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.
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Love is INTHEAIR TOP DINING DATES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY, THIS MONTH’S UNMISSABLE EVENTS, INTERVIEWS, RECIPES & MORE INSIDE!
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t might be cold, damp and not-quite-spring yet, but there are lots of reasons to be cheerful that February has arrived. Cambridge’s cultural scene has sprung back to life after the post-Christmas lull, and the city’s galleries and theatres have some great stuff in store to lure us off our sofas. From a major exhibition by cultural phenomenon Ai Weiwei, to a display of work from the UK’s most revered street artists – including international man of mystery Banksy – via rock operas, Shakespeare, A-list comedians and an adventure film festival, there’s truly something for everyone. Find out more from page 9. As well as our monthly round-up of the latest literary releases, this issue we also hear from Lucy Grewcock, author of a fascinating new “slow travel” guide to Cambridgeshire. Aimed at locals and visitors alike, the book encourages readers to look beyond the famous landmarks and discover the fascinating history, surprising scenery and oft-overlooked gems that make the county unique. On the food front, there’s news of an exciting city-centre cafe, chocolate festival and the return of Love Cambridge’s popular Restaurant Week, plus we’ve got the ultimate guide to dining out on Valentine’s Day this year. Thinking of sprucing up your home? Check out this month’s interiors pages, where three local design pros share what’s hot (and what’s not) in the world of homewares. Enjoy the issue and see you next month! Abuzz this February
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 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. EDITORIAL Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com Editorial director Roger Payne Chief sub editor Alex Bell Sub editors MatthewWinney & Harriet Williams 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 Mark Box, Alex Fice, Charlotte Griffiths, Matt Hodgson, Anna Taylor & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Senior designer Lucy Woolcomb lucywoolcomb@bright-publishing.com Ad production Man-Wai Wong MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden &Matt Pluck
EDITOR IN CHIEF
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Contents
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04 Starters Our favourite Instagram pics of the month, plus some brilliant buys from local indies 09 Culture Club Gigs, exhibitions, book recommendations and stunning snaps of local residents 31 Treat Yourself A spotlight on Saffron Walden ’ s top spots for some self-care 35 Savour & Sip New openings, recipes, Valentine ’ s dining ideas, the best bakeries and more 54 Dog-Friendly Cambridge Enjoy a pawfect day out with your pooch at one of these pup-loving spots! 59Weddings Want to break the mould with your big day? Check out these quirky local suppliers
61 Get on Course! Fun, fascinating adult education classes to enrich your life in 2022 65 Indie of the Month We meet Cambridge Dental, the Insta-worthy Wellness wonder products, plus tips on boosting your wellbeing from a life coach 74 Interiors Three local design doyennes share what ’s hot in the world of homewares 81 Edition Loves surgery stepping up the city’s smiles 66 Beauty &Wellness These accessories will take you back – and take your home to the next level of design 82 Gardens Anna, owner of Anna’s Flower Farm, tells us what’s happening in the garden this month
Cover illustration by Lucy Woolcomb, senior designer at Bright Publishing.
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1. Tin plate, £7, Curating Cambridge This majestic Arts and Crafts plate bears a gorgeous floral design by WilliamMorris 2. Lefrik Capsule backpack, £49.99, The Manor Gift Shop Pretty in dusky pink and large enough for a laptop, this is the perfect backpack to carry into spring 3. Ellie Way Cambridge poster, £35, Ark We adore this summery print of the Mill Pond by artist Ellie Way – a gorgeously nostalgic depiction of one of Cambridge’s best-loved spots 4. Imoa flowerpot, £28, Iris & Violet You can’t go wrong with this on-trend ceramic flowerpot from city-centre fave Iris & Violet 5. Giraffe coin purse, now £16.50, Lilac Rose Intricately embroidered, this colourful velvet purse was inspired by designer Elizabeth Scarlett’s travels to Kenya 6. Starlight throw, £69, Angela Reed Stylish but cosy, this 100% wool throw is a great addition to any sofa or reading nook 7. Wool slippers, £39.95, Ark Keep your feet toasty in these snug slippers, handmade by Nepalese craftspeople 8. Palm Spear candle, £28, Lil’ Something A unique, hand-poured soy candle made in Cambridge, available via Click it Local
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INTREPID EXPLORERS The Banff Mountain Film Festival comes to the Corn Exchange
PEAK PERFORMANCE all-time high
ADVENTURE FILMS, STREET ART, TOP-CLASS COMEDY & MORE IN STORE THIS FEBRUARY
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CULTURE CLUB Arts & Culture THE MUST-SEE EVENTS AROUND CAMBRIDGE THIS MONTH
EXCLUSIVE Urban will display pieces from Banksy (far left), Kaws (above) and My Dog Sighs (below)
OFF THEWALL RUNNING NOW, THE URBAN EXHIBITION OFFERS A RARE LOOK AT WORKS BY LEGENDARY GRAFFITI ARTIST BANKSY STREET ART
artistic talent. “Peterborough is home to many young and dynamic creatives, and this embraces that,” says Dr Pat Carrington, CEO at City Culture Peterborough, which runs Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery. “We’re planning to get our local street artists involved in Urban as a way of recognising the talent in the city, and we want to bring young people from different backgrounds into the museum to see the show.” It runs until May, so there’s plenty of time to plan a trip to Peterborough for an unmissable opportunity to see some of Banksy’s work in the flesh. Book tickets online at cityculturepeterborough.org.uk
He approached the owner of the artworks – John Brandler of Essex-based Brandler Galleries – with the proposition of a display to unite the people of Peterborough, after months of disruption and national restrictions. “This is an incredibly exciting event for the city, and one its residents can be proud of,” says James. “These are big international names; to have their art at Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery will attract people to the area, and help us all on the road to recovery from Covid-19. The positive impact will be significant.” The exhibition also aims to support and inspire the city’s own up-and-coming
Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery has opened its doors to the public for a very special exhibition from stars of the street art world including Banksy. Urban shines a spotlight on a selection of the elusive graffiti artist’s pieces, as well as presenting works by My Dog Sighs, Kaws and Damien Hirst. Banksy is notorious for undermining institutions – as demonstrated by his million- pound shredding stunt at Sotheby’s in 2018 – and his adversarial stance towards the art world is well-known. So, how did a collection of his works come to be on display at this gallery? The credit goes to James O’Rawe, director at Peterborough Workspace Limited.
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EAST MEETSWEST Ai Weiwei’s provocative work questions our values, contrasting historical artefacts with modern reproductions
KETTLE’S YARD Art, objectively
AI WEIWEI CHALLENGES OUR PERCEPTION OF TRUTH THROUGH THE JUXTAPOSITION OF HIS OWN WORK WITH ANCIENT OBJECTS IN THE LIBERTY OF DOUBT, LAUNCHING THIS MONTH
to a specific context in which the viewer is also a vital participant.” The ancient objects on display provide meaningful context to Ai Weiwei’s own work. By placing two similar, but ultimately different objects next to each other, the artist establishes a visual distinction between them, allowing an electric current of enlightenment to flow. This concept is seen in action in the curation of Ai Weiwei’s Han Dynasty Urn with Coca Cola Logo (2014), next to an original vase from the Han dynasty. It’s also apparent in the positioning of Surveillance Camera with Plinth (2014) next to a Chinese pedestal oil lamp, whose form is directly echoed in Ai Weiwei’s piece on social oversight in China. The contrast of historical objects with modern-made artworks – essentially copies of the original – also raises interesting questions of authenticity and value. Interestingly, in Chinese culture, unlike in the West, imitation is widely regarded as an art in and of itself. Even counterfeit items can be regarded as ‘true’ works of art. According to Ai Weiwei, this is because the Chinese notion of truth is rooted in nature – something that is not absolute, nor fixed. “That’s why reinterpretation, re-rendering and recreation of artworks through personal
Defining the status of objects within the realm of art has always been a sticky subject. FromMarcel Duchamp’s upturned urinal, to Tracey Emin’s unmade bed, many scoff at the idea that regular objects can ever be considered art, in the ‘true’ and ‘proper’ sense. Ai Weiwei’s latest exhibition at Kettle’s Yard, The Liberty of Doubt , shines new light on the debate by exploring the contrasting attitudes of China and the West towards truth, authenticity and value. In a first for the artist, the installation juxtaposes 13 of his artworks alongside 14 historic Chinese objects he bought at a Cambridge auction in 2020. It seems fitting, therefore, that the works are on display at Kettle’s Yard, where the interaction between objects and art in the main house generates new associations and interpretations for every visitor. “If we explore not only the visuals of an artwork, but also the context around its existence and presentation, we discover other layers of meaning – deepening our understanding of what we are encountering in the gallery,” comments Andrew Nairne, director of Kettle’s Yard. “Ai Weiwei suggests that the meaning of an artwork is never ‘fixed’, but part of a continuing dialogue, and subject
reflections are valued more in the common perception than artworks which are deemed absolutely ‘true’ or ‘real’,” he writes. “This nuanced and blurred understanding is not only a Chinese state of mind with respect to philosophical approaches including modern aesthetics and ethics, but also what distinguishes China from the West in the matter of politics and social considerations.” Understanding this provides a basis from which we might approach Ai Weiwei’s stance as an artist and activist towards the current political and social situation in China. This is explored in the films Coronation (2020) and Cockroach (2020), which will be screened on each day of the exhibition’s run. The films give an insight into life in Wuhan during the first lockdown of the pandemic, and reveal the desperate situation of the Hong Kong student protests in 2019, respectively, thus exposing the darker side to China’s flexible approach to the truth. The Liberty of Doubt is free to visit, and runs from 12 February until 19 June. kettlesyard.co.uk
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INTO THE SPRING OF THINGS COMING SOON!
THE JUNCTION HAS ANNOUNCED A NEW SEASON LINE-UP – AND IT’S FULL OF RICH PICKINGS It may still feel like winter, but Cambridge Junction has been busy planting seeds of anticipation for spring, with the announcement of its new season! Over the last couple of years, many of us have developed a new-found thirst for quality live entertainment – and the Junction’s latest line-up certainly delivers. For the first time ever, all scheduled shows are brand spanking new – reviving the halls of the Junction with never-before-seen theatre, dance, live art and circus performances. We caught up with Ema Boswood, arts producer at the Junction, to find out her hot picks for the upcoming season. “You won’t want to miss the incredible Dan Daw Show – one of my favourites ever made,” she enthuses. “Big claim I know – but I’m standing by it! Other highlights include a fantastic take on the ‘classical text’ Little Wimmin by Figs in Wigs, and a magical, colourful dance by Pagrav Dance Company, Kattam Katti .” There’s plenty to fill your free time, so get booking tickets now. junction.co.uk
A COLLISION OF COLOURS Transport yourself to Uttarayan, the renowned Gujarati festival, for a celebration of the coming of spring. Catch Kattam Katti from 22 to 23 March at the Junction
Comedy Picks GET READY TO CHORTLE WITH THESE ABSOLUTE LEGENDS OF THE STAND-UP SCENE
ROSS NOBLE 4 February, 8pm, Cambridge Corn Exchange, £29
NISH KUMAR 5 February, 7.30pm, Cambridge Corn Exchange, £28
REGINALD D. HUNTER 19 February, 8pm, Cambridge Junction, £25.50
Ross Noble’s latest show Humournoid reveals we’re still a long way from creating the ultimate cyber comedian. Instead, his humour is entirely human, with long, tangential episodes that keep you anticipating the punchline until the very end of the show – but boy is it worth the wait.
Known for witty takes on current affairs, Nish Kumar has been heralded as one of the UK’s brightest and best political comics. This month, don’t miss Your Power, Your Control , in which the stand-up takes on the series of unfortunate events of the past two years.
The riotous Reginald will be causing havoc at the Junction with his dangerously funny show Bombe Shuffleur . Dropping brutally honest truth bombs on everything from climate change and mass unemployment to the rise of global fascism, this one’s not for those with a short fuse!
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THE GUILTY FEMINIST 9 APRIL, 7.30PM, CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE, £28 Deborah Frances-White and co tackle feminism in the 21st century with wit and wisdom, revealing that the road to equality is riddled with imperfection.
16-19 Feb
14-19 Feb
WE OUT HERE FESTIVAL 25-28 AUGUST, GRANGE FARM, ABBOTS RIPTON, £180 Celebrate UK club culture with a genre-hopping line-up of talented musicians and DJs. Expect food and drink, art stalls, family activities and wellness experiences in a beautiful setting.
SET THE STAGE FEBRUARY’S TOP THEATRE
For a good old Galentine’s alternative, look no further than #thebabyquestion from the Junction, available to stream online all day from 14 to 20 February. The research-based performance follows three women as they pick apart the pervasive power of ‘the baby question’ in the 21st century, giving voice to the ever-growing number of women choosing not to have children. New this year, Club Urania will offer monthly extravaganzas at the Junction brimming with queer joy, poetry, open mic and live DJ sets to boot. Entering its orbit on 18 February is non-binary queer feminist punk duo Pink Suits, who will pack a punch with their brand of political noise, dance and physical theatre. On 22 and 23 February, The Dan Daw Show delivers a daringly intimate show, delving into the dialectic of shame and pride. It’s an altogether transgressive and reaffirming experience about conquering your inner self. At Cambridge Corn Exchange, Canadian tribute band The Musical Box revive the acclaimed Genesis rock opera The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway for one last time on 10 February, and finally, join Miles Jupp, Tony Hawks, Pippa Evans and Rory Bremner for the live tour of radio hit I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue on 28 February. Host Jack Dee guides the cast through an evening of frivolous fun and games.
The animals are revolting at Cambridge Arts Theatre in Animal Farm , running from 8 to 12 February. Directed by Robert Icke, renowned for his smash-hit adaptation of 1984 for the West End and Broadway, this contemporary take on Orwell’s classic offers a poignant message about the pursuit of freedom, revolution and its repercussions. Also at the Arts, join Professor Plum, Mrs Peacock, Colonel Mustard et al for a deadly dinner party in Cluedo , from 14 to 19 February. Directed by Mark Bell ( The Play That Goes Wrong ) and starring Michelle Collins ( EastEnders ) as Miss Scarlett, this stage adaptation of the 1985 film promises to bring the board game to life. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the victim! Visit the ADC from 8 to 12 February for Rent , the four-time Tony-winning musical based loosely on Puccini’s opera La Bohème . Set in Manhattan’s East Village, it follows a group navigating the rocky road to their hopes and dreams, amid the looming Aids crisis. From 16 to 19 February, Dragtime! are back with Unhinged , a Valentine’s show teeming with lip syncs, pole dancing and more. From 22 to 26 February, fans of the Bard can look forward to a reimagining of The Winter’s Tale set in a circus ring, where emotions reach delirium after the ringmaster gets the wrong end of the stick.
PLACEBO 7 DECEMBER, 7.30PM, CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE, £38-£48 Catch Placebo this winter, showing off songs from their latest album Never Let Me Go , in addition to some old favourites.
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DISCOVER THE CULTURAL HUB IN THE HEART OF HADDENHAM, NURTURING A LOVE FOR ALL THINGS ARTISTIC IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Haddenham Arts Centre Naturally creative
Described by locals as an oasis – a place where they can retreat from the to-and-fro of daily life – Haddenham Arts Centre is a community hub aiming to enrich people’s lives through the arts. It’s home to several studios and workshop spaces, alongside a bustling cafe serving homemade bakes, freshly ground coffee and locally brewed beer. Surrounding the main building is a verdant sculpture garden which buzzes with wildlife, while the tranquil gallery space gives visitors an opportunity to explore exhibitions such as the recent Audacious! , featuring album art from the 70s by Aubrey Powell and Storm Thorgerson. The centre is a creative haven designed to promote wellbeing and a love of art – something that’s provided much comfort during the pandemic, according to manager Caroline Cawley. “More than ever, over the last two years, the arts have provided a way for people to deal with difficult times, switch off and surround themselves with creativity,” she explains. “Our centre makes this more accessible in the community. It provides a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can find solace – through taking part in a workshop, buying a piece of handmade art, or meeting friends in our beautiful garden for some cake.” There are plenty of activities for people to get stuck into, with courses on glassmaking, drawing, basket weaving, clay sculpting, mosaic making and more. All classes are run by
NEIGHBOURHOOD FAVOURITE Head over to Haddenham Arts Centre for tea and cake in the busy cafe, or sign up for a smorgasbord of classes – including willow workshops and sketching
workshops, thanks to a £25,000 government recovery grant received at the end of last year. “Our main objective is to have funding that helps support makers in the area, while keeping the art extremely accessible,” says Caroline. Haddenham locals can look forward to a full schedule, including Sketch Book Wednesdays in the Garden Studio, creating colourful, fused-glass dishes, life drawing in Tudor costume with Ann Biggs, and a willow workshop teaching you how to make a basket or bird feeder. There will also be events for families during half term, including a class for making tiny houses out of clay! Later, in March, the gallery will be hosting a beautiful exhibition of limited-edition lithograph posters from Goldmark Gallery, featuring works by Chagall, Picasso and Hockney, among others. There are monthly cafes funded by the charity Mind too, and the centre regularly collaborates with other organisations and local groups such as Creative Arts East. Keep up to date with Haddenham Arts Centre’s busy schedule by signing up to the newsletter over on its website. There are also opportunities to volunteer – simply get in touch or pay a visit to the centre in person,
volunteers and artists-in-residence throughout the year, establishing a unique, personal relationship between creators and locals. “We have seven different on-site studios, occupied by talented local artists,” explains Caroline. “They are with us during opening hours and always encourage people to pop by and watch their process, while chatting about future workshops or commissions.” Over the coming months, the centre’s team looks forward to providing extra support and expanding their offering of free or affordable
and you will be warmly welcomed. haddenhamartscentre.org.uk
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Each year, Cambridge’s rich melodic tradition is celebrated with Cambridge Music Festival. “We’re thrilled to be back this spring with a series of performances around the city – and fresh from our 30th birthday celebrations,” says artistic director Justin Lee. “Whether online or in person, there is something for everyone, and we hope you will join us in celebrating the return of live music to our city.” Don’t miss your chance to hear Schubert’s iconic Death and the Maiden played by 12 Ensemble, Mendelssohn’s Octet performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble, and a thrilling recital of Spanish Renaissance polyphony by The Tallis Scholars. cambridgemusicfestival.co.uk CAMBRIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL HAS ANNOUNCED ITS SPRING SEASON PROGRAMME, STARRING WORLD-CLASS MUSICIANS PERFORMING IN BEAUTIFUL VENUES ACROSS THE CITY SINGING FROM THE SAME HYMN BOOK TUNE IN
Don’t Miss! AN ECLECTIC SELECTION OF HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE STAGE THIS MONTH
IT DON’T WORRY ME 8-9 February, 7.30pm, Cambridge Junction, pay what you feel (suggested £12.50) Wearing nothing but pants, socks and a completely straight face throughout, the award-winning duo Bert & Nasi explore the tension between art and political correctness in this off-the-wall show.
QUEER VALENTINES 10 February, 7-10pm, Cambridge Junction, £37.50
OMID DJALILI 11 February, 8pm, Cambridge Corn Exchange, £30
An assortment of entertainment, from cabaret and drag through to Valentine’s-themed games and a DJ set. Ticket proceeds go to The Kite Trust, an organisation supporting young LGBTQ+ people in and around Cambridgeshire.
After enduring the trials and tribulations of Zoom gigs, Omid Djalili is eager to get back on stage where he belongs. The showman shines in The Good Times Tour , delivering hearty hilarity alongside moments of real poignancy.
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17 Feb
ON TOP OF THE WORLD ALPINE CINEMA
Coming to the Corn Exchange on 17 February is the next instalment of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Through a series of short films, the festival shines a light on impressive individuals undertaking death-defying climbs to some of the most remote parts of the globe. Luckily for us, these intrepid thrill-seekers took cameras along with them so that we could get a glimpse of these jaw-dropping locations – without risking our necks to get there! This is human endeavour at its peak, with epic cinematography revealing the remarkable feats of the mountaineers – and the breathtaking beauty of our planet’s mountain ranges. This unique event promises to exhilarate and inspire, with stories of life-changing experiences and adrenaline-fuelled adventures. Secure tickets now for £15.50 to guarantee a piece of the action, or enjoy a two-show discount when also booking for its next show (28 May). cambridgelive.org.uk ASCEND TO DIZZYING HEIGHTS WITH THE LATEST COLLECTION OF MOVIES FROM THE WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL
BLAZING A TRAIL See two different collections from the Banff Mountain Film Festival – the Red programme on 17 February, and the Blue programme on 28 May. Get a discount when booking both
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Book Club CAMBRIDGE EDITION THIS MONTH’S STORIES RUN THE GAMUT, FROM THE MUSINGS OF A MASTER STORYTELLER, TO A THRILLING MIX OF TECH AND SPYCRAFT
WORDS BY CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS
Mantel Pieces BY HILARY MANTEL
This splendidly named collection of essays, diary entries and correspondence by Hilary Mantel is a must-have for fans of her work. Beginning in 1987 with a polite letter to Karl Miller, then-editor of the London Review of Books , the neophyte writer describes her style as having “no critical training whatsoever, so I am forced to be more brisk and breezy than scholarly”. She explains in the book’s introduction that, as her relationship with the LRB grew stronger over time, her contributions became “more expansive, the work became more challenging, and my unease dissipated”. While we’re led to the present day via reproductions of notes, faxes, kill-fee cheques and emails, Mantel’s otherworldly abilities begin to unfurl. Turning over subjects in her mind, each piece is punctuated with sudden sparks of connection and those gradually revealed allusions that lurch up from the depths of her astounding imagination. She writes that, although there was a temptation to add afterthoughts or update the thinking on display in her earlier pieces, she has chosen to leave them as they are, describing them as “messages from people I used to be”. EACH PIECE IS PUNCTUATED WITH SUDDEN SPARKS OF CONNECTION
The book also includes Royal Bodies , her infamous (and superb) lecture on the contemporary royal family, which attracted a whirl of press attention – bookended here neatly with emails between Mantel and the LRB ’s then-editor, Mary-Kay Wilmers. Preceding messages discuss the practicalities of the talk, including their preferred way to describe Kate Middleton: “No question at all of calling her the Duchess of Cambridge. That would be awful,” while the mid-furore follow-up email from Hilary begins: “ The Daily Express is sitting outside my house…” Her fond, funny notes to Mary-Kay in particular allow a glimpse of what it must be like in this extraordinary writer’s circle of acquaintances, treating us to a brief moment backstage before being kindly, but firmly, escorted out the side exit. Mantel’s brilliance and all-consuming approach to writing mean that new projects from this author appear far too infrequently – so, any opportunity to spend more time in her company should be grabbed with both hands.
ACCLAIMED This collection of writing follows a career of glittering success in fiction for Mantel
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One Day I Shall Astonish the World BY NINA STIBBE
years old, and Susan accommodates his increasingly bizarre exercises with the kind, but tired resignation of those in very long-term relationships. Her adult daughter Honey has also returned to the family home, scuffing up the smooth domesticity which has settled between the pair. The story jumps between the present day and the early 90s, examining all of Susan’s relationships, but particularly her passionate and painful friendship with Norma, and the odd undercurrent of cruelty which ripples just below the surface. Superbly drawn characters come and go as Susan reviews her life, pondering what her younger self actually wanted, what she might want from life now – and whether giving up on wild flights of fancy is an appropriate price to pay for day-to-day happiness. Superbly funny and deeply nostalgic, with an ending that might just leave you punching the air, this is a comforting read for anyone reviewing their own hopes and dreams.
This wonderfully domestic, darkly comedic novel depicts the unexpected twists and turns that lifelong relationships are richer for enduring. Best friends Susan and Norma-Jean meet in their early 20s when they become colleagues at a small haberdashery owned by Norma’s parents, and their rearing, and all the other challenges of adulthood. “I don’t know if I thought to myself that morning, wow, it’s not even ten o’clock and I’ve already met my future husband and my best friend for life. But I should have, because I had,” reflects Susan. The book’s events unfold in similar fashion, much like life: often it’s the tiniest of decisions or encounters which lead us down an unexpected fork in the road. We meet Susan in 2020, hard at connection endures for decades, through marriages, careers, child- work for a nearby university, reflecting on her 28-year marriage to Roy. Her husband’s new obsession is longevity, specifically his desire to live to 100
SUPERBLY FUNNY AND NOSTALGIC
SANKOFA BY CHIBUNDU ONUZO
First published last summer, this, the third novel from award- winning author Chibundu Onuzo, is about to come out in paperback – and deserves a place on top of your book pile. Set between London and the fictional west African state of Bamana, we join middle-aged Anna Graham – part-Welsh, part-Bamanian – as she mourns her mother, comes to terms with her husband’s recent infidelity, worries about her adult daughter, and uncovers the surprising secret of her absent father’s true identity. The book moves between the reading of her father’s hidden diary, his fiery account of life as a Black African student in 60s London, Anna’s experience growing up in a council house in the 70s, and the present-day. Here, she is gradually awakening to the implications of her father’s history, and the realisation that for the first time in her life, she can determine her own identity. Onuzo’s style is cool and collected, deftly navigating a wild storyline which might have gone off the rails in the hands of a less-skilled writer, and rendering events plausible with careful, considered brushstrokes. Scenes of racism are presented unblinkingly, as are Anna’s first steps towards connection with new friends, lovers and ways of being. The book’s title and cover image reference a story from the Akan tribe in west Africa: the mythical Sankofa bird, which flies forward while looking backward, carrying an egg in its mouth (in order to plough ahead, we must know where we’ve come from). Captivating, transporting and deeply affecting, this excellent book proves we can find our true selves at any age – and that looking to our own history is a good place from which to progress.
UP-AND-COMING The latest novel from Onuzo follows 2016’s Welcome to Lagos
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Author Talks DON’T MISS! ELLY GRIFFITHS A must-catch for book lovers this month, crime writer Elly Griffiths visits Ely Cathedral on 22 February. She’s in the area to promote her latest book, The Locked Room , which is the 14th instalment of the popular Ruth Galloway series. With mysterious photographs and plenty of gothic twists and turns, it’s got all the curious ingredients for a Galloway classic! DAVID ROBSON There’s also an enticing one-off event from Cambridge Literary Festival with David Robson, author of The Expectation Effect . Taking place on 3 February at the University Arms, the event will see the acclaimed science writer explaining how our expectations can positively influence all areas of life, from productivity to health.
ImpostorSyndrome
BY KATHY WANG
Julia Lerner’s willingness to work hard sees her hand-picked by the Russian state from the newest crop of graduates, and 12 years later, she is COO of Tangerine – one of the world’s most valuable tech companies. Instantly recognisable as an icon of women in business, she’s about to marry her long- term boyfriend in a lavish Napa Valley wedding – and she’s also a spy. Julia and her long-term handler Leo have reached an understanding, but new orders come from Russia’s State Protection Bureau (SPB), directing Julia to use Tangerine’s bewildering – yet worryingly believable – access to people’s accounts to track and report on enemies of the state. Julia bristles at the breach of privacy and
the mammoth risk she runs of getting caught - but is she willing to refuse the SPB and lose her extremely comfortable existence? Meanwhile, on the bottom rung of Tangerine’s precarious career ladder sits Alice Lu, a 35-year-old tech support worker who flags unusual activity on a server during a routine inspection, discovering the mysterious ‘User 555’. A few curious clicks lead her to the mythical ‘God Mode’, which grants access to anyone’s messages, search history and posts – but who could be exploiting this? Surely not the COO? A bitingly prescient and gripping satire on gender, race, greed and workplace culture – this is essential reading for anyone working in tech.
22 FEBRUARY 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
LOCAL L I FE
Life in the slow lane LUCY GREWCOCK, AUTHOR OF A NEW CAMBRIDGESHIRE GUIDEBOOK, TELLS NICOLA FOLEY ABOUT THE ‘SLOW TRAVEL’ MOVEMENT – AND HOW IT CAN CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE, AT HOME AND AWAY LOVE LOCAL
which, in my opinion, is a far more enjoyable way to explore!”
here are countless guidebooks dedicated to Cambridge, but virtually all focus on the city centre, spotlighting famous
But the book isn’t just a great resource for the estimated 8.2 million visitors that flock to Cambridge each year: born-and- bred Cantabrigians are sure to learn plenty from its pages, too. From a micropub in Willingham to crocodiles at Old Hurst, ice skating at Berry Fen and Roman burial mounds at Bartlow Hills, via Anglo-Saxon earthworks and wildlife-filled wetlands, it opens up a world of inspiration for anybody wanting to dig deeper into the history and mysteries of our county. “No matter how well you think you
attractions such as the college buildings, the punting and the parks. Few, if any, give visitors an insight into the unique character of the county as a whole, delving into the vast Fens and history-steeped villages that lie beyond the city’s cobbles and spires. Author Lucy Grewcock wanted to change that, sharing her discoveries of Cambridgeshire to encourage visitors to linger longer and locals
GREEN AND PLEASANT There are now over 20 titles in the award-winning Bradt Guides series, and this offering is the ideal way to see a new side to our county area’s landscapes, attractions, settlements and nature reserves – but one discovery sticks in her mind as truly special. “If you’ve never made it to Holme Fen before, I highly recommend a visit,” she enthuses. “The largest silver birch woodland in lowland England and home to the lowest point in Great Britain, it’s unlike anywhere else you’ll find in Cambridgeshire, or the UK for that matter. “Quiet footpaths lead you along beneath slender trees, and within the woodland are the Holme Posts, which look like two big lamp posts. When the first post was installed in 1848, it was cut level with the surface of the ground. Today, the peat has shrunk so much that the posts tower 13ft above the ground you stand on. Once you’ve got your head around this unfathomable fact and followed one of the waymarked routes around the wood, head to The Admiral Wells, Britain’s lowest pub, for a hearty Sunday roast.” The book is out now, so grab a copy, lace up your walking boots and head out on a day trip to remember – slowly, of course. Cambridgeshire & the Fens (Slow Travel) Bradt Guide is out now, priced £14.39.
to unearth treasures they had no idea were on their doorstep. Her new book, part of a series by Bradt Guides, advocates a ‘slow travel’ philosophy, encouraging people to look beyond the bucket list and explore “the
IT’S ABOUT QUALITY TRAVEL
know your local area, this book shows that there’s always more to discover,” insists Lucy. “My sister, for example, has lived on the outskirts of
Cambridge for more than 15 years, yet, until I started researching this book, she was unaware of the Lodes Way cycle route, the ruins of Burwell Castle, or the site of Stretham Old Engine (the last of the 100- plus steam-powered pumping stations that Cambridgeshire once depended on) – all stunning attractions that lie less than 15 miles from her front door.” Compiling the book was labour- intensive, involving months of collecting stories from residents and traversing the
local nuances that make up a sense of place – the food and drink, architectural styles, nature and geology; the local people and what makes them tick”. “While focusing on sustainable tourism, slow travel takes you away from soulless drives on motorways and dual carriageways, and makes each journey part of the adventure, with long-distance walks, heritage railways and glorious cycle rides or boat trips,” she explains. “Ultimately, it’s about quality travel, rather than quantity,
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STREET STYLE
Cambridge PHOTOGRAPHER MARK BOX SHARES SOME OF HIS FAVOURITE PORTRAITS FROM THE STREETS OF CAMBRIDGE THIS MONTH – CAN YOU SPOT ANYONE YOU KNOW?
From top to toe, we could all take a leaf out of this fine young human’s style book. Strong look!
Humans of Cambridge is an Instagram photoblog by local photographer Mark Box. It began as a ABOUT THE PROJECT lockdown project and has turned into a sensation, featuring an ever-growing number of Cambridge’s colourful characters on the @humanofcambridge grid. Mark is out most days snapping, and can usually be found in the Market Square, on King’s Parade, Burrell’s Walk and Garret Hostel Bridge – your best bet for being papped is to head out around lunchtime wearing something suitably eye-catching!
Meet Anna, dressed in the hues of a bird of paradise! Just check out that hair and all the blues!
Ella is full of character and energy, emphasised by her colourful attire and accessories! She’s an archaeologist, and has some of the funkiest outfits – follow her on Instagram @simple_homo_slaypien for more!
26 FEBRUARY 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
STREET STYLE
Forget autumnal palettes, this human is breaking all the rules when it comes to winter fashion – and I like it.
This lovely human is rocking it with her awesome outfit and bright pink hair. Express yourself!
We are all used to wearing masks by now, and we’ve seen all sorts of designs – but this human’s really made me smile. How could you not if you saw this?
I’m a big fan of scarves, and this human ain’t afraid to mix and match their colours. That’s definitely the way to get spotted.
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK FEBRUARY 2022 27
ADVERT I SEMENT FEATURE
SIGN UP YOUR FOODIE BUSINESS FOR RESTAURANT WEEK!
Knives and forks at the ready, Love Cambridge Restaurant Week is back in March
WHAT IS RESTAURANT WEEK? Love Cambridge Restaurant Week returns from 14 to 25 March, celebrating the city’s extensive food scene. The event is organised by Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), partnered with Cambridge Edition . It aims to help residents discover different places to eat, by offering set menus at some of the area’s best eateries – for £10, £15, £20 or lunch for £5 (cafes only). REASONS TO GET INVOLVED! The event provides both visibility and opportunities for promotion, all while introducing new customers to restaurants – and enhancing the economic vitality of our great city.
1. ECONOMIC BENEFITS The estimated economic impact of the inaugural Restaurant Week was £22,500 for the businesses involved. This year, we are aiming to top that figure, with our new and improved consumer-friendly website and download functionalities. 2. GREAT MARKETING TOOL The last Restaurant Week saw more than 50 businesses provide offers, resulting in 60,000+ page views, 4,000 voucher downloads and 1,000 redemptions. 3. DATA CAPTURE OPPORTUNITY Customers will have the chance to opt in and share their email details with the restaurants involved.
SIGN UP NOW: If you are a cafe, bar or restaurant and would like to get involved, submit your offer and find more details on our website: love-cambridge.com/restaurant-week/
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK FEBRUARY 2022 29
SAFFRON WALDEN SPOTS
INDULGE IN SOME SELF-CARE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, WITH PAMPERING, DINING AND RETAIL THERAPY IN SAFFRON WALDEN yourself Treat
WORDS BY ALEX FICE
GLUTTONS Indulge your sinful side at this foodie hotspot on King Street, where you can feast on a delicious afternoon tea for just £16.50. This comes complete with finger sandwiches, scrumptious scones served with clotted cream and jam, plus a selection of handmade patisserie – all washed down with freshly ground coffee (or a glass of fizz as an extra special treat).
FRANK RICCIO LTD Frank Riccio has been styling hair in Saffron Walden for over 33 years. His talented team of hairdressers keep up to date with all the latest trends, by attending training courses in London with some leading lights in the industry. Whether in need of a trim, or on a quest for a brand-new look, you’ll find plenty of advice and hot tips from these hairdressing heroes!
ONE FLOWERS New florist One Flowers has recently bloomed in Saffron Walden. It’s run by a husband-and-wife team with over 25 years of collective experience working with plants and flowers. “We’re passionate about our business; it’s more than a job – it’s our whole life. We pride ourselves on top-notch service to all customers.” With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s one to watch.
THE PIANO Swing by The Piano to tickle the ivories and try something tasty! Peruse the deli counter stocked with quiches, cheeses and aperitif-style nibbles, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of pistachio, hazelnut or chocolate fudge cake. By night, you can enjoy a classic cocktail and indulge in cheese and wine, serenaded by the eatery’s very own upright Yamaha 1975.
EDEN LAKE LINGERIE Eden Lake is the go-to supplier of
BARE BEAUTY “Bare Beauty specialises in skincare and body contouring treatments. These give clients confidence long after leaving our recently furbished salon,” asserts co- founder Deborah. “We combine passion and expertise with cutting-edge technology in a warm and friendly environment. Everyone who enters our salon leaves feeling good about themselves.”
beautiful lingerie in the heart of Saffron Walden, with over 20 years of bra-fitting experience. “We stock all the brands you’d expect – Primadonna, Empreinte, Fantasie, Chantelle, Marie Jo – with first bras, soft bras and more in sizes A-JJ,” says owner Michelle. Their stylish selection will make for the perfect Valentine’s treat.
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK FEBRUARY 2022 31
ADVERT I SEMENT FEATURE
The KUCO team take a break from creating campaigns for their hospitality clients to share their dream Valentine’s venues THE CAMBRIDGE CONNECTION
ON THE PANEL Exciting news at KUCO HQ this month. KUCO founder Katie has been selected to join the judging panel at the SME National Business Awards 2022. “I am delighted to have been selected to join the judging panel at the SME Business Awards. I will be looking for inspiring leaders, who have been working to move their industry forward, despite the challenges.”
LOCAL LOVE IN
The team are celebrating the best of local during the month of love, supporting the city’s restaurant community and dining at their favourite tables in town. Katie has got her name down at Garden House at the Graduate Hotel (formerly the Doubletree), which serves modern, grill-focused food with an emphasis on sharing. “We booked early to make sure we got a table, because I have a feeling this place is going to be getting quite the reputation with head chef AdamWood at the helm,” she says. Partnerships and events manager Kelly chooses Restaurant 22 for special occasions, whereas Adrienn, the creative force behind KUCO content, is all about date-night cocktails at Parker’s Tavern. Content queen Holly is angling for tapas at The River Terrace, while Sian just wants a night away from it all at Turing Locke, with the Valentine’s special at KOTA.
IN THE LOOP Whether it’s Garden House restaurant (top) or the comfort of Turing Locke (above), KUCO know all the best spots
BRUNCH AND BUBBLES
KUCO favourite, Espresso Library, will be offering a complimentary glass of fizz for all online bookings for this Valentine’s Day. Espresso Library is also our go-to spot for bright,
imaginative and often bread-free brunches throughout the year.
For more from the KUCO team, follow @kuco.comms on social or visit kuco.agency
34 FEBRUARY 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
Savour & Sip
LOVE BITES in the pink REASONS TO ADORE RHUBARB, VALENTINE’S DINING DATES, OUR CITY’S LOVELIEST LOAVES & MORE!
© ELISHA YOUNG
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK FEBRUARY 2022 35
SAVOUR & S I P A MONTHLY ROUND-UP OF GASTRO GOINGS-ON AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE Food News
GET INVOLVED!
Restaurant Week 2022 After a hiatus in 2021, Love Cambridge’s Restaurant Week is set to return from 14-25 March, offering dining deals galore. With a longer run time than the last event, the initiative aims to inspire people to enjoy Cambridge’s thriving food scene, discovering new gems and revisiting old favourites. Around 50 businesses – ranging from casual cafes to fine-dining spots – are expected to participate, serving up cut-price set menus at £5, £10, £15 or £20. Stay tuned for the next issue of Cambridge Edition for a full rundown of what’s on offer and how you can get involved.
AFTERNOON DELIGHTS BEAUTIFUL BITES
Launched in celebration of A. A. Milne’s birthday, Parker’s Tavern has added a Winnie the Pooh-themed afternoon tea to its offering. The adorably nostalgic feast features bear-shaped honey macarons, a Tigger-inspired chocolate and orange swirl cake and an Eeyore’s tail blueberry and white chocolate éclair. Freshly baked scones and a range of savoury treats – such as truffle sausage rolls and finger sandwiches – are also on the menu, priced at £32 (or £27.50 take away).
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SAVOUR & S I P
CELEBRATION
CHINESE NEW YEAR FEAST
Students will earn their stripes for the Year of the Tiger on 3 February, when The Park at CRC hosts a Chinese New Year evening to showcase its cookery pupils’ talents. The three-course meal is priced at a very reasonable £15, with starters including pork spring rolls and sweet chilli sauce, steamed sea bass with red chard and pepper coulis, or sweet and sour cauliflower. For mains, there’s Peking duck pancakes, steamed chicken, noodles with shrimp and Chinese tofu, while dessert brings cotton cheesecake, coconut and lemongrass rice pudding with caramelised mango, or nian gao (Chinese New Year cake) with sorbet.
New Opening!
Gastro-nauts land in Cambridge Having taken Bury St Edmunds by storm, the team behind independent eatery Gastrono-me has announced plans to open in Cambridge by March. Moving into the Bridge Street building formerly home to Bella Italia, the new restaurant will follow the template of its Suffolk sister site, with an eclectic menu and laid-back vibe. From brunches to late-night cocktails, it’s an all-day affair, and diners can expect delicacies such as dark chocolate porridge, lox bagels with potato rosti, and a unique soufflé egg wedge. Favourites from the Bury branch making their way over to our city include American-style pancakes, plus pillowy bao stuffed with braised brisket. To drink, you can try nitro cold brew, beetroot and white chocolate lattes and a range of inventive alcoholic cocktails. Speaking about the opening, co-owner Gemma Simmonite said: “My husband Mike and I met at drama school and turned our lives upside down, originally opening a deli and bakery. We found our calling in Gastrono-me back in 2011, and are now realising our dream of expanding our business into other parts of the UK. We love the historic market town feel in Bury, and Cambridge holds that same charm, but on a city level. It’s the perfect setting for the next stage of our adventure and we’re excited to become part of the city’s buzzing restaurant culture.”
38 FEBRUARY 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
SAVOUR & S I P
SWEET TOOTH CHOCS AWAY! Chocoholics should hotfoot it to Histon Smokehouse for an extravaganza of cocoa- based treats at the first ever Cambridge Chocolate Festival. Running 11-14 February, the event is hosted by chocolatiers Bumble & Oak, and will feature tastings, giveaways, demos and more. Outside, in the eatery’s garden, you’ll find the ‘Chocolate Factory’, where Anisa Ather of Anisa & Chocolate and Riadh Falvo from Bumble & Oak will demonstrate the process of bean to bar chocolate making, taking you through roasting, cracking, grinding and other tricks of the trade. From chocolate cocktails to cocoa-infused brunches, plus a variety of stalls from local makers and bakers, there’s plenty more in store – check Eventbrite for details!
FOR A DELICIOUS AND PLANET- FRIENDLY CELEBRATION, TREAT SOMEONE SPECIAL WITH HOME-GROWN BUBBLES THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, SAYS GRAPE BRITANNIA’S MATT HODGSON BIG PASSION, SMALL IMPACT SIP IT
1
ROEBUCK ESTATE BLANC DE NOIRS 2015 , £44 . 99 Hailing fromWest Sussex, this sensational sparkler shows baked apples layered with complex notes of toasted almonds; a silky texture and a long, lingering finish.
CHILFORD HALL MALLYON ROSÉ 2018 , £21 . 95 A fun fizz from down the road in Linton: expect lashings of strawberries, lemon and lime, leading to a mellow, creamy finish. This would pair with a rich mushroom risotto. 2
3
BALFOUR HUSH HEATH LESLIE’S RESERVE RED NV, £33 . 99 Ring the changes this year with this stunning red bubbly from Kent. Strawberries, raspberries, cherries and earthy notes, rounded off with a pleasing tannic grip.
The Ickleton Lion near Saffron Walden has recently reopened under new management. Claire and Mike took over the pub with the ambition of reinstating it as the village hub – as any good local should be! The old building oozes with charm that reflects the character of the semi-rural community that surrounds it, and a warm welcome awaits every visitor – be they cyclists, dog walkers, ramblers, tourists or locals. Dishes are home-cooked and prepared with fresh ingredients, sourced locally, and there’s also an extensive range of beers, wines and gins to tempt. On the menu, find roast chump of local lamb with a wild rosemary jus, mushroom mille-feuille with roasted curried cauliflower and burnt onion mayo, ‘hand-picked by chef’ specials – updated weekly – plus a host of pub classics for you to sink your teeth into! theickletonlionpub.co.uk THE ICKLETON LION FRESH START
All wines listed above can be purchased from Grape Britannia on Arbury Road. grapebritannia.co.uk
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