LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
K nown to some as the hidden street, Green Street is an unassuming shortcut between busy Trinity and Sidney streets, and is all too easily missed. It takes its name from Dr Oliver Grene of Caius College, on whose estate it was laid out in 1614. Lacking the clean architectural sweep of Rose Crescent or the regal pomp of King’s Parade, it nevertheless has plenty of appeal for history buffs; the jiggle of mainly Victorian shopfronts conceals much older interiors. Number 10, for instance – home of Cambridge Gin Laboratory – remains as it was built circa 1700, behind a late 19th-
century façade. It’s one of many intriguing listed properties that give Green Street the air of Harry Potter ’s Diagon Alley. Printers and publishers once had their establishments here among lodging houses and nonconformist chapels, a Reform Club, youth clubs, Sunday school and gun shop. A bakery belonging to Mr Christmas was at number 9, a post office at number 24, The Volunteer at number 8 and The Highland Piper at number 11. Iconic department store W Eaden Lilley & Co had premises here, too. You can still imagine the clatter of dray horses across the cobblestones today, with these ancient buildings now home to a diverse business community of mostly independent stores. “There are so many indie shops here,” says Sarah Decent, owner of Modish shoe shop at number 3. “We’re a friendly and outgoing community, and will happily refer customers to one another. The joy of Green Street is that it’s in the city centre but tucked away. When the town is mobbed with tourists, it’s relatively quiet here. The rents are pretty good value too, which is why there are so many small independents and new businesses starting up here.” Sarah has been running Modish for more than 13 years. “Rather than follow fashion trends, we curate things that look a bit different,” she notes. “Comfort is key, and this season, high heels are much lower; I think it’s because working women aren’t going into the office as much, and they’re wearing longer skirts or jeans with a wider leg that suits lower heels.” Laird Hatters at number 4 is another specialist, offering a colourful assortment of handmade hats and caps. “As a street, it’s more like a village,” shares Faye Gilbert- Brown. “We’re off the main street, so people sometimes don’t know we’re here. I like the fact that you can’t see one end from the other – it invites you to explore.” Panamas are a popular Cambridge staple and flat caps are loved by all ages. “We worked with the producers to make the Bakerboy-style caps on Peaky Blinders Season 5, and also helped produce the pink Hunter hat worn by Margot Robbie in Barbie ,” reveals Faye. “We also sell caps in
INDIE HAVEN Must-visits include Cambridge Gin Laboratory (above) and Stir (below left)
linen, wool, cashmere and tweed – fedoras, top hats and bowlers, too. It’s fundamental to have something different from other Cambridge shops; it put us on the map.” Award-winning bespoke and ethical jeweller of the year, Harriet Kelsall’s studio has been at numbers 6-7 for 20 years. In 2023, it was voted best overall customer experience by Cambridge BID, with the company having many other national awards, too. “We’re a friendly, designer- led company where anyone can pop into our studio, shop and see our innovation, craftsmanship and ethical options,” shares Harriet. “We’re proud to turn people’s ideas into a dream piece of jewellery as an expression of their individuality.” Cambridge Gin Laboratory at number 10 is worth a visit for its theatrical interior alone, complete with round-bottomed distillation flasks and support apparatus. Here, you can buy an enticing range of gins such as 10 Green Street and Breakfast Gin – which has flavour notes of marmalade and Lady Grey tea – or attend workshops that start at £35 per person. Make It is an hour-long class exploring distillates and botanicals to create your very own gin, while Molecular is a two-hour cocktail- making class that uses the equipment and techniques of molecular gastronomy. Seasonal classes include a collaboration with the Cambridge Cheese Company and a session on making Brunch Cocktails. “There’s an eclectic mix of shops on Green Street,” remarks workshop host David Hirst. “People come for different reasons – cafes, chocolate shops, TK Maxx or Bill’s – there’s a bit of everything, which gives Green Street its charm. It’s a hidden gem where you can escape daily life.” Stir’s Green Street bakery is at number 12, aimed at the takeaway customer – although there are stools to perch on and window seats, too. “It’s a small bakery with a large menu of artisan bread and pastries, with award-winning specialty coffee, as
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