SAVOUR & S I P
FRESH PICKS
A delicious detour to SaffronWalden
If you’re planning to cook up a feast in your own kitchen and want to browse top-quality ingredients, there are a number of great shops dotted around the town. Saffron Fish Co is an award-winning fishmongers and seafood deli that stocks fresh produce, as well as ready-to-cook delights. It’s run by husband-and-wife teamMatt and Annabel Gurnett, who opened the original shop in 2019, expanding into the premises next door over summer. Matt goes to Billingsgate Market most mornings to source fresh fish, and the couple are committed to supporting sustainable fishing, which is why you’ll often find slightly more uncommon options on the counter, such as gurnard, flounder or pollock (alongside classics like mackerel, cod, salmon and sea bass). “In the deli, our kedgeree ‘scotch’ eggs are flying out the door, and have a bit of a reputation for being incredibly tasty and slightly addictive. It’s like a traditional scotch egg, but with haddock kedgeree instead of sausage meat – delicious,” reveals Annabel. “Customers are also discovering whether they’re Team Smac or Team Crac,” she adds. “We make two types of macaroni cheese; one with smoked haddock (Smac ‘n’ Cheese) and another with crab (Crac ‘n’ Cheese). Both have chunks of gruyère throughout and are sprinkled with a herb and truffle crumb for extra indulgence.” Down on Market Row, at Sage & Saffron, the shelves are loaded with top-end treats from local, independent suppliers. This deli is the place to head for artisan cheese, olive oil, olives, chutneys and other indulgences. For something to drink, go to Dead Time, an emporium of beer and cider, speciality wine, gins and other delicious things to
Cambridge isn’t the only place where the food scene is thriving – Saffron Walden, our north Essex neighbour, is enjoying something of a foodie boom, too. Pay a visit and you can stock up on loaves at Mini Miss Bread, the artisan bakery that’s become a cult hit since opening in May 2019. It’s run by passionate baker Megan Charnock, and specialises in sourdough bread, béchamel cheese toasties, delicious pastries and all sorts of homemade bakes. You can find it on Church Street. Another place to pick up beautiful bakes is Jolie, which opened in August as a combined patisserie and florist. Elegant and sophisticated with a Parisian twist, this pastel pink shop and cafe has you covered from nibbles and fizz on date night to a morning coffee and cake with pals. It’s located on Rose and Crown Walk and owned by Danielle Steed, who’s realising a long- held dream to open her own establishment. “Our luxury French hot chocolates are a must-try. We put our own twist on it, adding cream and macarons on top!” she enthuses. “Our cupcakes are also fabulous, and we serve coffee, cocktails, wine and cheeseboards, too. We have a real emphasis on supporting other local businesses, lots of which are women-led.” An Edition fave, Bicicletta, is another Saffron Walden spot to seek out. A cycling hub and great cafe rolled into one, it serves coffee, lunches and brunches made with produce from top local suppliers. Or check out long-standing favourite Café Cou Cou, nestled in the heart of the town centre on George Street. It offers oversized scones with lashings of cream and jam, homemade soup and baked potatoes.
drink. “We take all the snobbery out of craft beer and speciality booze shopping,” explains owner Jack. “Tell us what you like and we show you drinks you’ll love!” In the mood for some chocolate? Cambridge residents might already be familiar with chocolatier Hill St, thanks to its All Saints Passage branch, but the original shop was, and remains, on Saffron Walden’s Hill Street. Pop by and pick up a box of luxury chocolates made with the finest natural and local ingredients. Choices range from classic pralines to unique creations such as mojito and yuzu dark chocolate ganache. Another unmissable destination is Off The Beaten Truck, which brings together the cream of the area’s street food traders on the Common each Thursday (5-8pm). These popular gatherings showcase the likes of Guerrilla Kitchen, Steak & Honour and Buffalo Joe’s, offering a chance to try burgers, pizzas, churros and more.
46 OCTOBER 2021 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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