SAVOUR & SIP
SHINE & DINE ELISHA EATS Where’s the best place to eat while enjoying the summer weather? Elisha Young (aka @elisha.eats on Instagram) has some ideas, whether you’re after an alfresco afternoon tea or cheeky rooftop cocktail
Q: I know British weather can be unpredictable, but I fancy eating outdoors this summer. Do you have recommendations for spots around Cambridge to soak up the sun? A: While I can’t make any promises about the June weather, I do have suggestions for some excellent eateries for enjoying the great outdoors. Located on the edge of the Mill Pond, Millworks has a lovely outdoor seating area where you can relish the view and watch the punts glide past. The restaurant has a menu ranging from hearty fare (think steak and burgers) to nibbles (including crispy squid and arancini). There’s also an extensive drinks menu offering cocktails, beer, alcoholic slushies, mocktails and wine, plus an ice cream hatch for those lucky days when the sun decides to make an appearance. For a truly idyllic alfresco setting, you would be hard-pressed to beat The Orchard Tea Garden, Grantchester. It’s only a short walk from the River Cam, with a large outdoor seating area in a wooded glade. Weather permitting, you can sit under the trees, enjoy the peace and quiet, and graze on a light lunch or afternoon tea. While you do have to make sure to pre-book the afternoon tea, you’re rewarded with a choice of sandwiches with vegetarian options, bread and butter soaked in honey, miniature cakes, and scones served with jam and clotted cream. Slightly outside of Cambridge, Provenance Kitchen in Whittlesford has a sheltered courtyard for dining outside, plus a large stretch tent to protect you a little from the weather – be it pouring rain or blazing sun. While the menu changes according to what’s in season, your dish is sure to be cooked over an open flame – and will be completely delicious to boot. The garlic and parsley fries are a particular favourite of mine, and the dessert menu is always interesting and inventive. If you’re after a more cosmopolitan vibe, the newly refurbished Novi boasts a
HEAVENLY COCKTAIL A Strawberry Bon Bon from Millworks, which can be found at the Cambridge Mill Pond
where you can soak up the sun, while Stir in Chesterton also has a big outdoor seating area with large parasols. For maximum insurance against the weather, look to The Three Horseshoes in Madingley. This pub has a lovely garden, along with two spherical dining pods – complete with heating and lights – that may be booked for lunch and dinner. Enjoy the stunning views without risking getting caught in a sudden summer downpour. Plus, there’s a great menu that combines pub classics (such as pie or steak) with more exciting flavours (an nduja scotch egg) and plenty of options for those with dietary requirements. There are dairy-free and low-gluten menus available alongside vegetarian and vegan dishes, so everyone can enjoy the food – and the outdoors. British summers may be unpredictable, but even if the weather disappoints you, these Cambridge independents won’t.
rooftop terrace and city-centre location. The menu and interior have been given a thorough overhaul, so it’s worth checking out, especially when you’re in the mood for some Saturday night drinks. There’s also Six at the Varsity Hotel, which has 360° views of the Cambridge skyline. This top-floor brasserie serves lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, and has a comprehensive list of cocktails, wine and other alcoholic beverages. One to keep in mind for warm summer nights when you’re feeling celebratory. Want to keep it low-key with brunch and a coffee? Espresso Library has plenty of benches outside its East Road location
One to keep in mind for when you’re feeling celebratory
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