Dial up the romance this month with our top 10 romantic things to do in Cambridge, from picturesque punting to strolling hand-in-hand along the backs and snuggling up in a cosy café to share a steaming cup of hot chocolate… In our Food Edition we recommend the restaurants where you can plan a delicious Valentine’s meal and news about the city’s Chocolate Festival, as well as our ‘top of the chocs’ gift suggestions. In our packed Culture Edition, we bring you all the events for February and have interviewed The Junction’s top talent booker Rob Tinkler – a former record shop owner on Mill Road, who has been there since the beginning 35 years ago, and has watched Blur, Coldplay and Pulp before they hit the big time.
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BEYOND THE ROCK ’N’ ROLL The Junction celebrates 35 years of music, comedy, theatre and dance WEDDINGS WITHOUT A HITCH Don’t miss our handy planner, with expert advice and local love stories romance FROM COSY CAFES TO PICTURESQUE PUNTING, OUR CITY IS PACKED WITH VALENTINE’S DAY INSPIRATION city of
EN-SUITE SUCCESS Stylish ideas for a private spa in the comfort of your own home
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ON THE COVER 10 / ROMANCE ON THE RIVER Roses are red, Cambridge is blue… Here’s a round-up of cosy corners and fun things to do 20 / THE JUNCTION CELEBRATES From club nights to Britpop bands, stand-up comedy and community theatre, Cambridge’s coolest indie venue turns 35 this month 39 / WEDDINGS WITHOUT A HITCH Looking to wed in 2025? Follow our expert guide 71 / EN-SUITE SUCCESS We explore the bathroom upgrades that add value 77 / WIN A MEAL AND STAY AT HOTEL DU VIN Enter our competition to win a Sunday getaway CULTURE EDITION 18 / AGENDA Dates for your diary this month
23 / MAKING MAGIC Local novelist Bea Ingalls explains the young adult romcom genre 29 / SCREEN TIME The top films being released this month 30 / BOOK CLUB Romcoms are the perfect Valentine’s Day reading – here’s our pick 32 / HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE Photographer Mark Box focuses his lens on tattoos 34 / PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS Your chance to STORIES Four couples meet, fall in love and tie the knot in Cambridge 47 / WHO’S UP FOR FUN? Keep the kids occupied this half-term with our suggestions FOOD EDITION 50 / FOOD NEWS Discover who’s top of the chocs, plus French wines and Eddington food trucks 52 / LOVE ON THE MENU Love is on the menu at these romantic restaurants 55 / SWEET TREATS There’s nothing quite like patisserie treats to help you cope during winter. Elisha Young reports win a case of wine 41 / LOCAL LOVE
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59 / RETIREMENT LIVING Looking to downsize from the family home? Marina Jordan offers good advice HOME EDITION 76 / BATHING BEAUTIES Tasteful accessories for the bathroom, from towel rails to laundry baskets 79 / THOUGHT THAT COUNTS Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a sustainable bouquet, says our garden expert Anna Taylor REGULARS 7 / INSTACAMB City scenes captured by locals 9 / LETTERS Readers share their views on important local issues 82 / THE QUIZ Test your knowledge of Cambridge with these brainteasers
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WELCOME
WHERE THE HEART IS W hen asking friends and colleagues In fact, according to Rutherford’s Punting, people travel to Cambridge from near and far to propose in one of their punts – see our weddings feature on page 39. But for all of you resolute Valentine’s
EDITORIAL Editor Liz Potter 01223 492249 lizpotter@bright.uk.com Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com Editorial director Roger Payne
Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editors
if they had a romantic Cambridge love story they could share in this issue, most of them groaned. Valentine’s Day
Jim Blackstock, Zanna Buckland, Minhaj Zia
Day rejecters, there’s plenty of avowedly unromantic content in this issue too. For instance, Cambridge Junction is 35 years old this year, and we’ve got a fab interview with talent booker Rob Tinkler (page 20). Did you know that the venue was founded on the back of the acid-house rave scene in the 90s? Or that tickets for Blur once caused a queue so long it backed up half a mile down the road? There was even a so-called ‘disco riot’ in 1985, outside what was then Thake’s Bicycle Shop, because young people had nowhere to hang out and got quite cross about it – someone even kicked a police car! We’ve got plenty of foodie inspiration too, with plans afoot for a diet-defying chocolate festival in the city this month (page 50). Anyway, wishing you all a happy February, whichever way you choose to spend it! Why not just snuggle up and enjoy the magazine?
ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com Senior sales executive Claire Cornish 01223 499453 clairecornish@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Mark Box, Charlotte Griffiths, Phoebe Harper, Marina Jordan, Anna Taylor & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Junior designer Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman Ad production Holly May MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry
can be a little triggering for singletons – too cosy, too cutesy, perhaps a bit naff. Remember that awkward dinner scene in the first Bridget Jones film? Even my friends in happy couples tend to think it’s far too commercial these days, and few plan to celebrate on the 14th. Yet Valentine’s Day endures – and I’m a fan. It gives us an excuse to make a thoughtful gesture towards a loved one (mum, dad, the cat) or even hang out with friends to instead celebrate Galentine’s or Palentine’s by way of a fun night out together. It also occurred to me, while interviewing local author Bea Ingalls (page 23), just how beautiful a city Cambridge is: it’s the perfect place to set a romcom. Our Romance on the River feature (page 10) is packed full of places to go to initiate some flirtatious encounters and provocative glances. Who needs a romantic film when you can canoodle in real life under the Bridge of Sighs? Or should that be punt-oodle?
ON OUR COVER Illustration by Holly May, inspired by a photo from @stevgate on Instagram
Editor
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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 the magazine aren’t 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.
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1 Luscious red lips mug, £22, Rockett St George 2 Bright pink stripe hammam towel, £28, The Stripes Company 3 Red stripe cotton pyjamas, £95, Tartan Blanket Co 4 Boho Red 3 70s style cotton tote gusseted bag, £26, Storigraphic 5 Seletti standing mouse lamp in pink (with red love heart bulb), £90, North Home
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LOCAL LIFE
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Letters
OPINIONS
Share your thoughts, ideas and opinions with Cambridge Edition readers by sending an email to letters@cambsedition.co.uk
Fair dues
I was heartbroken to hear that Strawberry Fair has been cancelled due to a lack of funding. For so many of us in Cambridge and beyond, the fair is more than just an event; it’s a cherished tradition that brings the community together in a vibrant celebration of creativity and music. Over the years, Strawberry Fair has come to embody the spirit of Cambridge. Its absence will leave a noticeable gap in the city’s cultural calendar, and I can’t help but feel something special has been lost. HR Sampson, Cherry Hinton
In your round-up of architectural gems (January 2025), you missed out one of my favourite Cambridge buildings: the dramatic neoclassical frontage of 7A Jesus Lane. Designed by Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt, it was built as Victorian Roman Baths in 1863, but closed just a few months after opening. It was then leased to the Pitt Club – a university association honouring prime minister William Pitt the Younger. After a spell as a Pizza Express, which closed during Covid-19, it’s now occupied by Japanese restaurant Kibou, with the cocktail lounge Hidden Rooms in its basement at 7B. Daniel Weaver, Longstanton A GEM ON JESUS LANE
So near, solar
I always enjoy (and look forward to) Cambridge Edition , but did you and your staff mean to include a photo of Lloyds Bank with a snow-white skeleton on its tower in p14 of the January issue, or was it accidental? Wishing you a fruitful 2025. Eva Ray, by email The ghost of Lloyds Bank solar farm sites are to be built: West Row and Mildenhall in Suffolk, Worlington near Mildenhall and a site near Newmarket, north of the A14. Taken together, they’ll be the size of 900 football pitches. While I’d rather turbines or solar panels than a new housing estate on my doorstep, why not put the panels on car parks, brownfield sites or commercial rooftops, rather than obscuring precious arable land? I presume they’re not worried about food security? Peter Snell, Newmarket
Given the government’s recent approval of plans to build a massive new 2,500-acre solar farm on the Cambs-Suffolk border, it seems to me that the rural character of our surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside will soon be lost for good. Three separate
Barrels of laughs
I just wanted to write in to say what a fabulous time my family and I had recently at Grantchester’s Boxing Day barrel race. I love these village events where members of the community can take part in a fun, competitive event. In this case it was barrel-rolling; teams took part in a relay race, rolling barrels up and down the high street. Keeping the barrels rolling in a straight line proved to be something of a challenge! Hilarity all round! Fran Quinney, Coton
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ROMANTIC OUTINGS
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ROMANTIC OUTINGS
Roses are red, Cambridge is blue… Here’s a round-up of cosy corners and picturesque places to canoodle this Valentine’s Day C ambridge, with its honey-hued architecture, historic charm and idyllic riverside setting, is one of Britain’s most romantic cities. Whether you’re planning a first date, booking a twilight dinner for two or seeking the perfect spot for summer strolls and leisurely picnics, our city provides a captivating backdrop for love to blossom. For an unforgettable first date, few places can match the charm of Cambridge’s cobbled streets and pretty riverbanks. Begin your day with a coffee at Hot Numbers, a cosy cafe with artisan brews, to provide the perfect icebreaker. Then wander towards the Backs – the stretch of land behind the iconic colleges – from which you can admire sweeping views of spires, bridges and lawns. Hire a punt from Scudamore’s or one of the many other riverside stations for a quintessentially Cambridge experience. A shared punt along the River Cam, gliding beneath the famed Mathematical Bridge and under the arches of the Bridge of Sighs, offers a leisurely, yet romantic way to enjoy each other’s company. For a light-hearted twist, try punting yourselves – a little wobble or splash could create plenty of laughs. Expect to pay around £80 to £140 depending on the time and day of the week. When it comes to romantic dining, Cambridge boasts an array of options to suit every mood. Midsummer House, a two Michelin star restaurant, is an exquisite choice for a special occasion. Overlooking Midsummer Common, this Victorian villa offers refined, imaginative dishes that make for a memorable meal. Alternatively, for something more relaxed yet intimate, head to Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street or The Chop House near King’s College. The downstairs wine and cocktail bar at Hotel du Vin is similarly cosy, while The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie combines art deco interiors with a glamorous buzz. The city also excels when it comes to leisurely walks hand in hand. Jesus Green and Parker’s Piece are both ideal for sunset strolls, while the riverside path dotted with willow trees between Grantchester and the city centre offers a sense of escape. In summer, pack a picnic and settle on Grantchester Meadows, where Rupert Brooke once found inspiration, or visit The Orchard Tea Garden for cream teas
FLOAT YOUR BOAT Punting on the River Cam (left) can make for a fun and cosy first date outing
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ROMANTIC OUTINGS
along the river in the evening, with the sun sitting low in the sky.” 2 Stroll in the Botanic Garden Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a peaceful retreat, where you can pause on a bench and listen to birdsong, just as though you were in the middle of the countryside. Take in views of the lily pond, the bamboo grove, majestic redwoods and fountains, or wander through the magical, cosy glasshouses. “We have some lovely flowers that we make sure to highlight around Valentine’s Day,” says Katy Lawrence at the Botanic Garden. “Plants such as passionflowers, jade vines and bleeding heart ( Lamprocapnos ) have a very romantic feel. I’d also recommend a stroll through our Scented Garden, where you can wallow in the heady cocktail of fragrance that fills the air – the perfect winter treat.” 3 Take tea at The Orchard Tea Garden, Grantchester Located in the picturesque village of Grantchester, this historic tea garden is perfect for a romantic escape. Afternoon tea is served from Thursday to Sunday, all year round, and in spring you can enjoy this under the shimmering confetti of apple blossom in flower. In the summer, relax in deckchairs under the apple trees while sipping tea and scoffing scones. Follow it up with a stroll through the scenic Grantchester Meadows and along the river for added charm.
TENDER LOVING CARE Visit Cambridge University Botanic Garden to explore its flourishing flora (above)
served with dappled sunlight. Lovers can recline in deckchairs under the apple trees and watch clouds drift lazily overhead. Don’t forget a fun cycle ride around Cambridge: there are lots of places you can hire a bike. Primo Cycles is nice and central, with stores just beside the Grand Arcade and on Jesus Lane. City Cycle Hire is on Newnham Road, near Lammas Land, while e-scooters can be hired via a smartphone app from voi.com. For those who prefer to venture out in the evening, Cambridge offers lots of sophisticated spots to sip a cocktail and gaze at one another over clinking glasses. The Lab – a short stroll up Regent Street – impresses with its creative concoctions and relaxed, stylish atmosphere. Meanwhile, Pint Shop serves both craft beers and gin- focused drinks with a cool, low-lit setting. If you’re single and wanting to mingle, venues such as the subterranean Hidden Rooms provide a vibrant backdrop for live music and late-night cocktails. Whether you’re planning a first date, celebrating an anniversary or simply hoping
to meet someone special this Valentine’s Day, Cambridge has all the right ingredients for romance: dreamy landscapes, historic hideaways and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories. Our romantic top ten 1 Punt on the River Cam A quintessential Cambridge experience, punting along the River Cam is a serene and romantic activity. Glide beneath the beautiful Bridge of Sighs, past King’s College Chapel and along the Backs, with views of the college gardens. “February is a lovely time to go punting, as the river is much quieter than during the summer months,” says Caroline Godfrey at Let’s Go Punting. “You can curl up under a blanket with your loved one and a hot chocolate or glass of fizz, and glide
For an unforgettable first date, few places can match the charm of Cambridge’s cobbled streets
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ROMANTIC OUTINGS
4 Picnic on the riverbank Jesus Green and Midsummer Common offer expansive green spaces perfect for a romantic picnic or leisurely stroll. Look out for grazing cows on the common – quirky, charming and easy to Instagram! Mill Pond is another lovely spot to relax and watch punts go by. Nearby, The Anchor pub is an attractive riverside spot for a romantic drink or meal, where you can sit outside with views of the water. 5 Settle into a bookshop If books are your thing, you’ll be thrilled to find plenty of intimate booksellers tucked away in Cambridge side streets – the Haunted Bookshop, Bodies in the Bookshop and antiquarian books at G David Bookseller on St Edward’s Passage. Waterstones even has its own coffee shop, which is handy. They’re the perfect place to exchange meaningful glances with a like- minded bookworm and proven to cultivate enduring new love. 6 Cambridge at night After sunset, as dusk settles, stroll through the cobbled streets and along the river to see the city bathed in warm, golden light. The reflections on the water and LOVE TO LOOK Delicious afternoon tea for two at Fitzbillies is perfect for Valentine’s or Galentine’s (below), meander through the market stalls hand in hand (top) or browse a cute bookstore (right)
quiet of the evening make this an especially romantic experience when the weather is fine. Finish with a cosy pint in one of the city’s amazing pubs or cocktail bars. 7 Explore the market stalls The cobbled streets of Cambridge are a fabulous treasure trove of exciting places to pick up bargains, explore artisanal foods and handmade curios, grab street food and buy a bunch of flowers for your partner. 8 Share sweet nothings Cambridge has some amazing little chocolate shops and ice cream parlours where you can enjoy sweet treats with a close friend. Try the creamy gelato at Jack’s, Aromi or Benets cafe on King’s Parade in summer, or sample a hot chocolate slathered in whipped cream at Café au Chocolat on Green Street. 9 Book concert tickets Forget the chocolates – music provides more nourishment for love! The city is blessed with music venues of all varieties, from West Road Concert Hall where the Cambridge Philharmonic play, to Cambridge Junction and Cambridge Corn Exchange, where you can see a mix of both new bands and big names. 10 Pop into a cosy cafe Our favourite coffee shops in the city include not just the big chains, but the independent names too – Hot Numbers, Stir, Benets, Espresso Library, Cafe Foy and Fitzbillies among them. “Over the years, we’ve had lots of wedding proposals in Fitzbillies,” says owner Alison Wright. “We’ll often then make the wedding cake, and sometimes the christening cakes too! It’s an honour to be part of these special moments in people’s lives.”
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MAN OF THE PEOPLE Jason Manford shares details of his gig at Cambridge Corn Exchange THE JUNCTION AT 35 We celebrate this milestone with pop culture manager Rob Tinkler CULTURE EDITION THE FEBRUARY AGENDA What’s on and where – dates for your diary this month
Viral comedy sensation Jazz Emu (Archie Henderson) is performing Knight Fever at the Junction on 27 February, with his band, The Cosmique Perfectión. This fun, character-led comedy and music show sees Jazz hopeful of securing a knighthood, but will a spate of criminal allegations dash his hopes? Dazed knight
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THE AGENDA
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THEATRE
Gandini Juggling: Heka, Cambridge Junction Drawing inspiration
The Limelight Orchestra, Cambridge Corn Exchange Dance to orchestral versions of club classics from The Chemical Brothers, Faithless and Fatboy Slim, with a laser show. Ages 14+.
from both juggling and magic, Heka transports audiences into a realm where the lines between reality and illusion blur.
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COMEDY
John Shuttleworth: Raise the Oof, Cambridge Junction Radio 4 favourite and comedy legend John Shuttleworth is back with hilarious stories and songs played on his trusty Yamaha organ. An 11-piece band with four vocalists bring to life more than 30 iconic Northern-Soul-era hits like Frank Wilson’s Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) . COMEDY Northern Live: Do I Love You, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Ricky Gervais: Mortality World Tour, Cambridge Corn Exchange Britain’s finest comedy genius has added a second Cambridge date to his UK tour. Fingers crossed for more!
Dates for the diary to get your Cambridgeshire culture fix
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6 Feb
COMEDY
The Anglia Comedy Allstars, Cambridge Corn Exchange Making its debut, this hilarious new show features Alan Davies, Babatunde Aléshé, Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Mark Watson.
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COMEDY
Wi-Fi Wars: 10th Anniversary Tour!, Cambridge Junction A live comedy video game show where the audience members all play along. Log in with your smartphone to compete and win prizes.
Footlights Presents: Wanted, ADC Theatre Get ready for a wild ride, as eight unlikely partners-in-crime break out of prison and sample life on the run, all in ridiculous disguises. Until 8 Feb.
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THE AGENDA
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EXHIBITION
Rise Up: Resistance, Revolution, Abolition, The Fitzwilliam Museum Rise Up tells the story of the fight to end transatlantic slavery, its aftermath and ongoing legacies. Until 1 June.
Nashville at Heart, Cambridge Corn Exchange Celebrating the modern country music of Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain and many more. 16 Murder Trial Tonight III: The Doorstep Case, Cambridge Corn Exchange This true-crime event begins on screen, then moves to the stage for a live murder trial. THEATRE
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18 MAR Kim Wilde: Closer, Cambridge Corn Exchange A formidable live performer, Kim and her band will play the hits, including Chequered Love and Kids in America. MUSIC 20 MAY The Waterboys, Cambridge Corn Exchange The Waterboys have developed a fearsome concert reputation. Setlist will include The Whole of the Moon . MUSIC Levellers Collective, Cambridge Corn Exchange After two acclaimed acoustic albums and tours, Levellers Collective are back, with members of The Moulettes.
COMEDY
Russell Hicks: Happy to Be Here, Cambridge Junction Hot off the back of his Amazon Prime show, Hicks’ improvisational stand-up set has won him a devoted British fan base.
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Twilight at the Museums, various museum venues Take part in some EXHIBITION
educational after-hours events, from nighttime nature hunts to torchlit trails. Until 23 Feb.
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18 Ellen Kent Opera Tour: La Boheme, Cambridge Corn Exchange OPERA
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THEATRE
Sweet Charity, ADC Theatre
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain: 40th Anniversary Tour, Cambridge Corn Exchange Formed in 1985, this upbeat orchestra is still thrilling audiences with its four-string virtuosity.
Kat Dunn, Waterstones Join author Kat Dunn as she celebrates the publication of debut Hungerstone , a feminist vampire novel about appetite and desire. A retelling of Carmilla , which inspired Dracula .
Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society presents the turbulent love life of dance hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine, with its toe- tapping tracks (like Big Spender ). Until 15 Feb.
A new production of Puccini’s romance in Italian with surtitles. With Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre Kyiv.
7 NOV Ross Noble: Cranium of Curiosities, Cambridge COMEDY
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COMEDY
Maisie Adam: Appraisal, Cambridge Junction Fresh from Live at the Apollo , A League of Their Own and Have I Got News for You , Maisie Adam is on tour with a brand-new show. Join her for the ultimate performance review!
THEATRE
MUSIC
Science Museum Live, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Turin Brakes and John Bramwell, Cambridge Corn Exchange One of the UK’s finest indie folk bands, Turin Brakes will bring their
Hayseed Dixie, Cambridge Junction From Nashville, Tennessee, this band offers a hillbilly tribute to AC/DC. The band performs bluegrass cover versions of hard rock – or ‘rockgrass’.
Corn Exchange Comedian Ross Noble is back, live on stage. What the show will be about is anybody’s guess.
Experience a brand-new stage show from Mark Thompson. This family- friendly production will capture the imagination of young and old alike.
rich harmonies and signature acoustic sound to the stage.
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CULTURE EDITION
MUSIC THE JUNCTION AT 35 From club nights to Britpop bands, stand-up comedy and community theatre, Cambridge’s coolest indie venue is 35 this month. Popular culture manager
Rob Tinkler reflects on the highlights F ew live music venues are held in such high esteem and with such affection as Cambridge Junction. At age 35, this iconic culture hub is still presenting some 600 live performances annually, from electrifying gigs by the likes of Blur and Coldplay to new comedy and theatre. The man who books the talent is Rob Tinkler, a former Mill Road record shop owner. “The Junction came about thanks to Cambridge Venue Group, which agitated the city council for a venue that would serve the needs of young people,” explains Rob. “Back in the 80s, the only venues were the Corn Exchange – closed for renovation for much of the decade – pubs or smaller venues such as the Sea Cadet Hall. “The council came up with various ideas, including building a venue in the middle of the Elizabeth Way roundabout! Young people got so worked up, there was a riot at the former Thake’s Bike Shop on East Road. I wouldn’t call it a riot exactly, but there were a few disgruntled young folk running about! A police car might have got kicked at one point.” Eventually, the city council built the new community venue at the former cattle market. “There was one story about how the builders had to be paid in lager because money had run out,” says Rob. Capacity increased from 400 in 1990 to 850 by 1992, just as the emerging club scene – acid house and Orbital raves – took off. “We put on club nights every Friday and Saturday, with live music, comedy and theatre during the week – all in the same building,” says Rob. “We were forever having to take the stage down to make space for club nights, so eventually we applied for National Lottery funding to build a separate theatre, and J2 was born.” The J2 theatre space was built at the same time as a new, smaller studio space (J3) for artist development, new comedy, smaller music gigs and theatre rehearsals. “The community space has allowed us to expand our remit,” says Rob. “We’ve introduced operations and technical apprenticeships for local students who go on to become sound or lighting technicians, and we do open evenings for schools and colleges.” Because the Junction is part-funded by Cambridge Arts Council, new creative talent is nurtured too. “We have a monthly event called The Fiver, where you can see five bands for £5 – and New Routes, which
is for new singer-songwriters who play acoustic music. One of our recent success stories is local band Mallory Knox, who started out playing The Fiver and recently sold out their own gig here in December.” The Junction has seen many bands rise to superstardom. “We’ve had Blur a couple of times, Pulp, Green Day, Manic Street Preachers, Stormzy and Sleaford Mods. Once they get big, bands often return for a warm-up before a UK tour; we’ve had Paul Weller, Duran Duran and Lou Reed. We’ve always punched above our weight.” Rising insurance costs and utility bills are forcing venues to charge more. “The live music industry has changed in the last 20 years since the collapse of record sales. Bands’ record companies used to fund tours to make things work financially. That doesn’t happen now, so bands tend to rely on selling merch. They also spend more time touring, but you can’t play live too much or fans will get bored of you. “The biggest change in the last 35 years is that music is no longer the only entertainment for young people nowadays. They’ve got games, streaming and social media. For 17-year-olds back in the 80s, music was the only thing we had. We’d listen to it in our bedrooms and make our parents bang on the ceiling!”
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CULTURE EDITION
The National Garden Scheme’s Garden Visitor’s Handbook 2025 is now available to buy, covering 114 open gardens across Cambridgeshire. Known as ‘the Yellow Book’, this essential guide to 3,500 private gardens supports the UK’s beloved nursing and health charities through admissions, tea and cakes. CE readers can save £2 – order your copy for just £12.99 (RRP £14.99) using code CM25 at ngs.org.uk/shop Local gardens raise funds for health charities in 2025 GARDENS
MUSIC BRIDGERTON WITH CANDLES AT THE FITZ New candlelit classical music performances are being launched at Fitzwilliam College this year, starting with Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings on 21 February at 5.30pm. These Candlelight Concerts – performed by classically trained musicians – have earned rave reviews for their broad repertoire, which ranges from Coldplay and Queen tributes to classical pieces. Set in an atmospheric space lit by hundreds of LED candles, the concerts include solo pianists, string quartets and other musical ensembles for attendees to enjoy.
GOLDEN TICKETS My Baby putting on an energetic live show (top), a long queue for Blur tickets back in 1997 (left) and Boy George at the Dot Cotton Club (far left)
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CULTURE EDITION
On the eve of publication of her debut novel, novelist and bookseller Bea Ingalls explains the young adult romcom genre Making magic BOOKS T he metaphorical stars have aligned for 27-year-old bookseller Bea Ingalls. Not only has she landed the job of her dreams at Waterstones Cambridge, she’s also on the brink of becoming a published author with only her second manuscript. “It’s a dream come true, and it’s all so surreal,” says Bea. “Ironically, I had the job interview at Waterstones the same day that I received an offer of representation from a literary agent. It was really close timing. It’s interesting to see both facets of publishing – as a bookseller and a writer. Everyone at work has been so supportive.” Bea’s novel, We Used to Be Magic , is set in New York and follows the fates of love-struck teens Ezra and Audrey. “My sister and I had planned a trip to New York for March 2020 and did a lot of research on the locations we wanted to visit,” says Bea. “I’d always wanted to write a book set in the city, but Covid-19 happened. Then I was furloughed from my job and faced with months stuck at home, so I thought that I’d just write the book anyway!” Audrey and Ezra find themselves in New York for very different reasons. “Audrey is a fashion model attending New York Fashion Week, feeling overwhelmed by the scale of everything. Ezra is returning home to the city, having just finished at boarding school, and is trying to re-enter a life from which he feels alienated. They meet by fate, and then again by coincidence, and there are all these strange little links between them that makes them wonder if maybe the universe wants this? At the same time, there are other things happening that makes their connection harder for them, which all begs the question: will fate be enough?” Bea’s lead characters appeared to her as if from nowhere. “They didn’t come fully formed, though; there’s a development process as you write,” she says. “You get to know them better the more time you spend with them. On a technical level, you have to decide on their personalities: what would a good dynamic be? How might they play off each other? The same is true of the supporting characters.”
Bea loves to write dialogue. “I’m a huge film fan, so I approach it like directing a film in my head, trying to get the action moving and keep things flowing.” Iconic New York romcom films such as The Apartment and When Harry Met Sally have influenced the story too; Ezra, for instance, is a film nerd. “He points out how there are so many movies that end with the protagonist sprinting through the city to declare their love to someone. It’s one of the classic tropes of the romcom genre.” Young adult fiction focuses heavily on feelings and the idea of yearning and obsession, set against the constraints of teenage awkwardness. “You’re not fully developed as a person and still figuring out who you are and the things you want from life,” says Bea. “The people you meet can leave a significant impression on you. It’s that age of vulnerability.” A big trend in books at the moment is ‘romantasy’: a fusion between romance and fantasy. The rise of BookTok and Bookstagram on social media is also
fostering communities where people can share the books they love and engage with authors and other readers. “I grew up in a house which had books everywhere,” says Bea. “The light-bulb moment for me was when I was writing this book and realised that there wasn’t anything else I would ever enjoy quite as much. I feel tremendously lucky.” Bea Ingalls will be in conversation with YA romcom author Cecilia Vinesse at Waterstones Cambridge on 12 February
I’m a huge film fan, so I approach it like directing a film in my head , trying to keep things flowing
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CULTURE EDITION
Cambridge’s Strawberry Fair has been cancelled owing to rising costs, pending rescue by an online fundraiser found at strawberry-fair.org.uk/savethefair . Its volunteer-led organising committee has announced the fair will not go ahead in 2025 due to increasing costs not matched by income, leaving the fair running at an unsustainable deficit. “The costs of running the fair have doubled over the past ten years,” explains committee chair Liz Nathan. “More than half of that increase has happened since 2021. Every year, the volunteers on the committee work hard to raise the money required, but last year was the most difficult in over a decade.” The cancellation of Strawberry Fair comes hard on the heels of the Cambridge Club Festival at Childerley also being called off, and the announcement that the Cambridge Folk Festival will not return until 2026. Strawberry Fair cancelled FESTIVAL
MUSIC RAPPER ROSCA ONYA PAYS TRIBUTE AT THE JUNCTION Rapper, singer and songwriter Rosca Onya is set to bring his high-energy live performance to Cambridge Junction for an unforgettable night of music, culture and raw talent. The show on 10 February will be a tribute to his Cambridge friend, the late Jack Merritt, who was killed in the London Bridge terror attack in November 2019. Rosca has made a powerful entrance into the music scene with his emotional anthem Jack , and is one of the most exciting emerging voices in contemporary rap. This poignant track not only struck a chord with listeners but also caught the attention of national media. Rosca’s heartfelt lyrics led him to feature on prominent platforms such as Sky News , Good Morning Britain and BBC News , where he shared the story behind his music.
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CULTURE EDITION
When a comedy act couldn’t make it one night, the boss, noticing that Jason had the kind of wit and likeability that works well on stage, asked him to substitute. Though unprepared, he ended up playing a blinder. He soon got a taste for it, helped along by his mentor Peter Kay. In 1999, having done just six gigs, Jason won the City Life North West Comedian of the Year award, and the following year was named Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year. Six years into his career, he was shortlisted for the then Perrier Awards at Edinburgh, and he’s won bundles of other accolades since. This latest tour will see Jason play more than 175 dates. The show is packed with the comedy he’s renowned for, much of it about his six children. “I want audiences to forget the stresses of the day and leave feeling positive,” he says. “The show is about where I am in my life, with things changing quickly. My little darlings are turning into young women, so I talk about dealing with that – a rich source of comedy!” Jason’s diverse CV includes starring in countless TV panel shows, pantomimes and musicals. In his memoir Brung Up Proper , he talks about how being funny can be an important life skill, and that comedy should be on the national curriculum. “Kids come out of private school with the confidence that they belong in any room. State school children often don’t have that.” Jason Manford will be performing at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 14 February from 7.30pm. Tickets are priced £18-£37
S can the room at a Jason Manford gig and you’ll see happy people nudging each other and exchanging knowing nods. Whether the Salford-born comic is talking about relationships, life on the road or paddle tennis, being relatable is among his top creative priorities. “I watch how the audience responds and feed off it,” he says. “That’s how I end up finding material that, on paper, might not feel like much, but suddenly you see the audience respond in a certain way and you think ‘hang on, I’ve got something here’.” “After being funny, relatability is the next most important thing for me,” explains Jason, who is celebrating 25 years in comedy and touring with his new show A Manford All Seasons . “I love it when people say ‘it’s like listening to one of my mates down the pub’ or ‘it’s like you had a camera in our house’. I love that because it means I’ve put the work in and got it right.” Coming up with funny stories from real life seems like a natural progression, given how he started in the business. At 17, he was working at Manchester’s now-closed Buzz Club collecting and washing glasses. Celebrating 25 years in comedy this year, Jason Manford shares the plans for his latest tour Man of the people COMEDY Words ASHLEY DAVIES
I want audiences to forget about the stresses of the day and feel positive
CLASSICAL CAMBRIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS Cambridge Music Festival is set to return in 2025, with performances scheduled at West Road Concert Hall and Trinity College Chapel. The new spring series offers a diverse line-up showcasing a wide range of musical traditions. February highlights include Windborne on 7 February, a full-throated vocal quartet singing with beautifully blended harmonies; United Strings of Europe on 14 February, a young 12-piece string orchestra making their mark on the international scene; and Theatre of Voices on 27 February, an Anglo-Danish vocal supergroup singing some challenging Arvo Pärt compositions. The grand finale on 17 March sees one of the world’s finest pianists, Benjamin Grosvenor, unlock the poetry of Brahms’ Intermezzi and conquer the virtuosity demanded by Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition .
STRINGS ATTACHED The festival’s spring series bridges classical tradition with contemporary flair, including United Strings of Europe (right)
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CULTURE EDITION
Cambridge Arts Festival runs from 10 to 19 February. Here’s our pick of the events BEST OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL
EXHIBITION CORN EXCHANGE CELEBRATES 150 YEARS WITH LOTTERY GRANT Cambridge Corn Exchange, run by Cambridge City Council, is announcing a £139,598 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help celebrate the beloved city venue’s heritage as it turns 150 years old this year. Designed by Victorian architect Richard Reynolds Rowe, the Corn Exchange was built on the site of a medieval priory using a quarter of a million local bricks, and began life as a place for farmers to trade corn. In the ensuing 150 years, the venue has remained at the heart of city life, from late- 19th-century motor shows to revolutionary suffragette meetings. In recent decades it has become a key venue for music gigs, comedy and theatre, featuring some of the UK’s biggest names. The money will be used to fund a six-week exhibition that tells some of this 150-year story, an access-all-areas Community Open Day, 60 workshops with city schools and a special 150th anniversary Celebration Day, to be held in November 2025.
Arts Walking Tours
12, 13, 15, 16 and 18 Feb, Guildhall, Market Square, £13.70 Explore the city’s fascinating public art with an expert guide. Tickets include a free breakfast at Dishoom. love-cambridge.com 13 Feb, 10.30am-4.30pm, Let’s Go Circular Unit, Grand Arcade Let your creativity flow at this doodling workshop with Anne- Marie Miller. Grab a pen and get drawing on a giant doodling wall. Doodle Drawing with Anne-Marie Miller
A TRUE ICON The Corn Exchange stands as a living link to Cambridge’s dynamic past
13 Feb, 6pm-7.30pm, Byard Art, King’s Parade JJ Vincent: Talk and Live Sculpting
JJ Vincent shares techniques and stories from his ceramic journey, all while showcasing his pieces at various stages of completion. 16 Feb, 10.30am-4.30pm, Let’s Go Circular Unit, Grand Arcade Create your own mono-print with Adam Bridgland in this free, hands-on, drop-in event. adambridgland.co.uk Screenprint Mono-printing with Adam Bridgland 18 Feb, 10.30am-4.30pm, Let’s Go Circular Unit, Grand Arcade Join Mike Cole to create your own striking collage. The scissors, paper and glue will all be provided. See love-cambridge.com The Art of Photomontage with Mike Cole
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CULTURE EDITION
Dog Man
7 February Based on Dav Pilkey’s graphic novel for children, Dog Man is half dog, half man and sworn to serve and protect. He pursues feline supervillain Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson); also featuring Isla Fisher and Ricky Gervais.
5 February Filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse, this production offers a combination of unsettling intimacy and brutal action. Max Webster directs this tragic tale of love, murder and nature’s power of renewal. Macbeth: David Tennant and Cush Jumbo
14 February This sequel follows Bridget (Renée Zellweger) once again, as she navigates life as a single mum with the help of family, friends and former lover Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
20 February Being sensible can be really boring – at least Jack (Hugh Skinner) thinks so. Acting as a dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose with a false identity, while his friend Algy (Ncuti Gatwa) adopts a similar facade. NT Live: The Importance of Being Earnest
The Last Showgirl
28 February Following a successful 30-year run, seasoned showgirl Shelly (Pamela Anderson) must plan her future after her show closes abruptly. Directed by Gia Coppola, featuring Jamie Lee Curtis and Dave Bautista.
Movie magic not to miss this month
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CULTURE EDITION
February Book Club Romcoms are the perfect Valentine’s Day reading. Charlotte Griffiths shares her favourites
KATE YOUNG EXPERIENCED
This is the first novel by brilliant author Kate Young, the brain behind the fantastic Little Library Cookbook series (which should also be on your radar as a book lover: it comprises some excellent collections of recipes inspired by classic reads). Unsurprisingly, Young’s novel is a complete delight. Newly out, 30-year-old Bette thinks she’s found the love of her life with first-ever girlfriend Mei. However, as a more-experienced gay woman, Mei feels it’s important for Bette to explore her new identity before making such a huge commitment, so puts their relationship on hiatus for three months so that Bette can gain experience. At first Bette is heartbroken by Mei’s decision, but with some no-nonsense advice from her straight-talking flatmate Ash and helpful pointers from the women she meets through her first few encounters on dating apps, Bette soon finds her feet in this brave new world. She stumbles her well-meaning way through a series of hook-ups, dates and casual flings, trying not to break too many hearts on her journey and hoping this path will lead her back to her one true love – but will it? Set in beautifully depicted Bristol and packed with contemporary references, Young’s effortless description and dialogue means reading this almost feels like watching a high-end romcom. You’ll have trouble believing these characters aren’t real people. This is a warm, funny and hugely enjoyable romantic comedy that’s not to be missed – perfect reading for Valentine’s Day.
A FRESH PERSPECTIVE This is the debut novel from already-established author Kate Young
THE WEDDING PEOPLE A novel for those who like their fiction on the dark side. Alison Espach’s romance title is an unforgettable read, which came out last summer and found its deserving way onto many 2024 best-of lists. When you consider the background, ALISON ESPACH
But when she arrives at the hotel, Phoebe discovers she’s the only guest there who’s not involved in a large wedding party. Young bride Lila thought she’d booked the entire inn for her week of celebrations, and although she’s initially bewildered to find out that there’s a guest staying who’s not part of the family, having someone around who’s not involved – and will actually tell her the truth – soon becomes invaluable. This is an exquisitely written slice-of-life novel with twists, turns and all the drama you might expect when two families collide: it’s laugh-out-loud funny in parts, but also full of heart and connection, and it’s well worth seeking this out in book format before it inevitably gets made into a movie.
it’s hard to see the com in this romcom. The newly separated and heartbroken 40-something Phoebe has booked herself into Rhode Island’s high-end Cornwall Inn, a place she’d always wanted to stay at with her husband – except he’s now left her for his younger assistant. Their 20-year-long relationship – involving unrelenting struggles with IVF and infertility issues – is over, and Phoebe is failing to see the point of going on alone.
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CULTURE EDITION
SNOWDRIFT AND OTHER STORIES
GEORGETTE HEYER
If you’re in the mood for romantic reads, look no further than Georgette Heyer. The Bridgerton author has shelves upon shelves of superb Regency-era stories available to distract, divert and disarm you, so it won’t be long before you’re cheering on a swapped- at-birth squire as he races to Gretna Green with the season’s sparkling diamond. This collection features three of Heyer’s more recently discovered Regency romances, which were written for magazines, and is a great way to dip your toe into Heyer’s world. Each of the snackable romances by this legendary author could probably be polished off in one cosy afternoon (depending on your reading speed!). Wherever you open this book to, you’ll find unplanned encounters, missed connections, forbidden love, grasping hands, duels, dances and debutantes galore. Those familiar with Heyer’s work will enjoy spotting the initial sketches of plots and conversations which she spun out into full-blown encounters in her later novels. If you’re keen to pick up more books in 2025, short stories are a low-commitment way to get back in the saddle, and if you’re eagerly awaiting Bridgerton ’s next installment then this collection is a splendid way to bide your time before the next series drops. It will give your exhausted attention span the same dopamine hit as doomscrolling – this is the Instagram Reels version of Bridgerton !
ROMANTASY READS
Prefer your romance with a little added magic? Start swooning with a new series
The Cruel Prince
A Marvellous Light
Fourth Wing & Iron Flame
HOLLY BLACK
FREYA MARSKE
REBECCA YARROS
England, 1908, where the upper classes have magic and means. Non-magical civil servant Robin is mistakenly recruited as liaison to the magical world, alongside the frustratingly bookish, yet curiously handsome Edwin.
Orphaned Jude and her sisters have spent the past ten years living in the land of Faerie and are desperate to belong. But many fae would never accept a human as an equal, least of all the King’s malevolent youngest son, Prince Cardan.
Catch up on the first two parts of the epic Empyrean series following young Violet Sorrengail – who is unexpectedly enrolled in a military college for dragon riders – before embarking on the newest in the series, due to be published in spring 2025.
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STREET STYLE
Mark Box explores the individuality of styles on the street in this month’s images Humans of Cambridge
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STREET STYLE
Skin deep “Every inking tells a story,” says photographer Mark Box of this month’s theme. “Tattoos interest me because I love hearing the stories behind them, especially when used as a form of self-expression, and personal significance. People with tattoos also tend to be a lot more outgoing.” Designs range from mythical characters to flowers, butterflies and even celebrities. “There seem to be more tattooed people around in 2025 than ever before,” says Mark. “Once upon a time it was a rarity, and people only had tattoos done for a special occasion, but now they’re a lot more common. I have a tattoo myself, but I’m not especially proud of it because I didn’t put all that much thought into it!” Alva (top left) is a tattoo artist, roboticist, activist and entrepreneur: “On my arm is a Skogsrå, a mythical forest creature in Swedish folklore,” she told Mark. “She appears as a beautiful woman, but from behind has a tail, hollow back or skin like tree bark. Men follow her into the forest and are never seen again…” Humans of Cambridge is a street photography photoblog founded by Mark Box in 2020. Follow him on Instagram @humanofcambridge
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AWARDS
O ver the following pages we’ve shortlisted the best independent retailers, products and services – with the chance to nominate your own favourites too. We need YOU to decide the winners! We’ve got 15 hotly contested categories, each with its own shortlist of nominees. Scan the QR code with your phone to go straight to the voting page. Our 15 categories 1 Best Restaurant 2 Best Cafe 3 Best Artisan Food & Drink Producer sponsored by The Gog Farm Shop 4 Best Street Food 5 Best Bar or Pub 6 Best Home or Garden Retailer 7 Best Fashion Retailer 8 Best Tourist Attraction sponsored by Visit Cambridge 9 Best Health or Wellbeing Provider
10 Best Hair or Beauty Salon 11 Customer Service Award sponsored by Buckles Law 12 Best Hotel, Inn or B&B 13 Community Hero Award sponsored by Grand Arcade 14 Best Arts & Cultural Venue or Experience 15 Best Wedding Supplier Our sponsors
It’s time to pick your winners in our prestigious new awards – just scan the QR code to vote
Grand Arcade sits right in the middle of Cambridge city centre. This award- winning shopping centre is surrounded by the beautiful architecture of the world- famous University of Cambridge. Featuring 60 premium retailers distributed across three stunningly skylit floors, it provides a truly exceptional shopping experience. The John Lewis & Partners flagship store anchors the centre, offering three floors of fashion, home, tech and more, as well as a rooftop cafe and brasserie that command spectacular views of the local cityscape. Food and drinks are on the Grand Arcade menu too: coffee at Caffe Nero or Costa, Italian-style dining at Carluccio’s or the warm, inviting bar and lounge at Everyman cinema – something for all tastes.
of Cambridge. Family-run for more than 40 years, it has become a destination for high-quality, locally sourced produce. The Gog is home to an award-winning butchery, famous for its sausages, aged beef and free- range poultry, all sourced from high-welfare farms. Its deli offers a curated selection of farmhouse cheeses, freshly baked goods and charcuterie. Committed to sustainability and provenance, The Gog partners with the finest local and national producers. Buckles Law is a national law firm with more than 200 talented individuals ready to apply their legal knowledge to challenges faced by individuals, businesses and families alike. Buckles’ fresh approach to legal services puts clients’ interests at the heart of every decision. The firm recently unveiled its new-look Cambridge office,
where a growing, dedicated team ensures the firm remains close to the UK’s leading regional tech capital, with its vibrant start- up and scale-up business landscape. Visit Cambridge promotes the city as a whole – events, heritage, business, culture. Its website visitcambridge.org and social media channels are managed by Cambridge BID, offering local businesses the chance to showcase products, services and events for free, presenting the city as a fantastic overnight destination. Cambridge attracts a large number of tourists, and Visit Cambridge is there to help them decide where to stay and what to do while in the city. On Facebook @OfficialVisitCambridg e and @visitcambridgeofficial on Instagram.
The Gog Farm Shop is a renowned artisan food store and hub just outside
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