CB Travel guide

05/09/2024

New openings in Cambridge.

The 10 hottest tickets in Cambridge this Autumn.

What are the best post-holiday resets in Cambridge right now? Are you worried about how to shake off the holiday blues after a wonderful holiday and a lovely summer?

Don’t worry! I can sort that, as there is enough to please your palate in Cambridge this Autumn.

Here is your bucket list for the next few months of new indie openings.

Copy and paste the link below for the full month. 😋😋

https://www.cbtravelguide.co.uk/new-openings-in-cambridge/

28/08/2024

Last night of the Tapas!

It was a wonderful Tapas night at the Free Press again. Rumour of the delicious food has been clearly spreading around Cambridge as it was packed last Sunday.

Unfortunately, this was the last one in the series this year, but don’t fear that there will be nothing exciting happening at the Free Press on Sunday nights. Tom is working on something exciting. Watch this space.

Thanks Ben from for the excellent Austrian natural wine.

22/08/2024

How do you like your Italian?

Pizza, pasta or a relaxed evening enjoying a variety of food as the Italians do?

We like it the Italian way! Last night we caught up with Maurizio and let him choose the food and wine from his recently new menu which has a lot of choice including many vegan and plant based options.

We enjoyed a lovely bottle crisp rose followed by an excellent Ripasso and an array of dishes.

* bruschetta with Gorgonzola, premium salami and oregano
* Spicy garlic bread
* Mortadella and buffalo mozzarella
* Tagliatelle bolognese and Casarecce with fiorelli and sausage
* Grayson Perry pizza

As always a fun evening with excellent wines and delicious food.

If you’re planning to dine why not ask him to put your sharing feast together.

21/08/2024

Afternoon Tea week...

Did you know there was such a thing? I didn’t, but there is a special week for almost everything now.

Last Saturday, we joined the Fellows House for their Afternoon Tea launch. In the past, they only offered this on special days. Since it has become such a popular food experience, they have now decided to run Afternoon Tea all year from Thursday through to Sunday from midday to 4.30 pm.

The Fellows House is located in a great spot just a stone’s throw away from the city centre, River Cam and Midsummer Common; the Folio Bar & Kitchen is the perfect place to meet, network and socialise whether you are a guest at the hotel or just passing by from central Cambridge. The Folio is one of the newest Cambridge restaurants based on Milton Road, just a short walk from the City centre.

This delightful hotel has a fantastic selection of Cambridge-related art, including paintings of famous Cambridge fellows. Take a moment to walk around the hotel and admire the stunning paintings. One of my favourites is Jane Goodhall’s painting.

The Afternoon Tea at the Folio Bar & Kitchen is a wonderful and special occasion. The delicious canapes, finger sandwiches, macarons, sweet treats and scones served on a contemporary tiered stand are all the hallmarks of a quintessential English Afternoon tea. Everything is masterfully crafted by their in-house Pastry Chef, Kim Romasta.

To pair with the delicious food, you can choose from an exquisite selection of loose leaf teas including Chamomile, Early Grey, English Breakfast, Ginger and Lemon, Jasmine Princess, Peppermint or Masala Tea. And if you have something to celebrate, you deserve a glass of bubbly!

Prices & Booking
24 hours notice needed
Less than 24 hours, contact the restaurant directly
£ 29.50 p.p.

AD/Invite

15/08/2024

Welcome to Cambridge! The sanga has arrived...

I know what you’re thinking: what is a sanga? Coming from me, it must be food! Indeed, and it is from down under.

The word ‘sanga’ is Aussie slang for a sandwich. Nobody knows when or how the letter ‘g’ became involved, although it is assumed it was adopted from the common mispronunciation of sandwich as ‘sangwich’.

So what is so special about these sangas? Described as a feat of engineering, they are less soggy. This salad sandwich, consists of layers of delicious fillings like a rainbow.

Variations of these fancy salad sandwiches popped up all over Australia, using spicy rocket instead of lettuce, pickled beetroot instead of carrots and a spiced spread of herby egg salad instead of beef.

Amanda and Shawn have brought these delicious sandwiches to Cambridge. They opened their cafe Ellimatta a de weeks ago on Victoria Avenue in Chesterton, which is a stone’s throw away from Midsummer Common.

Last Sunday, we decided to treat ourselves to one of their delicious creations. It was a perfect stop on our dog walk.

We went for the Manly and Campsie. Both delicious, filled to the brim, a nice kick and crunch! The homemade biscuits are a must try!

There is more than sangas! Amanda started stocking excellent cookery Australian cookery books and Shane is selling a fine collection of vinyls.

I haven’t had a chance to try one of Amanda’s salads, but they sound amazing too. Using only organic vegetables from Great Abbington.

Don’t you agree? Sounds as one of the best sarnies in Cambridge?
cambridge

26/07/2024

26/07/2024

Glorious weather calls for Tapas...

We joined the Free Press last week for their first Tapas night, and it was a BIG hit. Within 30 minutes, the rare roast beef and tonnato sauce with black olives, capers, rocket and radish was sold out!

The tapas were delicious, and the pub and terrace were fully booked.

Here is a preview of some of the dishes. Make sure you leave some space for the desserts, too!

The Free Press

09/07/2024

July Open Studios

Our Cambridge Open Studios event runs over the first four weekends of July every year, and provides the opportunity to visit working studios, and buy art direct from the artists.

2024 dates for your calendar

Cambridge Open Studios will run over the following dates in 2024, with studios open between 10am and 5pm:

06 – 07 | 13 – 14 | 20 – 21 | 27 – 28 July

Artists must be a member, and have paid the additional participation fee, by 31 January 2024 in order to take part in the July Open Studios.

More info in the link below:

https://www.cbtravelguide.co.uk/event/cambridge-open-studios/2024-07-13/

07/07/2024

Japanese Afternoon Tea at Kibou

Wow! Can you believe it’s already July? It feels like just yesterday when KIBOU opened its doors on Jesus Lane, on the 11th of August last year. Over the past year, they’ve become a household name in Cambridge, treating us to the finest Japanese cuisine.

There is never a dull moment at KIBOU. Their team is constantly working on new products. Recently, they launched a Culinary Passport to Japan, sharing the best culinary delights of selected cities.

Last Autumn, they launched their Afternoon Tea, which is very popular. Not a surprise at in our opinion, as it is a lovely twist on a traditional tea and very tasty, too! Featuring tasters of some of our most popular dishes alongside other traditional Japanese sweets, their afternoon tea arrives on a stunning 3-tiered stand, and is available with a range of drinks options.

Dive into dishes such as tempura prawn California roll, salmon tataki with mango salsa and sea bream nigiri, followed by signature yuzu cheesecake and Japanese garden tartlets, mochi ice cream and traditional custard dorayaki with strawberry compote.

There’s also a vegetarian option featuring an array of our delicious veggie sushi. Priced from £19 per person for the vegetarian version and £23 per person for the classic, this elegant afternoon tea is served with a choice of Japanese teas and infusions as standard – such as delicately fragrant jasmine or the sweet and nutty notes of genmaicha – green tea with toasted brown rice.

Or choose from a selection of accompanying drinks packages, including a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne, signature KIBOU cocktail or Junmai Tokubetsu sake, known for its creamy character with notes of pear and banana.

Alongside this, they’re also offering a matcha tea option, which includes a bowl of steaming matcha tea hand whisked at your table.

04/07/2024

Indian Sunday Lunch at the Taj

A few weeks ago, one of the chefs at the Taj Tandoori contacted me to try some of their new dishes. Not your usual run of the mill, though! Indian Brunch and Sunday Lunch.

Over the past year, the Indian Brunch has been making waves in Cambridge. It’s not just a favourite among the Indian community, but also the British. This unique fusion of British and Indian cuisine is the perfect way to start your day with a bit of spice. However, Indian Sunday Lunch is entirely new for Cambridge.

The Sunday Lunch at the Taj Tandoori on Cherry Hinton Road started because one of the owners has fond memories of childhood favourites, British Classics. Fish butties on Friday nights and Sunday roasts on Sundays are two. You would not expect these things at home in an Indian family, so he was keen to share some of his favourites in his restaurant. That’s how the Indian Sunday Lunch at the Taj Tandoori was born.

Last Sunday, we headed over to the Taj for Sunday Lunch. We started with the egg explosion, a rosti filled with a runny egg yolk on a bed of saag bhajee topped with creamy chilli sauce. This delicious dish is also on their Brunch menu, and it’s scrummy!

For mains, we had the succulently soft half tandoori roasted chicken and the Roast Lamb Melt in your mouth medallion of tandoori roasted lamb shoulder, which were both delicious and tender using Indian spicing. There are two gravies to choose from, we opted for the spicy gravy instead of the regular one. I could have had buckets of that! The mains are served with coriander infused roast potatoes, paneer & nigella Yorkshire pudding, Kashmiri chilli glazed carrots, seasonal vegetables, braised red cabbage and red pepper puree. Very tasty indeed!

We finished two Indian-inspired desserts. The dessert with the pancake was almost like a Dutch dumpling.

Fancy something different than the regular Sunday Lunch? Head over to the Taj Tandoori to spice up you Sunday.

PR/INVITE

11/06/2024

Looking for a nice bite to eat but a bit more than pub grub? Not quite sure where to go in Cambridge? Look no further. The answer is right here.

A few weeks ago, The Burleigh Arms on Newmarket Road changed hands.
The new owner, Tom Arnold, is a well-known Cambridge entrepreneur and Kareem Roberts, his head chef, was the creative mind behind Restaurant Trinity for many years, which closed last December. So, for the fans of Kareem's excellent food, he's back with a bang!

Last Saturday, finally had the chance to dine at the Burleigh Arms. After a refreshing Gin and Tonic in the back garden, they moved to the restaurant and let Kareem decide on the menu that evening. They certainly didn't regret this!

The Burleigh Arms has two menus: the bar and the restaurant's daily changing set price menu. ( two courses for £ 22 and 3 for £ 26.50 p.p.). Our first two dishes were from the bar menu. The Chicken coronation with pickled red onions had a lovely kick, and the goat cheese & pea arancini was served with a delicious silky chive mayo. Perfect as bar snacks, but also as entrees for our dining experience.

One of the stars that evening was the hake served with tomato tapenade, crunchy courgettes and a stunning creamy lovage sauce.

Next up was the cured and slow-roasted pork belly. The lengthy process of 48 hours is a labour of love, and it is worth it! The pork was incredibly tender, and the crackling was very crisp. It was served with crushed sweet potato & Salsa Roja.

The mango mess and summer fruit crumble vanilla panna cotta with strawberry gel and biscotti perfectly ended a wonderful dining experience.

One of my favourite additions to Kareem's dishes is the crunch of salsas and crispy vegetables. It gives the dishes an extra dimension.

As many local chefs do these days, Kareem also grows herbs and vegetables at the back of the pub.

Make sure you book a table to avoid disappointment, especially with the upcoming Father's Day. Keep an eye out on their social media, as they have a lot of exciting plans.

03/05/2024

Better than a hot dog? The chilli dog!

Who fancies a Chilli Dog? I can hear you think, “What is a chilli dog”? Let’s get to the bottom of this. No, it is not a hot dog topped with chilli beans. Actually, it is not a hot dog at all. It’s a lot better quality and much tastier.

Why are chilli dogs much better than hot dogs?
Is there a difference between hot dogs and chilli dogs? There is, indeed! Hot dogs are made of pork, but good quality beef is used for chilli dogs, these are also known as beech-smoked Frankfurter. Then you have another variant of hot dogs, pre-cooked from jars, a mixture of turkey, chicken and pork. Junior Conway, the founder of the Chilli Dogg Company, only uses the beech-smoked Frankfurters for his dogs, which is very tasty and has a lovely bite.

The Chilli Dogg Company is not your average hot dog joint. It’s a haven for foodies, offering a diverse menu that goes beyond the traditional hot dog. From a variety of chilli and vegan dogs to hamburgers, chilli cheese fries, corn dogs, sides, American-style desserts, and a children’s menu, there’s something for everyone. The Chilli Dogg Company serves its mouthwatering creations from Wednesday to Sunday from 4 to 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday from midday. And if you can’t make it to the Castle Bar, they’re also available on Deliveroo.

Tasty food made with passion
So who said fast food can’t be tasty? It can be indeed. These delicious Chilli Dogs are the creation of an experienced chef. Junior has worked in many top-end Cambridge restaurants, so you can look forward to not only a tasty bite to eat but also food created by a chef sourcing the best ingredients.

And….for the non-meat eaters, there are a lot of tasty choices too!

Read our review and the full story about the history of the New York Chillie Dog on our blog. Click and paste the link below:
https://www.cbtravelguide.co.uk/better-than-a-hot-dog-the-chilli-dog/

06/04/2024

NEWS ALERT! 🎥

On Wednesday, the 10th of April, the Green Dragon Pub launches a new menu. Make sure you book a table to be one of the first ones to sample the delicious Lebanese food.

So, who is the chef behind this fantastic Lebanese food? Mohamed moved to England 11 years ago. His friends call him Badreddine, so let's do the same. Despite his law degree, Badreddine's love of food took over, turning boring leftover croissants and bread into sexy sandwiches, which became very popular.

Soon after arriving in London in 2014, he discovered Lebanese cuisine, which captivated his senses. He dedicated his free time to mastering the intricacies of flavours, techniques, and infusions, creating culinary delights.

In 2019, he opened his first takeaway café in Islington * Irresistiball Falafel & Mezze, and most recently, he consulted in opening a restaurant in Oxford. We should be happy that he has left 'the other place' and is spoiling us with his culinary delights.

In case you haven't been to the Green Dragon, it is a historic local pub centrally located in the heart of the Village of Chesterton, just a stone's throw away from Midsummer Common.

With stunning riverside views and a picturesque beer garden leading down to the river. A fine array of cask ales, wines and delicious home-cooked fresh food. The Green Dragon is a stylish Cambridgeshire local bursting with character and charm. It is one of the best spots to watch all the rowing activity on the river. The May Bumps and the Town Bumps throughout June each year are the most notable.

Be the first to taste Badreddine's Lebanese food and book a table for dinner on Wednesday, the 10th of April.

05/04/2024

NEWS ALERT - PIZZA POP UPS! 🍕

The Green Dragon is preparing for the arrival of their new Lebanese Chef, so in the meantime, their kitchen is closed till Wednesday, the 10th of April.

More information about the launch night tomorrow. So watch this space. 🤓

This weekend, it will be all about delicious pizzas. The perfect grub for the glorious weather to come this weekend. The beer garden will be open, and the bar staff will be in full swing, so head over to the Green Dragon in Chesterton, which has one of Cambridge's best riverside beer gardens.

Click through the images to check out the views of the stunning location.

Pizza lineup this weekend.

Friday the 5th of April
Pizza Passione from 4 - 8pm

Saturday the 6th of April
Pizza Tradizione from 12- 3pm
Orbis Pizza from 3 - 8pm

Sun the 7th of April
Pizza Passione from 3 - 6pm

03/04/2024

BREAKING NEWS!

It has been a long time in the making, but it’s finally here! 🦪🦪🦪

Oyster Wednesday & Thursday on the Cambridge Market at The Cambridge Fishmongers.

Archie will be shucking Brancaster oysters every on Wednesday and Thursday on the stall, served with a slice of lemon and help yourself to tobasco. Leigh and Archie will be there Friday's and Saturdays for cracking fresh fish!

If you fancy a drink, bring your own. With Cambridge wine merchants around the corner on Kings Parade, you can definitely find that glass of wine or bubbles to enjoy at the seating areas around the market square.

The Cambridge Fishmonger, Crystal Waters Ltd

17/01/2024

NEW opening alert!

Today the Asian restaurant opens at the Market House.

Located in the stunning previous wine bar it offers an eclectic Korean menu including a good selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.

Open at lunch time and in the evenings from 5pm.

Please note that the main restaurant of the Market House is only open in the evenings now.

Market House

15/01/2024

Only a month to go. Have you decided where to go?

Don't panic! We have created the ultimate Cambridge Valentine list.

Cambridge is one of the most romantic cities in the world, so being here for Valentine’s Day is an opportunity not to be missed. Drift along the river Cam with bubbly and chocolates, have a romantic dinner at Cambridge’s landmark hotel, join one of the hottest single nights out at a quirky award-winning wine shop, or cosy up at one of the prettiest restaurants in Cambridge over a Japanese indulgent couples menu and stroll through the old cobblestoned streets afterwards.

From award-winning restaurants to the hottest date in Cambridge, sweeter than chocolate, to winning a free Valentine's dinner for two.

Link in BIO - What's New
or copy and paste the link below
https://www.cbtravelguide.co.uk/valentine-in-cambridge/

12/01/2024

The ultimate Burns Night celebrations

Burns Night is upon us again, and it is time to enjoy Scottish traditions. Join local Cambridge indies to raise a toast to the immortal words of Burns.

Here is the ultimate guide to Burns Night celebrations in Cambridge, from delicious cheesy haggis toasties to whisky and a cosy supper club.

Link in BIO - What's On
or copy and paste the link below
https://www.cbtravelguide.co.uk/burns-night-in-cambridge/

05/01/2024

Dry January in Cambridge.

Overindulged during the festive period and keen to get a grip on your life again, or are you a non-alcohol convert already? These days, it’s a lot easier to have fun and party with excellent alternatives for alcoholic drinks.

Here is our guide on where to get the best sober drinks, from fine dining restaurants to Sober and Cocktail bars, local delis, sober producers and stockists.

And.... even a Sober party on the 13th of January.

Cheers to dry January, and have fun!

Link in BIO - What's new or copy and paste the link below
https://www.cbtravelguide.co.uk/dry-january-in-cambridge/

10/12/2023

Hey ho….

The photo of the latest speaker has been added to the wall.

Did you go? 😀

The Orator

08/12/2023

Have you made plans for NYE yet, or are you still trying to figure out what to do?

Check out these hot spots to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Start 2024 right and celebrate the start of the new year in Cambridge. Visit one of the many parties, casual or posh dinners or join an English sparkling wine tasting. Cambridge is one of the most popular cities in Europe, so why not celebrate the New Year with our wonderful list of options for keeping it low-key or going top-notch? Here is our selection of events to end the year with a bang.

Link in BIO - What's New
or copy and paste the link below
https://www.cbtravelguide.co.uk/new-years-eve-in-cambridge/

07/12/2023

Are you ready for the festive season? My latest blog is about mulled wine, a festive cocktail and even a mulled wine-punting tour!

Get the guide for the best Mulled wine hot spots in Cambridge.

Let’s get cosy with a glass or mug of mulled wine while shopping around Cambridge and curl up around a roaring fire, or are you more into fancy cocktails? I have mapped out the best places to hang out over a steaming spicy drink, fancy festive cocktails and best open fires. Guess what? You can even drift along the colleges wrapped up with blankets and cuddling a hot mulled wine!

The top places for mulled wine, roaring fires and festive drinks in Cambridge. Fancy something more active? Book mulled wine punting trip.

30/11/2023

Party time on Sunday...join this exclusive event!

And be one of the first 50 customers to receive a surprise goodie bag!

Celebrate this Sunday with the super-talented florist and globetrotter Julia from What the Fleur.

With such a special gift, your shopping spree for the festive season couldn't start any better!

Make your way to this fantastic Flower and Present shop on Magdalene Street and check out the new branding and range at this exclusive shopping event!

What the Fleur is open on the 3rd of December from 11-4pm.

What the Fleur

19/11/2023

Move over Chelsea bun, it’s time to shine the light on the new kid in town.

Laced with chocolate and salted caramel the recently launched new flavour of the Chelsea Bun is a must try!

Fitzbillies

18/11/2023

HOT offer…..

Knoops Cambridge will be offering ‘by one get one free’ on coffee on weekday mornings up until 11am.

We hope you enjoy!

Knoops

17/11/2023

A cute coffee house away from the hustle and bustle…

Tucked away in a row of pretty Cambridge houses opposite the Fitzwilliam museum you can find Pages. It’s the latest addition to quaint coffee shops in Cambridge.

This tiny cafe with a terrace on the side and at the back serves an excellent coffee fix and specialty coffees.

Their delicious sweet and savoury treats make their way from Burrough Market every day.

A lovely addition to the Cambridge coffee scene.

16/11/2023

Nothing staged…

We know it looks like a studio shot, but Foodie Gerla took this photo on one of her food walking tours whilst Cameron was preparing tacos for her guests.

Have you tried the delicious halloumi tacos with Mexican Mole sauce topped with tomatoes? Cameron makes this sauce from scratch and it takes 3 hours to make. This sauce includes lots of spices, nuts, tomatoes and a bit of chocolate.

If you haven’t tried them yet, you’d better make a beeline for it. Available from Thursday till Sundays.

Hallouman

15/11/2023

Christmas light switch on 19 November 2023

On Sunday, 19th November, we head to Market Square to turn on the city centre lights. The annual Big Switch On kicks off the Christmas season this year with Star Radio taking control of the stage, promising to entertain the crowds from midday. There will be a lively lineup from local performing arts clubs, choirs and much much more. On Thursday, the 16th of November, the lights of the Christmas tree will be switched on at the Cambridge Railway Station site before the Big Switch On event in the city centre on Sunday, November 19th.

Christmas Celebrations at the Grand Arcade
Head over to the Grand Arcade for an afternoon of celebrations and support our local community of artists on Sunday, 19th November, from 12 until 4.30 pm, in the lead-up to Cambridge City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On.

15/11/2023

NO CORK NOVEMBER

Every single day this month you can head down to Thirsty, grab a bottle of wine, get comfy before 4pm and pay takeaway prices.

There’s potential for a great bargain with the option to drink a bottle of wine IN for less than a Tenner.

Glug Glug.

28/10/2023

One of the great joys in life! A good glass of wine and excellent food. It is even better if the chef and a wine expert talk about the finer details of the food and wine.

On Friday, 27th October, Foodie Gerla joined MJP at the Ancient Shepherds for their first wine dinner of the season. Over the years, I have attended many of Mark's excellent wine dinners at various locations in Cambridge. They're always one of my highlights of the year.

Mark managed to secure Ed Kieth from Hallgarten Wines for 2 wine dinners here at MJP in Fenditton this autumn, on which they will be showcasing wines from specific vineyards or areas and matching 5 courses of delicious food pairing them with carefully selected wines.

Their first wine dinner of the autumn was last night, featuring famous wines of the Rioja Alta region.

The second wine dinner is on 17th November, featuring wines from the Rhone Valley.

These wine dinner evenings start at 7 pm, but I recommend arriving slightly earlier at 6.30 pm to enjoy an Aperitif or one of their bespoke cocktails.

These wine dinners include food and wine for £125 p.p.

Last nights menu:

Rioja Alta dinner
Snacks and MJP sourdough.
Bloody Mary, garden pickled cucumbers
'Pazo de Seane', Albariño Loureiro, Rosal, Rías Baixas
2022
***
Cured po***ck, green grape, almond, labneh, caviar.
Albariño, Rías Baixas, Lagar de Cervera 2022
***
Mackerel ragu, torched mackerel, celeriac and preserved lemon.
Rioja Reserva, 'Viña Alberdi', La Rioja Alta 2018
***
Himalayan salt aged sirloin, cauliflower cheese puree, oyster mushroom, potato terrine and Bordelaise sauce.
Rioja Gran Reserva, 'Viña Arana', La Rioja Alta 2015
***
Lemon baked yoghurt, pineapple and fennel compote, fennel sorbet.
Cava '+ & + Seleccion' Brut, Bodegas Pinord NV

MJPTheShepherds