huge mark in the last ten years. They’ve won Best Group four times at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, seamlessly blending the worlds of acoustic folk tradition and electronica, with members Kris Drever, Martin Green and Aidan O’Rourkeall individually gaining acclaim, too. Having released their first retrospective album earlier this year, they bring their hypnotic musicianship to the Junction on the 3rd.

Our top pick for December goes down on the 4th at The Portland Arms, when the exceptional Sweet Baboo returns to Cambridge. This summer saw Stephen Black (aka Sweet Baboo) release his sixth record Wild Imagination, an album designed as something of an antidote to our turbulent, sometimes dark times. The record is a bright,

wry, melodically buoyant and sweetly melancholy tonic from the north Wales singer.

There is Celtic punk rock courtesy of Chicago’s Flatfoot 56 at The Portland on the 6th, then on the 10th there is Jordan Allen, an artist who is drawing comparisons with the bluesinfluenced indie of Jake Bugg.

Wooden Arms are a selfdescribed ‘genre-fluid’ quintet from Norwich. Whether it is their classical, trip hop or alternative sounds that grab you, rest assured no one does melancholy better than this chamber pop outfit who released their sophomore record in October. They play The Portland on the 13th. At the same venue on the 14th, punk legends UK Subs make their yearly appearance, and then Cambridge’s mightiest classic rock outfit The Treatment return for an end-of-year knees-up on the 18th.

Our final tip this month is back at The Blue Moon on the 14th when Dean McPhee will appear, alongside Sam McLoughlin, David ChattonBarker and Rachel Watkins. Dean McPhee is a solo electric guitarist who combines fluid, chiming melodic lines with shimmering drones and layers of decaying delay and echo. He has a unique style of playing which draws together influences from British folk, dub, kosmische and Mali blues – his music is hypnotic with a deep sense of space. n

Our top pick for December is the exceptional Sweet Baboo, who visits The Portland for a dose of his melodically bouyant, sweetly melancholy tonic

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_027 (GIG GUIDE)_FE.indd 27

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

27 11/17/17 2:14 PM

December nightlife.

CHECK OUT LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE AT C A M B S E D I T I O N .C O.U K

UB40 .

UB40 bring their greatest hits to the Corn Exchange on 18 December, when fans can expect Red Red Wine, Food for Thought, One in Ten and many others.

They’ve had more than 40 Top 40 singles and topped 100 million record sales, making them one of the most successful British groups of all time.

Support comes from Maxi Jazz and the E-Type Boys and tickets are £40.25. cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

18 DEC.

COMMONERS ’ C O M E DY CLUB.

15

DEC.

Fred’s House Christmas Party.

Local folk group Fred’s House invite you to join them for a Christmas knees-up with plenty of festive cheer at The Boathouse pub in Chesterton on 15 December. It’s been a great year for the band, who are celebrating their sixth year in action, have recently returned from a Chinese tour, and received the Syd Barrett Pride of Cambridge Award at the annual NMG Awards back in September.

They’ll be treating the crowd to a cheery helping of their upbeat grooves laden with gorgeous three-piece harmonies, while footstomping folk-rockers Flashback Photograph will also be making an appearance. Tickets £10 from the Fred’s House website. fredshousemusic.co.uk

28

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_028-029 (NIGHTLIFE)sg.indd 28

There’s nothing like a good laugh to warm you up on a chilly evening, so it’s lucky that the fantastic Commoners’ Comedy makes a return this month with another great line-up of talent on 14 December. The event will be returning to its roots at the Corner House on Newmarket Road (where it started life three years ago), and will be compered by the always hilarious Ali Warwood. Headlining will be headliner David Trent, and you'll also be treated to some of the funniest rising stars on the circuit, including Andy Storey, brilliant stand-up and cartoonist Maddie Campion and the up-and-coming Janet Garner. Doors open at 7.30pm, comedy is from 8pm and food is available until 9.30pm.

Tickets are £6.50.

Search Commoners Comedy on Facebook for all the details.

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:01 PM

NIGHTLIFE

NOW BOOKING. BRITISH SEA P OWER

15 F E B , J U N C T I O N , £18

The Brighton-based rockers hit Cambridge as part of a tour to support their latest album, Let the Dancers Inherit the Party.

KATE RUSBY. Kate Rusby has been at the top of the folk scene for a long time. She has been performing for 25 years, and for the last 15 of those, the former folk singer of the year and Mercury Prize nominee has toured a Christmas show enchanting audiences throughout the country. It comes to the Corn Exchange on 6 December and Kate will embrace a South Yorkshire tradition. For more than 200 years on Sunday lunchtimes people would go to their local pub to sing their own unique variations of familiar carols, that, as Kate says, ‘were kicked out of churches during the Victorian era for being too happy!’ Her festive tour features tracks from all four of her Christmas albums. Tickets are £27.50 cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

FR ANZ FERDINAND

23 F E B , C O R N E XC H A N G E , £ 3 0 . 5 0

Franz Ferdinand are back, with a new album coming up and a whole new, sonic sound to wrap your ears around.

BEANS ON TOA S T & SKINNY LISTER.

CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL CLUB. Though known and loved for TV roles including Red Dwarf’s Lister and Corrie’s Lloyd Mullaney, Craig Charles’ real passion is his love of music – especially of the funk and soul variety. As well as performing in his own bands throughout his career, he presents the BBC 6 Music staple The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, which is the network’s biggest listener draw, pulling in around 250,000 funk fans each Saturday night. On the show, he delves into his expansive record collection, flitting from stone-cold classics to red-hot new releases, via a few modern remixes and quirky covers.

And that’s pretty much what you can expect from his visit to Cambridge Junction on 22 December, when he’s back for another Christmas knees-up at the venue. It runs 10pm to 3am and tickets are £17. junction.co.uk CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_028-029 (NIGHTLIFE)sg.indd 29

UK folk luminaries, label mates and drinking buddies Skinny Lister and Beans on Toast are back on tour together and headed our way on 1 December. Both will be playing full sets at the event, and with their reputations for laying on rambunctious shows – it’s promising to be a double whammy gig not to miss.

Rum-swilling, shanty-singing Skinny Lister will be showcasing tunes from their back catalogue as well as their latest album, the critically acclaimed The Devil, The Heart & The Fight. Beans on Toast meanwhile is celebrating the release of his 9th album the very day of the gig, and performing with a full live band complete with fiddle, accordion and honky-tonk piano.

Tickets are £15.50. junction.co.uk

BELLE & SEBASTIAN

13 M A R C H , C O R N E XC H A N G E , £32. 75

Scottish indie-pop icons Belle and Sebastian are back in Cambridge for a night of music old and new.

SUGGS

20 M A R C H , C O R N E XC H A N G E , £31. 25

Nearly 40 years after finding fame with Madness, Suggs tells his life story in this new one-man show. Expect cracking anecdotes aplenty.

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

29 11/17/17 1:02 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 30

17/11/2017 09:48

NEW YEAR' S EVE

BLACK & WHITE AT DE LUCA. Escape the throngs at Italian eatery De Luca, which is hosting an elegant Black & White evening. After being welcomed with prosecco, guests will be treated to a sumptuous fivecourse feast before heading up to the piano bar to carry the night on.

There will be a live pianist playing well-loved tunes and cocktails aplenty from the bar. You can join the fun and sing your way into 2018 for £65 per person; you’re advised to book sharpish to guarantee a spot. delucacucina.co.uk

NEW YEAR’S EVE TOP 5.

ALL THAT IS GOLDEN AT NOVI.

CLASSICS BALL AT BEDFORD LODGE.

Super-stylish Novi will be ringing in the new year with an ‘all that is golden’ theme, encouraging guests to don their glitziest attire and enjoying some rather special golden tipples. There will be a roaming band across the venue’s three floors, plus additional entertainment and prosecco on arrival. The event runs 9pm to 3am and tickets are £20 earlybird, £25 in advance and £30 on the door (limited). novicambridge.co.uk

If you want to add a bit of glamour to your New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Classics Ball at the gorgeous Bedford Lodge Hotel might be just the ticket. Beginning with a glass of bubbly, guests will then be seated for a four-course dinner at the hotel’s celebrated in-house restaurant, before dancing the night away and seeing in midnight with a traditional piper, and haggis, neeps and tatties.

Tickets are £110 per person. bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_031 (NEW YEARS)sg.indd 31

FEAST & FROLIC. The Willow Tree in Bourn is hosting a Boogie in Wonderland dine and dance event this NYE, promising an indulgent fivecourse tasting menu with a Wonderland theme, including a sparkling cocktail on arrival, a ‘drink me’ shot at midnight and a disco (£90 per person), while sister restaurant The Eltisley is running with a Vegas theme, promising drinks, dinner, funk music, dancing and even a casino! feastandfrolic.co.uk

D’ARRY’S. City centre restaurant d’Arry’s will be hosting a slap-up NYE feast with entertainment from a live band.

After a glass of fizz to get things started, guests will be treated to a menu filled with indulgent treats like creamy lobster bisque, venison tenderloin and chocolate foret noire.

It’s priced at £69.95 per person and you can book from 7pm for the whole evening, with live music from 9.30pm and the drinks flowing and dancing until the early hours. darrys.co.uk

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

31 11/17/17 3:41 PM

W I N T E R FA I R

Mill Road Winter Fair.

F E A S T I N G, FA M I LY F U N A N D M O R E I N S T O R E AT M I L L ROA D ’S A N N UA L S H I N D I G

A

chance to eat amazing food from all corners of the globe, hear great live music, see friends, drink endless mulled wine, blitz your Christmas list and generally get in the seasonal spirit, the Mill Road Winter Fair is a well-loved fixture of the local calendar. It’s poised to return for its biggest event yet on 2 December, when visitors will find a bumper range of almost 200 stalls including over 50 foodie traders.

The event kicks off with an opening ceremony at Ditchburn Gardens, hosted by the Mayor of Cambridge and featuring the uplifting sounds of Greater Bibleway Gospel choir. As ever, Mill Road will be closed (for drivers and cyclists), between East Road and Coleridge Road from 9.30am until 5.30pm, so you’re free to roam around freely – here’s a taster of what’s in store!

32

MUSIC & MERRIMENT

Samba, gospel, rock, brass bands and choirs are just some of the musical sounds you’ll hear drifting through the air on Fair day, as a packed schedule of acts perform up and down the Mill Road mile. Our top picks include the ever crowd-pleasing Brass Monkeys, who’ll be putting their energetic brassy spin on classic tunes at 12.45pm (Tenison Road), and the loud Brazilian carnival rhythms of Arco Iris at 12.30pm (Argyle Street co-op). Pick up a programme – there’s usually plenty at Donkey Green by the swimming pool – to see who’s playing where and when, and get your dancing feet on!

Speaking of dancing, both the Cambridge and Coton Morris Men will be out in handkerchief-waving, belljangling force, while the brilliant Cambridge Swing Dancers will be lindy-hopping around too. If you fancy getting a little more involved, Cambridge Community

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_032-034 (MILL ROAD FAIR)sg.indd 32

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:01 PM

PROUD MEDIA PA RT N E R

Circus will be offering a free workshop at Great Eastern Street carpark (12-12.30pm), where you can pick up some new skills, or head towards Petersfield Green (on the corner of Mill Road and East Road) to explore the pop-up labyrinth; you can watch it being constructed from 10.30am, and it will be ready to get lost in by midday. There will also be Tai Chi displays taking place near Petersfield from the Taoist Tai Chi Society, with opportunities for the public to get involved; regular practice helps return the body to a relaxed and healthy state, which is something we could all do with a bit of in the frantic run-up to Christmas!

Anglia Ruskin is embracing the MRWF spirit this year too, with a whole crop of activities. Drop by at the campus to get a mini photo shoot with a Christmassy spin from student photographers (£20 for 20 minutes), catch an exhibition featuring pieces from the World Illustration Awards Exhibition 2017 and visit the Mill Road Art exhibition at ARU’s Drama Studio in Covent Garden.

If you want to slip away and warm up inside a pub for a bit, it has to be The Empress on Thoday Street, which is famous for throwing the boat (and taste) out the window and going absolutely berserk with their brilliantly outlandish Christmas decorations. Another

favourite is The Cambridge Blue on Gwydir Street, which welcomes real life reindeer to its garden every year on Fair day.

E AT I N G & D R I N K I N G

Hot, cold, sweet or savoury, the food is always a huge draw at Mill Road Winter Fair and this year will be no different. Gwydir Street car park will once again welcome a vast range of foodie traders to tempt you with their delicious wares. Sate your sweet tooth with a trip to the fabulous Mr Cake’s stall, where he’ll be dishing out freshly-made chocolate brownies slathered with hot chocolate sauce, or visit Alison Reed Chocolates for luxurious handmade chocolates, hampers and gift baskets. Kids are bound to love the array of sweet-themed Christmas decorations, popcorn and candy floss on offer at Sweet Retreat, while grown-ups will be galloping off to enjoy the rest of the fair after a visit to Gentleman Jim’s Mobile Bar: a restored horse box serving up seasonal cocktails, mulled wine, mulled cider and around 16 different gins. There are also hot Malaysian curries, German sausages and burgers, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza and gorgeous, gooey raclette to be devoured at this pitstop, while it’s a street

A chance to eat amazing food from all corners of the globe, hear great live music, see friends, drink endless mulled wine and blitz your Christmas list

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_032-034 (MILL ROAD FAIR)sg.indd 33

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

33 11/17/17 1:01 PM

W I N T E R FA I R

food fiesta over on St Barnabas Road, with firm local favourites including Guerrilla Kitchen, Steak & Honour and Holy Schnitzels all opening their hatches to feed hungry bellies. Need something to wash it all down with?

Drinks shop Thirsty will be inviting all to hop aboard their boozy beer bus. Outside Bharat Bhavan meanwhile, there’s G&Ts and more from Bar B, luxury Belgian hot chocolates and roast chestnuts from Beijo Bebidas, a pedal-powered coffee bike, crepes, plus sloe gin and fruit-flavoured vodkas from Cambridge Farmers’ Outlet.

Mooching over to Petersfield, you’ll find hot drinks and cakes from Caffè Mobile, Southern Thai cuisine and tempting bakes from the ever-reliable Mill Road Women’s Institute, while over on Tenison Road there’s hearty Caribbean eats from Reggae Kitchen.

SHOPPING

The Fair is a great opportunity to tackle your Christmas list and pick up presents – many of which are handmade, totally unique and created by local artists and craftspeople. Pick up gorgeous Cambridge prints from Emma Bennett Collage and Roxana de Rond, plus luxurious natural skincare products, handmade pottery and books, all at Ditchburn Gardens, then pop along to Bath House to browse jewellery, greeting cards made

by Cambridge artists and unique handmade glassware.

Donkey Green will be as busy as ever, offering everything from artisan soap to kids clothing and pet-themed gifts. This is also where Cambridge Edition has its stall, so come and say hi: we promise we’ll be well-stocked with chocolates! n millroadwinterfair.org

34

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_032-034 (MILL ROAD FAIR)sg.indd 34

The fair is a great opportunity to tackle your Christmas list and pick up presents – many of which are handmade and totally unique CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:01 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 35

17/11/2017 09:48

The Cambridge Edition

CH R ISTM A S GI V E AWAY!

1

T

HE Ca mbrid ge Co create lourin d by an g Book Camb artist has be ridge. that gre A celeb en w up in beauty, ration Newn it prese of the ham, city’s nts the anyone remark perfect to un able wi opportu nd, an many d medit treasu nity for res ate and ma on Ca unfold mbrid gical before ge’s details. your eye Watch s as yo u ‘take ... all them you ne the col ouring ed do is get tour’ started!

O U R B I G F E S T I V E G I V E AWAY I S B AC K A N D I T ' S B I G G E R T H A N E V E R ! O N E L U C K Y R E A D E R W I L L W I N A L L O F T H E S E FA N TA S T I C PRIZES – TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE , HEAD TO THE CA MBRIDGE E D I T I O N W E B S I T E F O R D E TA I L S O N H OW T O E N T E R

1

T E N I C E S K AT I N G T I C K E TS £115

North Pole Cambridge is back on Parker’s Piece for more wintery fun. As well as the huge open-air rink, there’s an Alpine chalet bar and lots of rides, games and warming food and drink on offer. They’ve given us ten tickets for skating, perfect for a family (or getting in lots of practice on the ice yourself!). thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk

2

£ 10 0 VO U C H E R FOR PINT SHOP

3

OX B R I D G E C O LO U R I N G B O O K T R I LO GY £18

4

M U R A D J OY F U L & RENEWED G I F T S E T £65

2

TW O

TOW ERS

Prestigious skincare brand Murad is giving away one of their ‘Joyful & Renewed’ gift sets, which boasts a full-size Renewing Cleansing Cream for giving skin a youthful, vibrant glow, and a full-size Age Balancing Moisture Broad Spectrum – a deeply nourishing moisturiser which plumps and hydrates skin. The set also contains a half-size Retinol Youth Renewal Serum: a wonder product which visibly minimizes lines and deep wrinkles, firms, evens skin tone and boosts radiance. murad.co.uk

36

ted by

Kath Le

es

ONE RE ADE R WILL WI A L L O FN THIS!

4

9

5

H OT E L C H O C O L AT M E R RY CHRISTMAS E V E RYO N E H A M P E R £50

Make your Christmas extra delicious courtesy of Hotel Chocolat’s ribbon-tied hamper of festive and favourite goodies for all the family. This hamper contains the Small Cookie Wreath, Winter Puddings H-Box and more. There’s even a little something for Mum and Dad: a bottle of Hotel Chocolat’s Prosecco Superiore to celebrate a Christmas well done. (Available at Hotel Chocolat’s Lion Yard shop.) hotelchocolat.com

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_036-039 (XMAS HAMPER)_FE.indd 36

Illustra

PRESS

Boasting a well-earned reputation as one of Cambridge’s best-loved eateries, Pint Shop gets local foodies fawning with its great grub and vast drinks selection. With an emphasis on meat, bread and beer, via lots of interesting diversions, the food is hearty, innovative and continually impressive. They’re giving away £100 to spend on a slap-up meal. pintshop.co.uk

With its uncanny ability to calm and de-stress, colouring has gone from childhood hobby to popular adult pursuit in recent years – and you can get in on the creative fun with this trio of books from Two Towers Press. The set features internationally bestselling The Cambridge Colouring Book, The Oxford Colouring Book and The Cambridge Souvenir Guide, all filled with beautiful illustrations you’ll have hours of fun colouring in.

3

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 5:04 PM

10

7

B OX BY LUCY PREENING B OX £115

A gorgeous gift box from local company Box By Lucy, the Preening Box contains the perfect selection of goodies for an evening of pampering – or to take away with you on holiday. Inside each beautiful box you will find a lime and basil candle from The Pure Scent plus a range of Sweet Cecily's beauty products including Citrus & Walnut Body Scrub, Body Butter, Almond & Avocado face cream and Gin & Tonic Lip Balm. The box also includes a gold leather clutch bag from Lisa Bea. boxbylucy.co.uk

11

5

8

7

Our winner will be treated to an indulgent afternoon tea, complete with a bottle of champagne at the stunning Tamburlaine Hotel. The tea is hosted in the gorgeous Garden Room, with its beautiful Colonial-style wall mural, lush green foliage and gorgeous velvet sofas – a perfect setting to enjoy the sumptuous treats created by the hotel’s renowned pastry chef. Expect delectable cakes, pastry masterpieces, homemade scones, delicate finger sandwiches and premium teas. thetamburlaine.co.uk

9

THE GOG CHRISTMAS CHEESE AND WINE H A M P E R £38

10

6

N E A L ’S YA R D BEDTIME C O L L E C T I O N £50

Get the ultimate night’s sleep with the Neal’s Yard Bedtime Collection: a gentle lullaby for the senses containing a trio of calming products. Inside, you’ll fund the sumptuously rich Beauty Sleep Body Butter, which is a perfect pre-sleep prep, plus Beauty Sleep Concentrate: a best-selling lightweight serum which helps to support your skin’s natural night-time regeneration. There’s also a bottle of Goodnight Pillow Mist, which contains gorgeously scented, relaxing botanicals to help you curl up peacefully and wake up refreshed. nealsyardremedies.com

CE12_036-039 (XMAS HAMPER)_FE.indd 37

8

TA M B U R L A I N E H OT E L A F T E R N O O N TEA FOR TWO WITH C H A M PAG N E £98

The Gog farm shop has provided a hamper filled with foodie treats for our winner. Inside, there’s a bottle of the multi-award-winning Castillo La Paz Tempranillo: a beautiful red wine which will make a perfect partner for the Black Cow vintage cheddar in the hamper.

There’s also Tracklements balsamic onion jam, a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, and Cottage Honey from just down the road in Saffron Walden. That’s not all, there are also artisan fig crackers, plus a couple of chocolate fig bonbons for a little sweet treat. thegog.com

6

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

£2WO R T H 00 OV 0!E R

CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PLUS TWO T I C K E TS TO H AYS E E D D I X I E J U N C T I O N £77

Cambridge Junction are giving our lucky winner a year’s membership, which gives benefits including priority booking for events, no booking fees, discounts, a canvas bag and badge. They’ve also put a pair of gig tickets into the pot for Hayseed Dixie: a hillbilly tribute to AC/DC who visit the venue on 17 February. junction.co.uk

11

T W O T I C K E TS TO SWA N L A K E £75.50

Our winner will be treated to a trip to see the St Petersburg Classical Ballet at

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

37 11/17/17 5:04 PM

the Corn Exchange, with two tickets to their performance of Swan Lake on 1 January.

Swan Lake is Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, a tragic tale of love and betrayal with an instantly recognisable score, it follows the epic story of Prince Siegfried and his true love Odette who, tricked by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart and his daughter Odile, would rather die together than live apart. cornex.co.uk

12

C H A M PAG N E S PA DAY F O R T W O AT B E D F O R D LO D G E H OT E L £99

Experience a full day of complete relaxation at this luxurious spa in Newmarket. You will enjoy two luxury treatments at The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel along with a glass of champagne, plus the chance to indulge in their magnificent hydrotherapy pool, complete with five unique water experiences, or unwind in their warming steam and sauna. For total relaxation, you can make your way up to their rooftop hot tub and find yourself enveloped in the warm water and bubbles. Included in this fabulous prize: glass of champagne on arrival, use of hydrotherapy and heat experiences, Jessica manicure, mini-facial.

Ts&Cs: please note this prize must be claimed within six months and booked for a Monday– Thursday (excluding bank holidays, race days and sales). bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

13

A B OT T L E O F C H A M PAG N E FROM T H I R S T Y £58.30

TDEITIORN.CAOT.UK EMN BSE

CA

12 17

14

19

20

15

Our friendly local drinks shop Thirsty has supplied a bottle of exquisite fizz to enjoy over the festive season. Authentic, elegant and fruity, the Beaumont des Crayeres Grande Réserve is a predominantly Meunier blend with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. You could almost describe this wine as a ‘miniBollinger’: it’s rich, round and fruity, yet it has a soft, creamy freshness. wearethirsty.co.uk

14

CAMBRIDGE GIN MASTER MASTERCLASS F O R T W O £6 0

The newly opened Cambridge Gin Laboratory on Green Street offers engaging, entertaining and informative tutored tastings. Showcasing gins made by its owner The Cambridge Distillery, the Cambridge Gin Masterclass teaches you to taste like a professional. It commences with a Cambridge G&T on arrival for each guest and contiunes with a one-hour tutored tasting which reveals how gin is made and fascinating facts about its history and production – with plenty of tasters of course! cambridgeginlab.co.uk

15

P R O S E CC O AFTERNOON TEA F O R T W O AT T H E G E O G R A P H E R £32

Enjoy a delightful prosecco afternoon tea at The Geographer, a cafe, local store and

38

18 deli in Impington. The tea includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, a selection of tasty miniature sandwiches, warm mini scones with lashings of strawberry jam and clotted cream, plus a pot of organic loose-leaf tea.

Ts&Cs: valid Tuesday–Saturday till end of December 2018, on any afternoon from 2pm.

16

DINNER FOR T W O AT T H E RIVER BAR STEAKHOUSE & G R I L L £9 0

21

22

A beautiful Quayside restaurant boasting stunning views across the Cam and Magdalene College, The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill is famed for its great cocktails, elegant setting and delicious food. Our winner will be treated to a dinner for two, when they’ll have their pick of a menu that features fullflavoured steaks, great fish dishes, indulgent vegetarian options and decadent puddings.

They will also be treated to a bottle of wine. riverbarsteakhouse.com

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_036-039 (XMAS HAMPER)_FE.indd 38

ONE RE ADE R WILL WI A L L O FN THIS!

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 5:04 PM

13

17

LOCKHOUSE GAMES SESSION FOR SIX £125

Located on Regent Street, LockHouse Games offers thrilling escape games for all ages. They’re open seven days a week almost every day of the year and offer a variety of fiendishly tricky ‘missions’, from Armageddon, where you must work with your team to destroy a giant meteor hurtling towards the Earth, to Egyptian Tomb, filled with secret doors, big wooden puzzles,

23

16

24

Egyptian art and a life-size sarcophagus! Our winner will receive a session at LockHouse for six people. lockhouse.co.uk

18

CHARLES CLINKARD VO U C H E R £100

Charles Clinkard, which has a Cambridge store in the Grand Arcade, has been providing high-quality footwear for over 90 years. With the £100 voucher our winner receives, they’ll have their pick from a huge selection of men’s, women’s and kids’ shoes, including brands such as Gabor and Clarks. charlesclinkard.co.uk

19

BOHO BLOW DRY BAR TWO MONTH MEMBERSHIP £100

Get that ‘just stepped out of the salon’ look at King Street’s latest addition: a dedicated blow dry bar. The first of its kind in the city, Boho’s offerings inlcude a classic wash and blow dry, Olaplex treatments to repair damaged hair and keratin treatments to leave your hair feeling silky smooth. They’re giving our lucky winner a two-month membership which includes two wash and blow dries per month (four in total), plus loads of fab discounts on any other services you might be tempted by during that time. bohoblowdry.com

20

A - H A T I C K E TS £26 0

1980s icons A-ha are in Cambridge next summer to play at Cambs Glass Stadium, and we’re giving away four Golden Circle tickets. The much-loved band,

25

W O £ X X X2 X X XRXT X ,0 H OV 00 E R !

responsible for mega hits such as Take On Me and The Sun Always Shines on TV, will be playing the gig on 10 June, performing some of their biggest hits as part of their UK Electric Summer outdoor tour – and you could be in the best seats in the house! ticketmaster.co.uk

21

SK:N CLINIC H A M P E R £100

Recently opened on Brooklands Avenue in Cambridge, sk:n clinic offers an extensive range of specialist skin treatments including dermatology treatments, rejuvenation treatments, laser hair removal and tattoo removal. They’ve provided a selection of skincare products worth over £100 to get your skin looking its best. sknclinics.co.uk

22

H A R RY P OT T E R CLUEDO FROM J AC K ’S O N T R I N I T Y £29.99

Your number one source for all things Cambridge, Jack’s on Trinity is brimming with great stocking fillers, beautiful handmade decorations and unusual gift ideas at this time of year. They’ve supplied us with a special Harry Potter edition of Cluedo – where you can become a ‘real’ detective to find clues and solve the classic whodunnit! jacksontrinity.co.uk

23

CAMBRIDGE SATC H E L C O M PA N Y N AV Y 13 I N C H SATC H E L £150

A phenomenal local success story, the whole world has fallen in love with Cambridge Satchel Company’s beautifully made bags.

They’re giving away one of their original Classic Satchels – the bag that started the whole story back on a kitchen table in Cambridge in 2008.

Inspired by traditional leather school satchels, the bags sport timeless design details that will never go out of style. cambridgesatchel.com

24

S C U DA M O R E S C H A M PAG N E TO U R £280

25

I N S TA X M I N I 70 P L U S F I L M £10 9.9 9

Enjoy some messing around on the river courtesy of local favourites Scudamores, who have contributed a champagne punt tour for up to eight people. While you recline, sip on a glass or two of fizz and enjoy the views while your chauffeur regales you with fascinating facts and stories from Cambridge’s past. scudamores.com

A retro-inspired instant camera which will develop your pics in moments, the instax mini 70 is lightweight, clever and oh-so stylish. As well as a mini 70 in gold, instax are also throwing in a 20-pack of film to get you started – it won’t be long before you’re using these cute mini-prints to cover your fridge, build pin-boards and give to friends. instax.co.uk CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_036-039 (XMAS HAMPER)_FE.indd 39

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

39 11/17/17 5:04 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 40

17/11/2017 09:49

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 41

17/11/2017 09:49

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 42

17/11/2017 09:49

Christmas

DAYS O U T

W H E N T H E F E S T I V E C A B I N F E V E R S E T S I N T H E R E ’S P L E N T Y O F G R E AT AT T R AC T I O N S T O E X P L O R E W I T H R E L AT I V E S A N D F R I E N D S T H I S C H R I S TM A S H O L I DAY

A MAGNIFICENT TREE AT ELY CATHEDRAL. Ely’s magnificent Christmas Tree, which stands over 30 feet high, is in itself well worth a trip to this awe-inspiring medieval Cathedral.

For those feeling the need to burn off the excesses of Christmas, you an book a tour of one of Ely’s famous tours: the unique Octagon (165 steps) is considered the jewel in the Cathedral crown while the West Tower, dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, dominates the Fenland landscape and is well worth the 228 step climb, rewarding you with stunning views over the beautiful, historic city and surrounding fens. The less energetic can take the time to explore the Cathedral and browse the gift shops and have a break in the Refectory Café or Almonry Restaurant, located in a 13th Century undercroft. elycathedral.org CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_043-045 (XMAS DAYS OUT)sg.indd 43

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

43 11/17/17 1:01 PM

LET OFF STEAM AT CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN. Work off some energy in the great outdoors this Christmas: six of the Botanic Garden’s favourite trees have each been given a pair of eyes so children (and adults!) can explore 40 acres and discover some of the Garden’s giants using the free ‘Giants of the Garden’ tree trail. Or for a fun

family day out, get into the festive spirit at the Garden’s December drop-in family activity where kids and their grown-ups can make decorations using plants from the Garden, recycled materials and delicious-smelling cinnamon glitter dough. The Garden is open

ENCHANTING ANIMALS AT S H E P R E T H W I L D L F E PA R K .

Make your family’s Christmas magical with a visit to Shepreth Wildlife Park for their Enchanted Christmas. Santa will be visiting every weekend throughout December from 11am, joined by his merry elves and bearing gifts for the children (pre-booking required). There will also be festive keeper talks and presentations, plus if you’re looking for a unique gift for the animal lover in your life, Shepreth offers adoptions and VIP experiences. sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

44

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_043-045 (XMAS DAYS OUT)sg.indd 44

10am to 4pm every day but closed 24 December to 1 January inclusive.

For a special gift that will last a whole year, you can buy a Friends’ annual membership to Cambridge University Botanic Garden. botanic.cam.ac.uk

CHRISTMAS AT T H E M U S E U M

Treat yourself to some culture at the Fitzwilliam Museum this December. For those who would prefer to digest an exhibition at leisure, the museum is hosting two critically acclaimed exhibitions: Degas: a passion for perfection and Codebreakers and Groundbreakers. With fabulous seasonal shopping opportunities, festive treats on offer in the café and organised family activities, there’s something for all at the Fitz this Christmas, with an added bonus being that entrance to both the permanent collections and exhibitions is free. fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:01 PM

DAYS O U T S O M E T H I N G F O R E V E RYO N E AT T H E N AT I O N A L H E R I TAG E CENTRE IN NEWMARKET

Work off your Christmas turkey on the racehorse simulator, where you can experience the thrill of riding like a jockey. There are beautiful ex-racehorses to meet too, and you can watch them being retrained in the daily demonstrations, plus you can explore the museum, where you will find out about the history of horseracing from its origins to the global industry it is today. In the palace, meanwhile, originally built for Charles II, you will discover a gallery of British Sporting Art, with artwork from the 17th century to the present day. Open throughout the festive season, the national heritage centre offers a museum, art gallery, live horses, exhibitions, restaurant and shop all under the one roof. palacehousenewmarket.co.uk

TA K E A M O M E N T O U T AT C A M B R I D G E A M E R I C A N C E M E T E RY.

A CHRISTMAS FA M I LY O U T I N G TO IWM DUXFORD

At Duxford this Christmas, stare up into the guts of the Vulcan bomber, board Concorde, the fastest commercial jet airliner ever built, and get up close to Second World War classics including the Spitfire, Lancaster and Tiger Moth. Then gaze at the sleek Blackbird spy plane, the fastest air-breathing jet aircraft ever built, and take in the sheer size of the B-52, which stretches the length of the American Air Museum. Open daily over Christmas and New Year with the exception of 24 to 26 December. iwm.org.uk

Need a moment to escape the Christmas hurly burly and spend some quality time with the family? Take the opportunity to visit the Cambridge American Cemetery and appreciate the quiet, wandering around the beautifully kept grounds. Admire the sweeping views to Ely Cathedral on the horizon and stare in awe at the vibrant and colourful mosaic ceiling of the Memorial. Discover the stories of those young men and women who were plucked out of America and dropped ‘somewhere in England’ during the Second World War. At the new Visitor Centre you can immerse yourself in history, and there’s something for younger visitors too. abmc.gov

ABOUT THE G R E AT DAYS O U T C O N S O RT I U M

E X P LO R E T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S AT W I C K E N F E N N AT I O N A L N AT U R E R E S E R V E .

If you fancy a gentle family stroll or longer ramble over the festive period, why not head to Wicken Fen, Britain’s oldest nature reserve? At just over a kilometre, the Boardwalk Trail is ideal for families.

It’s wheelchair and pushchair friendly, and there are two hides on the route where you can spy on passing wildlife. For a longer walk head to Adventurers’ Fen for flocks of wildfowl, short-eared owls and Wicken’s famous herd of Konik ponies. Don’t be in a rush to head home – you’ll likely be rewarded with an amazing fenland sunset and hen harriers coming into roost on the fen as darkness falls. nationaltrust.org.uk/wickenfen CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_043-045 (XMAS DAYS OUT)sg.indd 45

Great Days Out In & Around Cambridge is a consortium of the top visitor attractions in the region, all within an hour’s drive of Cambridge.

Each attraction has something unique to see or experience, from Renoir paintings to folklore memorabilia, WWII spitfires to rocket science, medieval knights to modern day war heroes and Bengal tigers to wild konik ponies.

Find out more online at greatdaysoutaround cambridge.co.uk.

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

45 11/17/17 1:01 PM

What’s on.

A RO U N D - U P O F E V E N T S I N A N D A RO U N D CAMBRIDGESHIRE THIS MONTH

1 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS B E G I N S AT B U RWA S H

An evening of festive delights at Burwash Manor in Barton, which features street food, a Christmas market, live music and a visit from Father Christmas.

5pm-9pm | Burwash Manor | Free entry | facebook.com/ burwashmanor

1 DECEMBER JESTERLARF C O M E DY C L U B

Laugh your socks off in the

company of Andrew Maxwell, Tom Ward, Tez Ilyas and Ben Van Der Velde.

7.45pm | Junction | £13.50 | junction.co.uk

2 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

A carol service in the beautiful setting of Ely Cathedral that will feature traditional carols and readings whilst raising vital funds for Papworth Hospital. Followed by a mince pie reception.

11am | Ely Cathedral | £17.50 | tickets.elycathedral.org

2 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS W R E AT H W E AV I N G F O R A D U LTS Learn a new craft with natural materials at this session, where you’ll create a willow ring to decorate with seasonal foliage.

11am-1pm | Wandlebury Country Park | £20 adult, £10 accompanied teen | cambridgeppf.org

2 DECEMBER FA M I LY F I R S T SAT U R DAY

A monthly drop-in session of

activities and art-making at the Fitzwilliam, this December’s theme is ‘it’s cold outside’.

2-4pm | Fitzwilliam Museum | Free | fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

4 DECEMBER SW E E T B A B O O

The acclaimed artist visits the Portland to deliver a dose of his lush electronic psych-pop.

7pm | £9.90 | The Portland Arms | theportlandarms.co.uk

5 DECEMBER C H R I S T M A S R AT PAC K

Enjoy a step back in time to the golden era of Las Vegas and enjoy the sounds of the immortal Rat Pack with tunes such as The Lady Is a Tramp and seasonal classics including Baby, It’s Cold Outside and White Christmas.

7.30pm | Corn Exchange | from £24.25 | cornex.co.uk

5-9 D E C E M B E R JA N E AU S T E N ’S EMMA

The mischievous Emma Woodhouse loves to matchmake for others but has sworn off marriage herself, until she meets a certain Mr Knightley…

7.45pm Tuesday to Saturday, 2.30pm Saturday | ADC Theatre | £9-£12 | adctheatre.com

6 DECEMBER K AT E R U S BY AT CHRISTMAS

An evening of folky treats from this acclaimed artist, which will see her showcasing songs from her forthcoming Christmas album together with old favourites.

7.30pm | Corn Exchange | from £17.75 | cornex.co.uk

8 December Milton Jones.

Join the king of absurdist one-liners as he holds up a ‘mirror of truth to society’, with plenty of hilarious diversions.

8pm | Corn Exchange | £28.75 | cornex.co.uk

46

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_046-047 (LISTINGS)_FE.indd 46

6 DECEMBER PUNDEMONIUM! LIVE

London’s cult comedy night hits Cambridge for a Christmassy evening of linguistic challenges to put your (egg) noggin to the test.

8pm | Junction | £10 | junction.co.uk CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 3:40 PM

W X XHXAT XX ' SXO XN X

17 December Panettone and Mince Pies.

A session for kids and their parents to bake together, creating delicious Christmassy treats to take home.

10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm | £40-£80 | Cambridge Cookery School | cambridgecookery.com

8 DECEMBER C H R I S T M A S C R A F TS Celebrate the festive season at the Fitz’s ever-popular Christmas crafts session. Make things to decorate your home or to give as gifts.

10.15am to 12.30pm | Fitzwilliam Museum | £15 | fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

8 DECEMBER C U S TA R D C O M E DY

Aussie comic Damian Clark headlines, with support from Andy Watson, Mo Haroon and Fred Ferenczi. Over 18s only.

8.15pm | Comberton Sports and Arts | from £6.60 | wegottickets.com

8-9 DECEMBER T H E M AG I C A L C H R I S T M A S SA N TA S H OW

Magic, songs and festive fun are in store at the ADC, where you can join Santa and his assistant Ellie the Elf as they prepare for Christmas.

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_046-047 (LISTINGS)_FE.indd 47

Times vary | ADC Theatre | £11 adults, £8 child | adctheatre.com

10 D E C E M B E R A PRIME BRASS CHRISTMAS C R AC K E R !

Cambridge-based ensemble Prime Brass present their annual family concert, brimming with good tunes and good cheer.

3.30pm & 5.30pm | West Road Concert Hall | £7.50 | primebrass.co.uk

12-13 D E C E M B E R T H E N U TC R AC K E R

Join Clara as she explores the fantasy world of Drosselmeyer’s toyshop in this enchanting, 45-minute ballet performance by Ballet Central.

Times vary | ADC Theatre | £10 | adctheatre.com

13 D E C E M B E R A WINTER UNION

Six leading lights of the British roots

scene join forces to create a festive folk band like no other. Expect new, specially written songs, fresh arrangements of traditional carols and Christmas classics from both sides of the Atlantic.

8pm | Emmanuel United Reformed Church | £19 adv | junction.co.uk

16 D E C E M B E R EZ I O

Local legend Ezio is back for his annual December concert at the Junction, joined by Mark ‘Booga’ Fowell.

7pm | Junction | £15.50 | junction.ac.uk

16 D E C E M B E R WHITE CHRISTMAS

A festive, song-filled jamboree featuring well-loved Christmas classics such as Baby, It’s Cold Outside, Frosty the Snowman and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

7.30pm | Corn Exchange | from £26.75 | cornex.co.uk

16 D E C E M B E R CAMBRIDGE PHILHARMONIC

Eugene Onegin, Tchaikovsky’s most famous opera, delivers its moving tale of love, rejection, jealousy and loss, performed by a stellar cast of international soloists.

7.30pm | West Road Concert Hall | £15-£30 | westroad.org

23-24 D E C E M B E R A WIMPOLE CHRISTMAS

Get away from it all with a relaxing few hours at Wimpole – the farm and gardens both open a few days before Christmas, adorned with beautiful decorations, plus you can explore the shop and grab a seasonal bite at the cafe.

11am-4pm | Wimpole Estate | £11.50 adult, £5.80 child | nationaltrust.org.uk

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

47 11/17/17 3:40 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 48

17/11/2017 09:49

XXXXXXXX

Food & drink.

G E T T H E I N S I D E T R AC K O N C A M B R I D G E ’S F O O D I E S C E N E W I T H E D I T I O N ’S M O N T H LY SUPPLEMENT

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_049 (FOOD OPENER)._FEindd.indd 49

55

R O S I E SY K E S ' S U N D AY N I G H T SAV I O U R R E C I P E S

61

T H E 5 B E S T H OT C H O C O L AT E S I N TOW N .

69 76

THE CAMBRIDGE BRUNCH BIBLE. CHRISTMAS C O C KTA I L S W I T H DE LUCA CUCINA

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

49 11/17/17 3:42 PM

Food news.

THIRSTY WINTERGARTEN. Thirsty’s weekend outdoor offering, the Wintergarten, has just got bigger than ever – growing from a Friday and Saturday evening option for all things beer to now include Sundays too. The fun happens at the Museum of Technology on Riverside where a new improved bar (compared to Thirsty Riverside during the summer) serves craft beers, wines, glühwein, gins and softs. There are also three giant teepees, 10m in diameter, with firepits to keep you warm, which will have a mix of tables, benches and other spaces to chill.

Outside, trees and the museum will be illuminated with multicoloured lighting, while down in the yard food trucks will return, providing some of the tastiest grub in town. It promises to be a cosier vibe than Thirsty Riverside and there may, just possibly, be the odd cheesy Christmas carol too in the run up to Christmas.

It opens at 5pm on the 10th, 4pm on the 11th and 2pm on the 12th. It will run at weekends until the end of the year, and the plan is to extend opening hours, which may include Thursdays. wearethirsty.co.uk/thirsty-riverside/

CHRISTMAS AT B U RWA S H .

An evening of festive delights comes to Burwash Manor on 1 December from 5pm to 9pm.

There will be live music, street food traders, a Christmas food market and a chance to meet Father Christmas. Pizzas from the wood-fired oven of the site’s Flock Café will vie for your taste buds’ attention alongside offerings from Cambridge favourites The Vargas Brothers, Azahar Spanish food, Box Trot, The Rural Coffee Project and Gourmet Brownie. A bar will be run by on-site drinks shop Cozzi & Boffa.

At the festive food market, which is inside a marquee, you can buy local cheeses, biscuits and cakes, chocolates, gin and liqueurs, and most importantly, Christmas puddings! Shops will be open late, with a 10% discount, and there will be live music plus a chance to buy your Christmas tree. Free entry. burwashmanor.com

50

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_050-052 (FOOD NEWS)sg.indd 50

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 3:39 PM

FOOD & DRINK

DEEPDALE CHRISTMAS MARKET.

© CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

Ready to fill your stomach and your festive shopping basket? Well (deep breath)… pizzas, pies, crepes, duck wraps, real ales, sloe gin, brownies, Christmas punch, mulled wine and much more will be at Deepdale Christmas Market on 1 to 3 December.

More than 120 craft and food stalls will descend on the Norfolk village of Burnham Deepdale for the event. Look out for cheese, chutneys, salamis, beer, cordials, burgers and hot chocolate.

Entry is free and there will be entertainment throughout the weekend. dalegatemarket.co.uk

H OT G I N P O P - U P. Winter warmers to make you close to boiling point – in a really good way – are served up on 6 December when the Varsity Hotel & Spa begins its festive season with a Hot Gin Pop-up Bar on the hotel’s rooftop. Guests will be able to indulge in an impressive gin menu of more than 30 varieties to produce warming gin cocktails, alongside homemade mince pies, plus breathtaking views of the city. Inspired by festive flavours, the hot gin menu consists of four signature cocktails, combined with classic Christmas ingredients, with spices such as cloves and cinnamon. We’re particularly looking forward to both the gin-based mulled wine and gin orangesque, which features heated orange juice and honey to really soothe the senses. Hot gin toddy adds lemon, sugar, a cinnamon stick and – guess what? gin! – to the classic toddy, while Six gin and juice combines cranberry juice with the spirit of the day, plus a garnish of rosemary. The pop-up is open from 6.30pm to 7.30pm with cocktails priced £8.50, including a complimentary mince pie. thevarsityhotel.co.uk CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_050-052 (FOOD NEWS)sg.indd 51

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

51 11/17/17 3:39 PM

FOOD & DRINK

N E W AT T H E P LO U G H .

The Plough in Great Chesterford has recently welcomed new management, along with a new head chef and menu bursting with tempting dishes. At the helm are Samantha and Simon, who fell in love at first sight with this quintessentially English pub, and bring more than 40 years combined experience in hospitality.

They’re keen to build on the pub’s foodie reputation whilst also laying on all sorts of special events. Manning the stoves is Matthew Chater, who has developed a new menu focusing on seasonality and top-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, also offering plenty to please vegan, vegetarian and gluten/dairy-free diners.

The menu offers elegant takes on pub classics, with ale-battered cod served with twice-cooked chips and crushed minted peas, or a towering burger with aged beef, melty bone marrow, smoked bacon and cheddar. There’s also some internationally inspired offerings, such as the masala spiced Suffolk lamb rump with spiced puy lentils and pak choi, or a hearty pumpkin, chickpea and coconut curry to be mopped with sweet potato pakora – all to be enjoyed in The Plough’s charming and cosy space. They’re currently offering a special festive party menu, plus they’ll be serving up a feast on Christmas Day itself if you don’t fancy cooking and washing up! (£70 per head, £35 for kids under 11 years). theploughgc.co.uk

CWM AND Q U E R I C O TA PA S .

Cambridge Wine Merchants welcome back Que Rico Tapas to their Cherry Hinton Road branch for a Spanish Christmas Feast on 20 December. The menu features kaki persimmon salad with goat’s cheese, oyster mushrooms with serrano ham and poached yolk, salt cod and prawn balls, pig cheeks in brandy sauce and jijona turron mousse. To create a real Christmas atmosphere, if you’re willing to sing a villancico (a Spanish carol), you’ll be given the opportunity. The feast starts at 7pm. Drinks can be purchased at the bar and the menu is £32.50 per person. To book call 01223 214548. quericotapas.com

52

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_050-052 (FOOD NEWS)sg.indd 52

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/20/17 10:15 AM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 53

17/11/2017 09:49

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 54

17/11/2017 17:34

RECIPES

Sunday Night Saviours.

RO S I E S Y K E S , D E V E L O PM E N T C H E F AT C A M B R I D G E ’S P I N T S H O P, S H A R E S D I S H E S F RO M H E R N E W R E C I P E B O O K

unday night. The point where the weekend begins to fade out of view, the spectre of the working week looms and the blues arrive in earnest. Our only recourse is to indulge in calorie-dense comforts in the hope of prolonging our final day off – and that’s exactly where The Sunday Night Book comes in.

Filled with recipes to warm the cockles and feed the soul, it’s the latest book from celebrated local chef and food writer Rosie Sykes. As well as acting as development chef at Cambridge’s Pint Shop, Sykes has a glittering CV peppered with stints cooking in the kitchens of some of Britain’s top chefs, not to mention helming the acclaimed Sutton Arms in Smithfields.

“The book was inspired by a good friend who has worked in publishing for many years and had had the idea simmering in the back of his head and felt it suited my style of cooking,” explains Rosie when asked about the inspiration behind the book. “As soon as he said Sunday night to me my head was filled with memories of things we ate as a family for Sunday night dinner, which was generally something on toast or an egg dish, and basically I expanded from there with quick, easy recipes that shouldn’t tie you to the kitchen when you want to enjoy those last few hours before the week and all it throws at us begins”.

“I am a big fan of simple dishes which let the ingredients sing,” she continues. “I like to cook as seasonally and sustainably as I can: we are lucky in Cambridgeshire to have a lot of fantastic producers of vegetables and meat.”

As well as plenty of delicious toast-toppers, inside the book you’ll find beautiful one-pot dishes like North African spiced chermoula chicken, fridge-foraging saviours like bubble and squeak, crowd-pleasing treats including bacon and egg pie, and even pick-me-up cocktails and party bites. If you’ve tried Rosie’s hearty, imaginative fare at the Pint Shop, you’ll know you’re in for a treat when whipping up one of her dishes – all of which are simple to create but as flavour packed and happy-making as a plate of food can be.

So in awe of her feast creating skills, we couldn’t resist quizzing Rosie about what will be on the menu in her house for Christmas Day this year; it turns out she’ll be eschewing the traditional turkey in favour of an indulgent, much-adored dish.

“I have promised I will cook a venison wellington,” she says.

“It is a firm favourite amongst family and friends. Venison covered in mushroom pate and wrapped in puff pastry… I feel excited for Christmas just thinking about it!” n The Sunday Night Book by Rosie Sykes (Quadrille, £12.99) Photography © Patricia Nive CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_055-059 (RECIPES)sg.indd 55

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

55 11/17/17 1:00 PM

Serves

4

TOASTED SPAGHETTI WITH RED ONIONS, ALMONDS & RAISINS.

I N G R E D I E N TS

• • • • • • • • •

400g spaghetti, snapped in half 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 20g (1½ tbsp) butter 3 large red onions, finely sliced 40g raisins 40g blanched almonds 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 100ml white wine or dry cider 200g (7oz) wild garlic, washed, trimmed and roughly shredded (when wild garlic is out of season or unavailable, just use a couple of finely sliced cloves of garlic and a handful of chopped parsley instead) • Sea salt and black pepper • 40g freshly grated parmesan, to serve

56

S T E P - BY- S T E P G U I D E

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/gas 3.

2. P ut the spaghetti onto a large baking tray, sprinkle with one tablespoon of the olive oil and rub thoroughly into the pasta. Spread the strands out into an even layer, then toast in the oven for seven minutes. Give the tray a good shake and turn it around, then return it to the oven for another five minutes. By now the spaghetti should be a rich golden brown, with the tips maybe a little darker. Give it a little longer if you think it needs it, but keep checking often, as it will burn very quickly.

3. W hile the pasta is in the oven, put the rest of the olive oil and the butter in a heavy-based saucepan with a lid, add the onions and bring them up to a sizzle over a high heat. Add a pinch of salt, pop the lid on and turn the heat right down.

4. L eave the onions to soften for a good 15 minutes, stirring from time to time to avoid them browning too much or sticking.

5. S oak the raisins in boiling water for about ten

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_055-059 (RECIPES)sg.indd 56

minutes. Toast the almonds in the oven for five minutes, then roughly chop. Once the onions are meltingly soft, take the lid off, turn the heat right up and add the vinegar and wine/cider. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and leave to simmer until the liquid has pretty much evaporated.

6. Now throw in the wild garlic, put the lid on again and let it wilt down for a few minutes.

7. Stir in the drained raisins and season with salt and pepper.

8. Bring a very large pan of salted water to the boil. Carefully add the toasted spaghetti and cook for seven to ten minutes, depending on how you like your pasta – bear in mind that it will be drier post-toasting and so will take a little longer to cook.

9. Drain and return to the pan, then tip in the onion-garlic mixture and stir thoroughly.

Check the seasoning and stir in the almonds.

10. P ile the spaghetti onto warm plates and serve with grated parmesan – I tend to scatter a little on top and then let people add more to taste.

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:00 PM

RECIPES

Serves

2-3

JACK’S LIFE-GIVING SOUP. I N G R E D I E N TS

• • • • • • • • • • •

1 x 400ml tin of proper coconut milk – I suggest Aroy-D 1 banana shallot, finely chopped 3 dried red chillies, preferably bird’s eye, crumbled 3 fresh or frozen kaffir lime leaves (optional) 2 tbsp fish sauce 100g (6½ tbsp) tamarind paste 75g (4 tbsp) fermented black bean paste 1½ tbsp sugar, ideally palm sugar 100g dried fine rice noodles Sea salt Small handful of coriander (cilantro) or Thai basil, to serve (optional) • Protein suggestions: pork mince, thinly sliced raw, pork fillet (tenderloin), sliced raw chicken breast, prawns, cubed tofu, soft-boiled egg • Vegetable suggestions: mange-tout (snow peas), aubergine, mushrooms, deseeded cucumber, asparagus, courgette

S T E P - BY- S T E P G U I D E

1. Pour the coconut milk into a large saucepan, then fill the can with water to rinse it out and add this to the pan, along with the shallot and chillies.

If you are adding kaffir lime leaves, and I suggest you do, now would be the time. ring to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes, then add the fish 2. B sauce, tamarind paste and fermented black bean paste – feel free to add more than the suggested amounts.

3. B alance out the tartness of the tamarind with a little sugar – ideally palm sugar, but as the other flavours are so punchy, brown or even regular white sugar substitute well.

4. A dd your chosen protein and vegetables and heat until cooked through.

Check the seasoning.

5. S oak the noodles in freshly boiled water with a pinch of salt for a few minutes, just to rehydrate them. When they are supple, drain well and divide between two or three bowls, then pour in the hot soup and serve.

6. C hopped coriander or Thai basil would be welcome finishing touches, but are by no means essential.

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

CE12_055-059 (RECIPES)sg.indd 57

57 11/17/17 1:00 PM

Makes

8

WHITE BEAN CROQUETTES WITH HERBY MAYONNAISE. I N G R E D I E N TS

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 medium red onion, finely sliced • 1 small sprig rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 120g baby spinach leaves • 1 x 400g tin of cannellini beans, drained • 100g panko or other breadcrumbs • 1 tbsp finely-chopped mint • 1 tbsp finely-chopped parsley generous pinch of chilli flakes • 75g mayonnaise • 1 egg • 6 tbsp light olive oil

58

S T E P - BY- S T E P G U I D E

1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over a low heat and add the onion and rosemary. Cook very gently until soft and sweet, then add the garlic and stir about for a minute.

2. Add the spinach and mix thoroughly, stirring until it wilts down. Once completely wilted and soft, add the beans and warm through.

3. Transfer the contents of the pan to a food processor and whizz to a smooth paste.

4. Add 20g breadcrumbs and pulse to combine. The mixture should be quite stiff – if it seems too wet, add some more breadcrumbs. Scrape into a bowl and transfer to the fridge for an hour or so.

Meanwhile, stir the mint, parsley and chilli flakes into the mayonnaise.

5. Crack the egg into a shallow bowl and beat

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_055-059 (RECIPES)sg.indd 58

lightly. Put the breadcrumbs into another shallow bowl.

Scoop out tablespoonfuls of the chilled croquette mixture, roll into balls and then flatten into little pucks.

6. Dip the croquettes in beaten egg and then breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess. If I have time, I like to double-dip the croquettes to give them an extracrispy shell.

7. Heat the light olive oil in a small frying pan and, when the oil is good and hot, fry the croquettes in batches of three so you don’t lower the temperature of the oil too much.

8. Keep turning them until they are golden all over, then drain on kitchen paper. Eat while hot, dipped in, or drizzled with, the herby mayo.

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:01 PM

RECIPES

PIZZA BY ANY OTHER NAME. I N G R E D I E N TS

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 6 rashers streaky bacon • 2 red onions, sliced • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • 2 sprigs of thyme, leaves stripped from stems • 400g stale bread, torn into chunks • 250g mushrooms, sliced • Half a 280g jar roasted red peppers, drained and torn into bite-sized pieces • 1 x 400g tin of tomatoes • 1 bay leaf • 175g mozzarella • Few sprigs of basil (optional) • Sea salt and black pepper

S T E P - BY- S T E P

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6.

2. H eat a generous splash of olive oil in a large heavy-based saucepan (with a lid)over a medium heat.

3. U sing scissors, snip the bacon into chunky lardon-like pieces straight into the hot oil, then let it sizzle and release its fat. As soon as the bacon has browned a little, lift it out with a slotted spoon and set aside.

4. T hrow the onions into the pan with a pinch of salt and stir to coat in the bacon fat. Add a splash more oil if they don’t look shiny, then turn the heat down low and cook gently for about seven minutes, until soft but not brown.

Meanwhile, make the topping. In a large bowl, mix the garlic and thyme leaves with any remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Throw in the stale bread and toss to coat in the oily mixture. Season generously with black pepper – and maybe a pinch of salt, depending what kind of bread you are using.

5. W hen the onions are soft and sweet, turn the heat up to medium and add the mushrooms, along with another sprinkling of salt. Keep the pan moving while the mushrooms cook – this should take about three to four minutes.

6. Next, add the peppers, return the bacon and, after a brief stir, add the tomatoes and bay leaf.

7. Bring the lot up to the boil and simmer vigorously for about five minutes to let everything get to know each other and for the sauce to reduce a little.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then pour into a baking dish about 20cm x 15cm and shake gently to level, so that it completely covers the base of the dish.

9. Tear the mozzarella – and the basil, if using – into bite-sized pieces and distribute evenly over the tomato sauce. Scatter the bread over the top, making sure everything is covered, then bake in the oven for 15 minutes until golden, crisp and bubbling.

Serve straight away.

Serves

4

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_055-059 (RECIPES)sg.indd 59

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

59 11/17/17 1:01 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 60

17/11/2017 09:49

F O OXDX & X XDXRXI N XX K

HOT CHOCOLATES. O N E O F T H E FA S T E S T, C H E A P E S T A N D M O S T D E L I C I O U S WAYS T O B E AT T H E W I N T E R B L U E S I S W I T H A S I M P L E M U G O F S T E A M I N G H O T C H O C O L AT E – S O W E ’ V E S O U G H T O U T S O M E O F T H E B E S T WA R M I N G D R I N K S T H AT O U R C I T Y H A S T O O F F E R W O R D S & I M AG E S C H A R LOT T E G R I F F I T H S

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_061-063 (FOODIE 5)sg.indd 61

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

61 11/17/17 1:00 PM

1

JAC K ’S G E L ATO .

If you’ve been wondering what Jack would turn his hand to during the winter months, here’s the extremely exciting answer: thick, grown-up, decadently dark hot chocolate with bags of flavour and a hint of sea salt. As you’d expect from this iconic icecream purveyor, the ingredients are of first-rate quality and the resulting flavours are – as Jack himself says – “deep and complex”. The perfect way to round off a wintery weekend stroll through town, or skip the dessert course of your chosen late-night eats and pop into the stylish Bene’t Street outlet.

INDIGO’S. Fed up with the daily grind? Want to feel like you’re six years old again? Turn down the side streets off Peas Hill, seek out Indigo’s, and order one of their hot chocolates topped with squirty cream and marshmallows. Grab the overflowing mug carefully, ascend the rickety stairs and tuck yourself away in their bijou coffee lounge, alongside students hurriedly tapping out essays and tired shoppers seeking respite from the town centre. One sip of the creamy, chocolatey, marshmallow-oozesmothered goodness and you’ll immediately be transported to better times.

62

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_061-063 (FOODIE 5)sg.indd 62

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:00 PM

F O OXDX & X XDXRXI N XX K

H OT E L C H O C O L AT. Instagram fans, look no further. Much to the delight of local chocoholics, the newest incarnation of the chocolatier’s Cambridge outpost – inside the Grand Arcade – features a super-chic cafe where soul-warming, creamtopped mugs of exquisitely fine chocolate can be indulged in whenever required. Their short, cacao-inspired menu features a variety of different Hot Chocolat (sic), but it’s the Salted Caramel Chocolat which receives rave reviews.

Topped with an almost-architectural swirl of malty, rich, cocoa-whipped cream, this drink should be eaten with a spoon – and is perfectly designed to be placed against the cafe’s beautiful interiors and ’grammed for posterity.

SAVINO’S.

4

Waiting for the Park & Ride is no laughing matter – so duck out of the queue and instead, dive into a cup of Savino’s legendary thick hot chocolate. The drink is whipped up in front of you from a traditional Italian blend of chocolate thickened with a little cornflour, and the resulting mugful is nothing short of soul-warmingly spectacular.

Perch on a stool under the watchful eyes of Sofia Loren, who adorns the wall of this tiny but much-loved eatery, and watch the world go by as you spoon down the thick, unctuous chocolate. It’s the drinkable equivalent of a chocolate pot dessert, and is quite possibly the ideal way to cap off a visit to our city – bus-powered or not.

T H E C O F F E E S TO P. A vast number of people who call our city home also happen to spend most of their days on trains, shuttling back and forth from workplaces elsewhere in the country. A daily schlep of this nature is no mean feat, and commuters deserve regular treats to keep their spirits high in the face of the dark winter months ahead. Luckily for them (and us) there’s CJ, owner of The Coffee Stop, a proudly independent hotdrink-maker who’s tucked around the corner from the main station square, barely a few seconds off the beaten track. Her hot chocolate is the stuff of legend amongst tired travellers, and with good reason: she uses Ghirardelli chocolate, from one of America’s oldest chocolatiers, as a base for The Coffee Stop’s comforting creations. Choose between milk, white or even orange chocolate, then watch as CJ tops your drink with whatever delights are available that day: marshmallows, chocolate flakes, sprinkles – all designed to either help the prospect of a horrid day melt away, or as a stupendous start of a trip to the big smoke.

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_061-063 (FOODIE 5)sg.indd 63

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

63 11/17/17 1:00 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 64

17/11/2017 09:49

F O OXDX & X XDXRXI N XX K

CENTRAL EATING. C OS Y U P W I T H A L E X RU S H M E R’S C E L E B R AT I O N O F THE TR ASHIER SIDE OF FESTIVE FOOD

A

s a chef I am aware, perhaps more than most, of the level of snobbery surrounding food at this most wonderful time of the year. The concept of ‘sourcing’ steps up to levels usually only reserved for those who ply their trade in professional kitchens, and the complexity of what we are expected to provide for our guests would doubtless make Escoffier break out in a cold sweat. Advertisers are acutely aware of this and from November we are pummeled with commercials pedalling products that appear to have been developed by the crazed offspring of Willy Wonka and St Nicholas himself.

Whilst there is a fairly solid argument for stretching the budget on Christmas Day to include a hand-raised turkey, sprouts grown by elves and potatoes roasted in the rich fat of an endangered bird, I think that for much of the rest of the month the food should be gloriously trashy and celebratory in a way that harks back to a simpler time, a time when we were concerned about impressing only those sat around the table and not those sat at the end of our social media feeds.

With that in mind, I am more than happy to admit to a yearning fondness for Paxo stuffing. It reminds me greatly of the woeful, but hugely enjoyable, school Christmas lunch offering that was a glorious precursor for the few weeks of feasting that were about to follow. It might taste slightly of dust and the medicinal tang that only dried

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_065 (FOOD COLUMN)_FE.indd 65

sage can provide, but it also tastes of excitement and promise and the prospect of the entire family sat around the table, cousins and all. The same nostalgia pangs are caused by chunks of fried hot dog, or prinskorv as they are known in Sweden, where they are an obligatory part of the Christmas table.

I could go on: cheap brie, creamy and mild and paired with sickly sweet cranberry sauce, is a true essential. Spirals of smoked salmon and cream cheese are a wonderful reminder of 90s drinks parties held by friends of my parents. Smooth pâté of dubious origin and unnaturally pink hue. Pringles and Twiglets and Terry’s Chocolate Orange. A turkey crown cooked in its own foil packaging (serves 4-6, cook until dry). Bottles of pre-made Buck’s Fizz and overly sweet sherry.

All of these are equally worthy and, for most of us, should leave us feeling far more festive than any modern pretender, no matter how expensively sourced or carefully researched. Christmas is about revelling in the glory of the things that make you happy, edible memories of times past, guilt-free in every possible sense.

There are eleven other months to concern ourselves with the food that looks great on Instagram or sounds right when talked about in esteemed company, but for now, keep your handcrafted, fairly traded, artisan chocolate and pass the giant tub of Miniature Heroes, for there is much feasting to be done. n C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

65 11/17/17 3:42 PM

The Three Horseshoes.

C A N T H I S M A D I N G L E Y R E S TAU R A N T L I V E U P T O I T S R E P U TAT I O N? N I C O L A F O L E Y F I N D S O U T

T

he Friday we took the short schlep out to Madingley was the day that winter, without much warning, really took hold – bringing an icy chill which made the warm glow of The Three Horseshoes all the more appealing. It had been a while since I last ate at this much-championed local eatery and I was keen to discover whether a couple of years on from my last meal there – new management at the helm – the restaurant still had its wow factor. The omens were good: not only do the current owners John and Julia Hoskins also run the celebrated Old Bridge in Huntingdon, but in fact, they ran The Three Horseshoes too for many years up until 1997 – so are more than a little responsible for the stellar reputation the restaurant has boasted for decades.

There’s no question the setting is lovely. A picturesque thatched inn with an elegant conservatory dining room, reassuringly bustling with diners, it feels sophisticated but relaxed, and from the moment the door opens and we’re ushered through to our table, the service is exceptional – the staff friendly,

66

knowledgeable and supremely attentive without being overbearing.

The regularly updated menu offers a small selection of seasonal dishes with a broadly Mediterranean feel, though nods to hearty British flavours are there too.

We began with a small, elegant dish of pork cheek, slow braised in port and honey for a rich, tender result, and served with buttery polenta and a smattering of sweet, crispy onion. All told a pretty faultless opening gambit.

I was especially delighted with the second starter, a well-loaded bowl of croquettes. Filled with salt cod and velvety mashed potato and accompanied by nothing but a good squeeze of lemon, they transported me back to my summer holiday spent gorging on pintxos in Basque country with each fluffyon-the-inside, golden-crisp-on-the-outside morsel.

Key to any good pintxos experience is the wine and The Three Horseshoes deserve more plaudits on this front too for the zesty, dangerously quaffable Grüner Veltliner that was recommended.

I was already beginning to see why the restaurant

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_066-067 (REVIEW) v2sg.indd 66

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:00 PM

F O OXDX & X XDXRXI N XX K

had beaten off stiff competition to scoop The Good Pub Guide’s Cambridgeshire Dining Pub of the Year this year, but it was the mains that really sealed the deal.

An earthy, slow-cooked shoulder of venison, paired with magically creamy potato puree and sticky-sweet caramelised shallots provided a hearty main for me, while my dining partner opted for a more delicate sea bass dish. Visually impressive, it more than delivered on taste too; the fish dazzlingly fresh and served on a pillow of lightly-spiced couscous with chickpeas.

Gamely soldiering onto desserts despite our already well-sated bellies, we were pleased to see that sweets are by no means an afterthought at The Three Horseshoes. You’ll need to have saved some room for the brownie, a huge slab of dense, chocolatey indulgence spliced with cherries and served with a dollop of crème fraiche. The homemade pear and almond tart, with gorgeous flaky pastry, a drizzle of caramel and a quenelle of mascarpone cream, was similarly delightful.

Dinner was rounded off with a White Hopper.

A take on the Grasshopper cocktail with white chocolate cream, white cacao and creme de menthe, it was reminiscent of a very boozy After Eight mint (and trust me: that’s a really good thing), though the flat white martinis looked well worth a try too, especially if you need a little caffeine pick-me-up after your meal.

Bracing ourselves against the crisp November night as we exited the restaurant, we gushed about CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_066-067 (REVIEW) v2sg.indd 67

the service and food. With ever-more new and shiny eateries vying for our custom around Cambridge it takes something rather special to draw diners in – especially for an out of towner like The Three Horseshoes. But it’s unquestionably worth the trip, with its classy menu, attention to detail and gorgeous setting – and it’s great to see this treasured local favourite is still on top form. n The Three Horseshoes, High Street, Madingley, Cambridge CB23 8AB threehorseshoesmadingley.co.uk

Images Indulgent desserts, hearty mains and delightful after-dinner cocktails are on offer at this Madingley favourite

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

67 11/17/17 1:00 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 68

17/11/2017 16:06

FOOD & DRINK

The Cambridge

BRUNCH BIBLE.

B E N E D I C T, B O OZ Y, B O T T O M L E S S – O H MY ! W E RO U N D U P T H E B E S T S P O T S I N T H E C I T Y F O R A L A Z Y L AT E M O R N I N G F E A S T

N OV I .

© DAISY DICKINSON

With its super-stylish decor, gorgeous little roof terrace and incredible botanic cocktails, Novi has become a must-visit on the Cambridge brunch trail. Food-wise, you can expect a blend of healthy and indulgent dishes such as chia pudding, sweet potato rosti with poached eggs and a chickpea and vegetable cassoulet, scrambled eggs on griddled cornbread, homemade croissants and a great range of brunch cocktails. novicambridge.co.uk

Espresso Library.

They take their breakfasts seriously at Espresso Library (“It’s the most important meal of the day!”, as their website reminds us), offering some lovely choices and catering nicely for veggie and vegan diners. Get powered up with a bowl of ‘Power Granola’ – topped with nuts, coconut flakes, berry compote and yoghurt – feast on fluffy American-style pancakes drenched in maple syrup, get your chops around bacon sarnies on wedges of sourdough bread, or opt for the obligatory smashed avocado toast with all sorts of optional extras, from panfried smoky chickpeas to salmon. Coffee boffs will enjoy the ever-changing array of offerings from different roasteries to try, whilst cyclists (we hear there’re a few of you in Cambridge…), will enjoy the cafe’s bike theme and being able to hang their beloved steed on the wall while they eat. espressolibrary.com CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_069-075 (BRUNCH BIBLE)_FE.indd 69

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

69 11/17/17 1:00 PM

© NICOLA FOLEY

CAMBRIDGE COOKERY & BISTRO Tucked away just off Hills Road, this Scandi-inspired eatery and cookery school is an in-the-know gem. The food is packed with local, organic and seasonal ingredients from small local producers, and as well as a bright, minimalist cafe, there’s a heated terrace overlooking the neighbourhood park, and it’s dog-friendly throughout, too, if you’ve got a pooch in tow. Indulge in buttery homemade croissants and sugary cinnamon buns, pristinely poached eggs drizzled in garlic oil (demanding to be mopped up with hunks of excellent sourdough bread), fluffy pancakes with fruit compote and lots more. cambridgecookery.com

B L AC K C AT.

Black Cat sometimes gets overlooked now that the brunch scene in Cambridge has exploded, more’s the pity because it’s still reliably great. The Black Cat Big Breakfast, their take on the full English, is a top-notch fry up – with lovely plump sausages, crispy bacon, pan-fried mushrooms, homemade barbecue beans, sourdough and perfectly poached eggs. There are all the other usual brekkie suspects on offer, too, and do check out the specials board, which has been known to feature heavenly breakfast taquitos, huevos rancheros, and vanilla French toast laden with fresh berries. Pull up a chair outside and people-watch on Mill Road for a bit of breakfast entertainment… blackcatcafecambridge.co.uk

70

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_069-075 (BRUNCH BIBLE)_FE.indd 70

C AU .

Bring a little Argentinian flavour to your weekend feast with a trip to buzzy CAU in the city centre, which is ideally placed for a spot of pre-shopping fuel. Chow down on calorific delights such as melt-in-the-mouth tapa de cuadril steak with fried eggs, or CAU’s egg benedict, which switches out the usual ham for juicy yerba smoked beef, slathered in creamy blue cheese hollandaise sauce. There’s also sweet potato pancakes, plus, if you’re feeling virtuous, a Supercharged Salad that’s loaded with avocado, beetroot, edamame beans, mixed nuts and a mustard dressing. caurestaurants.com CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:00 PM

FOOD & DRINK

O L D B I C YC L E S H O P.

Six.

© NICOLA FOLEY

For brunch with a view, it has to be the stylish Six, which you’ll find on the sixth floor of the Varsity Hotel. The ‘full Aussie’ is our top pick – with its pillow of scrambled egg, cumin roast tomato, miso mushroom, avocado, wild boar sausage, bacon rashers and sourdough toast, but there are also dreamy pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, plus flavour-packed baked eggs. sixcambridge.co.uk

One of the few local brunch spots so popular you’ll need to book a table to guarantee being able to eat, the Old Bicycle Shop on Regent Street has well and truly won the hearts of Cambridge folk. For the ultimate hearty, hangover-beating brunch, make yours the shakshuka, which arrives bubbling away in its own pan with soft, slow-cooked eggs, rich tomato sauce and tangy feta. They’ve also got the full egg gamut of benedict, Florentine, and royale, plus a ‘Darwin’, featuring njuda salami, beef tomato and oyster mushrooms.

Wash it down with a Bloody Transfusion, OBS’s excellent, rather grisly-named take on a bloody Mary. oldbicycleshop.com

STIR. CB4’s friendly cafe is a brunching hotspot, and ideal whether you fancy a porridge and coffee or a more substantial egg and carbbased affair. Our fave is the sizeable ‘Big Brunch Board’, which is served on a plank of wood and CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_069-075 (BRUNCH BIBLE)_FE.indd 71

features streaky bacon, poached eggs, half an avocado, field mushroom, grilled beef tomato, a chunk of halloumi, a mini jar of relish and a buttery wodge of Stir Bakery’s homemade sourdough. Heaven. There’s also a variety

of bagels, souped-up cereals and vegan eats such as the ‘Namaste Stack’ which comprises beetroot hummus, carrot, red cabbage, spinach and tomato, served on sourdough. stircambridge.co.uk

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

71 11/17/17 1:00 PM

FOOD & DRINK

Shelford Deli.

© CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

It should come as no surprise that the much-loved ‘Sheli Deli’ serves up a mind-blowingly tasty brunch – their reputation as a foodie hub has reached far and wide across Cambridgeshire. Cosy up in this lovely cafe and enjoy bread from the fabulous local Dovecote Bakery, a cup of Monmouth coffee, buttery and goey almond pastries, Shelford Sausage sandwiches, ‘Mill Road Mega Muesli’, crumpets slathered in homemade marmalade and plenty more… shelforddeli.co.uk

FITZBILLIES. It might be most famous for its legendary syrupy buns, but Fitzbillies also serves up a mean brunch, complete with mimosas and bloody Marys. Served at the Trumpington Street branch every day until 4pm, the menu covers all bases, whether you’re after something at the healthy eating end of the spectrum (try the crushed avo on sourdough toast with chilli oil and seeds or the granola with fruit compote) or fancy something a little more indulgent.

Our fave is the Full Fitzbillies – an exemplary fried breakfast with juicy sausages, thick rashers of bacon, perfectly cooked eggs, freshly baked, buttery sourdough toast and chunky hash browns.

The pancakes drenched in honey and crème fraiche, topped with juicy figs are another delight. fitzbillies.com

NANNA MEXICO.

HOT NUMBERS. Pitch up with the papers and a mug of Hot Numbers fantastic, own-roasted coffee and let the brekkie feasting commence at this much-adored Gwydir Street cafe.

Keep it traditional with a couple of rashers of thick bacon sandwiched between beautiful local sourdough bread, or dive into the new brunch menu. Stand-outs include the artfully presented kimchi and feta eggs and the bacon and kimchi benedict, but if you have a sweet tooth to sate it has to be the toasted cornbread with peaches and whipped ricotta: pretty as a picture, it more than delivers on taste, too. hotnumberscoffee.co.uk

F LO C K C A F E .

Nestled in Burwash Manor, gorgeous little Flock Cafe might not be on your radar yet – but trust us, it’s well worth the trip out to Barton for. If the sun is out, take a seat outside and enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside, or cosy up inside to enjoy simple dishes made with beautiful ingredients, including scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on sourdough toast, croque madame, and bacon and eggs. flockcafe.co.uk

72

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_069-075 (BRUNCH BIBLE)_FE.indd 72

Mexicans ace the first meal of the day, and Nanna Mexico, our friendly neighbourhood Mexican eatery, is very much flying the flag for that delicious tradition here in Cambridge. In need of a brekkie-to-go? Snap up a breakfast edition of the famed Big Ass Burrito, or sit in and enjoy the huevos a la Mexicana (scrambled eggs in a pico de gallo salsa).

Our must-try, though, is Nanna Mexico’s take on the Mexican breakfast of kings, huevos rancheros: a delicious wake-up call by way of a pair of perfectly fried eggs, zingy salsa, creamy guacamole, corn tortillas and lime. nannamexico.com

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 1:00 PM

FOOD & DRINK

SMOKEWORKS. BBQ joint par excellence SmokeWorks doesn’t just serve up slow-cooked meaty deliciousness: they’ve also got a brunch menu so kick-ass you’ll be sprinting to Station Road to get your fix. The crowning glory is the pancake feast, a stack of twenty pancakes slathered in bourbon maple syrup, buttermilk sauce, peanut butter, caramelised bananas and (best loosen your belt) pulled pork and strips of crispy bacon.

It’s not cheap, at £34, but it is designed to be shared by four people. There’s also The Big Smoke, SmokeWorks’ take on the full English – with its rich and meaty barbecue beans, chunky sausage, bacon, potato tots, eggs, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms – plus hashes, brekkie burritos and more. If your mouth is watering listen up because here’s where it gets really interesting: SmokeWorks offer a bottomless brunch where you can feast to your heart’s content while boozing on unlimited bloody Marys, Earl Grey Tom Collins cocktails and fizz on tap. It’s priced at £35 per person. smokeworks.co.uk

CO FIFTEEN .

© DAVID GABLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Cherry Hinton’s forward-thinking eatery adopts a sustainable, wholesome approach to food, focusing on feel-good eats and plant-based treats. The space – delightfully calm, bright and plant-filled – is a peaceful haven in which to enjoy dishes such as banana French toast, avocado tacos and the hash stack: a towering vegan dream with sautéed chestnut mushrooms, avocado, thyme-roasted vine tomatoes and vegan hollandaise sauce. There are also comforting bowls of steaming fourgrain porridge, made with coconut milk and laden with poached fruit and poppy seeds. cofifteen.co.uk

The Petersfield.

While we still miss the brunches on offer at this place’s predecessor, Backstreet Bistro (RIP), we’re happy that The Petersfield is continuing the tradition of bringing slap-up brunches to the Mill Road area.

Pitch up outside in the cute garden terrace if the weather’s up to it, or pull up a pew inside the cosy pub and get stuck into crumpets, sardines on toast, pancake stacks and full-blown fry ups – all washed down with one of the Petersfield’s excellent bloody Marys. thepetersfield.co.uk

R E L E VA N T R E C O R D S .

Mill Road vinyl emporium and cafe Relevant has recently expanded its brunch offerings to include treats such as a Rubin’s

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_069-075 (BRUNCH BIBLE)_FE.indd 73

Rosti brunch (poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, homemade sweet potato rosti), or Eggs Relevant, with streaky bacon and

sriracha. Plus, you can always guarantee great tunes with your brunch here. relevantrecordcafe.co.uk

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

73 11/17/17 1:00 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 74

17/11/2017 17:35

FOOD & DRINK

MILLWORKS. Sip on a Hot Numbers coffee or order yourself a Sweeney Todd’s Bloody Mary (an homage to an old incarnation of this historic building), then get stuck into a fabulously indulgent full English with juicy, smoky barbecue beans, streaky bacon, sausage, fried eggs, grilled mushroom, tomato and plenty of sourdough bread.

There are also lighter options such as pancakes with maple syrup and blueberries, smashed avocado on toast, and bacon and egg in brioche rolls, plus a rather decadent pulled pork shoulder with béarnaise sauce on toast (which we’re salivating at the mere thought of). themillworks.co.uk

© NICOLA FOLEY

CHOP HOUSE.

THE GOG. Ensconced in the bosom of the Gog Magog Hills, this farm shop, cafe and deli is ideally placed for incorporating an amble around the Cambridgeshire countryside into your brunching sesh, as well as being a charming spot for whiling away a few leisurely hours while savouring some truly excellent grub. Their full English breakfast – a relatively recent addition to the cafe’s offering – does what The Gog does so very well: uses top quality, locally sourced produce to create unfussy, delicious fare which leaves a smile on your face.

It features plump sausages, thick bacon and black pudding from the on-site butchery, freerange eggs from the deli, seasoned mushrooms and tomatoes. It’s all grilled, too, so we can pretend it’s healthy and add one of Gog’s Great Taste Award-winning cheese scones to our morning feast without a shred of guilt. And perhaps a cake to go… thegog.com CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_069-075 (BRUNCH BIBLE)_FE.indd 75

Just like everything at the Chop House, the brunch menu is impeccable, well thought out and charmingly British. The full English is gigantic (three sausages!), and the kippers on toast comforting and traditional, but it’s the Chop House Bacon Chop which is the star. I guarantee you’ll be back for more once you’ve tried this brekkie triumph, with its juicy slab of bacon, velvety hollandaise, perfectly poached egg and scrumptious sweet potato and red onion hash. A total winner. cambscuisine.com

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

75 11/17/17 1:00 PM

with De Luca Cucina.

JA N I N E T E AG U E , C O C K TA I L M A K E R E X T R AO R D I N A I R E AT D E L U C A , W H I P S U P A S E L E C T I O N O F C H R I S TM A S S Y C O N C O C T I O N S T O WA R M YO U R C O C K L E S T H I S F E S T I V E S E A S O N P H OTO G R A P H Y DA I SY D I C K I N S O N

76

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_076-079 (COCKTAILS)sg.indd 76

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 12:59 PM

C O C KTA I L S

CHRISMAPOLITAN. I N G R E D I E N TS

37.5ml vodka 12.5ml Disaronno Amaretto 50ml cranberry juice 2 lime wedges

METHOD

‘Muddle’ the lime. Add along with the vodka, Amaretto and cranberry juice to a shaker.

Shake and fine strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass, then garnish with burnt orange.

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_076-079 (COCKTAILS)sg.indd 77

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

77 11/17/17 12:59 PM

D E L U C A’S CHRISTMAS PUNCH. I N G R E D I E N TS

25ml Chambord 25ml Cointreau 12.5ml blackberry and cherry syrup 1 tsp nutmeg powder Cider to top

METHOD

Shake the Chambord, Cointreau and syrup with ice and ‘dirty pour’ straight into a glass. Then sprinkle with powdered nutmeg before topping with cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a fresh blackberry.

SNOW JACK. I N G R E D I E N TS

50ml Jack Daniels 12.5ml lime juice 12.5ml sugar syrup 1 egg white Rosemary, fresh cranberries and icing sugar to garnish

METHOD

Add the egg white to a cocktail shaker and shake hard, then add the rest of the ingredients with ice and shake hard again. Double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and 3 cranberries on a cocktail stick. Sprinkle icing sugar over the rosemary for a snowy effect.

WINTER WARMER. I N G R E D I E N TS

50ml strong coffee 25ml Kahlua 25ml Frangelico 25ml Cointreau 50ml cream Whipped cream; cinnamon stick and ground cinnamon or marshmallows, chocolate flake and chocolate powder to garnish

METHOD

Layer the liquids in the glass in order using a spoon. Float the cream on top, make a spiral with the whipped cream and add the cinnamon stick and ground cinnamon.

Switch the cinnamon for marshmallows, chocolate flake and powder for added sweetness.

De Luca Cucina & Bar, 83 Regent St, Cambridge | 01223 356666 | delucacucina.co.uk

78

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_076-079 (COCKTAILS)sg.indd 78

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 12:59 PM

XCXOXCXKTA X X IXLX S

THE RUDOLPH. I N G R E D I E N TS

2 thumbnail-size slices of fresh root ginger 25ml vodka 20ml ginger syrup Prosecco to top

METHOD

‘Muddle’ the ginger, add the vodka and ginger syrup to a shaker, shake then fine strain. Top with Prosecco.

Garnish with holly and cherry.

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_076-079 (COCKTAILS)sg.indd 79

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

79 11/17/17 12:59 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 80

17/11/2017 09:49

FOOD & DRINK

MISTLETOE & WINE. G E T T I N G H E R P R I O R I T I E S R I G H T, T H I R S T Y ' S E LO D I E C A M E RO N S U G G E S T S B A S I N G YO U R C H R I S TM A S F E A S T A RO U N D YO U R FAVO U R I T E W I N E S

C

an you believe it, it’s that time again…

Christmas is just around the corner. We all want to indulge in the things we love best over the festive season – so how about this year we base our menus around the wines we love rather than the other way around?

If we put the emphasis on what we enjoy drinking, then we can turn our attention to what to match it with. There are so many decisions at Christmas, let’s keep this one simple and enjoyable – after all, that’s what we really want.

Who can resist the elegance and finesse of Pinot Noir? If you choose a wine that is floral and fruity with dark cherry and red fruit notes, then you have plenty of options.

Of course, we know that duck marries beautifully with fruity flavours, particularly cherry. Turkey or capon, whilst being whiter meats, also match well with lighter styles of wine such as Pinot Noir or a St Laurent from Austria – although they have delicate tannins there is still enough structure and power to hold some of the stronger flavours in accompanying stuffing, gravy and side dishes. On the other hand, consider autumnal flavours such as mushrooms and chestnuts when considering Pinot Noir that has more forest floor or farmyard nuances.

Now, if you prefer your wine a little rounder and bigger in structure and tannin, such as a Northern Rhone (these are often Syrah based) or Rioja, you may wish to be a little less traditional and opt for lamb or beef. You can also stick with turkey but consider serving the brown meat and keep the white for slicing on boxing day, then marry richer ingredients in your side dishes: a red wine gravy, use liver in your stuffing and hearty veg such roasted root vegetables and dark greens – oh, and don’t forget plenty of herbs.

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_081 (DRINKS)_FE.indd 81

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THIRSTY.

On the other hand, you may prefer to drink white wine that you’ll perhaps serve through from starters, rather than opting to change wine and glasses each course.

Then a spritely, aromatic and mineral German Riesling will work brilliantly with goose – especially with apple stuffing – the racy acidity cutting through the fat of the goose bringing a lovely balance to the meal (alternatively, I’d go goose if you are partial to a glass or two of Barolo, this would offer up richness in abundance).

And last but not least for the lovers of white Burgundy (or other cool climate Chardonnay) then think turkey or a smaller bird such as a chicken, and be sure to match this with sweet, rich flavours and bread sauce in your accompaniments to really bring out all the luscious richness of these delicious wines.

This is a topic that will run and run, but hopefully these few guiding principals mean that you will enjoy your Christmas roast whatever wine you choose. Don’t forget – if in doubt just ask, your booze shop is there to help. n

S PÄT B U R G U N D E R , E S P E N H O F, £14.80 Pinot Noir from Germany no less… smokey and earthy with delicious savoury notes and red cherries, all coupled with a wonderful velvet mouth-feel.

Great value.

DECENIO, L AS O R C A S , R I O JA R E S E RVA , £16.4 0

Bright, fresh black and red fruit with added smoothness and complexity from the oak giving hints of cedar and coconuts. Classic yet with a light, modern touch.

SA I N T -V É R A N , TERRES SECRÈTES, B U R G U N DY, £16.20

Fresh and lively with minerality, white flowers and toasted brioche notes. Elegant and balanced.

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

81 11/17/17 3:42 PM

Espresso Library.

I S I T A C A F E? I S I T A N A R T GA L L E RY? O R I S I T A C YC L I N G C LU B? E S P R E S S O L I B R A RY I S A L L T H R E E . . .

WORDS SIOBHAN GODWOOD

I

t’s difficult to imagine a place like Espresso Library existing in any previous decade.

Described by its founders, Malgo Dzierugo and John Gull, as “a unique multi-use hangout space”, it’s a place that resists attempts to pin it down as any one thing, making it an archetype of the portfolio career, side hustle era in which we are living. And if their business is a place that performs many functions, then it’s no real surprise, as the founders have more than one string to their bows, too. Malgo is an art historian, yoga teacher and cook, while John is a keen road cyclist, time trialist, mathematician, chess enthusiast and coffee lover. What they’ve achieved is to take their interests and passions and create a venue where the Cambridge community can share those enthusiasms in a friendly, informal atmosphere.

John and Malgo started the business in 2015 with the simple aim of making every aspect of Espresso Library the very best it could be. At its heart it’s a coffee bar and restaurant, serving delicious food with a menu covering breakfast, lunch and dinner. “To begin with, Malgo developed the menus,” explains John, “but now we have a head chef. Right from the start I wanted everything to be of the very highest quality, so all our ingredients as far as possible are

82

organic and free range, and we make everything to order by hand.”

The restaurant is now offering an extended range of vegan options, and John is keen to promote a healthy, plant-based lifestyle. “Although we’re not a vegetarian restaurant, the menu features ten entirely vegan dishes,” he says. “Then on the breakfast menu you can have a vegan version of every item – there’s even a vegan alternative to the bacon sandwich, with vegan ‘bacon’ and vegan ‘butter’!” The coffee is also a really important part of the cafe – as is fairly clear from its name! It’s roasted by Rory and Marcella of The Coffee Officina, which is just over the Cambridgeshire border in Essex. John offers a range of their coffees, from Fiori Espresso, which is the house espresso and is a blend of coffees from South and Central America and East Africa, to a selection of single origin coffees and a guest coffee that changes regularly. All the coffee is made in the Slayer Espresso machine, made especially in Seattle in Cambridge blue for Espresso Library.

Espresso Library offers dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, and the place is available as a venue for private hire on the other evenings. It has space for up to 120 people and everything that you need for either a private party or a business function, from

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_082-083 (INDIE)_FE.indd 82

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/20/17 9:24 AM

INDEPENDENT OF THE MONTH

a cocktail and wine bar, to craft beers and tailored catering options.

The space also works as an art gallery. “Every two months we change our art gallery and we have an opening for each new artist, which is a really fun evening.” The artists are often local, although not always, and the exhibitions are a real mix of different genres, from photography to sculpture. Sometimes Malgo approaches artists whose work she thinks would work well in Espresso Library, but artists often approach her, and there’s a form on the website to fill in if you want your work to be exhibited there.

There’s a definite cycling vibe to Espresso Library, with in-store bike storage and live coverage of all professional cycling events. There’s even an Espresso Library cycling kit available to buy. This all came about as a result of John’s desire for the cafe to offer something to the community. “Cycling is a hobby of mine, so I wanted to bring something of that into the business, too,” he explains. The cycling club leaves from the cafe every Saturday morning at 7.30am, covering a distance of around 50km. “To begin with it was just me and one other guy, for the CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_082-083 (INDIE)_FE.indd 83

first ten weeks or so!” says John. Then gradually other people started to join us from time to time, and now 30 people turn up every Saturday morning.”

Inspired by the success of the cycling club, John is now trying to launch a chess club; they meet on Wednesday evenings, and again, it’s starting small, but he’s hoping it will begin to take on a life of its own. “Doing something like this, creating something for the Cambridge community, feels really good and makes running Espresso Library something more than just a business.” John feels that the idea that Cambridge is dividing along ‘town versus gown’ lines isn’t really true anymore, and certainly not in his own experience. “I’ve lived around Cambridge my whole life, but I wasn’t a student here,” he says.

“Amongst my friends, some are ‘town’ and some are ‘gown’, but there isn’t any division that I can see.

And it’s the same with Espresso Library customers; I know some cafes and venues in Cambridge have a clientele that’s one or the other, but I don’t want that to be what this place is.” n Espresso Library, 210 East Road, Cambridge CB1 1BG, 01223 367333. espressolibrary.com

Opposite A relaxed and informal space, perfect for a busy lunch with friends or tucking away in a corner with a book Above All food where possible is organic and free range

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

83 11/20/17 9:35 AM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 84

17/11/2017 09:50

HELLO CAMBRIDGE TOTE BAG

£14.99, Jack’s on Trinity

GIFT GUIDE

ORLA KIELY 1L STORAGE JAR. 70’S OVAL FLOWER DESIGN

THOUSAND HELMET IN WILLOWBROOK MINT

£95, BEG Bicycles

£25, The Geographer, Impington

PAINT STRIPE WALLET

£27.50, Lilac Rose

CHOCCA MOCCA CHOCOLATE COVERED FRUITS AND NUTS

INDIE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE.

£4.50, Burwash Manor and Country Kitchen

for her

FRUIT COCKTAILS

£16.99, The Gog

MAISON SCOTCH LUREX STAR SOCKS WITH GIFT BOX

£24, Boudoir Femme

PINKSTER GIN

£36, pinkstergin.com

PROSECCO PONG

£12.50, Lilac Rose

GIN STRING LIGHTS

£24.95, The Geographer, Impington FAIR-TRADE EMBROIDERED CUSHIONS

from £49.95, Ark

BOBBIN BIRDIE 700C 2016 LADIES HYBRID BIKE MUSHROOM

Reduced to £275.99, Rutland Cycling

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_085 (GIFT GUIDE HER)sg.indd 85

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

85 11/17/17 2:15 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 86

17/11/2017 17:35

GIFT GUIDE MOUSTACHE HIP FLASK

£10.79, Blackthorpe Barn

BARBOUR MONTY M SUEDE SLIPPERS

£54.95, Charles Clinkard

ENGLISH DRINKS COMPANY CUCUMBER GIN

£35, Burwash Manor FJALLRAVEN KANKEN BACKPACK IN BURNT ORANGE

£70, Podarok

INDIE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE.

for him

COASTERS

£3.50, by local artist Naomi Davies

WOODEN SHARING BOARD

£50, The Gog

THREE SAUCE GIFT BOX

£10, The Cambridge Chilli Sauce Co.

LOAKE CAINE CHELSEA BOOT

£175, Charles Clinkard CHEESE HAMPERS

(from £26) and Cheese Subscriptions (from £28 per month), Hum Closen CUBAN CEDAR & LIME SHAVE SOAP

£22.99, Blackthorpe Barn SPECIALIZED ALLEZ ELITE 2018 ROAD BIKE BLACK

£998.99, Rutland Cycling

WOMERSLEY VINEGARS

£8.99 250ml, Burwash Larder

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_087 (GIFT GUIDE HIM)sg.indd 87

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

87 11/17/17 2:15 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 88

17/11/2017 09:50

GIFT GUIDE MI-PAC GALAXY BLUE BACKPACK

£28, Podarok

FITZ AND WILL, THE CAMBRIDGE CATS: THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE

£7.99, Heffers

PLUSH REINDEER

£39.99, Blackthorpe Barn

INDIE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE.

for the kids

PLUSH ANGEL

£39.99, Blackthorpe Barn

CLARKS DEXY TOP LEATHER BOOTS

£44, Charles Clinkard SCOTT 2018 CONTESSA WALKER KIDS BIKE ALUMINIUM YELLOW

£128.99, Rutland Cycling

TRACTOR MUG

£14.99, The Gog

BABY TWIN MOUSE TOYS

£21, Ark

START-RITE CHELSEA BOOTS

£43.99, Charles Clinkard

BRITISH TRACTOR WOODEN TOY

£28, Hop & Peck

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_089 (GIFT GUIDE KIDS)sg.indd 89

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

89 11/17/17 2:15 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 90

17/11/2017 09:50

B E AU T Y N E W S

Beauty News.

SAY HELLO TO CAMBRIDGE GLITTER BAR. Fuelled by ever-more elaborate looks on Instagram, glitter has moved from festival fashion accessory to mainstream must-have in the last couple of years. Good news if you’re a fan of the look: the area has recently welcomed the launch of the Cambridge Glitter Bar: a pop-up glitter station which can be hired for weddings, Christmas parties, black tie events, hen dos, baby showers, or whatever else you’re planning that you want a little extra sparkle for. Based in Newmarket, the company offers a quirky alternative to the usual entertainment packages, creating dazzling looks which make for fabulous photos. The make up artists use environmentally-friendly glitters and offer a range of different packages to suit all budgets. You can find out more and check their availability on their website. cambridgeglitterbar.co.uk

DOUCE MOBILE SA LO N L AU N C H E S .

Douce, a hair salon with a difference, has recently launched in Cambridge. Offering men and women the chance to get their hair done by experienced hairdressers from the comfort of a beautifully refurbished 1960s Airstream Globetrotter, the business is the brainchild of Phil Benton, who graduated from the Vidal Sassoon academy and honed his skills at Toni and Guy, as well as working in barbershops in Brooklyn.

“The concept came from a mixture of things. It allowed me to have more freedom with a job that is known to put a hold on having a life at weekends,” explains Phil. “I found that my clients would rather come for a haircut late at night than use valuable time at the weekend or take days or half days from work. I then discovered going to their work place was even easier for them! All in all, it’s work on wheels and the opportunities are endless and extremely fun with different surroundings, clients and cultures.”

The salon has two chairs and will be open late at locations around Cambridge including Cambridge Science Park, West Cambridge and the Railway Vue pub. Check out the website for updates on where the van will be parked up and to book. douce.co.uk

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_091 (BEAUTY NEWS)sg.indd 91

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

91 11/17/17 2:15 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 92

17/11/2017 09:50

B E AU T Y

Beauty Blog.

DA I S Y D I C K I N S O N G I V E S U S T H E LOW- D OW N O N T H E B E S T B U YS A N D TO P T R E N DS I N T H E B E AU T Y WO R L D

I

t’s that time in the calendar when we start to reflect on the year past with perhaps an alarming sense of “where the heck has the time gone?”. But fret not, we’ve still got a solid month before being hassled with any ‘new year, new you’ regimes, so let’s make the most of eating, drinking and generally merry-ing our way into 2018. It’s been a fabulous year on the beauty scene, with some exciting launches, and more new palettes than you could shake a contouring-stick at.

So, why is it one of my favourite times in the beauty calendar? Festive gift sets!

Whether you’re looking for the perfect present, or just a treat for yourself (definitely no judgement here!), Christmas is a wonderful time to pick up a bargain or two of bundled favourites, or special editions. Head to Rose Crescent for Neal’s Yard’s Magic of Alchemy, a beautifully packaged festive range including the Nourish Hand Cream Collection (£19), a trio of highly moisturising treats including Bee Lovely, Geranium & Orange and Wild Rose, perfectly sized for a pocket or handbag. You can also pick up gift vouchers for anything from products to one of the many relaxation therapies and massages on offer, just ask in store.

Doing some shopping at the Grafton Centre? Debenhams have loads on offer in store and online, like The Vintage Cosmetics Company Girls Night Tin (£27.50), a delightfully pretty pack of everything you need for a pamper sesh, including toe-separators, tweezers and a headband. Cruelty free and oh-socute, Too Faced never disappoints with

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_093 (BEAUTY BLOG)_FE.indd 93

its festive range, and the Best Year Ever make-up gift set (£46) contains three perfectly coordinated palettes with six pigment-rich eye shadows in each, plus a mini Better Than Sex mascara – all packaged in a cute case. For those serious about their slap, Laura Geller Hollywood Lights (£45) contains colour-correcting foundation, baked blush, primer, lip gloss, a double-ended brush and stunning eyeshadow palette to create a host of day-to-night looks.

For a total skin saviour, and a box under the tree anyone would be pleased to receive, Murad have a Joyful gift pack for every skin type, including the Joyful and Radiant kit (£65, murad.co.uk) with cleanser, serum and moisturizer for brightening and restoring radiance. However, if you only buy one product from Murad, or are new to the brand, let it be the fantastic new Pore Extractor Pomegranate Mask (£30), a ten-minute treatment with volcanic clay, pomegranate extract and polylactic acid. Incredibly clearing and definitely one of my favourite products of 2017.

For brilliant stocking fillers, pop to Boots and raid the new-ish NYX counter for all sorts of perfect beauty pressies.

My top picks from the brand are the Liquid Suede Metallic Matte (£7), the Strobe of Genius Holographic Stick (£8) and the Chromatic Illuminating Powder (£9), a very covetable compact shimmer in five sassy shades. n

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

93 11/17/17 2:15 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 94

17/11/2017 09:50

© HOUSE OF FRASER

XXXXXXXX

Property edition.

97 107 109

C R E AT I N G A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND F O R YO U R HOME. EDITION LOV E S .

S TO R E O F THE MONTH: EVE WA L D R O N .

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_095 (PROPERTY OPENER)_FE.indd 95

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

95 11/17/17 2:15 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 96

17/11/2017 09:50

XXXXXXXX

Home for the holidays.

© WYEVALE GARDEN CENTRES

C H R I S TM A S I S T H E P E R F E C T E XC U S E TO T R A N S F O R M O U R H O M E S I N TO O U R OW N L I T T L E W I N T E R WO N D E R L A N DS . W H E T H E R YO U P R E F E R T R A D I T I O N A L O R Y E A R N F O R M I N I M A L I S T D E C O R , TA K E N OT E O F T H E L AT E S T I N T E R I O R T R E N DS TO C R E AT E A N I D E A L S A N C T UA RY T H I S W I N T E R

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_097-107 (INTERIORS)sg.indd 97

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

97 11/24/17 4:32 PM

This image Feather and Black’s Louis Bed in Indigo Velvet, from £1,075 Below left and right West Elm has a range of velvet bedspreads and pillow covers, from £29

98

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_097-107 (INTERIORS)sg.indd 98

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/24/17 4:32 PM

E

INTERIORS

voking warmth and comfort, the use of velvet in our homes has fast become one of the most popular trends of late and is perfectly suited to winter months. From velvet sofas in bold, jewel colours to statement chairs in contemporary prints, the fabric adds a touch of bygone glamour to any space. Crimson, forest green and gold velvet accessories are, of course, ideal for the festive period. Meanwhile, a palette of silver, pale pink and ice blue echo the frostiness of winter and add a contemporary feel.

Whatever shades you opt for, the richness of colour you can get from the fabric adds to a celebratory feel in the home.

What’s more, it is easy to reference the trend by simply adding cushions or sumptuous pouffes.

Check out Smallable and West Elm for a wide choice of eclectic accessories.

For a larger investment, a new sofa in a dramatic colour will become your new talking point. Marrying traditional style with a modern flair is the chesterfield range by Sofas by Saxon, for instance, which is available

in festive colours, such as Nordic Pine, Pinot Noir and Cinnamon Bark.

Feather & Black’s Louis bed in indigo velvet is perfectly on trend to create a cocooning bedroom, and the store is also a good source for soft velvet throws and cushions. Creative director, Nicky Line, says: “Velvet is well known for being the most luxurious fabric, but the great thing about it is that it is also very versatile.

It brings a touch of glamour to any room, no matter what your interiors style. With such a rich depth of colour within the fabric you can use bold jewel tones for a sense of drama or subtle neutrals for elegant texture.”

When it comes to fireplaces, there’s something about an elaborately festooned mantelpiece that shouts “Christmas is here!” like no other spot in the house, while gathering around a roaring fire harks back to the traditional times we love to evoke at this time of year.

Offering a practical alternative to real fires are wood burners, such as those from ACR Stoves and MorsØ. Not only have the latest

This image Red Edition Sofa in Peacock Blue, £3,019, from Smallable Above Highgrove One-Seater Chair, £1,739, from Sofas by Saxon

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_097-107 (INTERIORS)sg.indd 99

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

99 11/24/17 4:32 PM

INTERIORS This image MorsØ’s Badger Cast-Iron, Multi-fuel Stove, £1,040 Below Connie Gray candle, £42.99, and set of three felt Christmas trees, £9.99, both from The English Listed

designs become more sophisticated but they make for a charming focal point in any living room.

Decorating fireplace mantels has long been a holiday tradition. For a contemporary, pared-back feel, look to creating a Scandi style, which favours an all-white, minimalist display. Meanwhile, evergreen garlands, mercury-silver candlesticks, shiny votives and, of course, hanging stockings will give a traditional feel that harks back to the Victorian era.

“Christmas is the ultimate sensorial experience,” says Tolly Nason, creative director of The English Listed, St Ives-based experts in architectural renovation. “We think there’s nothing lovelier than the flickering glow of candles on dark wintery nights leading up to Christmas.”

As well as scented candles, layer up soft rugs, throws and cushions to create the ultimate cosy corner, while fresh seasonal wreaths and blooms will add a fragrant touch.

Luxury florist, Wildabout, creates seasonal wreaths which are perfect for both interior and exterior decoration ideas. All made with real flowers and foliage they add a statement design to any Christmas colour scheme and sit effortlessly above a fireplace. Meanwhile, Hayford and Rhodes’ ‘The White Coco

100

CHOOSING THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE WYEVALE GARDEN CENTRES’ DAVID MITCHELL, A TREE EXPERT, GIVES HIS ADVICE Wreath’ and ‘The Pink Coco Wreath’ give a fresh and elegant design using hypericum, a glossy winter berry, in Pink Flair, White Coco and Green Bamboo.

Of course, the Christmas tree is the main star of the show at this time of the year. For a choice of baubles and decorations to make yours ‘pop’, then visit Homesense, which has a wide range on offer. For a sleek look, go for the same colour palette – crystal and white decorations, for instance, complement each other and give a sophisticated aesthetic, while matching turquoise and purple gives an exotic

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_097-107 (INTERIORS)sg.indd 100

Buy a tree that has had the netting removed so you can see the shape and condition.

The colour of the needles should be a dark green and feel waxy to the touch, not dry.

Choose a Nordman Fir variety, which does not easily drop its needles.

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/24/17 4:32 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 101

17/11/2017 09:51

This image All items, house of Fraser Opposite page, clockwise from left Bloomon’s modern Christmas Wreaths, from £21. Cotton Stockings, £9.99, and White Triangle Garland, £10.50, both from The English Listed. The White Coco Door Wreath, from £175, by Hayford & Rhodes. The Festive Snowflake Wreath, from £80, by Wildabout

102

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_097-107 (INTERIORS)sg.indd 102

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/24/17 4:32 PM

INTERIORS

Christmas is the ultimate sensorial experience.

We think there’s nothing lovelier than the flickering glow of candles on dark wintery nights leading up to Christmas

COSY UP. SARAH COLE, FOUNDER OF INES COLE, A HOMEWARES BRAND RENOWNED FOR ITS REFORMED VINTAGE PIECES, GIVES HER TOP THREE FIRESIDE BUYS feel. You can’t beat red, gold and green, of course, for a timeless creation.

You can also echo the tree’s ‘naturalness’ around the home by further adorning rooms – and your Christmas table – with festive garlands and minimalist wreaths, like those available at Bloomon.

Tolly Nason, creative director of The English Listed, agrees this is a modern-day approach: “From silvery eucalyptus to oak leaves, simple branches of fir and twisted hazel, natural touches bring Christmas to life,” she says. “Hang just a few carefully chosen decorations for a hint of sparkle. In this age of sustainability, The English ’s handcrafted wooden ‘Helix’ Christmas CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_097-107 (INTERIORS)sg.indd 103

Candles Birch & Brook’s candles, with their evocative, nostalgic scents, such as the signature ‘Library’, are particularly calming.

Natural sheepskin There’s nothing like curling up on a natural sheepskin throw on a chair. They are also great as bedside rugs; taking the first step of the day onto the deep soft pile, you know you’re getting off to a good start!

Lamplight Our contemporary Marble and Solo Lamps give a soft, warm glow, and are ideal for creating a wonderful ambience.

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

103 11/24/17 4:32 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 104

17/11/2017 09:51

INTERIORS

S TO C K I S TS .

Bloomon 020 3322 1989, bloomon.co.uk

Homesense 01923 473561, homesense.com

DFS 0808 149 6722, dfs.co.uk

Morso morsoe.com

The English Listed 01480 301600, englishlisted.com

Smallable 020 3445 0146, smallablecom

Feather & Black 01243 380600, featherandblack.com Gisela Graham giselagraham.co.uk Hayford & Rhodes 020 3130 9219, hayfordandrhodes.co.uk

Sofas by Saxon 01204 365377, sofasbysaxon.com West Elm westelm.co.uk Wildabout 020 7404 2541, wildabout.co.uk Wyevale Garden Centres wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

tree ticks all the boxes! As a sculptural piece, it can be enjoyed year after year. Even better, the trees are truly bespoke; from small to extremely large, we can make one for you in our workshop in any size to best suit your home.”

For some, it’s all about a maximalist approach and Christmas is nothing without a heavily-laden tree, complete with fantastical baubles and fairy lights. Carry on the ‘more is more’ theme with a bold and playful sense of style throughout the house by using splashes of candy-colours and bright neons.

Known as the Queen of Christmas, due to her expansive range of decorations, Gisela Graham has a new collection of designs for 2017 including the vibrant and eminently cheerful ‘Christmas Bake Off ’ collections.

“We love a bright theme and what better than fruit and cakes?” she says. “We have glass strawberries, pears and cherries, assorted berry bunches, multi-coloured glass balls, cupcake decorations and our own retro fairies, all of which make a fantastic addition to the tree.

After all, it’s the happiest time of year!” n CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_097-107 (INTERIORS)sg.indd 105

CHRISTMAS BRIGHTS. LAUREN HARRIS, DFS SENIOR DESIGNER, ON HOW TO DIAL UP THE BOLDNESS Trust your instincts and throw out the traditional Christmas rule book when it comes to brights. It’s all about creating a room with personality and visual interest.

Keep the walls and floors neutral – a whitewashed backdrop is all you need.

Bring in a modern twist by opting for contemporary Christmas decorations – oversized paper honeycomb baubles; a modern minimalist tree adorned with only lights and some colourful candles will create quirky and playful talking points.

Above left The Windsor Sofa, from £998, from the DFS-Joules collaboration Above right A wide range of trees, decorations and baubles, in hammered bronze and copper, from £4, are available from Wyevale Garden Centres

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

105 11/24/17 4:32 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 106

17/11/2017 09:51

INTERIORS STAG CHANDELIER

£375, featherandblack.com GOODWOOD WHITE GLASS BELIEVE BAUBLE

£5.95, one.world

LETTER BOX DECORATION

£6.50, joannawood.co.uk

CRESCENT MOON DECORATION

£8.95, polarpost.co.uk

CONSTELLATION PLATE

Edition loves.

MARILYN THROW

£49.50, shimu.co.uk

£12, westelm.co.uk

POM POM GARLAND

£10, sainsburys.co.uk

WHITE SEVEN POINT STAR

£9.99, englishlisted.com

KNITTED HOLIDAY SHAM

£79, Lexingtoncompany.com

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_097-107 (INTERIORS)sg.indd 107

VICTORIAN TUB CHAIR IN PIPED OCHRE VELVET

£1,295, inescole.com

C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

107 11/24/17 4:32 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 108

17/11/2017 09:51

INTERIORS

Eve Waldron Design.

WORDS ANGELINA VILL A-CL ARKE

W

hether you are after a finely-executed interior design or a stylised statement piece of furniture, Eve Waldron Design, based in Cambridge, is a name to add to your little black book.

The company was founded by American-born Eve Waldron in 2000 and started as an interior design consultancy, with roots in the commercial sector. It has since grown to include a residential design service, where clients can work with Eve to create what she calls ‘inspired space for living and working’.

“I have been passionate about design from a young age,” says Eve. “Both my parents were artists, and so I developed an early appreciation for art, design and architecture.” Having grown up in New York, Eve went on to study Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design and Carnegie Mellon University, where she graduated with honours. She was also influenced by an artistic home life – her mother is New York painter Phyllis Floyd, and her father, Eli Waldron, was a beatnik poet in the early 1960s.

“Living in New York has definitely influenced my sense of design. The gallery scene is big in NYC and so accessible. I was exposed to it all, and was amazed and fascinated by it. I was attracted to the large scale works of Richard Serra, Ellsworth Kelly and Donald Judd – their economy of form and colour appealed to me, I found myself attracted to this reduction.”

This artistic heritage has also led to Eve designing her own range of furniture, geometric rugs, cushions and textile designs which she receives commissions for and which are now showcased in her own store, which recently opened in Cambridge. A one-stop shop for design junkies, the retail space also offers a curated selection of iconic pieces of furniture as well as offering a sourcing service for furniture and lighting for commercial and residential clients.

“Our shop is small, and so we can only showcase a limited amount of products – but we can source anything a client wants.

If you have seen something you like, it is worth stopping in to discuss and we can help specify it with you and select window treatments and lighting to go with it. In addition to my own designs, we source design brands from all price points – think Vitra, Hay, Knoll, Gubi, Artek, Secto, Artemide, Flos. I also represent Carl Hansen, PP Mobler, JL MØller, Bruno Mathsson, Norr11 – so you pretty much get access to some of the most iconic designs of our time.”

As well as having a passion for product design, Eve also works as an architectural interiors consultant, with a recent project for Jesus College, University of Cambridge, being shortlisted for a prestigious national FX Award for Design. The brief was to create apartments and bedrooms which offered the College three- to four-star hotel-style accommodation.

Of course, the heart of the company lies in working to refurbish and redesign interior spaces – from extensions to kitchens, bathrooms to living spaces with the team acting as lead designers and often coordinating complex consultant teams. “Another great project for us was the design of the Fellows Drawing CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

CE12_109 (STORE OF THE MONTH)sg.indd 109

As well as having a passion for product design, Eve also works as an architectural interiors consultant Room at Murray Edwards College, also part of the University of Cambridge,” Eve says. “I designed two large colourful rugs and a large sideboard alongside a host of wonderful female artists, including Gillian Ayres. It was an honour to be involved. I’m excited by design and every project is a challenge to enjoy. We look forward to each project and the stories and history that unfolds with each building we work on.” n Eve Waldron Design is on the corner of St Peter’s Street and Pound Hill. Hours are 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, Saturdays by appointment. evewaldron.com C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | D E C E M B E R 2 017

109 11/17/17 3:42 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 110

17/11/2017 09:51

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 111

17/11/2017 17:44

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 112

17/11/2017 09:51

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 113

17/11/2017 09:51

P R O P E RT Y N E W S

TO PART EX OR NOT TO PART EX? S A M C O O K E , PA R T N E R AT L O C A L AG E N T S C O O K E , C U R T I S & C O, L O O K S AT T H E P RO S A N D C O N S O F PA R T E XC H A N G I N G YO U R H O M E

W

e’ve not had significant numbers of new builds in and near Cambridge for decades, so part exchange has been a rare option.

Then, when the thousands of new Trumpington properties first came they were all selling so well that builders had no need to offer such incentives.

But times are changing, interest rates have risen and buy-to-let has been made less appealing for small landlords with tax changes. Most critically, the number of new builds has rocketed, so buyers have more choice and builders are increasingly turning to part exchange to boost sales.

Just like with a car, PXing your house is appealingly simple: it takes away the uncertainties of having a chain and means you just sign a piece of paper and turn up for the keys when the new house is finished. This, of course, doesn’t come for free.

It costs builders thousands in stamp duty and estate agent fees and, just as importantly, they are taking a risk in doing PX as your house may not sell quickly or for what they think it will.

Ideally, they’d build in a margin of tens of thousands to cover all that but, just like cars, they know that most owners won’t take that low an offer. This means they build all the costs into the profit margin on the new build. What you’ll never know when you PX is what sort of discount you might have got if you didn’t. If you walk through their door ready to go you’re loads more appealing than someone with a PX, so that tens-ofthousands risk the builders take with them could easily come as a discount on the price for you. Maybe even more. But do you care? So long as you’re happy with what you get for your house and what you’re paying for the new one, part exchange can make life much easier and that’s worth something.

PX is quite an extreme move for builders and they usually only offer it as a last resort. What they often offer instead is something they appealingly call an ‘Assisted Move’. With this the builder doesn’t buy your house but they agree to reserve the new build for you if they can take charge of your sale. This has two benefits to you:

they pay the estate agency fees and because the new build is reserved to you there is no risk of losing it. It has big benefits for the builder over PX – they don’t have to pay the stamp duty and other costs of buying your house and they don’t have the risk of losing money on the resale price. It seems like a good compromise. But our experience is that it’s the absolute worst of both worlds.

I’ll elaborate.

National house builders don’t understand local second-hand markets. They don’t have the time to look in detail at each PX property so they appoint a national intermediary to do it for them. But these intermediaries aren’t able to understand the intricacies of local markets any better than builders. They often charge estate agents a fee, meaning they just appoint those prepared to pay for business rather than making a judgment on who would be best placed to sell a property. Worse still, they often instruct three agents at once, which is the kiss of death in Cambridge. Nothing looks worse than a property so difficult to sell it needs three agents. The theory is that these intermediaries take away some of the work from a seller, but in reality what they take away is all of the control.

When we work with our clients it’s a collaborative effort. We agree the best photos, agree the marketing campaign, agree when and how to do the viewings.

We take great care to optimise everything. We analyse buyers to decide if they’re any good, analyse their offer to see if we think we can do better by waiting. We don’t rush to take the first offer just to get the file off our desk. We discuss everything with the owner to do the best possible job.

Intermediaries generally don’t discuss, they dictate.

The price, the launch date, which agents they use. It’s their way or the highway. We’ve even had them cancel promising viewings to accept an offer lower than the asking price. No amount of frustrated discussion would convince them to wait one more day. They didn’t care about getting another £10,000, they just wanted it done.

My advice therefore is that when a builder is trying to convince you to sign on the dotted line you either go for a full part exchange, knowing you probably aren’t getting a great deal but accepting that it’s worth it for the ease.

Or that you go away, sell your house properly and then make them an offer. I am certain that assisted moves usually end up costing the house seller more money than they save in estate agency fees. By a long way. n

PXing your house is appealingly simple: it takes away the uncertainties of a chain and means you just sign a piece of paper and turn up for the keys when the new house is finished

114

D E C E M B E R 2 017 | C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N

CE12_114 (PROPERTY NEWS)sg.indd 114

CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

11/17/17 2:21 PM

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 115

17/11/2017 09:52

CE ADS_DECEMBER.indd 116

17/11/2017 09:52