Step into the new season with a bounty of delights to discover on your doorstep. This issue, we take a trip to Mill Road to reveal its must-visit restaurants and shops, highlight some sensational staycation spots, serve up some tasty recipes and bring you all the latest from the local culture scene.
YOU R MON T H L Y F I X OF
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A YEAR'S WORTH OF DESSERTS!
REDISCOVER YOUR CITY WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST OF CAMBRIDGE THIS JUNE
WELCOME
mid the general bleakness of the year so far, June has been winking invitingly on the horizon with its promise of sun, fun and freedom. It might turn out to be a mirage (roadmap delays are being threatened at the time of writing), but all being well, this is the moment we can finally go back to our pre-pandemic way of life – festivals, football matches and all. Those excited to indulge in some sorely missed culture this summer won’t be disappointed – the Arts Theatre and the Junction have both released a fantastic line-up of shows for the season ahead, as we discover in our Culture Club section (from page 7). Hoping to dust off your dancing shoes? Good news: for the first time since March 2020, we’ve got a nightlife page (21), highlighting
EDITORIAL Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com Editorial assistant Frances McNaughton 01223 499469 francesmcnaughton@bright-publishing.com Editorial director Roger Payne Chief sub editor Alex Bell Sub editor Elisha Young Junior sub editor Jack Nason ADVERTISING Group ad manager Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright-publishing.com Sales executive Hannah Gurney 01223 499463 hannahgurney@bright-publishing.com CONTRIBUTORS Charlotte Griffiths, Jenny Jefferies, Alex Rushmer & Anna Taylor DESIGN & PRODUCTION Senior designer Lucy Woolcomb lucywoolcomb@bright-publishing.com Designer and ad production Man-Wai Wong MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck
great gigs and news about a brand-new nightclub for the city. Elsewhere, there’s a year’s worth of desserts to be won (33), some brilliant book recommendations (15), interiors inspiration (61) and all the latest from the local food scene (from page 27). Enjoy the issue and see you next month!
CONTENTS Nicola Foley EDITOR IN CHIEF
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
FIND US @CAMBSEDITION
CAMBRIDGE EDITIONMAGAZINE 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 this magazine are not 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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5 ● WISH LIST Some swoon-worthy gifts and goodies from local indies 7 ● WHAT’S ON All the best local arts events to look forward to – diaries at the ready 15 ● BOOK CLUB Literature lover Charlotte Griffiths reveals her favourite reads for June 21 ● NIGHTLIFE After-hours is no longer off limits! We’ve got the highlights for you here 27 ● FOOD NEWS New restaurants, menus and a whole host of foodie goodness 31 ● CHEF’S TABLE The latest culinary musings from chef Alex Rushmer 33 ● COMPETITION There’s a year’s worth of luxury desserts up for grabs in this month’s giveaway 35 ● RECIPES Jenny Jefferies shares a few fresh, fish-based creations – perfect for summer
42 ● INTERVIEW We meet Julie Deane OBE, founder of The Cambridge Satchel Company 45 ● INDIE OF THE MONTH The diverse, forward-thinking methods of Johnsons of Old Hurst 49 ● ON YOUR BIKE This summer’s must-have cycling gear 51 ● EDUCATION Local schools weigh in on mental health, and the pandemic’s impact on young people 61 ● INTERIORS Transform the heart of your home this month, with our kitchen special 70 ● PROPERTY Insight from experts on how the property market is faring as we enter pandemic recovery 74 ● GARDENS Anna Taylor’s tips for the green-fingered, as we plan for the ‘Christmas’ of floriculture
This month’s cover illustration is by Lucy Woolcomb , based on a photo by Andreea-Otilia Suiu
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STARTERS
BEEBEEWRAPS from £9.50
MUSE NECKLACE £25, Illumi Jewel
MOJAVE BUD VASE £6.50 each, The Flower Project
Made right here in Cambridge, BeeBee Wraps are eco-friendly, beeswax food wraps with super-cute designs, from whale motifs to swimming sardines!
An accessory that will never go out of style, this necklace from local jewellery maker Illumi features a striking blue jasper stone and delicate gold chain.
Sporting a dip ombre effect, these stylish vases come in earthy brown, yellow, black or green, and can be picked up fromMill Road newcomer The Flower Project.
THIS MONTH’S MUST-HAVES FROM LOCAL INDIES
CAMBRIDGE EMBROIDERY KIT £65, Kettle’s Yard
CASSIOPEIA BLOUSE £49.99, Jensen’s
Created by artist Ekta Kaul, this kit is perfect for a keen crafter. The map highlights iconic Cambridge places and you can personalise it by adding your favourite spots.
This stunning summery top by Ichi Fashion Denmark is from Jensen’s in Ely, a family-run business specialising in Scandinavian-style clothes and accessories.
COASTERS (SET OF FOUR) £20, Linton Pottery
One of our favourite recent discoveries, Linton Pottery is owned and run by Emma Kiernan, who creates unique clay stoneware at her studio in Linton. From vases to bowls, there’s plenty to check out – we especially like these aqua coasters.
EVERY NOOK CANDLE £12.50, Lilac Rose
Bridge Street gift emporium Lilac Rose is bursting with covetable nick-nacks, including this heavenly scented bergamot candle.
CALENDULA SOAP £6.95, Cambridge Soap Company Level up your ablutions with this gorgeous handmade soap, featuring nourishing calendula with sweet orange essential oil, lavender and cedarwood.
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ARTS & CULTURE
COWS ABOUT CAMBRIDGE
change. The team is delighted to be back in Cambridge, working with businesses and the creative community for this event.” After the trail closes, the large cow sculptures will be auctioned to raise money for Break, while the mini moos go off to graze with their schools and community group creators. Cambridge BID CEO, Ian Sandison, adds: “The past year has been exceptionally difficult for many of our businesses and households. As we finally begin to look to the future, we hope that this spectacular art trail will bring some colour and creativity to our streets, as well as a sense of optimism.” This year’s Cows about Cambridge trail runs until Saturday 4 September. For more information, head to the Cambridge BID website. cambridgebid.co.uk
After having to postpone for over a year, Cows about Cambridge is poised to bring colour and conversation to the city streets this summer. Created by global art event producers Wild in Art and children’s charity Break, in association with principal partner Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID) and Thameslink, the much-awaited art trail is set to launch on Monday 28 June. The Cows have been on standby since March 2020 when the first lockdown hit, waiting in the wings until their time came to support the city’s recovery from the pandemic. The trail aims to help locals reconnect with their city, as well as encouraging conversations about climate change and supporting the Cambridge arts scene, which has been heavily impacted over the past year.
About 40 decorated fibreglass Cow sculptures, along with 45 ‘mini moos’, will be dotted around the city for ten weeks this summer, providing a free trail to discover all of the colourful designs that regional artists, schools and community groups have painted and collaged on to these 3D cow-shaped canvases. The trail also invites locals and visitors to enjoy a family-friendly and socially distanced form of exercise, incorporating outdoor locations to keep everybody safe. “Our cow sculptures are modelled on the red poll cattle that graze Cambridge meadows,” explains Wild in Art managing director and co-founder, Charlie Langhorn. “They’re more than simply works of art to be looked at – they will inspire people to enjoy the city in a Covid-friendly way, stimulating important discussions about the environment and climate
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THE LIBRARY PRESENTS IS BACK! With music, theatre and comedy performances, educational shows and online workshops, The Library Presents is back to bring high-quality, affordable arts activities to the towns and villages of Cambridgeshire, at hand-picked outdoor locations, as well as online. “During 2020, I was pleased that the team was able to continue sharing great arts activities and provide a well-needed distraction through the In Your House programme,” enthuses head of libraries, archives and culture at Cambridgeshire County Council, Gary Porter. “I am proud to say that the team has now organised outdoor events in response to the overwhelming desire we all must be feeling to get out and see something ‘live’.” Performances and workshops are chosen by their prospective audiences, and this year’s spring season will feature many of the events that were unable to go ahead last year. The spring season will continue to offer online workshops such as audio drama writing and comic book art, along with a slew of outdoor workshops including samba drumming and willow sculpture. And not forgetting the free short performances – you can get a taste of what The Library Presents events are like by checking one (or more!) of them out. The Puppet Van Presents… The Lost Colour is an outdoor puppet spectacular celebrating the joy of colour, and Dancing Jukebox Gems takes audiences through three decades of lively music and comedy dance moves. The programme also offers six special performances in Wisbech and March, which are available to book for outside your house or in your garden – invite your neighbours to join in with the socially-distanced fun! “I am thrilled that we are able to go back to our roots and produce a fantastic season of live events in venues across the county,” adds Cambridgeshire County Council’s partnerships, projects and funding manager, Joanne Gray. “This spring, we’re delighted to once again get together and celebrate the wonderful artists and performers who are part of the season.” The new spring season brochure is available now, and tickets can be booked online via The Library Presents website, or in person at participating libraries. The spring season runs until Saturday 17 July. library.live/the-library-presents
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CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE SUMMER SEASON Buckle up Cambridge! The thrill of live performance is back, and Cambridge Arts Theatre has put together a star-studded line-up of shows to entertain you this summer. Kicking off the season from 8-12 June is David Mamet’s drama Oleanna , a complex portrait of a student-professor power dynamic. It’s followed by Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black from 17-26 June, a truly terrifying live theatre experience, fresh from London’s Fortune Theatre. Next in store is a real highlight of the summer season – a brand-new stage adaptation of T. S. Eliot’s Four Quartets, starring and directed by renowned actor Ralph Fiennes, which runs from 28 June to 10 July. As we head into July, world-class dramas Copenhagen (12-17 July) and A Splinter of Ice (20-24 July), are the month’s crowning jewels. The former is a spellbinding exploration of two brilliant minds in Nazi- occupied Denmark during the second world war, while the latter is a new political drama, starring TV favourites Oliver Ford Davies and Stephen Boxer. The month ends with a fantastic children’s show for the whole family to enjoy. The Snail and the Whale follows an intrepid father-and-daughter duo as they reimagine the story of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book. You can catch it from 28 July to 1 August. Rounding off the summer, we have Willy Russell’s legendary musical Blood Brothers , telling the moving tale of twins separated at birth, running from 3-7 August. There’s also the smash-hit comedy Magic Goes Wrong fromMischief Theatre (10- 21 August), featuring some eye-watering daredevil stunts in Mischief ’s biggest comedy catastrophe to date. And finally, there’s Barmy Britain , a brilliant children’s show that’ll take you through the history of Britain – with all the nasty bits left in. Catch the family-friendly fun from 24 to 28 August. Cambridge Arts Theatre has also revealed a few events for later this year – head to the website for more information about shows scheduled in October and November. For details on this summer’s upcoming shows, and to book tickets, head to the Cambridge Arts Theatre website, or contact the box office on 01223 503333. cambridgeartstheatre.com
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COMING UP AT THE JUNCTION The Junction has wasted no time getting back into the swing of things this summer, with a host of live and online events. On 6 June, catch the stunning aerial theatre show Aidy the Awesome online. Watch as the performers fly and spin through the air, working your way through your superhero activity pack (included with booking) as you go – it’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy. For a folk music fix, The Rheingans Sisters are coming up on 15 June. The duo have scored their fair share of accolades at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards over the years – and for good reason! Get ready for an evening of rich, spirited folk music at this socially-distanced live event. You can also join talented singer-songwriter and pianist Belinda O’ Hooley (pictured left), at the venue on 21 June. Elsewhere on the programme, catch stand-up sensation Suzi Ruffell’s new show, Dance Like Everyone’s Watching, on 29 June, which delivers her trademark mix of storytelling, observations and just a smidgen of social politics. On 22 July, the up-and-coming Central Cee will be at the Junction with his melodic, grime-like sounds. He’s definitely one to watch. You can also catch some ambient and enriching soul music from Stone Foundation, a band whose vibrant brand of British soul is bound to make you smile, on 31 July. On 12 August, The Primitives will hit the Junction with their Crash! Bang! Wallop! set, harking back to the 80s and 90s with a sound that has made them one of the most adored alternative rock acts around. Magician Pete Firman’s new show, Bag of Tricks, is on 14 August, blending comedy and jaw-dropping magic live on stage for an evening of light-hearted entertainment. On 21 August, meanwhile, catch Cambridge-formed band Sweet Crisis, who will be showcasing their energetic new album, Tricks On My Mind . junction.co.uk
ALFRED WALLIS REDISCOVERED It’s your last chance to catch Alfred Wallis Rediscovered at Kettle’s Yard this month. The exhibition – closing on 20 June – showcases many of the artist’s expressive drawings and paintings of his experiences at sea, depicting memories of his time working on deep-sea fishing boats and as a marine scrap merchant in Cornwall. You can also join in with an online conversation exploring Wallis’ life and work on 16 June. Alfred Wallis: Artist and Mariner is a conversation between Wallis expert Robert Jones and curatorial assistant Eliza Spindel. kettlesyard.co.uk
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The University Arms will be hosting a new series of cultural events throughout the year, featuring influential figures, engaging discussions and delicious food served UNIVERSITY ARMS LITERARY LUNCHES
in the hotel’s iconic ballroom. The new Literary Lunches will
welcome important figures from the arts, politics and literature, facilitating thought-provoking talks and Q&A sessions. The carefully curated accompanying menu, put together by Parker’s Tavern chef patron Tristan Welch, will feature the restaurant’s famous slow-cooked spaghetti bolognese, as well as aubergine and tomato ‘berkagiana’, and for dessert, Tristan’s very own Duke of Cambridge Tart. Plus, for those who would like to make a night of it, special overnight rates will be available. To book tickets for upcoming events, head to the
Pots by LePlan_T, one of the exhibitors at the Cambridge Craft Festival
University Arms website. universityarms.co.uk
CAMBRIDGE CRAFT FESTIVAL On Saturday 5 June, you can catch Camilla from Knitting Needle Lane, as well as Jem fromUnder the Olive Tree Knits, for the very first virtual version of the Cambridge Craft Festival. Celebrating local crafters and their handmade businesses, the festival provides a taste of what Cambridge’s talented independent creatives have to offer. The impressive range of pieces includes knitting, crochet, woodworking, jewellery making and more! A series of Instagram live streams on the day will explain a bit more about the vendors, as well as their unique handmade products. Give them a follow on Instagram @cambridgecraftfestival
CONCERTS AT THE ORCHARD
This month, classical ensemble Eboracum Baroque is putting on a series of concerts, including operas by Purcell and Handel, performed by professional singers and accompanied by period instruments. Set in the idyllic surroundings of Grantchester’s The Orchard Tea Garden, the concerts can be enjoyed from its famous green deckchairs. “We’re over the moon to be returning,” says Eboracum Baroque founding member Chris Parsons. “We hope you’ll join us to celebrate coming back together with great music in a beautiful setting.” Tickets for the concerts can be found on the Eboracum Baroque website, priced £25.50 for adults and £5.50 for children, with season tickets to all concerts costing £67.50. All of the performances will take place between 24-26 June. eboracumbaroque.co.uk
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CAMBRIDGE EDI T ION
FEMALE WRITERS TAKE CENTRE-STAGE THIS MONTH. HERE ARE EIGHT INSPIRATIONAL READS TO DISCOVER
WORDS BY CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS
LIBERTIE BY KAITLYN GREENIDGE
what the young woman actually wants? The book is threaded with clenched-jaw moments of racist injustice for Libertie, who faces colourist attitudes on all sides, whether within an all-Black community or treating the white women who seek out her mother’s expertise. Still, she surges forward, reaching for freedom and forging her own life rather than the one her mother has determined on her behalf. Though the book spans decades and travels across America, Greenidge’s skill at writing gives the tale an intimate, familial feeling. Like the homeopathic remedies handed out by Libertie’s mother, this is a tale of seeking balance – between mind and body, dreams and reality, trauma and peace – and mothers and daughters.
This epic book shares the story of Libertie Sampson, a young, free black woman living in Kings County, New York, in the 1860s. We join her finding her own path in the world, climbing out from under her mother’s all-consuming love, which manifests as fierce control of her daughter. Libertie’s mother is a talented doctor, who we meet as she ‘raises a man from the dead,’ awakening him from an induced slumber to escape slavery’s clutches, both literally and psychologically. Libertie doesn’t realise how much she’s in her mother’s thrall and is constantly seeking her approval, studying hard and winning a place at medical school so eventually the pair can work as Dr Sampson and Daughter – but is that
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BRIGHT BURNING THINGS BY LISA HARDING
Once a talented ingenue taking London’s stages by storm, we meet Sonya Moriarty five years on from her brief moment in the spotlight. She’s stricken with an alcohol addiction and desperately trying to outrun the voices in her head – including the beautiful and unconditional love from her four-year-old son Tommy and dog Herbie. She has pitted the three of them against the world, weaving compelling but dangerous fantasies about the motives of others and pushing away offers of help based on her own childhood trauma. A near miss with a kitchen fire while she’s black-out drunk causes the neighbours to alert Sonya’s father, who forces his daughter into rehab. Sonya struggles with an unnamed ‘condition’; emotion crashing through her like gales, and seeing events through her eyes is both exhausting and exhilarating. The almost-modernist prose becomes freeform in places, and following Sonya’s train of thought – especially when she’s drunk – requires a combination of close focus and total surrender. Yet in the middle of these maelstroms are searing moments of insight and self-awareness. Readers may find themselves torn between judging Sonya’s bad behaviour and brought to tears with sympathy for the anguish she experiences on her journey to steadier ground. A heartbreaking book that’s painfully funny in parts.
CARELESS BY KIRSTY CAPES
We’re straight back to the beaches of Troy for Barker’s second book in this series, which revises the Homerian epic from the perspective of the lesser characters – particularly the women – who are all too often silent in these histories. The story opens at the nail-bitingly cinematic pivot point of the ten-year Trojan War, where the wooden horse containing Achaean fighters is wheeled inside the city gates. We’re given a glimpse of what really occurs at the death of Priam, the King of Troy, before the “exploits run from mouth to mouth and no doubt grew in the telling”. We also return to Agamemnon’s camp and the mind of Briseis, once a minor royal, now enslaved alongside the other women whose communities fell to these rampaging armies. She is pregnant, carrying the child of now-dead Achilles, and was swiftly married to his ally, Lord Alcimus, upon the warrior’s death. It has made her a free woman – saving her from a position stuck on the lowest possible rung of the ladder and giving her the ability to move around the camp. Despite victory, the Achaean forces are trapped on the beaches by the winds, with no hope of returning home. Resentment builds among the army with every day that passes. Yet, with King Priam’s rotting body lying unburied, dishonoured on the dunes, will the Gods ever allow them to return home? Barker expertly balances the domestic with the divine, giving us more of her addictive, alternative accounts of the Greek mythology canon. Although Troy’s siege is said to have happened over three thousand years ago, hearing Briseis’s innermost thoughts, fears and hopes make the events feel timeless – which is how you know this series deserves its inevitable status as a modern classic. THE WOMEN OF TROY BY PAT BARKER
Brilliantly visceral and energetic from the off, Careless opens with 15-year-old protagonist Bess in a grotty chip shop toilet, about to take a pregnancy test. Though Bess’ foster parents live next to Shepperton Studios, her life is no movie. She imagines her ‘Boy’, the father of her possible child, climbing through her bedroom window to save her, and likens their ‘meet-cute’ to those of cinematic greats, yet she’s got her eyes wide open to the harsh reality (he steals her bike on their first encounter), and their relationship is definitively “not a love story”. Bess is a keen film photographer, constantly capturing the world around her on celluloid as if she needs physical proof of her perspective on life. It backs up her sense of self-worth: this is how she sees the world, this view matters. She dreams of a future as a filmmaker, creating documentaries about her friend Eshal, who’s set on career as a vet but terrified at the prospect of an arranged marriage. Bess’ little sister ‘Riss’ – her foster parents’ biological and favourite daughter – is annoying, and her social worker is hopeless. But are these thoughts actually the truth, or just her stubborn-yet- heartbroken take on the situation? Author Kirsty Capes is an advocate for better representation of care-experienced people in the media – and this book deserves all the awards it will no doubt receive.
“This book deserves all the awards it will no doubt receive”
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ARTS & CULTURE
CONVERSATIONS ON LOVE
BY NATASHA LUNN
What’s the digital equivalent of ‘well-thumbed’? I highlighted so many passages in my copy of this book that entire pages were coloured in, rendering the exercise almost pointless. I even took photos of my Kindle screen, saving snippets of Lunn’s most poignant words – and intend to buy lots of copies for lots of people when this incredible book is published in the summer. Based on her wildly popular series of email newsletters, Lunn’s Conversations on Love – like all brilliant works – has a simple concept at heart. The writer questions celebrities, experts and those with first-hand knowledge of love on their experiences of the much-sought connection, from parenting through to platonic relationships. She asks: how do we find love? How do we sustain it? And how do we survive when we lose it? This book is beautiful, completely reassuring and tear-provokingly insightful. It’s a perfectly timed read for anyone establishing their post-pandemic priorities. “Beautiful, reassuring and insightful”
ANOTHER LIFE BY JODIE CHAPMAN
whipping us back to the cold, hard present, before returning us once again to filtered recollections of what once was, slowly bringing the characters’ tales together. Nick turns each memory over in his mind, handling them like precious stones, and looking for new facets through which to understand events. At one point he says of a day with Anna that the memories were “like a movie montage. Not quite real, a little cliche, all the best bits. Maybe the words weren’t spoken exactly like I remember, but you get a sense of it, and what really do we ever possess of another human being but a sense of them?” This sweeping, cinematic love story is perfect to lose yourself in on a warm summer’s day – bring tissues.
Fans of David Nicholls and Hanya Yanagihara will fall completely head over heels for the entwined tales of Anna, Nick and his brother Sal – beautifully rendered and weighed down by tragedy in this extraordinarily well-crafted debut novel. The opening chapter starts us off with hand-to-mouth heartbreak – and the story’s intensity only builds further. Chapman has a brilliant talent for creating vignettes, neatly bringing elements together like a skilled film director. You really get the sense that every tiny aspect has been thoughtfully considered, readers instantly connecting with her characters, snapping their desires into perfect focus. The narrative jumps around in time, giving us faded, fond memories of the past before
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ARIADNE BY JENNIFER SAINT
Here’s another welcome opportunity to escape to ancient Greece for a retelling of a classic myth from the perspective of the long-silent female characters. This time, it’s Ariadne’s tale of woe that gets dragged out of the labyrinth into the scorching Cretan sunshine for a closer, more informed look. Author Jennifer Saint does not hold back in this, her debut novel, recounting the familiar tale of Theseus and the Minotaur through the eyes of Ariadne and her sister Phaedra. What would it actually have been like to have such a creature for a little brother? How could their mother Pasiphaë ever
recover from giving birth to a monster that was half man, half bull? And why would Theseus abandon the woman who had just turned her back on her family and people to help slay the Minotaur and escape? Brilliantly imaginative and totally engrossing from the start, Saint creates whole worlds where ancient texts only shared sentences, shining light into the shadows where the women were shoved, while making readers raise eyebrows at the cruel gods and the men who act in their name. Very pleasingly, Saint is already working on another retelling of a Greek myth – it can’t come soon enough.
THE WOLF DEN BY ELODIE HARPER
At first, the unflinchingly explicit and brutal world in which we meet Amara, enslaved in ancient Pompeii’s most notorious brothel, is almost too shocking to bear, but the doctor’s daughter quickly hardens against the grim reality of her new existence. Packed with historical detail without becoming educational, this is a gripping and compelling tale of humanity, and the powerlessness and resourcefulness of women in the ancient world. We experience life in pre-eruption Pompeii through the eyes of Amara and the other ‘She Wolves’ – prostitutes owned by sadistic pimp Felix, who will stop at nothing to get every last denarius from his purchases. Their situation seems hopeless, yet by using her quick mind and the talents of another ‘lupa’ named Dido – a noble-born woman sold into slavery following family misfortune – she starts to see the first glimmers of hope for a new life. But theirs is a fragile existence, in which everything can be taken away at a moment’s notice, including life. Impossible to put down and taut with tension up to the last page, this is a deeply affecting book that confronts questions of power, control, free will, and the timelessness of our most basic instincts.
“Taut with tension up to the last page”
IMAGE With debut novel Ariadne, Jennifer Saint retells the classic mythological tale of Theseus and the Minotaur from the perspective of previously glossed over female characters. The author’s revision of the ancient Greek story poses brand-new and thought-provoking questions for the reader
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NIGHT L I F E
After Hours THIS MONTH’S UNMISSABLE NOCTURNAL EVENTS 1 NEW NIGHTCLUB FOR CAMBRIDGE It was a sad day when iconic venue Fez Club shut its doors, but we’re
pleased to report that a brand-new nightclub, Mash, is opening in its Market Passage spot this month. A massive refurbishment has updated the decor and created a much-improved dance floor, plus the new owners are promising a sound and lighting system that rivals the best. The opening party is on 21 June, and further events include regular hip-hop/ R&B night Fresh Tuesdays, Let’s Kill Disco and international party, Memoria. Stay tuned for more and welcome to Cambridge, Mash! 2 COMEDY PICKS We could all use a laugh after the past year, and this month is delivering some fantastic comedy gigs to give us just that. Kicking off the month on 2 June, Sara Pascoe will be at The Willow Tree in Bourn for the relaunch of the Teehee at the Teepee comedy night. The talented and versatile comedian has appeared as a panellist on Have I Got News For You , Mock The Week and QI , as well as selling out her one-woman shows and starring in several sitcoms. Sure to add some extra laughs to the evening is the support act Stephen Bailey, an accomplished comedian in his own right. There’s another night of laughs in store on 18 June, when Angela Barnes headlines Custard Comedy at Eddington. Star of TV, stage and radio, the popular performer has firmly established herself as a UK favourite, earning recognition and praise among fellow professionals and the public. The event will also feature a full supporting line-up, including seasoned comedian Jane Hill. Both of these events will be hosted by MC Rob Coleman. Tickets cost £15 and £10 respectively, purchasable online at wegottickets.com , while you can call The Willow Tree box office on 01954 719775.
3 BRIAN WILSON Cambridge will welcome a true legend this month when Brian Wilson takes to the stage at the Corn Exchange on 25 June. He’s stopping by as part of his Good Vibrations Greatest Hits Tour , and will perform favourite bops from the Beach Boys days like Wouldn’t It Be Nice and I Get Around . Expect an evening of light-hearted, nostalgic entertainment full of feel-good factor, as one of pop music’s most influential creatives presents a dazzling showcase of the past century’s most recognisable tunes. Tickets start at £48, and are available for purchase through the Corn Exchange website. cambridgelive.org.uk 4 THE BEAT Last, but not least, the Junction will come alive with the infectious sound of The Beat on 6 July. The 40th anniversary tour of ...Still Can’t Stop It features some of their classic hit singles from the late 70s and early 80s, including Can’t Get Used to Losing You , Drowning and Stand Down Margaret , plus plenty more. Led by vocalist Dave Wakeling, the event will be a raucous celebration of two-tone ska. Tickets cost £25, and can be booked via the Cambridge Junction website. junction.co.uk
IMAGES Mash will mix up Cambridge’s clubbing scene (top), while Brian Wilson brings a Beach Boys hit parade (middle) and Sara Pascoe covers the laughs (bottom)
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FOOD NEWS • RECI PES • CHE F ’ S TAB L E
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FOOD & DR INK
A MONTHLY ROUND-UP OF GASTRO GOINGS-ON AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE
THE WINE ROOMS Opening its doors at 57 Hills Road soon, The Wine Rooms is a new high-end wine shop, offering indoor drinking and dining just as restrictions are easing. It also accommodates business lunches, wine tastings, private dining and evening events, so all of your corporate and special occasion needs are covered. The accompanying food menu has a selection of bright, contemporary sharing dishes – carefully created by Liz Young (The Modern Table) – so expect plenty of tempting treats to enjoy with your wine. Follow The Wine Rooms on Instagram for more updates. @thewineroomscambridge
© LAURA RUPOLO
GOURMET BROWNIE GOES EXTREME This Father’s Day (20 June), local baker Gourmet Brownie has pulled out all the stops to create a showstopping selection of chocolatey confections, with flavours reflecting a favourite of each teammember’s dad. Think treats stacked and packed with Snickers, enveloped in thick millionaire’s caramel, or even a Toblerone log for a decadent chocolate indulgence. All of the brownies can be ordered for postal delivery across the UK. For more information, head to the Gourmet Brownie website: gourmetbrownie.co.uk
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HOME-GROWN GOODNESS AT GARDEN HOUSE There’s a new restaurant coming to town! Set to open in the Graduate Cambridge hotel this July, Garden House – spearheaded by AdamWood, former chef at London’s award-winning Perilla restaurant – offers a seasonal menu focused on simple, open-flame grill cooking. Showcasing the best of East Anglian produce, expect gorgeous, freshly cooked dishes that are uncomplicated and celebrate the area’s rich agricultural history. Vegetables are sourced from Flourish Produce – an entirely horse-powered, biodiverse smallholding (and Edition favourite!) – while all other produce comes from local suppliers, farmers and gamekeepers. And that’s not the only nod to the past. Garden House takes its name from the original Garden House Hotel, which stood on the same site at Granta Place for much of the 20th century, acknowledging local heritage while bringing a refreshing new energy to the space. The Graduate Cambridge will also be home to the Garden Bar, serving a wide variety of British, European and NewWorld wines and cocktails, plus a cafe and co-working space, with terraces and private dining available. To find out more, visit the Garden House website: gardenhousecambridge.co.uk
CAUSING A STIR The city’s popular CB4 cafe, Stir, is branching out with a second site on School Hill in Histon, just in time for summer! Think Stir-style, flexible social space, brunches, lunches, events and, of course, coffee! There will also be a vast array of Stir Bakery sweet treats on offer, making it perfect for a mid-morning or afternoon pit stop. Keep an eye on Stir’s social media for more details @stircambridge, or visit the website. stircambridge.co.uk
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FOOD & DR INK
SUMMER OF LOVE The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie invites you to rediscover your love of dining this summer with a new menu of delicious dishes, afternoon tea and a bespoke, 1960s-themed cocktail menu. The selection includes the magnificent ‘This Bird Has Flown’ (Haku Japanese vodka – shaken with mint, lemon and sugar, topped with chilled prosecco), plus the ‘Woodstock Old Fashioned’, a sumptuous mixture of Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon and spiced maple syrup. There are plenty of refreshing summer dishes on offer, too, including delectable côte de boeuf, as well as pea velouté with lemon and thyme ricotta, crushed peas and black pepper. Finish it off with a decadently indulgent sundae, featuring vanilla ice cream, meringue, shortbread and strawberry sauce. “We are very excited to have welcomed guests back to the restaurant, who we have greatly missed over the past few months,” says general manager Shanil Weerakoon. “Whether you’re looking for lunch and cocktails with friends, or dinner with a loved one, there are plenty of delicious options to help you rediscover your love of dining this summer.” Reservations can be made via theivycambridgebrasserie.com
BIER PARK DELIVERIES! You can now get your pints delivered to your picnic, thanks to Thirsty’s ingenious Bier Park online ordering service. Whether you’re on Jesus Green or Midsummer Common, hop on to Thirsty’s online shop to order drinks, then have them delivered to your picnic spot free of charge. The service is available until 8pm, so you can keep your glasses topped up for as long as the sun is shining. Cheers to that! Thirsty Bier Park delivery is available on Fridays and Saturdays, from 4pm and 1pm, respectively. Follow @thirstycamb on Instagram for updates on the Bier Park schedule.
ALFRESCO DINING ON THE LAWN Among Cambridge’s countless creative outdoor dining options, Gonville Hotel’s answer to lockdown dining restrictions comes in the shape of the Lawn. The beautifully decorated marquee offers a safe space to enjoy a meal and some drinks with family and friends. It’s decked out with plenty of twinkling lights and heaters, so you can stay until late, whatever the weather. And if you’re planning to hit the Lawn on a weekend, you’re in luck – every Friday and Saturday evening, there’s live jazz in the garden from 7pm. To book your table on the Lawn, head to the Gonville Hotel website. gonvillehotel.co.uk
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AFTER A CREATIVE BLOCK, RECENT DINING EXPERIENCES ARE PROVIDING INSPIRATION FOR CHEF ALEX RUSHMER The Old Normal CHEF’S TABLE
t the risk of making some dangerous assumptions, I am hoping that by the time you read this, there will be
a veneer of normality draped over our collective lives. I know from my own experience – and from talking to the many wonderful people who bought our Vanderlyle To Go meals over the past year – that creativity in the kitchen has been in short supply. Despite my career as a professional chef, not to mention dozens of shelves filled with hundreds of cookery books, I have often found myself desperately lacking inspiration when deciding what to eat at home. On a few occasions, I have turned to others to help fill the void. Locally, Restaurant Twenty-Two, The Cambridge Samosa Company, Tzatziki and La Latina Bustaurante have all stepped in to provide some truly delicious treats. We have also been fortunate enough to sample delights from a new national delivery service called Dishpatch, which facilitates the logistical challenge of allowing London-based restaurants to provide meal kits to those not living within striking distance of the capital. Consequently, we’ve feasted on Empire Biryani’s signature dish, as well as incredible food from the original vegetable magician, Yotam Ottolenghi. For those more carnivorously minded, I have it on excellent authority that St. John’s cassoulet is majestic – if somewhat rich. But these are exceptions that serve to prove the rule: a year of lockdowns has atrophied our creative muscle. For every vibrant, multi-course offering, there have
IMAGE An Ottolenghi feast via delivery service Dishpatch, one of Alex’s recommendations this month
Kingston Arms. The occasion (as if one were needed) was the celebration of the last day of Vanderlyle To Go, which we stopped at the beginning of May to focus efforts on reopening this summer. Despite the cool air and social distancing measures still in place, the sounds of laughter, conversation and glassware were every bit as delicious as the hummus plates, roasted vegetables and fresh labneh with bright, verdant olive oil. There was also great delight in traversing a (quite phenomenal) wine list somebody else has created, rather than another trudge through the same bottles at the local convenience store.
been many plates of beige, assembled from forgotten corners of the freezer and eaten in front of the television. Knife and joy not required, simply supply a fork and your own capacious stomach. With restrictions easing, these micro- experiences can expand into ones that are more wholesome and community-minded, and this is exciting. We had a glimpse of the old normal just recently when, over the course of several hours, a few of us shared some small dishes at the reopened
“The sounds of laughter were every bit as delicious as the plates of hummus”
A perfect prologue to what we all hope will be a long, intricately plotted summer, replete with the creativity that only grows robust in shared moments.
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COMPET I T ION
WIN A YEAR’S WORTH OF LUXURY DESSERTS
reating yourself is always a good idea – and after the year we’ve had, there’s never been a better time to indulge. Luckily for you,
well as equipment, so you can build up your own kitchen toolkit. Some of Mon Dessert’s most popular kits include an impressive baked alaska, comprised of a chocolate and coconut biscuit, topped with ice cream and enveloped in a soft marshmallow meringue. There’s also a classic crème brûlée kit, which comes with all the know- how – plus a blow torch and two ramekins – to create restaurant-quality fare. Each kit is delivered to your door between the 16th and 20th of every month, so you’ll always have a delicious treat to look forward to. To enter, head to our Competition tab at cambsedition.co.uk
our giveaway this month is a glorious dessert subscription, so you’ll be set for the next 12 months! We’ve teamed up with London-based luxury dessert company Mon Dessert to offer a decadent subscription for the year, worth £240. One lucky winner will receive a surprise dessert-making kit every month, which includes everything you need to create your own tasty treats: pre-measured ingredients and recipe instructions that are easy to follow, as
Mon Dessert is a dessert kit delivery service offering monthly subscription boxes for making delicious desserts. Three-month and six-month subscriptions are available, as well as one-off boxes if there’s a specific dessert you’ve got your eye on. For more information, visit mondessert.co.uk
T&Cs: Entries close 30 June. Subscriptions commence July 2021. No cash alternative available.
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RECI PES
WE DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED SEAFOOD COOKBOOK FROM LOCAL AUTHOR JENNY JEFFERIES Love for the Sea of the
WORDS BY NICOLA FOLEY
ollowing the success of For The Love Of The Land , which celebrated British farmers and their food, local cookbook
Among those featured are Dee Caffari MBE, a British sailor and the first woman to sail solo and non-stop in both directions around the globe, as well as E. Ashton Fishmongers – one of the largest fish retailers in the country – and Cornwall’s National Lobster Hatchery. Representing East Anglia’s coastline are Darren Marriott, owner of Southwold’s famed Sole Bay Fish Company, and Ashley Mullenger, who runs fishing boats from Wells-next-the-Sea. Recipes showcased include a cosy, creamy fish pie, luxurious roast turbot with samphire and clams, a classic cod fish and chip supper, Moroccan spiced langoustines and lots more. Whether you’re after a quick tea or a showstopping dinner party centrepiece, there’s something for all occasions and levels of cooking ability, with dishes ranging from popular British staples to lesser-known gems brought to light by experienced and knowledgeable fishermen. Championing sustainability, the book aims to encourage readers to fall in love with British fish and seafood again, making the most of our rich coastal waters and highlighting the skills and passion of those in the industry. Read on for a taster of some of the delicious featured recipes.
creator Jenny Jefferies is back with a new offering that shines a spotlight on the UK’s seafood community. Produced by Meze Publishing, For The Love Of The Sea takes readers on an informative, inspiring tour of the British fishing industry, highlighting the work of individuals and organisations through a series of interviews and beautiful recipes. “There is a real emotive sense of tradition, history and accomplishment throughout this book, which gives the stories and accompanying images lovely credibility and grace,” explains Jenny. She adds: “I hope this book helps to give thanks and praise to everyone who loves British seafood and works with the sea in whatever form – from fishing and farming to selling, cooking, preparing, managing, researching and fishing recreationally. “I also hope this book fairly represents the female voice within the British seafood industry: 90% of the people involved in the processing are women, 54% of the entire workforce are women, and more women than ever before are going out to sea.”
ABOUT THE BOOK
For the Love of the Sea is a 192-page hardback and retails for £22. It is available to purchase from Amazon, bookshops (including Waterstones) and online from mezepublishing.co.uk and jennyjefferies.co.uk. The author, Jenny Jefferies, has also become a Food Hero
with Love British Food lovebritishfood.co.uk
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PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME: 10 MINUTES SERVES: 4 THE CORNISH SEAWEED COMPANY’S GARLICKY SEA SPAGHETTI
INGREDIENTS • Olive oil • 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• Selection of fresh seasonal greens, chopped (such as cavalo nero, kale, rocket, spinach) • 350g tagliatelle (optional: wholewheat) • 30g dried organic Cornish Seaweed sea spaghetti • 40g dried organic Cornish Seaweed dulse • Lemon, cut into wedges • Cornish Seaweed organic salt and pepper • 75g parmesan, grated
• 25g fresh parsley, chopped • 25g fresh coriander, chopped
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE 1. Heat a glug of olive oil in a frying pan and add the garlic to fry on a low heat. Stir in the chopped greens (except rocket, if using) and cook for a few minutes, then set aside. 2. Meanwhile, bring a pan of water to the boil with some salt and oil. Add the tagliatelle and sea spaghetti, and cook for eight to ten minutes. 3. F or the crispy dulse, put the oven on a low heat. Cut the dulse into 8-10cm pieces with scissors and arrange on a baking tray. Toast on a low heat for two to three minutes. Be careful not to burn them! Remove from the oven and leave to cool. 4. Drain the pasta and sea spaghetti and return them to the pan. Toss in the garlicky greens (including the rocket, if using) and mix gently with a drizzle of extra oil, plenty of freshly squeezed lemon juice and seasoning. TO SERVE Crumble the toasted crispy dulse over the top, scatter over the parmesan and serve with plenty of fresh herbs, extra lemon and pepper.
This is my go-to seaweed recipe as it offers a wonderfully simple, yet exciting introduction to the world of seaweed cooking. Classified as a superfood and bursting with vitamins and minerals, sea spaghetti is a great option for the whole family and can be added to any pasta dish CAROLINE WARWICK-EVANS, OWNER OF THE CORNISH SEAWEED COMPANY
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MEL SHAND’S SMOKED MACKEREL PATÉ
PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINUTES | SERVES: 4
I’ve made gallons of this, losing any fear of catering for large numbers. It’s completely foolproof and I’ve never found a better recipe! MEL SHAND, DIRECTOR OF THE RIVER DEE TRUST
2. Transfer the mixture from the food processor to a bowl. Softly whip the cream and fold into the mackerel, adding more lemon juice to taste. 3. Pack the paté into containers and serve at room temperature with melba toast (for that 80s vibe), or sourdough and sliced tomatoes instead. 4. This freezes beautifully and defrosts quickly for emergency lunches. It’s also great on oatcakes or seeded crackers – and behaves itself in the picnic basket, too!
INGREDIENTS • 100g butter • 350g smoked mackerel fillets • Lemon, juiced • Salt and pepper, to taste • 150ml cream
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE 1. Gently melt the butter in a pan. Skin the fillets and whizz them in the food processor (or chop finely), then add the melted butter, fresh lemon juice and seasoning.
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SOLE BAY FISH COMPANY ’S LUXURY FISHCAKE PREP TIME: APPROX 1 HOUR COOKING TIME: 20 MINUTES SERVES: 8
INGREDIENTS • 1kg Desiree potatoes (peeled and cooked weight 800g) • Sea salt • Ground white pepper
• 200g cod fillet, skinless and boneless • 100g smoked, undyed haddock fillet, skinned and boneless • 100g Greenland peeled prawns, defrosted • 1 litre ice-cold water • Self-raising flour • 300g panko breadcrumbs STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE 1. Wash, peel and rewash the potatoes and then cut into large chunks. Cover the potatoes with cold water in a suitable pan and add a good pinch of salt. Gently bring to the boil and simmer for 18 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly. If they still have a lot of excess moisture, place them in a shallow tray and bake in the oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes on a low heat to dry them out. Mash the potatoes while hot and add a pinch of ground white pepper. 2. While the potatoes are cooking, cut the fish fillets into evenly sized pieces and place in a shallow tray with a splash of water in the bottom to prevent sticking. Cover with tinfoil and bake in the oven for 15 minutes at 160°C (140°C fan). When the fish is cooked, drain off any excess liquid. 3. C ombine the mashed potato, cooked fish and peeled prawns gently, so you can see flakes of fish throughout the mixture. Divide the mixture into 150g portions and mould using a burger press into approximately eight fishcakes. Tip: cover the base of the burger press in cling film to prevent the fishcake mix from sticking. Place the fishcakes in the fridge to set while you prepare the batter and breadcrumbs. 4. Put the ice-cold water in a large bowl and whisk in enough self-raising flour to produce a batter the consistency of double cream. Place the
until required, or cover with cling film and freeze for a later date. 6. Place the fishcakes on an oiled baking tray and drizzle over sunflower oil. Place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 20 minutes, turning halfway through. If cooking from frozen, increase the time to 40 minutes. 7. Ensure the fishcakes are piping hot throughout, and serve with chips or a side salad, tartare sauce and a wedge of lemon.
panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl, ready to coat your fishcakes. 5. Dip each fishcake into the batter first, allowing any excess to drain off, then lay it in the breadcrumbs. Lightly pat the fishcake before turning over and repeating the process on the other side. Gently roll the edges of the fishcake in the breadcrumbs before placing on a tray lined with greaseproof paper. Repeat with all the fishcakes, then place the tray in the fridge
Our homemade fishcake is unique and was invented to avoid wastage from the fishmonger counter. The recipe has evolved over a number of years and this version is considered to be the best! DARREN MARRIOTT, OWNER, SOLE BAY FISH COMPANY
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