LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
A love letter to… MILL ROAD With a unique character and a treasure trove of independent businesses, there’s lots to discover in this corner of Cambridge C overing a mile-long stretch that reaches from Parker’s Piece down to the edge of Romsey at Brooks Road, Mill
run by local foodie legends Richard Stokes and Jay Scrimshaw. Described in a glowing review by The Guardian ’s Jay Rayner as offering ‘inventive cookery and seriously good ingredients’, this excellent eatery serves up six-course set tasting menus on Fridays and Saturdays, featuring dishes like homemade prawn toast, crab risotto, and pan-fried seabass with yellow marmalade. Another fine-dining stop-off is Fancett’s, a French bistro-style restaurant offering a fixed-price lunch and dinner. Recommended in both the Michelin Guide and The Good Food Guide , indulgence is the name of the game at this compact dining spot, where you can feast on hand-rolled parmesan gnocchi, strawberry soufflé and other decadent fare. Pre-warning: you’ll need to book in advance to secure a spot. Another exceptional restaurant putting Mill Road on the culinary map is Vanderlyle, which serves up plant-based tasting menus and thoughtfully paired drinks in a stylish setting. Head chef Alex Rushmer – erstwhile At the more casual end of the spectrum, Urban Larder on The Broadway remains a favourite for its toasties and cakes, while Tradizioni is the place for authentic Italian pasta and pizza. Hot Numbers Coffee Roasters on Gwydir Street – the OG branch of the Hot Numbers empire – is a true local institution, adored for its speciality coffee and luxurious brunch menu. For cocktails, it has to be 196 – a cocktail bar responsible for many a brutal hangover for Mill Roaders. With just a handful of tables inside, tables and chairs frequently spill out onto the pavement outside, and it’s easy to see why the punters flock in once you’ve sampled the bartenders’ perfectly executed tipples. We would be remiss not to mention Mill Road’s healthy pub scene too; particular favourites are The Cambridge Blue – Masterchef star – flexes his creativity in the open kitchen, delivering plate after plate of flavour- packed food that will delight both non-meat- eaters and devoted carnivores alike.
Road seems to have a personality all of its own – one that can feel sharply distinct from the ‘gown’ side of Cambridge life that lies beyond Reality Checkpoint. Forever bustling with activity and home to plentiful shops, restaurants and well-loved local pubs, it has a proud sense of community, and unlike other parts of Cambridge that have succumbed to chain stores and large retail developments, it remains a bastion of small, independent business. It’s one of the city’s most diverse and lively neighbourhoods, and it’s not just residents that find a particular joy in Mill Road life: the street’s business owners also revel in its unique spirit. “Mill Road, with all its quirks, is one of the best places to start or run a business,” says Joey, co-owner of Fratelli Hair salon. “It’s a vibrant area with a sense of community, and we’re fortunate to have everything we need overall experience that Mill Road offers. There’s something special about the energy and character of this place that keeps people coming back. It’s more than just a location; it’s a community hub, and we’re proud to be a part of it.” A case in point is the beloved Winter Fair, traditionally taking place on the first Saturday of December each year. Founded in 2005 with the goal of celebrating and attracting visitors to the area, the event has since blossomed into one of the most popular calendar fixtures throughout the city – attracting around 10,000 punters every winter with stalls, live music and food from all over the world. Eat & drink There’s plenty of choice when it comes to dining and drinking around Mill Road. Start at Fin Boys, a sleek seafood restaurant right here, from local suppliers to supportive neighbours. This helps our business thrive; our customers appreciate coming here not just for our services, but for the
There’s something special about the energy
36 SEPTEMBER 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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