Gift
Your guide to Cambridge this Christmas Dining out this
Christmas
Guides
Find the perfect gift for your loved ones
Flying the Purple Flag Your guide to a safe & vibrant night out this Christmas
Ideas on where to eat out this Christmas
Win a
£250gift card delivered by
W W W. L O V E - C A M B R I D G E . C O M
Welcome
bridge
Welcome to the 2022 Love Cam
de we
Love Christmas Magazine – insi
bridge
share with you what makes Cam
r.
truly special at this time of yea
Shopping at Christmas time does not get much better than when you come into Cambridge, the lights are twinkling, the carols are being sung – a truly wonderful experience for all. Our gift guides this year will hopefully give you some inspiration on what to buy for all your loved ones. With present ideas for all budgets, Cambridge really is a one stop shop for all your Christmas shopping. We even have a selection of gifts for your pets.
There is lots to do and see in Cambridge this Christmas. Dick Whittington and his Cat are at The Arts Theatre for this year’s Panto, we have a full schedule of shows at The Corn Exchange and the much-loved Mill Road Winter Fair is back this year after being absent due to the pandemic.
Loving Christmas | Welcome
Win Big this Christmas Cambridge is brimming with wonderful things to do and see, and Cambridge BID are delighted to offer you the chance to win a £250 Love Cambridge Gift Card to spend in nearly 200 businesses in the city. You can use it for your Christmas shopping or treat yourself, the choice is yours! For a full list of businesses that accept the card, please visit www.love-cambridgegiftcard.com A lucky runner up will also be in with a chance to win a Fitzbillies Celebration Hamper worth over £100. Filled with delicious treats including Christmas Cake, Christmas Pudding, Champagne, Shortbread and much, much more. *For your chance to win, please visit www.love-cambridge.com/competitions
After your busy day shopping, why not try one of Cambridge’s fabulous restaurants for dinner or cocktails, there’s plenty of choice to satisfy every appetite.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Becky Burrell, Cambridge BID
#ShopLocal – support your high street
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Loving Christmas | What’s On
n ’ O s t a Wh ...
ambridge
Around C
FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM This winter sees a new exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum; Defaced! Money, Conflict, Protest (11 October – 8 January 2023) is the first major exhibition to present a world history of protest through currencies that have been mutilated as cries of anger, injustice, or despair from the last 250 years. Defaced! showcases a new collection of defaced coins and banknotes recently acquired for the Fitzwilliam by its curator Dr Richard Kelleher, complemented by important loans from private collections and museums.
Mill Road Winter Fair On Saturday 3rd December we see the return of the Mill Road Winter Fair which has been missing from our calendar for the last couple of years. A celebration of the Mill Road community, the fair is created and run by people from the Mill Road area making it that extra bit special. Expect to see lots of music, dancing, theatre, poetry and a chance to experience food and drink from around the globe, there really is something for everyone. Open between 10.30am – 4.30pm, be sure to visit.
ADC Theatre From the 6-10 December, why not watch Alice Through the Looking Glass at the ADC Theatre. Bawds presents a fresh, new treatment of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice” books, featuring all their best-loved characters, including the Mad Hatter, March Hare, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the Red and White Queens, the White Knight and Humpty Dumpty. Tickets www.adctheatre.com
CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION The Nutcracker 7th – 31st December 2022
Cambridge Junction is excited to welcome acclaimed company Moxie Brawl to its stage this Christmas with The Nutcracker, a brand-new family show bursting with joy, dance and music. Created by a company of disabled and non-disabled performers this high energy, all-inclusive show takes inspiration from the original story from 1816 and cranks it up to 2022! Audiences can expect dancing nutcrackers, giant sweets and singing mice in a funfilled Christmas extravaganza full of holiday cheer. The Nutcracker promises to take you on a wild and festive adventure that will blow your socks off! Tickets www.junction.co.uk/the-nutcracker
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AS TT CR O SA RAH TH E CO
Loving Christmas | What’s On
MATT CROSBY as SARAH THE COOK
n ’ O s t a h W e Arts Cambridg
ROLAN BELL as KING RAT
sents...
Theatre pre
DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
1st December 2022 – 8th January 2023 Prepare yourself for an adventure paved with gold this Christmas as Cambridge Arts Theatre’s award-winning pantomime returns with the purrr-fect festive treat: Dick Whittington and his Cat!
Starring Cambridge’s #1 pantomime dame Matt Crosby (Dame Trott’s Panto Palaver, Aladdin) as Sarah the Cook and Rolan Bell (Our Girl) as King Rat, returning after his UK Pantomime Award-winning performance in 2021. Further casting to be announced!
Fed up living life with empty pockets, our plucky hero Dick Whittington arrives in London seeking fame, fortune, adventure… and his one true love! Alongside his trusty companion Tommy the Cat, Dick thinks luck is finally on his side, until a despicable Rat arrives in town determined to unleash hell across the capital. Can you help Dick and his friends conquer the villain and save the day?
A magical rags to riches tale, Dick Whittington and his Cat is brimming with side-splitting jokes, singalong songs and traditional panto mayhem for the whole family to enjoy.
THU 1 DECEMBER 2022 - SUN 8 JANUARY 2023
Adventure awaits! W W W. C A M B R I D G E A R T S T H E AT R E . C O M
cambridgeartstheatre.com BOX OFFICE: 01223 503333 4
Unique, personal, quirky – shop independents
Photography by Richard Hubert Smith
Book today...
Loving Christmas | What’s On
What’s On Celebrate the Festive Season at Cambridge Corn Exchange. What better way to add extra sparkle to the Christmas season than a special night out at the Cambridge Corn Exchange this December… festivities galore await, with so many different shows to choose from! Two of the country’s greatest classical voices, Aled Jones and Russell Watson, reunite this Christmas, visiting Cambridge on December 3. The New York Times describes Russell Watson as a performer ‘who sings like Pavarotti and entertains the audience like Frank Sinatra’ whilst Aled Jones’ recordings have gained him silver, gold and platinum discs, as well as an extensive career as a TV & Radio presenter, on Classic FM and the BBC’s Songs of Praise. Then on December 6, a delightful evening of popular classical tunes including Holst’s A Moorside Suite, Mozart’s Horn Concerto No.4 – played by BBC Young Musician finalist, Annemarie Federle – and Haydn’s crackling ‘fire’ symphony Symphony No.59 in A major will be performed by the ever-popular European Union Chamber Orchestra. Choir Master supreme, Gareth Malone invites everyone along on December 8 for an uplifting sing-along together with his band and a group of stellar singers, as he guides you through an evening of song. Featuring the tunes he’s performed over the last 15 years on television, this feelgood concert will leave you with a song in your heart and a festive spring in your step! For lovers of stand-up comedy, what a treat! Some of the country’s best are coming to Cambridge for a spectacular all-star festive show! Legendary awardwinning comedian and ‘Irish Master of Grumpiness’ (The Guardian), Dylan Moran headlines this year’s incredible Live At Christmas line-up.You’ll be floored as he takes you on a joyously furious romp through the frustration and folly of modern day life.
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Credit: David Lin dsay
Joining Dylan is an astounding bill: Last Leg regular and Live At The Apollo star Rosie Jones, breakout Taskmaster star Mike Wozniak, multi-award winning Celya AB and podcast hero and all-round vibe magnet John Robins as host. Hailed as ‘The Start of Christmas’ for many, a Kate Rusby Christmas Concert, full of warmth and sparkles, perpetuates the age-old tradition of Yorkshire carols. The country’s most popular female folk singer stops off at Cambridge for an unmissable evening of festive cheer on December 17. Finally, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the magic and wonder of that most traditional ballet of all, The Nutcracker! Cambridge Corn Exchange once again plays host to spectacular presentations of this plus Swan Lake; two of the world’s most popular classical ballets, accompanied by a live orchestra to complete the experience. Please visit the website to book online W W W. C O R N E X . C O. U K
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Loving Christmas | Grand Arcade
Unwrap the magic
at Grand Arcade
Loving Christmas | Lion Yard
welcome
to the
Visit from 14th November and make sure
Late Nigh t Shopping
12th - 23 rd Decem ber. Check op ening ho urs: grandarc ade.co.u k/ openinghours/
Cambridge Science Centre Pop-Up They will be bringing back their unique brand of science communication and a range of exhibits, shows and activities which will focus on biodiversity, our living and evolving world, and its ecosystems. Their PopUpScience is aimed at children from 7-13 years of age, and free-to-enter. Open every weekend, and every day from 17th until 24th December. Located on Grand Arcade First Floor, next to The White Company.
14 November – 24 December
to look all around you... Suspended trees, giant baubles, a singing reindeer and… a magical present hunt are waiting for you!
23 Dec 1, 171 , 0 1 , 3, 4 m m - 4p s) 10.30a pm Sunday 4 (11am
20TH NOVEMBER: CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Local singers, choirs and dancers will be performing in Grand Arcade from 12 until 4.30 pm, in the lead-up to the city centre’s Christmas Lights Switch On at 5pm. Join us to support our local community of artists!
Pop into Lion Yard shopping Centre this Christmas to find the perfect gift and visit Santa for FREE inside his arctic outpost.
14TH NOVEMBER – 23RD JANUARY: DINKY PRESENT HUNT
In partnership with Dinky Doors. Grand Arcade is hiding 10 exclusive Dinky Presents, designed by Dinky Doors (secret) artists, opening the door into other worlds that will spark your imagination… Find them all to enter our competition! !
3RD, 10TH, 17TH, 18TH DECEMBER: MRS CLAUS STORYTELLING
Mrs Claus will be telling Christmas tales on the First Floor of Grand Arcade. Book a free session on Grandarcade.co.uk
ING
SHOPP
Listen to our Carolling Reindeer (first floor) Post your letter to Santa in our enchanted talking Letterbox (ground floor) Sit in our North Pole throne for a Bright & Merry picture! (ground floor) Visit Grandarcade.co.uk for more details
www.thelionyard.co.uk 8
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Loving Christmas | Christ’s Lane
Countdown to Christmas Of course we all love a chocolate advent calendar, but why not treat yourself and the family to something a little extra special this year. There are Advent Calendars for every taste, from gin to socks the choice is endless. Here are just a few…
s ’ t s i r h C Lane
Nestled between Grand Arcade and The Grafton, Christ’s Lane can be found in the heart of the city offering you some retail therapy along with a choice of eateries. With a large H&M and Zara, you will be able to find gifts for all the family, and don’t forget to pick up a little something for yourself. Metro Bank & Tesco Extra are there for all the essentials and Starbucks and Sushi Mania will be on hand to fuel your shopping spree.
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Beauty Calendar H&M, £29.99
Womens 12 Days of Socks FatFace, £32.50 The Grand Advent Calendar Hotel Chocolat, £75.00
Beauty Advent Calendar John Lewis & Partners, £179
Festive Joy Fabric Advent Calendar Wilko, £20
HEAVENLY DESSERTS Heavenly Desserts opened their doors last year and if you are looking for a sweet treat, then do not hesitate to pop in. The menu has a huge choice of desserts, meaning there is something for everyone. The team bring their unique creations to life which offers a winning combination of taste, appearance and quality.
Yankee Candle Christmas Advent Set Boots, £39.99 Winter Scenes Advent Calendar University of Cambridge Museums Shop, £7.99
Serving freshly made light and fluffy waffles & crepes, soft cookie dough & bespoke cheesecakes. Heavenly Desserts use authentic Italian gelato and real Belgian chocolate to accompany their dishes, as well as other fine ingredients that have been carefully sourced to guarantee consistent quality and taste with every dish.
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Choir Boy Advent Candle King’s College Visitor Centre, £5.00
Mens 12 Days of Socks FatFace, £35.00
William Morris Advent Calendar Next, £44.99
Cocktail Advent Calendar John Lewis & Partners, £125
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Loving Christmas | Staying Sustainable this Christmas
Loving Christmas | Staying Sustainable this Christmas
r o f s p i T p o T e l b a n i a t s u S g n i y Sta s a m t s i this Chr Did you know that us Brits produce 30% more rubbish during the festive season? Here are some top tips on how to reuse or recycle where you can.
Christmas Trees
Did you know that an estimated 6 million Christmas trees are bought in the UK every year? Of course, they are real trees so they do biodegrade but a reusable one can be more sustainable if you use it for more than 10 Christmases. Why not go for something less traditional, Oliver Bonas have a wonderful metallic tree for only £49.95 which can be used year after year, you could even use it all year round as a lovely addition to your décor.
Buy Local
Buying local reduces the carbon footprint of the items that are purchased, and you take them home with you rather than get them sent to you by courier. Why not pop to the Cambridge Market and your local butcher to purchase all you need for that scrumptious festive feast.
Advent Calendars
Over the last few years advent calendars have become bigger and bigger but why not create your own. There are many ways in which to do this, you could hang envelopes from the tree with gifts, messages, or nice treats inside, you can use your naughty elf each day to give the kids their daily fix or you can buy reusable calendars to fill with whatever you fancy.
Wrapping Paper
There is a very simple test to check whether you can recycle your wrapping paper or not - scrunch it into a ball and wait for a few seconds. If it stays scrunched up, you can recycle as you would any other paper and if it springs back then it can’t be recycled. Obviously, you can’t try this out in-store, so we recommend doing some research as to where you can buy recyclable wrapping paper, you would be surprised at how common it is now.
Reusable Crackers Metallic Tree Oliver Bonas, £49.99
The personal touch is always so much better, so why not make your own reusable Christmas crackers. Paperchase have a great set of fabric crackers in traditional Christmas colours for only £15. Reusable Crackers Paperchase, £15
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Sustainable Christmas Advent Calendar TK Maxx, £4.99
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Loving Christmas | Gifts for Her
Loving Christmas | Gifts for Her
r e H r o fts f
Gi
t ideas
erful gif
wond ction of
A sele
fo
Party Time Make-Up Bag and Coin Purse Card Factory £3.99
Gold Constellation Disc Pendant Accessorize, £17
Areena Metallic Dress AllSaints, £199
ur life.
dy in yo
cial la r the spe
Prima Donna Plunge Balcony Bra Rigby & Peller, £112
The Ladies’ Miniature Festive Collection Penhaligon’s, £40
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Prima Donna Hotpants Rigby & Peller, £56 17
Silver Multi Coloured Cubic Zirconia Pear Halo Bracelet Beaverbrooks, £195
Make Up Palette Zara, £27.99
Coat River Island, £95
Persol Frames Sunglass Hut, £219 Ballet Slippers The White Company, £39 Fringe Pink Handbag Zara, £32.99
Aromatic Body Lotion and Foaming Bath Neal’s Yard, £25
Large Ceramic Lantern Wilko, £20 Do It All Stick H&M, £9.99
Purple Sequin Mini Wrap Dress New Look, £35.99
Rosie for M&S Dressing Gown M&S, £35
Hand Cream FatFace, £8
Wellness Tote Bag Typo, £30
Ankle Boot Hobbs, £179
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Kalrin Bag Ted Baker, £140 Animal Pom Slipper Oliver Bonas, £28
Silver Multi Coloured Cubic Zirconia Ring Beaverbrooks, £125
Stuck for gift ideas this Christmas
The Love Cambridge Gift Card can help
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Loving Christmas | Gifts for Him
Loving Christmas | Gifts for Him
m i H r o f s t f i G
to get the Struggling to choose what Leather Strap Bracelet Thomas Sabo, £198
Boxers & Toiletry Set FatFace, £20
The Wreath Hotel Chocolat, £43.50
special man in your life?
Here are a few ideas:
Hoodie H&M, £29.99
Camper Soap on a Rope FatFace, £6.50
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Special Edition Men’s Watch Beaverbrooks, £1,800
El Rayo No.1 Plata Tequila John Lewis & Partners, £37.95
Tony’s Chocolonely 2 Bar Gift Pack John Lewis & Partners, £10
Lentic Sweater Ted Baker, £95
Ray Ban Sunglasses Sunglass Hut, £384
Aftershave Zara, £25 Scarf Zara, £22.99
Oskar Crew All Saints, £149
Maisonn Tan Boot Ted Baker, £150
Leather Gloves M&S, £39.95
Holdem Shirt AllSaints, £95
Aftershave Balm Neal’s Yard, £21
Leather Holdall M&S, £115
Paco Rabanne Gift Set The Fragrance Shop, £54
AirTag Apple, £29
Philips Perfect Draft Beer Pump John Lewis & Partners, £249.99
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Loving Christmas | Gifts for Pets
Glazed Ribbed Pet Bowl Oliver Bonas, £16.50
Pet Toy M&S, £6
Pet Stocking Diy Kit TK Maxx, £7
Customisable Dog Tag Harriet Kelsall, from £105
Walkies Dog Soap on a Rope Shampoo Bars Soap & Clay, £7
Pet Treat Bag Oliver Bonas, £9.50
Stripe Pet Teepee Oliver Bonas, £59.50
t e g r o F t o n s ’ t e L s d n e i r F y rr u F r u o fts, don’t forget to
ying Christmas gi
bu When it comes to
r the loveable pets
grab something fo
Dog Poo Bag Dispenser T Cole Crafts (market trader) £15
in the house.
The Little Botanical Pet Lovers Plant Bundle John Lewis & Partners, £53
Petcube Pet Camera John Lewis & Partners, £49.95
Pet Christmas Jersey T Shirt Joules, from £14
Cat Gift Set M&S, £15
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Check Duvet Pet Bed FatFace, £49.99
Love Cambridge Gift Card – one card, thousands of choices
Loving Christmas | Gifts for Kids
Loving Christmas | Gifts for Kids
s d i K r o f Gifts
Christmas Signature Collection Hotel Chocolat, £16
Versace Sunglasses Sunglass Hut, £97
Pink Cable Hat with Orange Pom Oliver Bonas, £24
ren
n of gifts for the child
A wonderful selectio
Party Sequin Bag Primark, £9
.
ristmas morning
to unwrap on Ch
Pi4 Desktop Kit Pack Raspberry Pi, £99
Christmas Tree Hair Clips Accessorize, £4
Dress Polarn O. Pyret, From £35
Kids Pencil Case H&M, £4.99
Lego Santa’s Visit John Lewis & Partners, £79.99
Snow Fairy Gift Set Lush, £27
Disney Princess Craft Set Card Factory, £7.99 Frozen Perfume Zara, £11.99
3D Stegosaurus Puzzle Miniso £7.50
Christmas Portly Penguin Hotel Chocolat, £8.50
Spiderman Aftershave Zara, £11.99
Blue Freya Fox Face Sock Accessorize, £4
Rawk R1 Retro Drop Through Complete Longboard John Lewis & Partners, £79.99
Percy Pig Snoodie M&S, £16
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Variety of Licensed Brands, Card Factory
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Festive Pyjamas Polarn O. Pyret, £30
Percy Pig Bath Fizzers M&S, £3.50
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Loving Christmas | Markets
Loving Christmas | Markets
Homemade Ornaments Caro Gray Creates, £26 each
Ceramics Aga Robak, from £10
Personal Iris Photograph Bright Eyes of Cambridge, From £30
Chilli Sauce Gift Set Ntsama’s, £19.99
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Il Molino, from £14
s t e k r a M e g Cambrid d 7 day a week
ve an all-year-roun
lucky to ha Cambridge is very
it all tastes.
ge of products to su
market offering a ran
Located in the centre of the city, in front of The Guildhall, Cambridge Market really is a shopping destination it its own right. You can find all sorts of wonderful, quirky Christmas gifts.
GENERAL MARKET Market Traders have been trading in the City Centre since the middle ages, now, on Market Hill at the rear of Great St Mary’s Church and a stones throw from Kings Parade and the colleges as well as the Grand Arcade; the Market and its 99 pitches is open 7 days a week from 10am – 4pm. Monday – Saturday, you can find everything from the traditional butchers, bakers, florists, cheesemongers, greengrocers, sweet stalls and fishmongers to vinyl, vintage clothes, fresh ground & freshly made coffee and tea, as well as a selection of souvenirs, gifts and flowers, jewellery, books, recycled goods and an array of food including street food from many different cultures, not to mention two bike stalls to service and repair your cycles while you shop!
Candles Peonies & Palms, from £14.50
All Saints Garden Art & Craft Market (Saturdays)
Just a short walk from the Market through Rose Crescent and up along Trinity Street; The All Saints Garden, Art & Craft Market is held every Saturday and some weekdays in peak season including the week leading up to Christmas. The perfect opportunity to “meet the maker” and have that special gift commissioned for your loved ones! Situated in a beautiful outdoor setting opposite Trinity College, with a unique and ever-changing range of bespoke products from the finest of craftspeople in woodwork, original art from painting to drawing and everything in between; ceramics and hand-blown glasswork to jewellery, hand-turned one-of-a kind pens and specially printed notebooks, zero-waste cosmetics, toiletries, candles and much, much more.
Bath Bombs The Hemp Store, £3.50 each
Sundays at the Market have a more Local feel If Saturdays trip to All Saints was not enough, on Sundays, the Market Square takes on a different feel, with a focus on Arts, Craft and Local Produce. Between 10am – 4pm every Sunday, the market offers an even wider selection of unique items than any other day of the week including locally grown produce, locally reared meats and fresh fish, baked goods and local crafts people selling a further range of unique products, with many of the daily traders still present, it is a great day to visit.
Fragrance Lamp Traditional Pottery, £19.50
Real Pressed Flower Resin Earrings from Glenys Self, £12
STREET TRADING Cambridge offers an excellent range of street traders located around the historic city centre, along Fitzroy Street near the Grafton, Sydney Street and beyond. Offering both retailers selling jewellery, clothes and fruit and veg, and food traders located across the city selling hot dogs, jacket potatoes, savoury and sweet crepes and a vegetarian stall selling delicious falafel wraps, there’s no excuse to stay hungry whilst in the city.
TO S E E W H O I S T R A D I N G S E A RC H #CAMBRIDGEMARKET CAMBRIDGEMARKETUK CAMBRIDGECRAFTMARKET
Loose Leaf Tea Emerald Foods, £2.50
Snowflake Earrings Hairy Growler, £165 for set of 6
CAMBRIDGEMARKET ALLSAINTSCRAFTMARKET
Various Cheese Board Items Quirky & Posh Gifts
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Stuck for gift ideas this Christmas
The Love Cambridge Gift Card can help
Earrings Peachy Boo, £12
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Shop Independent this Christmas Cambridge is bursting with Independent shops, support your community and shop local this Christmas.
Monstera Inspired Necklace with Diamond Harriet Kelsall, £695
O N E G I F T C A R D. THOUSANDS OF CHOICES. For a full list of where you can spend the Love Cambridge Gift Card please visit www.love-cambridgegiftcard.com
SCAN
here
Cork Fabric Sunflower Tote Bag T Cole Crafts, £130
Lavender Bath Bombs Soap & Clay, £5 Christmas Cake Soap, Soap & Clay, from £6
Celebration Hamper Box Fitzbillies, £110
Book Lovers Mug Cambridge University Press Bookshop, £11.99
Leopard Bandana University of Cambridge Museums Shop, £25
Cufflinks with Brilliant Cut Ruby Harriet Kelsall, £345
Cork Wallet or Bus Pass Holder T Cole Crafts, £15
Women Who Changed The World Notebook Cambridge University Press Bookshop, £10
Fitz and Will Book The Christmas Adventure Kings College Visitor Centre, £7.99
Cork Fabric Wash Bag T Cole Crafts, £25 Sterling Silver Circle Charm & Chain Bracelet Harriet Kelsall, £225 Royal Crown Derby Nightingale Owl Kings College Visitor Centre, £200
Cambridge T-Shirt Age 1-6 Giles & Co, £9.99
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1000 Piece Cambridge Jigsaw Jacks on Trinity, £17.99
Teasy Tea Infuser University of Cambridge Museums Shop, £40 Museum of Zoology Colour In Placemat University of Cambridge Museums Shop, £20
Unique, personal, quirky – shop independents
TO BUY... Online | www.love-cambridgegiftcard.com
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Loving Christmas | Hotels
Loving Christmas | Hotels
s l e t o H e g d i r b Cam Hotels aren’t Just for
Sleeping...
Cambridge is lucky to have several fabulous hotels which of course provide a wonderful place to stay, but have you considered visiting a hotel to sample their food offering? Here is just a snippet of what is on offer.
The Hilton Cambridge City Centre Hotel AN EXTRA SPECIAL CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH
The Graduate Hotel FESTIVE A LA CARTE AT GARDEN HOUSE Seasonal menu featuring the very best of British produce inside Graduate Cambridge Hotel. The hotel will be dressed for the season for a cosy, festive dining experience or drink at Garden Bar in the heart of the hotel.
CHRISTMAS PARTIES Available from 26th November 2022 to 8th January 2023, indulge in a three-course festive menu for parties of 6 guests or more. Prices from £49.50pp including Christmas crackers.
There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas Day than with warm Hilton hospitality, a fun and festive environment and all your favourite seasonal dishes expertly prepared by the chefs at Hilton Cambridge City Centre.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT GARDEN HOUSE
MAKE THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE A GLAM NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Non-residents are welcome to enjoy a five-course Christmas Day lunch at Garden House at £90pp for groups of up to 6 people.
Celebrate a glitzy evening in style at Hilton Cambridge City Centre! Sip a cocktail on arrival before sitting down to indulge in a lavish meal, toast the New Year in with a glass of bubbly, dance the night away with the resident DJ and try your luck at the casino tables. To book, email cambridgecity.events@hilton.com
University Arms Hotel
Visit their website for more information and menu options www.parkerstavern.com
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Gonville Hotel offers the perfect setting for a memorable Christmas and New Year and have created a programme with something for everyone:
CHRISTMAS GROUP BOOKINGS
From the carolling that rings out from the great chapels of Cambridge to the frost that covers the city parks, there is no finer English city to spend Christmas in – nor a hotel more inviting than University Arms. With live performances from Clare College every Saturday in Parker’s Tavern, they are the best location to fill yourself with Christmas cheer. Parkers Tavern are offering a selection of options for Festive Dining including a Christmas Day lunch fit for a king.
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The Gonville Hotel
LoveCambridge_
Whether you’re looking to celebrate in style with colleagues or relax and unwind with your family and friends for an outstanding Christmas celebration in our Atrium Restaurant. Our Head Chef Jamie Decruz has created a delicious 3 course group menu to choose from £52 per person.
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA Join us for a festive twist on a traditional afternoon tea. Served every day from Monday 28th November, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Prices start from £32.50. www.gonvillehotel.co.uk
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E X P L O R E O V E R 2 5 0 B O U T I Q U E S A N D E AT E R I E S
There’s a New Kid on the Block Market House is a one-of-a-kind dining and meeting space in the heart of Cambridge. Spreading over five floors of the iconic Grade II listed building, Market House comprises a fine dining restaurant, private dining rooms, an atmospheric Wine Bar with a popular casual menu, a stunning Food Lab and flexible meeting spaces. The higher you go, the more impressive the sweeping views of Cambridge’s Market Square, Great St Mary’s the University Church, Senate House and King’s College Chapel. The interior of Market House is contemporary, stylish and inviting. The menu is modern British, following the sustainability ethos of the restaurant, which is to use hand-selected, predominantly local ingredients and products. Market House is also hosting deliciously-designed tasting events and masterclasses which include cheese tasting, coffee tasting, choux pastry masterclass and an introduction to Christmas wines. Keep an eye on their website for future events. www.markethouse.co.uk
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Loving Christmas | Eat Cambridge
The Best of the Restaurants It’s tough to narrow down the huge choice of fantastic restaurants in Cambridge to a few top picks, but there are several standouts which deserve a mention. The Pint Shop located on Peas Hill has fast become a firm favourite in Cambridge. Famed for its extensive beer and gin selection, the menu stands out as one of the best in the city. Using seasonal ingredients in a creative way, a visit should be on your to-do list. The Ivy Cambridge situated amongst the most famous landmarks, offers relaxed, sophisticated all-day dining with an extensive menu to meet all tastes.
stive season.
n expect to find:
d up of what you ca
30
Or head to Market Street where you will find a Five Guys, Franco Manca, Tortilla and Pizza Pilgrims which is due to open this winter.
New to Cambridge this year, Gastrono-me are launching a Christmas menu with a difference, a Yorkshire Pud Burrito which contains your traditional Sunday roast or a vegetarian alternative, all wrapped up ready to eat. Or you can dive straight into their Christmas Cheese Board Mac & Cheese which is a Christmas twist on their menu favourite.
e is thriving this fe
Here’s a brief roun
Other good laid back eateries include Gail’s Bakery who can be found at The Grafton or the newly opened branch near the Train Station.
Gastrono-me
food trucks, urants to fantastic
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For a casual bite, Cambridge city centre is teeming with options. A great place to start is Bene’t Street, a foodie hotspot that’s home to some of the city’s finest. Bread & Meat serves gourmet sandwiches made with sourdough bread and delicious roasted meats: the must-try is the roast porchetta, served with herby salsa verde, but the poutine, smothered in melty cheese and rich gravy, is well worth a look too.
Over near the Train Station, you will find Tawa and if you have never tried it, then add it to your list! An Indian restaurant serving authentic, nutritious food which is mainly plant based and always delicious. Located in the CB1 area, 2-minute walk from the train station it really should not be missed. Owned by Vilas Patel, who has lived and worked in Cambridge for over 30 years, she had a desire to share home cooked food with the city, offering something a bit different, exciting and above all lip-smackingingly tasty.
e g d i r b m a C Eat From refined resta
Casual Dining
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Loving Christmas | Travelling to Cambridge
Loving Christmas | Purple Flag
Travelling to Cambridge
Flying the Purple Flag this Winter
We all know Cambridge is a beautiful city to visit during the day, but did you know it has a vibrant early evening and night-time scene too? From tapas to cocktails, there is lots of fun to be had this festive season. Cambridge is a Purple Flag City, which is an award that recognises locations that put measures in place to support the safe management after dark (5pm – 5am). For more information visit www.cambridgepurpleflag.com
Getting into and around Cambridge is much
festive fun
easier than you might think. Why not travel: ON PARK & RIDE Park in one of the 5 car parks spread across the main radial routes into Cambridge and catch the bus into the city centre. The Park & Ride return ticket is £3 and with this ticket up to three children travel for free. The Park & Ride Group Ticket is £8.50 and can only be purchased from the driver – it allows a group of up to 5 people to travel together. Parking is free for up to 18 hours. For more information please visit www.cambridgeparkandride.info BY BUS Getting into the heart of the city centre
by bus is easy – many of the routes within the city centre operate on a 10-minute frequency and to those places a bit further afield 20 or 30-minute frequencies are common place. Full details of all bus services and other local routes are available on www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/info/20017/buses The Cambridgeshire Guided Busway provides reliable, fast and frequent connections between Cambridge, St Ives, Huntingdon and beyond. More information www.thebusway.info
BY TRAIN Cambridge Railway Station is about
a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute cycle ride from the City Centre. In addition, there are numerous local buses and taxis available to provide convenient links between the railway station and the city centre.
BY CAR Cambridge has four centrally located
multi-storey car parks and three surface car parks that provide parking.The car parks are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and operate on a pay on foot basis. For more information please visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/parking. Please note that the Park Street Car Park remains closed for a complete refurbishment.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the local Panto and this year Cambridge Arts Theatre plays host to Dick Whittington. The Corn Exchange has a fantastic Christmas schedule this year, be sure to check them out. If you prefer to be in the driving seat for all the action, head to LockHouse Escape Games for brain-teasing puzzles and a mild sense of peril.
Punting
We might be heading towards winter, but you can still enjoy a punt along the River Cam – opt for Private Hire shared tours. An evening punt along Cambridge’s iconic Backs on a crisp winter evening is not to be Scudamores (www.scudamores.com) or Rutherfords (www.rutherfordspunting.com) as a great starting point.
BY BIKE If you fancy taking to two wheels you certainly won’t be alone in Cambridge. Details of cycle park locations and the best routes around the city are available at www.cambridge.gov.uk/cycling-and-walking
BY VOI SCOOTER There are a number of
pick up and drop off points for the electric Voi Scooters. A great way to get around the city quickly. Please read the T&Cs on the Voi Website and always use responsibly. www.voiscooters.com
Please be sure to check the bus and Park & Ride timetables online for any seasonal variations.
drinking & dancing
If you’re in the mood for music, head to De Luca Cucina & Bar for live piano, and La Raza has regular takeovers from bands and DJs. MASH is an independent nightclub, keeping Cambridge up after hours all week long. Revolution is promising showstopping Christmas spectacles, including their cocktail masterclasses. Or if you’re in the mood for a Christmas party, Vinyl has private rooms and VIP tables, with party planners to do the hard work for you!
On Saturday nights 10pm – 4am, the dedicated Street Pastors keep an eye out for anyone in need. They offer directions, food and drink, and other practical support. And on each payday weekend and every weekend in December the Taxi Marshals at the St Andrews Street Taxi Rank help everyone get home safely.
Cambridge Purple Flag is a partnership, and our vision for the year ahead is to provide training and support to venues as they exit a difficult period, keeping customers safe and allowing them to focus on enjoying a great night out. Cambridge BID and CAMBAC (project co-leaders) Supported by: Addenbrookes, Cambridge City and County Councils, Cambridgeshire Police and Fire services, CCTV, Hyline Security, La Raza, The Regal, Street Pastors, Ta Bouche, Trinity Hall College. Cambridge University Students’ Union and MASH.
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