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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LOCAL LIVING DONE WELL
JULY 2024
ADD SOME COLOUR TO YOUR SUMMER WITH THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CAMBRIDGE OPEN STUDIOS AND OUR COMPENDIUM OF CULTURAL EVENTS in the city creativity
PARK YOUR PICNIC Where to stock up the hamper and enjoy a spot of alfresco feasting
HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST Pack your bags with our pick of the summer travel essentials
OLYMPIC SPIRIT Embrace a season of sport and find your tribe with these local clubs
LOCAL LIFE
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WELCOME
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HERE COMES THE SUN C ambridge is a wonderful city for art enthusiasts... there are so many dedicated organisations working to ensure everybody can tap into their creativity.” Welcome to our July issue, where, rather like these opening words from chair of the Cambridge Open Studios management team Gabriella del Valle, we are tapping into the city’s boundless creative spirit. Join us as we take a deep dive into the local artistic scene, celebrating 50 years of Cambridge Open Studios and stepping inside the stunning studio of local ceramic artist Katharina Klug for In My Space. I’m thrilled to introduce this issue’s cover, featuring a special guest illustration courtesy of Tom and Jess Jones-Berney – the brother-and- sister design duo behind Tomartacus. With Jess taking photographs of the pair’s favourite spots in Cambridge, Tom then sketches them using a Wacom tablet, resulting in a unique brand of hand- drawn digital prints. As of this month, you’ll be able to shop their eye-catching designs as they launch in local independent gift boutique Podarok, situated in the city’s famous arts quarter. Elsewhere, as the major sporting events get underway, like Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics, we encourage you to embrace movement with our
EDITORIAL Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com Editor Phoebe Harper 01223 492249 phoebeharper@bright.uk.com Editorial director Roger Payne
Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editor Minhaj Zia Junior sub editor Molly Constanti
ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com Senior sales executive Claire Cornish 01223 499453 clairecornish@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Miriam Balanescu, Mark Box, Zoe Fisher, Charlotte Griffiths, Emma Magnus, Anna Taylor, Angelina Villa-Clarke & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Senior designer Carl Golsby Junior designer Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman
round-up of local sports clubs. If a more sedentary, cultural appreciation of the Olympics is more your thing, then dive into the latest opening at the Fitz, as included in our monthly agenda. Finally, tap into some time for yourself with the wellness dispatch – and satisfy your appetite for adventure with the pages of our new section, Edition Escapes. Happy reading!
Junior designer and ad production Holly May
MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry COVER Illustration by Tomartacus tomartacus.co.uk @tomartacus on Instagram
Phoebe Harper, Editor
EDITOR’S PICKS
Find us @cambsedition
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Cambridge Edition Magazine Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in 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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1 Iznik tiles water bottle, £24, Curating Cambridge 2 Magic ocean print skirt, £200, Ozzie & Clementine 3 Harlequin Tutti Frutti throw by Bronte, £79, Angela Reed 4 Softback sketchbook, £15.50, Cambridge Imprint 5 Koh-I-Noor watercolour stack (24 colours), £7.95, Kettle’s Yard
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ON THE COVER 08 / THE AGENDA All the dates to know for an endlessly cultural July 10 / MAKING MILESTONES Half a century of Cambridge Open Studios 34 / PACK UP A PICNIC! Grab your hamper and a blanket for some outdoor eating in the sunshine 50 / HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST Fill your suitcase with these summer essentials 58 / A SPORTING SUMMER Try a new sport this Olympic season CULTURE EDITION 14 / IN MY SPACE Step inside the studio of a local ceramic artist 20 / PRIMADONNA GIRLS Six years of the festival for book lovers 22 / BOOK CLUB Take your pick of our top summer reads 25 / SCREEN TIME Where to get your film fix
26 / HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE Portraits from the city’s streets FOOD EDITION 32 / FOOD NEWS Tasty titbits to whet your appetite 39 / ELISHA EATS Unveiling Cambridge’s
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tastiest pizzas EDITION ESCAPES 42 / SUMMER
53 / DAYS OUT Six summer excursions to enjoy with the family SELF EDITION 61 / THE WELLNESS DISPATCH A collection of the latest health and wellbeing offerings 63 / A CUP OF TEA WITH An inspiring all-female family law firm HOME EDITION 66 / SUMMER LOVING Embrace the summer’s hottest interior trends 76 / PROPERTY We consult the experts on the housing market 82 / IN THE GARDEN Enjoy the fruits of your labour this July
STAYCATIONS Five of the best local getaways 48 / TRIED & TESTED Cambridge Edition reviews Retreat East
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IN MY SPACE Inside the special studio of ceramicist Katharina Klug BOOK CLUB Riveting reads to get on your literary radar for the middle of summer CULTURE EDITION OPEN STUDIOS Celebrating a whopping 50 years of this annual artist showcase
Presented by Kettle’s Yard, Echoes and Hours is the UK’s first major solo exhibition of the work of the South Africa-born artist Megan Rooney. Showcasing a sensuous, compelling array of abstract paintings on canvas, this multifaceted display also features a collaborative dance performance. In another inaugural moment, the show’s site-specific mural represents the first time that any artist has been permitted to paint directly on the gallery’s walls. These dynamic works can be said to embody the energy of Megan’s process, with the size of each canvas determined by the maximum reach of her outstretched arms. In her own words: “I imagine myself in flight when I am painting, hovering above the surface and searching for places to land, touching down and lifting off. I do this again and again until the surface starts to collect information... The painting becomes a capsule, holding the weight of time.” Megan Rooney: Echoes and Hours will be on display at Kettle’s Yard until 6 October 2024 . Megan Rooney: Echoes and Hours
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THE AGENDA
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BOOKS
Short Film Festival, Cambridge Junction A night to celebrate the boundless creativity of cinema, Cambridge Shorts presents a cinematic journey through the work of visionary filmmakers from around the globe. Spread across two hours, each film varies in length between three and ten minutes.
Mary Beard, Cambridge Union Don’t miss Dame Mary Beard in the Debating Chamber at the Cambridge Union to discuss her book Emperor of Rome . This lively talk is organised by local legend Heffers Bookshop.
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THEATRE
Sunset Series, Wimpole Estate The much-anticipated series of outdoor theatre
Sounds Green, Cambridge University Botanic Garden This much-loved series of informal open-air concerts takes place every Wednesday night throughout July on the garden’s Main Lawn. It kicks off with a stomping performance from 12-piece ensemble Prime Brass.
gets underway with Nightingale – a deep dive into the legend
behind the famous lady with the lamp. The full programme has a wealth of theatrical delights in store, from Hamlet to Five Children and It .
Dates for the diary for your Cambridgeshire culture fix
25 July
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12 David Sedaris, Cambridge Corn Exchange The celebrated satirist returns to the Corn Exchange to regale audiences with stories new and unpublished. You’ll need to act quick to catch the last few tickets for this one! SPOKEN WORD Cambridge Shakespeare Festival, Various venues The UK’s favourite open-air festival is back with a series of spellbinding plays. Events run until 24 August with various shows including Antony & Cleopatra , Richard II and more!
Canterbury Tales , ADC Theatre Don’t miss your last chance to catch this adaptation of four of Chaucer’s most vibrant tales, brought to the stage by screenwriter and playwright Nick Warburton, who has written for Radio 4’s The Archers .
Outdoor Courtyard Concert, Stapleford Granary If Dixieland and Chicago jazz are your thing, don’t miss this intimate evening concert. Be serenaded by Enrico Tomasso’s Dixieland All-Stars while enjoying a Pimm’s from the outdoor bar.
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DANCE
Cambridge Dance Festival, Cambridge Junction Sanskruti Dance brings a festival for everyone to enjoy, with interactive workshops and performances drawing from a wide range of South Asian dance traditions.
Bedazzle: Mythic Trials, Cambridge Arts Theatre The theatre joins forces with the arts education charity Bedazzle Arts for a modern retelling of Greek myth from a talented cast of neurodivergent and disabled performers.
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THE AGENDA
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Folk Day, Museum of Technology Folk Day returns for its second installment. From 11am to 8pm, visitors can enjoy a range of performances from folk artists representing the local area. Tickets available through the MoT.
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Green Mind Presents Angélica Garcia, The Portland Arms Combining contemporary American and Hispanic influences, Angélica tours her new album Gemelo , a hotly anticipated follow-up to her 2020 breakthrough Cha Cha Palace , which brought Angélica to NPR’s Tiny Desk.
Summer School 2024, Cottenham Village College The 14th edition of this adult learning event is due to be one of the biggest and best yet. Until Friday 26 July, participants can choose between a huge range of workshops, from Indian cookery to weaving and dog training!
1 AUG MUSIC
Elton John by Candlelight, Ely Cathedral Experience the music of Elton as you’ve never heard it before. With an additional performance taking place on 2 August.
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Cambridge Folk Festival, Cherry Hinton Hall
Cambridge Comedy Garden, Parker’s Piece Iconic names in comedy descend on a big top in Parker’s Piece for five days of non-stop laughter. Snap up tickets for stand-up showcases from the likes of Fern Brady, Dylan Moran, Sara Pascoe and many more! Ends 21 July.
Heritage Live: Suede, Audley End Indie icons Suede will headline the
The city’s renowned folk festival brings an unrivalled bill of talent, including Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame presenting Saving Grace, featuring Suzi Dian, as a headliner on the Friday. Ends 28 July.
Heritage Live summer series
with support from two special guests, Johnny Marr and Nadine Shah.
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LITERATURE
Heather Small, Cambridge Corn Exchange The revered songstress, most known for her debut single of Miranda fame,
Primadonna Festival, Stowmarket Primadonna presents the world as it should be, for one weekend. Based at the Food Museum, it’s primarily aimed at book lovers, with this year’s line- up including Helen Lederer and Ela Lee.
London City Ballet: Resurgence, Cambridge Arts Theatre The iconic company returns after a hiatus of almost 30 years with a comeback production of acclaimed works from an international troupe. Ends 25 July.
Paris 1924: Sport, Art and the Body,
An Evening with Annie Garthwaite, Waterstones Cambridge The critically acclaimed author of Cecily pays a visit to Cambridge to discuss her highly anticipated new tale of female ambition, The King’s Mother .
Fitzwilliam Museum The summer exhibition opens with a deep dive into the centenary of the first Paris Olympics through the lens of modernist art, fashion, film and photography. Ends 3 November.
Proud , comes to Cambridge.
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CULTURE EDITION
MAKING MILESTONES Reflecting on a remarkable half-century of creativity in the city, we speak with chair of the Cambridge Open Studios management team, Gabriella del Valle
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L ike many great ideas, Cambridge Open Studios began in a pub. When founder Julia Ball purchased the old Greene King establishment on Beche Road in 1971, she found a space to showcase her own work and soon opened her doors to the public. By inspiring other artists to do the same, Julia kickstarted a movement that led to a city-wide event still known and loved across the city today. Fast-forward three years to 1974, and other artists including Christopher Castle and Christine Fox were persuaded to open their doors, officially marking the start of
Cambridge Open Studios (COS). “A key consideration for any artist is how to get your artwork in front of an audience,” shares Gabriella del Valle, the chair of the management team behind this year’s event. “The COS approach was founded on the belief that the barriers between the public and art should be removed so that art is accessible to everybody.” By artists, for everyone Long gone are the days of 1974, when the festival was advertised via word of mouth and handwritten posters planted across the city to showcase artists opening their studios for a couple of weekends in July. Now, COS comprises over 500 members with an extensive calendar of events and workshops, a printed map distributed throughout the city and even an app that visitors can download to plan their visits. Nevertheless, the grassroots spirit that spawned the initiative prevails. Despite the scale of the event, COS remains run by a small group of dedicated volunteers, all of whom are artists themselves. “Together we manage the planning process to ensure the July Open Studios festival is a success. I’d like to thank each and every volunteer for their hard work and dedication!” Gabriella joined the team herself after encountering the event as a visitor several years ago, which subsequently inspired her to take the plunge and exhibit her own jewellery designs. Just a few of the many talented and driven individuals joining her include Richard Bray, who both draws and works with wood, while also acting as COS’s community liaison champion to encourage more young members to get on board. Meanwhile, company secretary Iain Smith has been a member since 2012 and volunteers as COS secretary when he isn’t creating beautiful kiln-fused glass. Digital illustrator Rosanna Hall supports the event’s IT needs, while illustrator Alison Hullyer is the brains behind the COS guide. Elsewhere, Dr Anna Dempster, a fellow at the University of
A BROAD PALETTE An unfinished piece by COS member and plein air painter Sarah Allbrook
Cambridge’s Wolfson College, oversees the event’s countless partnerships and collaborations throughout a wide range of regional galleries, museums, arts and educational institutes. For the city Dedicated figures such as this have steered the event through difficult times, keeping its creative spirit alive over the past 50 years. As Gabriella says: “We have seen a huge number of changes during the past five decades, including new technologies, financial challenges – not to mention a global pandemic.” Even during lockdown years, the COS team pivoted to window displays, ensuring that the benefits of art and creativity were still accessible to all. “This is a testament to COS’s ongoing ability to evolve and adapt, ensuring we never lose sight of our mission: to ensure
Plein air painter Sarah is often spotted capturing live scenes around Cambridge. As the newest member of the team, you’ll also find her volunteering her time as the COS social secretary when she’s not flexing her skills working with oil paints. Sarah Allbrook, Painter ARTIST SNAPSHOT
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SHAPE AND TEXTURE Contemporary artist Caroline Forward hard at work in the studio
Cambridge is a wonderful city for art enthusiasts ... there are so many dedicated organisations working to ensure that everybody can tap into their creativity that anybody who wants to can enjoy
Cambridge Open Studios is an entirely free, city-wide event. The studios will be open between 10am and 5pm on 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28 July. View the full directory of participating studios, artists and events at camopenstudios.org at everything from printmaking to glass working, COS is getting ready to fuel the flames of Cambridge’s creative spirit this July. And now, exactly 50 years on, Julia Ball is getting ready to open the doors to her studio for one final time. With a wealth of participating artists offering live demonstrations and opportunities for punters to try their hands
artists’ work without the usual barriers of cost, exclusivity or distance,” she states. For the past five decades, the community forged by COS has continued to put Cambridge on the map as a dynamic haven for art lovers, complementing its many galleries and exhibition spaces. “Cambridge is a wonderful city for art enthusiasts,” affirms Gabriella. “There are so many dedicated organisations working to ensure that everybody can tap into their creativity. I believe Cambridgeshire’s creativity is best demonstrated through the wide range of art mediums that comprise the July Open Studios festival.”
Mark Alvarez, Photographer ARTIST SNAPSHOT
Based in central Cambridge, Mark is a talented photographer specialising in striking, black and white landscape images that lend a surreal atmosphere. When he’s not behind the lens, Mark doubles up as the COS treasurer.
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Words PHOEBE HARPER Images TIMOTHY SOAR
Ahead of Cambridge Open Studios, ceramic artist Katharina Klug shares a sneak peek into her breathtaking garden studio, where contemporary design meets sustainability
CULTURE EDITION
Now, since opening her first workshop in Cambridge over 15 years ago, Katharina’s new studio – which is located at her home in Girton – is proving to be the perfect vessel for her craftsmanship. A new sanctuary Katharina’s home studio journey began with a self-built wooden structure in her old garden that gave her approximately 30 square metres of space to play with. “I would always run out of space and as you can imagine, being a potter, space is critical!” she recalls. “I spent years complaining to my partner that I needed more room, and we set ourselves a goal to find somewhere suitable when we started to look for a new house.” After a property search which lasted several years, the couple struck gold with an 80s-built house that channelled the simplistic design elements of mid-century architecture with a nod to the prevailing fashions of the 60s and 70s. But best of all, the garden had enough space to accommodate the studio of Katharina’s dreams. “It was difficult to find anything on the market that would fit the requirements of a pottery shed – so we just thought to build another one.” Despite the simplistic intention, a lengthy process ensued involving years’ worth of planning and getting the right permissions in place. The design itself is the result of much consideration, with Katharina and her partner consulting an architect to draw up some plans for a space which complements the existing property. “We came up with what we thought was an interesting structure and were lucky enough to find a brilliant, local, family-
essels are a theme that bleeds strongly throughout local ceramic artist Katharina Klug’s body of work. In myriad forms, she toys with shapes and endless variations, manipulating white clay by hand on an electric potter’s wheel – as she has done since the days when she would use her mother’s own wheel during a childhood back in Austria. “I come from a family that has always been busy working with our hands, making things,” she informs Cambridge Edition . “I find white clay to be the perfect canvas for patterns, shapes and contrasting colours.” True works of art, her one-off pieces hark back to the styles of ancient Korean pottery and Japanese ceramics, but are also strongly influenced by mid-century designs with their striking simplicity. However, beyond the art itself, one is led to contemplate the concept of the artist’s studio as the ultimate vessel – a kind of cauldron for creativity. It is the stage for the maker’s process, the nucleus of conception and the space which holds both the many instruments and outcomes of the artist’s practice.
CLAY’S ANATOMY Katharina uses clay as both a medium and a narrative instrument,
blending form and function
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CULTURE EDITION
run business named Okopod specialising in green, prefabricated buildings.” The final build stage of the process took just six months. The result is an architectural marvel which leverages cutting-edge design principles, blending sustainable building techniques with a minimal, contemporary feel. The studio harnesses natural elements wherever possible, allowing for maximum natural light – prioritising wood over concrete and using natural insulation materials. “The reaction from neighbours to seeing the structure come up has been quite interesting, but mostly positive – mainly because they’re interested in our construction methods since there’s barely any concrete involved!” exclaims Katharina. As a space surrounded by mature trees, the couple were loathe to tear them down for the sake of the building. “It’s extremely difficult to build in this situation, since you can’t have a traditional building foundation if you want to preserve tree roots.” Consequently, the design utilises an ingenious technique whereby it has been built on a kind of pylon, with pillars driven into the ground so the roots wrap themselves around them instead, allowing both nature and the space itself to thrive. Step inside Since January this year, Katharina has been making the most of her new haven. “It’s been wonderful exploring the space and getting to know it in a way,” she muses. “I love coming in here to watch how the light works and seeing how I can fit my practice around it.” Something of a Cambridge Open Studios regular, Katharina has participated in the initiative several times from her old studio. But following a four-year hiatus to allow for a new baby, pandemic, house move and the creation of an entirely new studio, she’s eagerly anticipating a return. “Even after Cambridge Open Studios, I would love people to reach out for an appointment just to come and see the space, or if they’re curious about what I do or how pottery works,” she concludes. “I’m excited to now be able to share the space with Cambridge.” You can visit Katharina’s studio for yourself during Cambridge Open Studios on several weekends in July. For the complete list of participating artists and dates, visit the website at camopenstudios.org I’m excited to now be able to share the space with Cambridge
CRAFTY ROOTS The studio preserves tree roots with a clever foundation construction
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Striving for sustainable textiles management The Salvation Army and Tesco join forces with regional donations trial to drive reuse and recycling T he Salvation Army has a longstanding commitment to reuse and recycling, particularly ACT UK (Automatic-sorting for Circularity in Textiles), led by the UK Fashion and
#RuinedNotWasted To promote this initiative, a media campaign titled #RuinedNotWasted will be launched to engage, inspire and empower citizens in the 20 communities participating in the trial. The campaign will feature content showcasing common mishaps with clothing and household linens to emphasise the importance of sorting textiles and donating them to the ‘wear again’ and ‘worn out’ banks. As part of the trial, SATCoL will analyse donations to gain insights into donor motivations and behavioural changes. Donors will still be able to contribute good-quality clothing to the ‘wear again’ banks, supporting donations and fundraising efforts for The Salvation Army. SATCoL operates around 9,000 clothing banks and over 240 charity shops across the UK on behalf of The Salvation Army, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the charity’s mission. This innovative partnership between SATCoL, Tesco and ACT UK represents a significant step toward sustainable textile management. By encouraging the public to donate worn-out textiles, the initiative aims to mitigate the environmental impact of textile waste and foster a more circular economy. Through strategic collaboration, it sets the stage for broader adoption of automated sorting and recycling technologies, potentially revolutionising how textile waste is handled in the UK.
Textile Association. ACT UK consists of brands, retailers, recyclers, clothing manufacturers and academic institutions working together to pioneer automated sorting and pre-processing facilities. These could divert thousands of tonnes of textile waste from landfills each year. The six-month trial involves 18 new textile collection banks at Tesco recycling sites, as well as additional banks at two household recycling centres in the East of England. Donors will be asked to separate clothing and home textiles into two types – ‘wear again’ for any reusable items and ‘worn out’ for non-reusable items. Clear instructions will guide donors on the textiles that can be deposited.
the challenge of unwearable clothing and household linens. To address textile waste, the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL), the charity’s commercial arm, has partnered with the supermarket giant Tesco for a regional trial that encourages customers to donate worn-out textiles to specially designed collection banks. SATCoL’s relationship with Tesco includes an in-store takeback scheme and more than 2,000 clothes banks in Tesco car parks. This new initiative seeks to further reduce textile waste in collaboration with
THE GREAT DIVIDE Separate your donated textiles into ‘wear again’ and ‘worn out’ banks
Find out more at satcol.org/nrt
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CULTURE EDITION
Stowmarket’s Primadonna Festival returns for its sixth year with a line-up to wow literature lovers and big thinkers everywhere I n 2019, 17 women got together with the aim of creating a space where readers, writers and creatives could form a community to explore ideas run free and have fun,” continues Alice. “With chill-out spaces, much to see (and buy) in the marketplace marquee, wellness, yoga and massage, there’s everything you need to escape the everyday.” Attendees can expect live music, spoken word, disco, DJs, performance, comedy and cabaret. Described as ‘a raucous celebration of The World as it Should Be Images LEO CACKETT
and imagine a better world for us all. The brainchild of these founding Primadonnas is the Primadonna Festival – an event that aspires to be the UK’s most accessible and empowering book festival, championing diversity and voices often marginalised by those in the publishing industry. Based in Stowmarket’s Food Museum, 2024 marks the first year the festival will be presided over by its new director, Alice Hardaker. “I’m happy to be joining the team for Primadonna’s sixth year. We’re lining up unmissable conversations alongside music, food, therapies and workshops, a great kids’ programme and some brilliant late-night entertainment,” she begins. “This year, the festival will also spotlight the best of the region’s cultural communities and talent on its stages – hosting local authors, artists and organisations including Katie Ward, Kitty Johnson and Suffolk Queer Voices. We can’t wait to return to our much-loved venue, which always guarantees the best foodie backdrop to Primadonna.” For everyone Although the event is mostly book-focused, it caters to anyone who enjoys interesting ideas, stimulating conversation, great music and delicious food in the sunshine (ideally).“The site alone is beautiful to explore, and a great space to let your kids
queerness and the animal kingdom’, join London drag king Bi-Curious George for Queer Planet, while Natural Voice Network member Lynn Whitehead will be hosting singing workshops designed for all abilities. Elsewhere, younger audiences can fill their boots with workshops, story sessions and talks from various children’s authors. The Food Museum will also be hosting animal feeding experiences, tastings, tours and more, so there truly is something to keep the whole family entertained. Trailblazing talent This year’s line-up is packed with brilliant speakers and inspiring authors putting the world to rights. Join actor and comedian Doon Mackichan as she discusses her newly released autobiography My Lady Parts or Helen Lederer following the publication of her new memoir Not That I’m Bitter . Elsewhere, award-winning artist and author Sinéad Gleeson shares insight into her thrilling debut novel Hagstone . Also taking to the stage is Ela Lee on her searing novel Jaded , in conversation with Chimene Suleyman on her compelling memoir The Chain about gaslighting and sisterhood. Meanwhile, Jane Savidge of Britpop fame will be sharing her insider knowledge into the legendary studio album from Pulp, This Is Hardcore . This is just a flavour of the diverse line- up waiting in the wings, not to mention the opportunities to hear from a host of new author voices on the literary scene such as Irenosen Okojie, Michael Donkor, Olumide Popoola, Kat Brown and Jane Oremosu to name but a few. “The mission of the festival is dear to my heart and also crucial for the publishing industry and society at large,” introduces long-time Primadonna fan and television presenter June Sarpong. “Without gender equality in literature, so many important stories go untold and vital voices go
FEAST FOR THE SENSES The festival dynamically fuses literature, live performances and good food
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The mission of the festival is dear to my heart and also crucial for both the publishing industry and society at large
unheard. Primadonna aims to plug this gap while unleashing a powerful wave of untapped talent.” If you consider yourself a budding writer, the festival’s dedicated writers’ area will be there to help unlock your voice. Here, you will have the opportunity to attend author discussions and even sit down one-to-one with industry experts, including publishers and agents. Failing that, bring your own work in progress to use as a quiet and inspiring space to write and reflect. Director of The Literary Consultancy, Aki Schilz, will be sharing
advice on how to build your own writing community, with 121 different writers’ surgeries to take advantage of, giving you an unparalleled opportunity to benefit from the advice of the best in the industry. So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss your chance to experience the world as it should be, even if it’s just for a weekend. Primadonna Festival takes place from 26 to 28 July at the Food Museum, Stowmarket. Find out more and book your tickets at primadonnafestival.com and follow @primadonnafestival for updates
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CULTURE EDITION Book Club From office comedies to stirring political fiction, our resident bookworm rounds up the top reads to see you through summer Words CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO
TAYLOR JENKINS REID
Confession time: I thought I’d read this, and would always nod happily whenever it came up in book-related chats. It was only after actually picking up a copy of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel and reading the back that I realised what I’d always mistaken it for was The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (also brilliant and worth your time). I had completely missed out on this smash hit by a writer whose name on the cover guarantees a superb read. If you’ve also not yet encountered this novel – for whatever reason – then summer is the perfect time to get involved, particularly with a rumoured Netflix film adaptation of the book on its way soon. It is New York in 2017: Monique Grant, a relatively unknown staff writer at Vivant magazine, has been given an unexpected assignment: 79-year- old reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo is about to auction off her most famous dresses for charity and in advance of the event, has agreed to an extremely rare, ultra-exclusive interview. But, only if Monique is the one to write it, confusing her editor and the more-experienced senior journalists on the team. Monique jumps at the opportunity to prove herself and in her first meeting with Evelyn, the true challenge is revealed. The ageing starlet wants to gift Monique the chance to write a tell-all biography, including the truth of her seven husbands and the all-important detail: just who was the real love of Evelyn’s life? The book then opens up to tell Hugo’s entire life story from childhood to present day, experiencing her entirely believable
career as a young starlet in the golden age of filmmaking. This is a page-turning, unputdownable read that’s a lesson in the power and pervasiveness of celebrity gossip, and the true cost of fame – perfect for fans of old Hollywood glamour. I had completely missed out on this smash hit by a writer whose name on the cover guarantees a superb read
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CULTURE EDITION
Enter Ghost
ISABELLA HAMMAD In the wake of a tumultuous affair with a much older and married director, Dutch- born Palestinian actress Sonia Nasir leaves London to visit her sister Haneen in the city of Haifa to reconnect with herself and what remains of her ancestry. Finding herself uprooted and adrift in what should be her homeland, she becomes involved in an Arabic production of Hamlet due to take place in the West Bank, starring a famous pop star alongside other dedicated amateur actors with varying levels of talent. The small yet determined troupe battle external forces – random arrests, withdrawal of funding, checkpoint skirmishes – as well as the usual love affairs, jealousies and competitive streaks which often spark when actors work together. The immediacy of Hammad’s writing is extraordinary; the reader is dropped right into the weary grind of day-to-day life while simply trying to exist across borders. Couple this with the almost-unbearable background radiation of tension caused by the region’s instability: the knowledge that devastating, life- altering events could occur at any moment. Hammad deftly uses a script format in places to tell both scenes from Hamlet and the book’s action itself, placing the reader at a disassociated distance, back in the audience. Then, you’re standing with the actors on the play’s opening night, reaching for their hands while armed Israeli soldiers move through the crowd, toward the stage. Everyone knows how Hamlet ends – but what will happen to this production, to these players? Devastatingly vital, intelligent and brutally impactful, this is a must-read.
NATALIE SUE Jolene, a 33-year-old Iranian Canadian, is an admin assistant at Supershops, Inc, a dead-end office job which has been slowly killing her from the inside out for the past eight years. She manages her growing frustrations with her fellow employees by telling them exactly what she thinks of them at the end of each email – but changes the text colour to white to render her thoughts invisible, hiding them in plain sight. This tactic works until it doesn’t, and Jolene is hauled up in front of HR to complete sensitivity training and face restrictions on her email access. But in the course of having the limits applied, an IT mix-up gives her complete access to everyone else’s emails and DMs. Overwhelmed by her new power, Jolene quickly decides to use her exciting advantage to secure her uncertain position at the company, solving one problem in her life – and discover a little more about her annoying co-workers along the way. But how long can her access remain undetected? This is a great example of the workplace comedy genre, with a central premise that is bundles of fun to think about if applied to your own situation. There’s much to admire for fans of The Office or 2024’s Green Dot , but it’s the scenes with Jolene’s over-involved Iranian mother and her auntie network that are particularly well drawn. This is an enjoyable summer read ideal for anyone escaping an office for a few weeks. I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL
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Hot on the heels of polyamory comedy Four Little Adults comes this wry romantic comedy from Monia Chokri about a woman falling head over heels for a man who – on paper – is completely wrong for her. 5 July The Nature of Love
Completing Ti West’s X trilogy, Mia Goth reprises her role as Maxine Minx, sole survivor of a Texas ranch massacre. Pursuing her dreams of becoming a Hollywood star, not even a serial killer can get in her way. 5 July MaXXXine
A teacher in rural Eastern Anatolia dreams of leaving for Istanbul – especially after he and his colleagues are accused of sexual misconduct. Nuri Bilge Ceylan forges a wayward, wintry, bleak meditation on humanity. 26 July About Dry Grasses
With undertones of Made in Dagenham and Billy Elliot for its industrial backdrop in north Wales, Janis Pugh’s film is a refreshingly queer romcom and a soaring tribute to working-class womanhood. 12 July Chuck Chuck Baby
PICTUREHOUSE PICKS Get your film fix with these recommendations from the Arts Picturehouse
Jane Schoenbrun’s debut feature follows two teens who become transfixed by a spooky kids’ show with eerie parallels to their lives. This film grabs you by the throat. 15 July OUT Preview: I Saw the TV Glow
Noël Coward’s wartime caper is back in cinemas. A goofy actor is preparing for a work trip to Africa when thwarted by a series of unlikely obstacles. 18 July, encore 21 & 25 July National Theatre Live: Present Laughter
Blur: To the End
For diehard fans, this is the go-to Blur doc. Homing in on a more recent chapter in their journey, the film focuses on the making of The Ballad of Darren and follows their 2023 tour. 19 & 20 July
Browse July’s unmissable movies
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STREET STYLE
Photographer Mark Box shares some of his favourite portraits from the streets of Cambridge this month – can you spot anyone you know? Humans of Cambridge
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STREET STYLE
About the project Founded by Mark Box, Humans of Cambridge came to life under gathered a devoted following as a photographic celebration of the creativity, colour and community found throughout Cambridge. Mark uses the platform to document fleeting moments with eye-catching individuals, striking up conversations with strangers as they pass him on the street and lockdown as an Instagram photoblog. Ever since, it has capturing their portraits on his 35mm mirrorless camera. During most weekdays, you will find Mark with his camera at the ready around lunchtime in the Market Square, on King’s Parade, Burrell’s Walk and Garret Hostel Bridge. Follow him on Instagram @humanofcambridge for more.
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
WHAT IS LOVE CAMBRIDGE? Love Cambridge is the brand developed by Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID) to deliver a range of events and projects that animate and entertain our city. Offerings include the Love Cambridge Gift Card, open-air cinema nights, Wimbledon screenings, magazines, maps and more. Visit love-cambridge.com or @lovecambridge_ on socials. Don’t forget the free film nights in Market Square on 26 July and 30 August. Follow Love Cambridge on Facebook or Instagram for more information. FILM NIGHTS
Summer in the city Take your pick of some fantastic local events this month and beyond, courtesy of Love Cambridge C oming back this summer, don’t miss out on the excitement of Wimbledon 2024 live coverage! Taking place from 1 to 14 July, head in the loop with all upcoming events by keeping an eye on Love Cambridge’s social media channels. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot.
to the Clayton Hotel on Station Road for some thrilling tennis action during your lunch break or after work. Gather your friends and colleagues for a refreshing beverage as you soak up the atmosphere. The Copper Tree Gin Bar will be right there with you, offering a selection of drinks including various gins, beers, Pimm’s and non-alcoholic spritzes. Stay
Find out more at love-cambridge.com
FILL YOUR HAMPER! Where to stock up – and sit down – to make the most of picnic season PICK OF THE PIZZA Columnist Elisha goes searching for the best slice in Cambridge FOOD EDITION FOOD NEWS Tasty titbits and hot-off-the-press headlines from the culinary scene
Sicily’s finest
The new set lunch menu from Newmarket-based Italian restaurant Unico has everything you need to get taste buds tingling. Combining both quality and affordability, diners can enjoy a starter and main for just £16.95 per person, from Monday through to Saturday between 12 and 3pm. Here, you can dine on quintessential Italian favourites such as bruschetta and calamari. Of course, for Italians, it’s not summer without fish, so don’t miss Fish Fridays where Unico presents an incredible array of fresh fish, including Mediterranean red gambon prawns, octopus and queen scallops. Best of all, Edition readers are invited to try the new menu, and enjoy a glass of prosecco on the house! Just quote the code ‘CAMBSEDITION’ when booking. unico-newmarket.com
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FOOD EDITION
Coffee lovers rejoice, as local speciality coffee shop Bean Theory is putting down roots with its new permanent location on the Waresley Park Estate. Combining the best of the great outdoors with your ultimate caffeine fix, the cafe will be nestled in the estate’s stables, with a courtyard and large indoor seating area too. Alongside quality coffee made using Hone’s beans which are roasted on-site, guests can expect a mouth-watering menu of locally sourced goodies, including legendary cheese pull toasties and loaded fries. Eggs are sourced from Wood Farm, while freshly baked goods come straight from Woods Bakery and meat is sourced from Gamlingay’s Woodview Farm Shop. “We’re excited to give Bean Theory its second home at Waresley Park Estate. The estate is a community hub already with our thriving wild swimming and paddleboard sessions taking place on the lake. Plus, we’ll be opening a spa this summer for all to enjoy,” says founder Ben Griggs. “Giving Bean Theory a permanent home here extends our offering and makes Waresley an ideal spot to visit with all the family.” So, whether you’re looking for brunch, lunch or cake and coffee available all day long, try summer’s hottest new opening with Bean Theory 2.0. INTRODUCING BEAN THEORY 2.0
A residency you won’t want to miss, local pasta guru Chris Gardner will be running small menu pop-ups two or three evenings a week at Cafe Foy throughout the summer. These intimate evenings specialise in offering a small selection of delicious fresh pasta. A sample menu might include freshly baked focaccia with olives and balsamic, followed by a light and fluffy homemade gnocchi with pesto alla trapanese – a Sicilian twist on the classic pesto. Next, savour a beef cheek ragu that’s been slow-cooked for hours to lend a gorgeous, rich flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture, served with fresh tagliatelle. Meanwhile, amatriciana with rigatoni offers a luxurious Roman classic with pecorino romano and guanciale (cured pork jowl). To finish things off, what could be better than a classic tiramisu? “I am excited to be working with Cafe Foy once again; the summer is going to be filled with pasta and hopefully some sun!” enthuses Chris. “We look forward to welcoming you down for a meal.” For bookings, get in touch via cafefoy@gmail.com Gnocchi on heaven’s door
Local events and openings to whet your appetite
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FOOD EDITION
Amelie x Ben’s Yard A new culinary venture is set to make waves on the Stuntney Estate, as Cambridge-based foodie gem Chez Amélie Cafe launches its premises at Ben’s Yard. Headed up by chef and restaurateur Regis Crepy and his son Alex, two new establishments will open in the independent retail village: Amélie Restaurant and Amélie Cafe & Bakeshop. “We are excited to expand Amélie restaurants in this glorious location – a perfect spot to meet up with friends and family,” Alex comments. “We’re eager to extend a warm welcome to everyone and share our modern food, as well as introduce our signature flammekueche: the crispy yeast-free flatbread spread with crème fraiche and a tasty combination of toppings.” Both venues cater to every culinary need – whether it’s a casual cake and coffee or takeaway slice of quiche, a weekend brunch or leisurely midday meal of croquetas with Big Ben’s beef burgers and glass of rosé. They also offer an afternoon tea featuring exquisite patisserie. Alongside Regis, chef Rory Landells will lead the kitchen team at Amélie Restaurant to offer an appealing and affordable menu of freshly prepared, Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Diners can expect both small and large plates such as hispi cabbage with light mustard, tonkatsu sauce, crispy shallots and spring onion; beef cheek braised in Guinness; sea trout with Stuntney Estate potatoes, asparagus, prosecco, brown shrimp butter and capers; and aubergine with harissa and maple glaze, feta, roasted vine tomatoes and toasted pine nuts. Finally, several tantalising dessert options include a zingy lemon tart and classic Basque cheesecake. Complementing this diverse gastronomic selection is a varied wine list expertly curated by Nethergate Wines. Amélie Cafe & Bakeshop brings customers daily homemade French dishes such as salads, tarts and Regis’ special desserts, including his signature French strawberry tart – all while sitting under a floral tree. Can’t wait to try it for yourself? Call 01353 524015 or email bensyard@amelierestaurants.co.uk
Flavour and seasonality are the two pillars at the heart of chef Ben Sulston’s approach to food. Join him as he cooks for an intimate group with a supper club at Waresley Park Estate on 5 July and once again on 9 August. Bringing together like-minded people through their love of food, Ben will masterfully guide guests through each course. His menus change on a monthly basis and always focus on seasonal produce, sourcing ingredients from the surrounding estate wherever possible. Spaces are limited so secure yours now! Priced at £150pp. Arrival at 7pm. Book your spot now at waresleyparkestate.co.uk SENSATIONAL SUPPERS
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FOOD EDITION
Pack up a Picnic! We round up our favourite spots to stock up your hamper, and reveal where’s best to park your blanket and enjoy some alfresco feasting
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FOOD EDITION
This spot near Huntingdon is a foodie’s dream for filling up your picnic basket with quality food and drink, much of it sourced from local suppliers. A family-run delicatessen, Dinky Deli unites the best produce from small businesses in Cambridge and beyond. Everything is handpicked by husband-and-wife team Chris and Kelly, who count these businesses as close friends – including Peichin’s Table, Orriss & Son, Rennet & Rind, The Modern Table, Grain Culture, Mini Miss Bread and Flourish. As a travel-loving family, they have adopted the French philosophy of always being prepared for lunch, stopping at noon wherever they are and pulling out a picnic table, chairs and a buffet. This is reflected in their culinary offering, which is stocked with great bites to eat on the go at this time of year. Fill your boots with homemade quiche, Scotch eggs, fresh sourdough, British cheese and charcuterie, tinned fish, antipasti, raw milk butter and Cumbrian honeycomb. Where to picnic? Hemingford Grey is surrounded by scenic walks, perfect to throw down a blanket for a picnic stop on Hemingford Meadows if you’re walking between here and St Ives. Failing that, a visit to Dinky Deli to stock up on supplies for a future picnic is worth the trip alone! Dinky Deli, Hemingford Grey
SCOTT’S ALL DAY Pizza might not be your first thought when picnics spring to mind, but there’s nothing like sharing a freshly baked slice with friends. Now, Mill Road’s favourite neighbourhood pizzeria is offering you the chance to take the party outside thanks to its delivery service. Between Thursday and Saturday evenings, Scott’s All Day can deliver its award-winning pizzas within a 2.5-mile radius from the restaurant. Orders can be placed at scottsallday.com and, best of all, you can get 20% off your first delivery. Simply enter the code ‘20OFF’ at checkout for a discount when placing an order with a minimum spend of £20! Where to picnic? Most of the city’s best picnic spots fall within the restaurant’s delivery radius, so you can enjoy your fresh slice on green spaces such as Midsummer Common, Laundress Lane or Lammas Land to name just a few.
Meadows
Founded by experienced cheesemonger Suzannah Watson, Meadows is a specialist neighbourhood delicatessen with two locations in Newnham and Mill Road. Here, you will find fresh staple produce alongside artisanal cheese – including sourdough bread from local bakers as well as organic and regeneratively grown fruit and vegetables. Suzannah is passionate about sourcing food from the best producers across East Anglia, like Pump Street Chocolate, Strangers Coffee and Peichin’s Table. Meadows also offers quality lunches, cakes and bakes made in-house. Where to picnic? With various ready-to-eat options, Meadows’ location on Eltisley Avenue makes this the ultimate foodie stopover if you are en route to a lazy afternoon by the river in Grantchester Meadows.
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