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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SEPTEMBER 2023
A pamper day for two at Floatwell worth £270! WIN!
new delights fresh sights & HARVEST CAMBRIDGE’S AUTUMN TREASURES WITH OUR GUIDE TO SEPTEMBER’S BEST CULTURE, DINING & EVENTS
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Time of the season ’m still holding out hope for an Indian summer, but whatever the weather is doing by the time this issue hits the streets, there’s plenty to keep you entertained around Cambridge as we ease into autumn. Fancy a theatre trip? Then check out The Mousetrap at the Arts Theatre, one of the West End’s longest-running and most- popular shows. Now 70 years into its life, this fiendish whodunnit still captivates audiences – hear from one of the show’s stars on page 15. Also enjoying impressive longevity is Primavera on King’s Parade: a treasure trove of local art since 1959. We find out what makes the gallery such a special part of Cambridge’s creative scene on page 10. We also sit down with local legends the Brass Funkeys ahead of their gig at the Junction, learning more about their barnstorming, New Orleans-inspired sound on page 17. Elisha’s got some top recommendations for a special meal out on page 31, while food historian Sue Bailey delves into autumn’s culinary traditions on page 26. We also have round-ups on the best books and films to seek out, a pampering day at Floatwell up for grabs, interiors inspiration, spectacular local staycations and lots more to discover in the pages ahead. Enjoy the issue and see you next month!
EDITORIAL Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com Editorial director Roger Payne Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editor Ben Gawne Junior sub editor Lori Hodson ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Sue Bailey, Miriam Balanescu, Mark Box, Charlotte Griffiths, Katie Kasperson, Charlotte Phillips, Angelina Villa-Clarke & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Senior designer Lucy Woolcomb Junior designer Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman
Ad production Andy Jennings MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck
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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Contents
77
35 EDUCATION EDITION 51 STAYCATIONS 59 INDIE OF THE MONTH 62 TOP PARTY VENUES 67 GIVEAWAY 71 INTERIORS 79 EDITION LOVES 81 HOMES SPOTLIGHT 82 GARDENS
05 WISH LIST 09 ARTS & CULTURE 15 BACKSTAGE 17 ON THE SCENE
18 BOOK CLUB 20 ON THE BOX
22 HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE 26 CAMBRIDGE ON A PLATE 31 ELISHA EATS
Illustration by Emily Lancaster, inspired by a photo from @classiccambridge
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LOCAL LIFE
WISH LIST September This month’s must-haves from local indies
1. Gold half sunburst necklace, £22, Lilac Rose We love this 70s-inspired sunburst necklace by Estella Bartlett, featuring intricate detailing and a bright, golden finish 2. Fiesta cushion, £21.95, Angela Reed Cosy and fun, this indigo and olive pompom cushion from Saffron Walden’s Angela Reed is a certified homeware hit 3. Workshop jacket, £260, Laird Hatters This worker jacket from Laird Utility – the clothing brand of Green Street’s Laird Hatters – is a soft, comfortable and completely timeless addition to any wardrobe 4. Wash bag, £35, Iris & Violet These organic quilted wash bags, complete with stylish tassel, are beautifully designed and perfectly practical for storing your essentials 5. The Artisan bag, £385, The Cambridge Satchel Company Blending classic design and modern details, the new Artisan bag from Cambridge Satchel Co is available in ochre (shown above) and burgundy 6. Enamel pitcher, £65, Ark This artfully splattered enamelware pitcher is perfect for serving drinks or housing a bunch of flowers on the kitchen table 7. Animal print skirt, £300, Me & Mrs Jones As we move from summer to autumn, this pleated satin skirt is a transitional wardrobe winner 8. Block stacking glass vase, now £28.50, Kettle’s Yard This versatile vessel is perfect for arranging your favourite florals – or just leave it empty as a gorgeous geometric object d’art
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Culture Club
PUPPET MASTERS The spectacular charitable Dragon Boat Festival continues in its 17th year – see page 12
soul of the city DRAGON BOAT RACING, LOCAL ARTISTRY AND ICONIC THEATRE THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
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CULTURE CLUB The must-see events around Cambridge this month Arts & Culture
FRANKENSTEIN AT CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE
Inspired by Mary Shelley’s iconic story, Frankenstein is coming to Cambridge Arts Theatre from 3 to 7 October. The adaptation, written and directed by Séan Aydon, follows Victoria Frankenstein (Eleanor McLoughlin) and Richter (Basienka Blake) in World War II-ravaged Europe, when Frankenstein reveals she created a monster. This reimagined take on a classic tale promises to both chill and excite audiences. Frankenstein also stars Cameron Robertson as The Creature, Dale Mathurin as Henry and Lula Marsh as Elizabeth. The cast’s collective credits include The Mousetrap on the West End, Oleanna at Theatre Royal Bath and Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The performance benefits from Nicky Bunch’s production design, Matt Haskins’ lighting design and an original score from Eammon O’Dwyer. Frankenstein will enjoy a lengthy UK theatre tour with 11 stops, including Cambridge, York and Keswick. Get tickets at cambridgeartstheatre.com/whats-on/frankenstein
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Art & Soul Handmade British jewellery, ceramics and glassware, housed in an independent gallery in central Cambridge
Japanese dyeing method that’s known as ‘arashi shibori’. Jeremy recognises the desire for art to not only be beautiful, but also serve a practical function. “Primavera is a functional art gallery,” he says. “You can get a nice mug and it costs you £15. Still, £15 is a lot of money, but you have to remember someone made that by hand. Having things to show is nice, though I wouldn’t be here if not for those basics.” Mugs, cups, plates and other utilitarian items are primarily located in the gallery’s basement. The ground floor mainly houses smaller pieces – perfect for gifts – while the first floor contains larger works like chairs, clocks and the ‘animal room’. It takes advantage of every nook and cranny, curating the space to best represent each piece. RARE FIND Cambridge has no shortage of cultural experiences, with several art galleries on King’s Parade and Trinity Street alone. How does Primavera stand out from the crowd and encourage people inside? For starters, it features artwork not found anywhere else. Being handmade, each piece is inherently one of a kind. Thanks to the sheer size of its collection, art is practically flowing onto the street – in other words, there’s plenty to see, whether you’re buying or just browsing. More importantly, the gallery has supported local artistry for almost 80 years. Founded by Henry Rothschild towards the end of World War II, Primavera was meant to represent rebirth – and it continues to do so today. Art is more essential than ever, and this is embodied by the staff at Primavera, who work diligently seven days a week. It’s this commitment that Jeremy is looking for in his potential replacement. At age 70, he’s “looking ahead to secure the gallery’s continued presence on King’s Parade, and its role in supporting and showcasing artists into the future.” Email jeremyprimavera@aol.com to find out more, or visit the Primavera website at primaveragallery.co.uk
Primavera (translated from ‘springtime’ in Italian) is an art and jewellery gallery located in the very heart of Cambridge, opposite the entrance to King’s College. The historic space, once occupied by Charles Lamb and visited by James Joyce, holds an eclectic collection of artwork, some of which is centuries old. Managed by lifelong artist Jeremy Waller, Primavera features works of various prices and mediums, including jewellery, ceramics, glass, paintings, sculptures, furniture and textiles. The large majority is handmade in Britain, with more than 250 local artists, Lucie Rie and Bernard Leach among them (both of whom personally worked at the gallery), represented across three floors. ART FOR EVERYONE In an era plagued by the cost-of-living crisis, art may seem a frivolous expense, but Primavera’s goal is more creating interest in art than making a sale. “The purpose of Primavera isn’t to buy; it’s to tell a story,” says Jeremy, before pointing out a large bowl by Stephen Murfitt made via the Raku firing process. “That is just a piece of work – interesting in itself – but what’s more important is how he’s made it and who he is.” Primavera matches the cost of each piece to the artist’s asking price, but Jeremy is often tempted to go higher. “[The artist] is a person just like you; [they have] to eat,” he explains. It’s a delicate balance between acknowledging an item’s true value and encouraging a quick sale. Prices typically range from £20 to £5,000 (with artists receiving around 50% of the earnings), and Jeremy and his colleagues foster synergistic relationships with artists, displaying their work tastefully and supporting their self-promotion – the value of which is immeasurable. “It’s very personal,” Jeremy notes. Despite being pressed for physical space, he continues, “we’re approaching new artists all the time.” The gallery has just recently installed a collection of textiles by artist Rhyannan Hall, who uses a
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CULTURE CLUB
LESSONS IN LETTERS
CAMBRIDGE LITERARY FESTIVAL
Two exciting events for book lovers are coming up, courtesy of Cambridge Literary Festival. First, hear Sandra Newman speak on her new novel Julia , which retells Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four from a woman’s perspective. With a feminist take on fictional Oceania, Newman addresses systemic oppression and state control – and how these inhibit women’s bodily autonomy. Afterwards, catch award-winning Anne Enright as she presents The Wren, The Wren , a multi- generational story of love, trauma, resilience and transcendence. The novel follows Nell, a young woman who finds her family history impossible to escape. Both talks will occur in the Palmerston Room at St John’s College on Tuesday 17 October. For a limited time, those who book both talks will receive a 25% discount. Don’t miss the Winter Festival, scheduled for 16-19 November, with appearances from Theresa May, Lemn Sissay, Grace Dent and more. To access priority booking, visit cambridgeliteraryfestival.com
ONE AND ONLY These handmade pieces are all unique, making them perfect for a one-of- a-kind gift
MAKING A SPLASH OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL
Now coming to Cambridge as part of its world tour is the Ocean Film Festival. Celebrating seafaring cinema, the event showcases short independent films about life alongside the ocean. From marine creatures to aquatic adventures, each work takes a profound look at the relationship between humans and nature. The Ocean Film Festival receives support from both the Marine Conservation Society and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors – and has raised over £21,000 for charity. So far, the festival has presented 89 films in 14 countries. This year’s line-up includes eight shorts, with runtimes ranging from four minutes ( Hypnotise ) to 25 ( Broken Breath ). The films cover fishing, big-wave windsurfing, cold plunging, whale watching and wildlife
restoration, as well as themes of community and self-discovery. The featured locations include Australia, Africa and the UK. Head to Cambridge’s West Road Concert Hall on 25 September to see screenings of all eight shorts, each of which will be introduced by a compere. Plus, attendees can enter a free draw to win water-related prizes. For tickets and information, visit oceanfilmfestival.co.uk
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BILLY BRAGG 16 NOV, CORN EXCHANGE The radical rocker returns to Cambridge with rabble-rousing songs and political musings. SISTER SLEDGE LIVE 19 NOV, CORN EXCHANGE Sashay into winter with these disco icons, revisiting We Are Family , He’s the Greatest Dancer and many more hits. CAMBRIDGE JAZZ FESTIVAL 10-27 NOV, VARIOUS Acts including Black Mamba, Courtney Pine and Cambridge Groove Orchestra play gigs around the city as the annual event returns. WINTER LIGHTS 17 NOV-10 DEC, ANGLESEY ABBEY Get in early and book your tickets for this hugely popular seasonal happening, featuring an after-dark journey through Anglesey Abbey’s gorgeous grounds.
The 17th annual Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival comes to the River Cam on Saturday 9 September. Supposedly the fastest-growing water activity in Britain, dragon boat racing sees crews of ten – with a drummer in front and steerer at the back – paddle a 30-foot boat in a race to the finish line. The event takes place on the stretch of river at Ditton Meadows, with the banks offering a perfect spot to spectate and cheer on each team, enjoying food stalls and family- friendly activities. With more than 40 groups expected to participate, the Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival is not only an excellent team-building exercise, but an opportunity to support Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT). Donations contribute to cutting-edge technology, medical research programmes, specialist services and additional amenities for Addenbrooke’s Hospital patients. The team that raises the most money will receive a charity trophy and an exclusive punting tour, courtesy of Let’s Go Punting. See the website for more information on entry levels, which range from standard to silver and gold. RACE FOR THE PRIZE Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival
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CULTURE CLUB
Cat and Mouse BACKSTAGE The West End’s most-adored and longest-running show will come to Cambridge this month, celebrating 70 years – Miriam Balanescu finds out more
M ost plays that hit the West End tend to have a relatively short lifespan – showing to audiences for a few years before something else comes along and becomes the next big thing. But a humble Agatha Christie whodunnit has now been shaking things up in theatre for 70 years. The Mousetrap ’s 70th edition is currently on tour around the UK, giving a chance to audiences who may not have made the trip to London to see it on their own turf. Michael Lyle, whose credits include National Theatre shows and Eastenders , will play Giles Ralston, who together with his wife Molly becomes the proprietor of the fateful Monkswell Manor – and a tale of murder and intrigue ensues. There is another twist to Michael’s involvement: he has never seen the play. “Once I got the part, I felt like I had a choice to make: do I go and watch it happen and then rehearse, or do I kind of keep it slightly naive and just play my own character?” Michael says. “I went for the second option.” Despite this, Michael thinks it’s
MURDER MOST FOUL Michael Lyle (above right) plays Giles Ralston in this production of The Mousetrap
whole way through, if we’re doing our job properly as we hope we are, people are changing their opinions about who did it. It’s important to us that we keep them guessing right until the end.” Aside from the ever-turning cogs of the murder case, there is a true love story at the play’s heart, centring on Michael’s character. “Giles is desperately happy with Molly,” Michael urges. “The important thing to Rachel, who plays Molly, was that we wanted to tell a story from the off about a couple who are thrilled to be together and starting this new venture. And then it goes south very quickly.” In real life, Michael actually got married during the show’s recent run – popping by the registry office in the morning and making sure he was back in time for the show in the evening. “It was a bit of a whirlwind,” exclaims Michael. “Nobody could quite believe I was doing it. But it’s a story that will always be really good to tell.”
meeting a “person who had been brought along by their grandparents, who in turn had originally seen The Mousetrap with their own grandparents.” A crucial aspect of the play is that it toys with the viewer, using stage tricks and other devices to constantly throw them off the scent. “We all
like to know who’s done it – I always thought it would be interesting to see just how many people had at one point in their life looked into
It’s a perfect night out and caters to lots of tastes
pretty clear why The Mousetrap has held audiences in its grip for so long: “It’s a perfect night out really. It caters to a lot of different tastes,
being a detective,” remarks Michael. “We want to keep the story moving. You want to excite the audience by keeping the rhythm of it. There are lots of red herrings in the play. There are moments where people will look and think, ‘Oh, did you see that?’ That’s quite nice. You hear that sometimes, not too loudly. The
all ages. It’s a murder mystery – everyone loves a murder mystery. I think more than anything else, it’s familiar – particularly in this country.” Because of this, the play has been passed down through the generations. One of Michael’s favourite moments was
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CULTURE CLUB
AT FULL BRASS ON THE SCENE The Brass Funkeys are set to return to Cambridge Junction this month. Miriam Balanescu sits down with band member Vij Prakash
Each member brings their own musical history to bear on their tracks, ranging from jazz to reggae, punk and metal. “There are a lot of influences flying about,” laughs Vij. “We set about trying to ruin some of our favourite songs. It’s that irreverence of taking things we like and trying to change the vibe.” The Brass Funkeys have just dusted off a two-year project, documenting a calendar year in their musical lives, culminating in four EPs. “We thought we’d do that rather than a big album – we’ll do four snapshots of the year and give people an idea of our process and what we do,” explains Vij. “Lockdown extended that project.” A fluid approach to composing TOOT YOUR OWN HORN The nine-piece Brass Funkeys have been creating bombastic music and refining an energetic live experience for more than ten years. The Junction plays host on 30 September
and creating is at the crux of their music, with the band members developing ideas separately before workshopping them together. Even gigs are part of this process. “The Cambridge gig will come off the back of a busy festival season over the summer, where we’ll be trying out quite a lot of new things, and then bedding into new material,” says Vij. “It’s always a really nice way to get to play to big crowds
F or those not yet familiar with the unrestrained sounds of the Brass Funkeys, the nine-piece band has been a favourite among Cambridge locals ever since they emerged in 2011 as regulars at the Junction and Cambridge Jazz Festival. As the name suggests, each of the group’s members is a master in various brass instruments – with the interesting addition of a sousaphone, an instrument shaped to contort around the body of the player. Acquiring this instrument helped bring the band into being. “We were playing different funk and jazz projects together in various guises,” describes tenor saxophonist Vij Prakash. “Then one night, one of the guys bought a sousaphone on a drunken Ebay splurge – and a chaise longue, actually. I think he totally forgot about it. Then a few weeks later, this amazing instrument appeared.” Fusing a New Orleanian style with multifarious influences, the band is known for its original compositions and putting a fresh spin on well-known tracks – their big sound the ace card. “We realised early on that people were going quite mad for it here,” remarks Vij. “So we started off playing on the street, just making a lot of noise, and we would get some big crowds quite quickly.
in a lot of different places and see where people are, try some different things out, see what lands and where people’s ears are going.” While the Brass Funkeys have been innovators on the jazz scene, Vij believes brass band music is set to take over the UK: “The scene has grown and there are bands drawn to that sound all over the UK and Europe. It’s a present scene now in the UK, which is good for us because we’re not necessarily having to explain the roots of our music to people. We can just play our original music and people have a bit of a grounding in that sound.”
“One of the first things we did was Mill Road Winter Fair, where we didn’t have a slot or anything, but set ourselves up on the railway bridge and just started playing. Apparently the bridge was kind of swaying back and forward. Now, every year I get a slightly worried email from Mill Road Winter Fair asking if we’re going to turn up – and if we are, we need to book a slot.” On why brass street music is such a winning formula, Vij explains: “Originally, it’s the immediacy of it. The fact we don’t need to plug into anything, we don’t need to be strapped to anything, we can make our own noise. We can play anywhere.”
Originally, it’s the immediacy of it. We don’t need to plug into anything, we can play anywhere
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CULTURE CLUB
CAMBRIDGE EDITION Book Club Enjoy the last of the summer sunshine with a great read – this month’s picks include a Belfast coming-of-age story and baking-themed murder mystery
WORDS BY CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS
LAZY CITY
BY RACHEL CONNOLLY Stricken with grief after the sudden death of her close friend Kate, Erin has left London and returned to Belfast where she is temporarily working as an au pair, helping her employer Anne Marie carry on in the wake of uncovering her husband’s betrayal. Erin’s mother still lives a few streets away, but their tempestuous, abusive relationship means home is not a place of safety. Upon arriving back in Belfast, Erin attempted to live with her mother but it did not end well – the book opens early morning, where the two of them have bumped into each other for the first time since Erin’s departure. Adrift, Erin spends her days hungover and most nights drinking or taking drugs, blotting out life – either accompanied by her friend Declan, her ‘it’s complicated’ lover Mikey or Matt, an American who’s in town teaching while trying to write a novel. This book perfectly captures that unique combination of hopelessness and hopefulness that comes from being young, being knocked for six by an event and seeking refuge back in your hometown. It should be the place you feel most secure, yet there’s background radiation at work, crippling you from the inside out. The uneasy sense that somehow you’ve failed to launch,
is harder than it was. Belfast’s Catholic churches still bring Erin an odd feeling of peace, the rituals and familiarity soothing in the chaos – and she ducks in and out of them sporadically as the story progresses, tiny moments of cool clarity amid the chaos of her surroundings, where she turns over recent events in her mind, weighing up the aftermath of a friend’s death and gently stepping
smouldering with injustice at the way life has worked out, the uncertainty of how to get back on track, all the while surrounded by people you’ve known or known about since you were a child – yet now you’re adults and the world Smouldering with injustice at the way life has worked out towards a future – whatever shape that might take. Rachel Connolly writes exquisitely: stark yet detailed, devastating yet grimly funny, perfectly capturing the unblinking harshness of the damage that grief can wreck on a life. Fresh, knowing, harrowing and unforgettable, this is not to be missed.
HOMECOMING Belfast local Rachel Connolly’s coming- of-age novel captures the lethargy of a young adulthood that’s been taken off course by loss, seated in the city of her own upbringing
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CULTURE CLUB
THE GOLDEN SPOON BY JESSA MAXWELL If you’ve ever watched The Great British Bake Off and thought the show had potential as the setting for a murder mystery, you’re in luck. Jessa Maxwell’s debut novel takes a thinly-disguised GBBO and moves the action to Vermont, USA, transforming the concept into a sinister yet unputdownable read which sees every page packed with baking references. We join the action as the tenth series of Bake Week begins filming. Beloved host Betsy Martin is disgruntled at being forced to share the spotlight with new co-host Archie Morris, who fronts The Cutting Board – a macho cooking contest that couldn’t be more different from this gentle show. Betsy has worked hard to win her place as ‘America’s grandmother’, and dislikes brash, opinionated Archie on principle. But the production team think the show needs shaking up, so she begrudgingly welcomes him into the team and, by extension, her family home. As anyone who watches GBBO will know, even the most accomplished bakers will make mistakes in the pressured environment of the tent: but there’s a whisper of suspicion about the events which start to derail the contestants’ bakes. Salt and sugar is swapped, fridge doors are left open – and murmurs of sabotage begin to spread. Strange noises in the night and overheard conversations contribute to the feeling of unease, and as we learn more about the contestants, it becomes clear each has their own reason to be in the tent beyond a straightforward love of baking. If you love baking and murder mysteries, this is an excellent addition to a wish list: make sure to have a slice of something sugary on hand while you read, or you’ll be forced to put the book down and get your apron on…
BY VERONICA RAIMO Now translated into English for the first time, Veronica Raimo’s novel was a runaway hit in Italy, with over 100,000 copies sold in its original language. The book introduces us to the deadpan Vero, who shares sardonic observations and vignettes from her 1980s upbringing in Rome, in an extremely complicated household. Vero’s mother is riddled with anxiety about the wellbeing of Vero and her brother, constantly checking on their whereabouts and presuming they’ve died if they don’t answer their phones – while her obsessive father is preoccupied with adding bizarre new rooms to their apartments and keeping his children safe from invisible germs. Her parents’ mental states limit the freedom Vero and her brother crave. Young Vero catches rheumatic fever, which leads her father to wrap his daughter in paper towels for a summer, protecting her from the enemy of ‘sweat’. She makes an attempt to run away to Paris at 15, only to be thwarted by her mother’s ability to locate her children no matter where they may be, and begrudgingly returns home. As Vero comes of age, she falls in love again and again, whether with partners or the sheer delight of experiencing the world for herself, and lets nothing stand in her way. She fakes artisanal clothing to raise funds for a trip to Mexico, she moves in with a lover after a few weeks of knowing them, and gradually becomes a writer – as her brother also does – after finding that their own invented fiction can offer greater solace than the actual lived experience. Vero’s stories are shared haphazardly, almost like they’re being remembered, with tales tumbling into one another and mimicking perfectly the experience of recalling anecdotes from childhood. Is she lying? Can it be called deceit if you can’t remember how events turned out? Some incidents Vero describes are bleak, some hilarious, and some so outlandish you’ll wonder if they actually took place. In Italian, the book is titled Niente di vero , or nothing true. This seems fitting for a genre-defying work that slips between fiction, non-fiction, biography, comedy and tragedy – and is an unforgettable, thought-provoking summer read. Lost on Me
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SCREEN TIME
INVISIBLE LINK
Designing intricate visuals for massive titles, Cambridge’s Vine FX is on the rise. Miriam Balanescu gets an insider look W ith the explosion of TV in recent years – and the proliferation of streaming platforms – producers are That’s removing cars from period dramas or painting out modern technology. Set extensions are another huge part of the to that EFFECT FILM
Discover September’s on-screen essentials
DUMB MONEY
work we do here – creating photoreal environments that transport the viewer to Bangkok, Paris, New York or even completely fictional places. “It can also be adding elements to elevate a shot. For The Touris t and The Serpent , we spent a lot of the time making sure everything we could see in the frame
A David and Goliath tale based on real events, telling the story of an everyday Joe who gamed Wall Street – and the ubelievable fallout that followed. Where to Watch: UK cinemas When: 23 September
having to make more with less. Since the early days of CGI and the often repulsive, ugly or downright laughable visual effects in films from the last half of the 20th century, we’ve thankfully come far. Now, it is near impossible to create films and shows without visual effects – and they appear in the least expected places. Vine FX is one of the leading visual effects studios in the UK, and is based in Cambridge. Under its belt, it has credits on shows like Netflix’s The Witcher or the BBC’s The Serpent and The Tourist . “When people think about visual effects, it’s almost always 3D CGI – robots, monsters, starships, futuristic buildings,” says Laura Usaite, managing director at Vine FX. “There’s a whole strand of work that’s referred to as ‘invisible VFX’.
was period-specific, removing anything that wasn’t. The Serpent was our first
You can’t tell what’s real and what isn’t
show completed during lockdown, so we needed to help out with scene transformations because the crew couldn’t travel anywhere at that time.” The process is painstaking, taking out individual elements, then ‘compositing’ – meaning layering elements on top of a shot “and blending them together so you can’t tell what’s real and what isn’t.” “It takes a lot of time,” says Laura. “The black hole in Interstellar took 100 hours to render just one frame. A second of film is made up of 24 frames. So, 2,400 hours of computing time went into every second of that film. Fortunately, we share the computing burden across multiple machines in render farms – rooms full of computers that can be found in most studios and in the cloud. If we didn’t have those, even the simplest of effects wouldn’t be achievable at scale.” But things are speeding up – rapidly. “The tools we use add capabilities almost every quarter, and the AI revolution is pushing that faster,” explains Laura. “It’s exciting, but we need to be careful about how we use these new technologies. The industry is rushing to figure out how AI fits into the landscape.”
In this twisty western and camp classic, Pedro Almodóvar’s two protagonists are friends and former gunmen separated for 25 years whose paths cross once again. Where to Watch: UK cinemas When: 25 September STRANGE WAY OF LIFE
Cristian Mungiu turns his lens to rifts in a Transylvanian village. When out-of-towners are hired at a local factory, tensions spill over. Where to Watch: UK cinemas When: 21 September R.M.N.
OUT OF THIS WORLD Vine FX’s work on series three of War of the Worlds encompassed hundreds of shots, involving creature animation and environment design
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SCREEN TIME
Based on a true story, but shaking off any oversentimental baggage, this deadpan account of the life of Afghan translator Donya is at its heart a story of self-love. Where to Watch: UK cinemas When: 15 September FREMONT
From fresh features to old favourites, the Arts Picturehouse chooses its cinematic highlights for the next month Picturehouse Picks
PAST LIVES This A24-produced heart-wrencher
stars Russian Doll ’s Greta Lee as a woman separated from her childhood sweetheart after her family emigrate from South Korea. Decades later, he returns, and they question the life they could have had together. Preview 7 September, opens 8 September A HAUNTING IN VENICE The inimitable sleuth Hercule Poirot returns, embodied by Kenneth Branagh, who directs and produces – as well as stars – in this newest murder mystery. Adapted from Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie, someone drops dead at a séance. 15 September
THE OLD OAK Ken Loach’s latest ventures to the
north-east of England and a village’s last remaining pub. As Syrian refugees move into the area, locals struggle to adjust – but, amid the tensions, new bridges are built. 29 September
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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?
@vomkg : a captivating and inspiring individual to encounter
ABOUT THE PROJECT Humans of Cambridge is an Instagram photoblog by local photographer Mark Box. It began as a 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!
A cool, pipe- smokin’ Canadian – and his beard!
Noticing
the little details about someone lets them know you see them
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STREET STYLE
Elegant, strong, feminine, caring; intricate paisley patterns in a medley of colours. @indigospiral ’s bohemian spirit and love for artistic details caught my eye
‘But soft! what light through yonder window breaks?’ This look is straight out of a Shakespeare play
When you see someone smile, you can’t help but smile back
I loved meeting the vibrant @_fiirefly_ , a nomadic artist and lovely, spirited human. Check out her blog about her travels and art
An English gentleman portrayed by a Cambridge student, done with the utmost style
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Savour&Sip
WHAT A WINDFALL slice of life
AS SUMMER TURNS TO AUTUMN, WE’RE PRESENTED WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF SEASONAL DELIGHTS
Discover harvest food traditions! PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING
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Local food historian Dr Sue Bailey shares some harvest traditions and learns more about East Anglia’s bounty of produce CAMBRIDGE ON A PLATE HARVEST TIME
L ook up one night this month, meaning autumn. This traditional end to the year’s growing cycle is no longer marked by a riotous meal with excessive feasting, dancing and drinking. Such harvest celebrations date back to pagan times, and now Christian traditions hold harvest thanksgiving on the nearest Sunday to the full moon – the one closest to the autumn equinox in late September. One reason that these ale-quaffing, merry-making excesses by farmworkers disappeared was due to mid-Victorian vicars, who tamed the custom into a sedate but decorative church festival. Exuberant see the glowing moon like a russet apple hanging in the sky, and say the Old English word ‘hærfest’,
campaign to keep this celebration a key part of our communities, with its British Food Fortnight initiative. Having been established 22 years ago to celebrate and promote food diversity, this year’s British Food Fortnight runs from 16 September to 1 October. Teachers, caterers, universities, chefs, NHS trusts, care homes, shops and markets are all involved, with tastings, seasonal dishes and local business support raising awareness of seasonal, healthy British ingredients. I spoke to local author Jenny Jefferies, who has written For the Love of the Land and For the Love of the Sea – a series of popular recipe books dedicated to independent food producers and their talents. “All over the world, farmers work from dawn until dusk, as and when the weather allows, to try and bring in a good harvest,” she explains. “Last month, we cut barley and wheat at Fuller’s Hill Farm, Little Gransden, which will end up being made into beer, bread and cereals. So, next time you’re at your local pub, or eating your
displays of wheat sheaves, swags of hops, corn dollies and local produce decorated churches for this thanksgiving service and replaced the feasting. Technological progress has detached us from appreciating food seasons and the harvest. Historically, the only methods available to preserve foods for otherwise barren winters were drying, smoking, jam making, salting and pickling. Long food production chains, processing, canning and freezing, with food grown and flown in from around the world, has resulted in seasonality becoming less relevant. Harvest thanksgiving used to be almost as important a part of our national calendar as Christmas and Easter. That’s no longer the case, but today, the independent organisation Love British Food runs a
Harvest is a time to celebrate the abundance we’ve worked for
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daily breakfast, have a think about all the hard work, passion and dedication that’s gone into producing that food and drink.” This month, you can visit the superb display organised by the National Farmers’ Union at Ely Cathedral to get a real flavour of the bounty of our local countryside. Peterborough Cathedral, meanwhile, hosts the National Harvest Service, an event set up by Love British Food that moves around the British Isles. It is where the Harvest Torch sculpture will arrive – this is the farming community’s answer to the Olympic Torch and depicts the harvest’s natural bounty. We are incredibly lucky in East Anglia to be able to celebrate such a wide variety of autumn produce. There’s just so much to choose between – fruits such as apple, damson, pear, plum, quince, fig and tomato; vegetables like spinach, cucumber, cabbage, kale; together with onion, broccoli, beans, pepper, aubergine, marrow, sweetcorn, leek, courgette, marrow and squash. All of this and more makes up the seasonal fresh food harvest. Well-known local producer Calixta Killander of Flourish has a farm shop based between Hildersham and Linton. She also supplies many national and local restaurants. Her ecological farming practices produce the most wonderful vegetables, fruit, herbs and cut flowers. Many of the crops grown are rare varieties from across the world. “Given the kind of farming we do here at Flourish Produce, we harvest every week of the year, so our relationship with a typical harvest might be different to that of other farmers,” notes Calixta. “Harvesting is a time to celebrate the abundance that we have been working for, but it’s also a challenging time due to the ever-changing variables, including extreme weather and very long days!”
FEAST FOR THE SENSES Local produce in late September is a riot of colours, scents and flavours
centuries-old Nottingham Goose Fair. It is now a rather expensive bird, eaten more often at Christmas or Easter. I have found relatively few historic dishes to celebrate the end of the harvest. The most interesting is fidget pie – a deep, rustic, farmer’s pastry pie of roasted apples, sliced potatoes, onion and gammon, made with a cider stock. For dessert, it was traditional to have harvest pudding, a raisin-and-lemon-flavoured steamed suet pudding. Another variant was to make it as a bread pudding with apples. However, I would rather try a more flavoursome candied-peel-and-currant-based Suffolk harvest loaf – sadly, I have found no Cambridge variant. To demonstrate my own love of food history, the produce of East Anglia and my role as a Love British Food ambassador, I have set myself the task of creating a traditional harvest bread in the shape of a wheat sheaf, complete with a little bread mouse with currant eyes. I will not, however, allow the mouse to be eaten!
Another local champion of seasonal food is Duncan Catchpole from the zero- waste Cambridge Organic Food Company. A trailblazer of the movement, he was one of the earliest to support and re-adopt the organic approach approximately 25 years ago. He is also a founding member of Cambridge Sustainable Food. Cambridge Organic currently delivers locally grown organic fruit and veg boxes to more than 1,000 local households every week. Other events, such as apple days, support local growers and the diversity of local varieties, but it is also interesting to consider forgotten feasts. Perhaps these should also include the feast of Michaelmas, which commemorates the Archangel Michael’s defeat of Satan as described in the Bible. Celebrated on 29 September each year, the custom was to mark the occasion with a roasted goose, fattened on the stubble of the harvest field. They had to waddle, with feet covered in protective tar and sand, from Cambridgeshire or Norfolk to the
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A WINNING STREAK Local legend The Gog extends its run of successes in the Great Taste Awards this year, with recognition for its beef wellington and chicken kyiv
E ncompassing a thriving farm shop, butchery, deli and cafe, The Gog has been winning fans with its culinary excellence for over a century. From fine artisan cheeses to locally brewed beer, choice cuts of meat and irresistible sweet treats, there’s a smorgasbord of flavours to explore – all in a friendly, rustic setting. Sure to further boost The Gog’s reputation are its triumphs in the Great Taste Awards. Having last year enjoyed success with the beef and bone marrow burgers, this year’s panel awarded both the beef wellington (for two) and chicken kyiv to be worthy of two Great Taste Award stars each, describing the latter as ‘tender chicken that oozes out delicious garlic butter’, with panko breadcrumbs adding ‘a welcome crunch’, and concluding that ‘the whole kyiv tastes chef-made’. As well as picking up some award- winning fare this month, you can sample a selection of in-house dry-aged steak at the newly launched The Gog Steak Club. Shining a spotlight on exceptional beef products such as wagyu and kobe, there will be special offers, recipes, beef butchery classes, wine pairings, special feasts and lots more to enjoy. Get one step ahead of the game and register your interest by emailing hello@thegog.com The Gog Farm Shop, Heath Farm, Babraham Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 3AD thegog.com
COOKING UP A STORM The craft butchery at the Gog offers the finest local meats
DISCOVER THE GOG A family-run business founded in 1919, The Gog has evolved from a small farm outlet into an acclaimed foodie haven. Now helmed by the fourth- generation Bradfords, the enterprise has expanded since its early days, but at its heart remains a commitment to bringing the best produce to its happy customers. With an enthusiastic, knowledgeable team on hand to advise and inspire any visitors, you can be guaranteed a friendly welcome and introduction to some of the best food and drink from our local area.
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ELISHA EATS Birthday honours Need a special setting for your bash? Check out these recommendations from Elisha Young (aka @elisha.eats on Instagram)
W here do you want to go for your birthday?’ is an unnecessarily panic-inducing question. Your birthday meal is supposed to be a happy event surrounded by friends and family – preferably while sitting in front of a huge slice of cake. But then reality sets in and you have to take into consideration the ambience, cost, location, dining preferences, dietary requirements… and so you end up wading through Google reviews, staring at Tripadvisor photos and examining menus with a fine-tooth comb. September is my birthday month, so hopefully I can help a little. Here are just a few of the places I’ve eaten for my birthday that I think you’d enjoy too. PARKER’S TAVERN This is almost certainly one of the most recommended restaurants in Cambridge – and for good reason. It’s located right at the top of Parker’s Piece, giving you a wonderful view of the city as you dine. Equally, the interior has been perfectly crafted to create a refined, though quirky atmosphere. Then there’s the menu, which is quintessentially British and powered by excellent cooking, offering crowd-pleasing classics like spaghetti bolognese, chicken caesar salad and sirloin steak – as well as Parker’s Tavern’s famous customisable ice cream sundae. VANDERLYLE In 2020, I finally treated myself to a meal at Vanderlyle with my family. The ethos of local, seasonal and sustainable cooking paired with imaginative flavours and textures was something I was keen experience for myself, plus Vanderlyle has an alcohol-free drinks pairing – ideal for someone like me who doesn’t enjoy most wines or beers! Unfortunately, my brother ended up quarantined when his flatmate caught Covid-19 – so I had to bring my uncle along instead. Despite the drama, I wholeheartedly recommend Vanderlyle
JUST DESSERTS Provenance’s honey custard tart with fresh strawberries, the perfect birthday treat!
without tipping over into soapy territory. Be warned, though, they don’t take reservations, so be prepared to queue to enjoy the legendary afternoon teas. PROVENANCE KITCHEN I find myself returning here birthday after birthday. There is free on-site parking, which is ideal since my grandma can’t walk far, and the team are extremely clued up on allergens and cross-contamination, so my coeliac uncle can dine with peace of mind. Crucially for me, this eatery always has a range of interesting desserts, from a giant profiterole stuffed with ice cream and drowning in chocolate sauce to gently wobbling panna cottas and delectable fruit tarts. The savoury dishes are wonderful too. Expect seasonal ingredients cooked over fire, although the parsley and garlic fries are always available and truly excellent. Once you’ve finished eating, browse work from local artists and buy edible goodies such as hot sauce, sweets and jars of honey. It’s your birthday, treat yourself!
as an incredibly special place to dine. The quality of the food and service is impeccable, with an open kitchen where you can see the chefs prepare your courses with care and attention to detail. PEACOCKS TEAROOM, ELY I think it says something that both me and my 85-year-old grandmother have enjoyed birthday meals at Peacocks – a charming little tearoom on the banks of the River Great Ouse, decorated with an abundance of vintage cups and teapots. While the extensive tea menu is a constant, there’s also a daily specials menu that features homemade cakes, tarts, quiches, soups and scones – all absolutely delicious and worth trying. My personal favourite is the lemon and lavender cake: zingy and fragrant
Crucially, this eatery always has a range of interesting desserts
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FOR THE FOODIES Find mouth-watering street food around Cambridgeshire with foodPark
C alling all foodies! foodPark, a cohort of the region’s most flavourful street food vendors – is the perfect choice for your next private or corporate event. With sweet and savoury stalls, plus bars with beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks, any event can become extraordinary. Vendors travel around Cambridgeshire and further afield to offer a broad selection of street food favourites, including pizza (Pizza Mondo), burgers (Steak & Honour and Buffalo Joe’s), rotisserie (Rotisseroll) and desserts (Sweet Ally Scoops and Jack’s Gelato). Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional British classic like fish and chips (Pimp My Fish), or food taken from Spanish (Azahar), Sri Lankan (Kura Kura), East Asian (Guerrilla Kitchen) or global (Nomadough) cuisine, there’s something for every taste. Plus, foodPark can cater to various mealtimes, party sizes (up to 800 people!) and dietary requirements. Whether your party is a one-off or repeat event, an intimate celebration or four-day festival, a couple of colleagues or group of family and friends, foodPark’s possibilities are endless. Though it’s based in Cambridge’s city centre, foodPark can travel anywhere in the county. Customers work alongside a key member of staff who manages, plans and attends each event after pre-scouting the site. High-quality and ethically sourced food that’s freshly prepared and made-to- order is the priority. As well as being part of foodPark’s collective, each food truck is independently owned by a Cambridge- based food trader. So show your local businesses some love! An excellent choice for private hires, foodPark also serves the public every week. From Wednesday through Saturday, food trucks gather across Cambridge to offer the best bites to those on the go. Take a quick pit stop during your lunch break, with vendors conveniently open between 12 noon and 2pm, or do an after-work dinner from 5 to 8pm. Each week features a new line-up, listed in advance on foodPark’s website and socials. If you’ve missed your favourite food truck, don’t sweat it – the rotation changes every week. Find a distinct menu at each location across Cambridge, including West Cambridge, the Science Park, Eddington’s Market Square, CB1 Station Road and the Biomedical Campus. Due to high demand – and to avoid lengthy wait times – all food lovers are encouraged to pre-order online, though some trucks still accept walk-ups. Get grubbing!
AROUND THE WORLD Kura Kura (top), Guerrilla Kitchen (middle), Rotisseroll (bottom left) and Pimp My Fish (bottom right) are just a taste of the flavours awaiting you
foodparkcam.com hello@foodparkcam.com FoodPark @foodpark_cam
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