SAVOUR & S I P
Greek heroes
The latest chapter in Nikos and Sukh’s journey has been the launch of Gorilla & Lamb, a pop-up serving American-style burgers at another local institution, the Cambridge Blue on Gwydir Street. Choices here include the signature ‘smash burger’ (with jungle pickles, two beef patties, American cheese and all-important secret sauce), buttermilk fried chicken, and ‘gorilla fries’ loaded with parmesan, pickles, pork scraps and fresh herbs. The pair explain: “With Gorilla & Lamb, we have focused on pulling together produce from local businesses, using high-class ingredients: meat from Malloy’s, doughnuts from Prestige Donuts and ice cream made just for us from Maynard’s. And there’s fresh produce from Hilary’s on Mill Road – this creates quality you can taste. “Our plans for 2022 are to refine and redesign what we have created so far. Maybe take Gorilla & Lamb to the Thames, or venture into other cuisines to give more of an offering to Cambridge!” We can’t wait to see what’s next from this dynamic duo!
hen the pandemic hit, food-loving friends Nikos and Sukh
hatched a plan to launch a Greek food spot for Cambridge. Nikos, an experienced chef, had found himself out of work; and Sukh, an optometrist, was volunteering at an emergency clinic in Bar Hill. The duo decided their best bet was to occupy a kitchen at a well- established pub, serving takeaways during lockdown – an idea which turned out to be a master stroke. Within a week of beginning their enquiries, they had three offers for different kitchens. And within ten days of accepting an offer (at Mill Road’s Royal Standard), Tzatziki – named after a dog the pair met in Thessaloniki – was born. Five months later, they opened a second site in London. Taste the food and it’s easy to see why it was an instant hit. Menu favourites include traditional souvlaki – made with overnight roasted pork and three different mustards, nestled in chewy pitta – chunky Greek sausages, tangy spanakopita and honey-drizzled feta pies.
POP-UP PARADISE Go to Gorilla & Lamb for a filling feast, like the gigantic ‘smash burger’ (top); while Tzatziki offers a selection of souvlaki (above)
Nikos and Sukh’s latest chapter is the launch of Gorilla & Lamb
Swooping to success
recent venture, The Swoop. A retail taproom in the city centre, it specialises in drinks made by other local brands. In fact, The Swoop will exclusively sell products produced within a 50-mile radius of the shop’s Green Street location, hosting tasting events and other experiences with suppliers. “It can be tough when you’re starting out,” says Dan. “New stockists need proof that you are able to sell at a retail level, so we wanted to offer local suppliers the opportunity to highlight this to bigger stockists. At the same time, it’s an amazing opportunity for them to reach new customers.” “There’s nothing sadder than an empty storefront, so we wanted to bring something quite different to the high street,” adds Ben. “We are really excited about the launch of The Swoop, and can’t wait to hear what you all think of our latest adventure. We hope we will see you there!”
ounded right here in Cambridgeshire, Cranes Drinks has enjoyed the kind of sweeping success most start-ups dream of, building a loyal local following, then rolling out its products at supermarkets nationwide. It’s run by telegenic twins Ben and Dan Ritsema, who launched the first of their range of natural fruit ciders back in 2012, having already spent a few years honing the recipe. A cranberry cider, it quickly won fans – not just for the fruity flavour, but for its virtuously low-sugar content, small calorie count and abundant natural ingredients. Before long, new flavours were added to the line, as well as spirits, and the drinks took the supermarkets by storm – becoming available in Morrisons, Co-op and Ocado. Despite their success, the pair are quick to acknowledge that getting products into huge stores like this is no picnic. That’s part of the reasoning behind their most
MIXING IT UP Twins Ben and Dan Ritsema (above) are approaching a decade of Cranes Drinks; now, they are opening a city-centre taproom
48 JANUARY 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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