SAVOUR & SIP
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
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK SEPTEMBER 2023 31
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