LOVE LOCAL
Ali Warwood, founder of Commoners’ Comedy Club and Cambridge Fringe, shares her passion for the pubs, places and people of the city
I’ve lived in Cambridge for 15 years. I moved here for love after meeting my wife in Birmingham, living in London and eventually settling nearer to her family. I wanted to live in a city but had no idea how small Cambridge was until we signed the rental agreement on our flat. For the first few years it felt like a tiny ghost town because I’m a bit of a night owl and was used to staying up late in London, which is buzzing round the clock. I love Cambridge because I love cycling, being outdoors and we have the best pubs. It’s so quick to get everywhere: we can be in Milton Country Park in the morning
shade from the huge trees, dipping in the paddling pool and Sheep’s Green pool, and jumping off the footbridge into the river. Or maybe Jesus Green, which has festival vibes when everyone is playing music, volleyball or table tennis. This is when our family is most relaxed: when we’re socialising and the kids have freedom to explore and be around a diverse bunch of humans. Standout gigs in Cambridge for me have included Welsh reggae-metal band Skindred at the Junction – and the best atmosphere was Dream Wife at The Portland Arms. What an intimate gig room that is; we jumped so much we nearly headbutted the ceiling! The best thing about those gigs was seeing Cambridge people come out of their often- shy shells. The audiences were crazy and usually we’re quite a sensible bunch.
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When people ask me for local recommendations, I point them to Mitcham’s Corner where there are just so many great places to eat and drink. Thirsty is a firm favourite because they recommend drinks so perfectly and the beer is delicious. I’m also lucky enough to have been to Restaurant Twenty-Two – such an exquisite dining experience. Food- wise, I also love Kibou and Little Petra. One thing I’ve never done here, but plan to, is go to the sing-along Piano Bar at De Luca. So many people have raved about it.
then head over to Grantchester for paddleboarding in the afternoon.
The place that means the most to me is Lammas Land in the summer, getting
The best thing about those gigs was seeing Cambridge people come out of their often-shy shells
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