Did someone say… brunch?
Weekend warriors rejoice, as April means National Brunch Month! We share our pick of Cambridge’s finest spots
Old Bicycle Shop
The Old Bicycle Shop fittingly holds the title as the site of the oldest bicycle shop in the country, where legend has it that Charles Darwin himself once made a purchase!
Housed in a two-century-old building, an industrial yet quintessentially Cambridge design pays homage to its heritage; but nowadays, this trendy joint is renowned for its brunch.
Served until 3pm daily and catering to carnivores, vegans and gluten-free diets alike, in-house highlights include the plant-based American pancakes with pear, apple and ginger compote and coconut yoghurt (gluten-free options available), and the smoked salmon eggs royale paired with a glass of Coates & Seely English sparkling.
Yum!
Fitzbillies
Get off to the perfect start at this Cambridge institution. Fitzbillies boasts a good selection, but its spring menu has noteworthy additions for those seeking something a bit different from a full English (or full Fitzbillies in this case!).
Try the garden pea and edamame bean smash on sourdough toast, served with a tomato, red onion and coriander salsa, whipped feta and cream cheese – best washed down with a bloody mary or fresh mimosa.
Cafe Foy
Overlooking the Cam, Cafe Foy takes its name from neighbouring Magdelene College’s motto, garde ta foy, or keep the faith.
Trust us, you can’t go wrong with its brunch menu.
The Turkish eggs with toasted sourdough are a favourite, as is its take on the classic Welsh rarebit – a sumptuous assembly of creamy cheese, IPA and Worcestershire sauce.
Other highlights include a breakfast bagel and shakshuka served in a piquant harissa sauce.
Be warned, the cafe is small and doesn’t take brunch bookings at the weekend, but will be worth the wait!
Garden House at The Graduate
Want to brunch in a beautiful riverside setting? Indulge in the return of Garden House Brunch, a one-off event with a tantalising three-course menu.
Delight in buttermilk fried chicken and French toast or relish an English muffin with smoked salmon, poached egg and hollandaise, alongside Garden House granola, berries and yoghurt.
Savour free-flowing prosecco, bottled beer, mimosas or Garden House seasonal brunch cocktails and mocktails.
Served on 18 May from 12.30 to 2pm or 3 to 4.30pm, tickets are priced at £55 per person.
Chez Amélie
Found on Purbeck Road, Chez Amélie’s brunch menu includes the signature åeastern France that has a light dough with no yeast, spread with crème fraiche, various toppings and cooked quickly until crisp.
Turkish eggs and shakshuka are other staples, along with daily specials from the counter inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes.
Diners are spoilt for choice with desserts and patisserie reflecting chef Regis Crepy’s 40 years as a fine dining chef.
Leave room for the strawberry fraisier cake – a French classic made with layers of beautifully light and airy genoise sponge dipped in kirsch with fresh strawberries and topped with crème diplomate.
STIR
With cafes in Chesterton and Histon, Stir is a neighbourhood treasure with options to cater to healthy eaters or those fancying something indulgent. Seasonal dishes are always being added, alongside classics like halloumi shrooms and the ever-popular big brunch board. Whatever you choose, its incredible products are made fresh every day at Stir Bakery in the north of Cambridge.
Scott’s All Day
A standard Saturday is transformed into a celebration at this Mill Road favourite, which has become known for decadent bottomless brunches (£39.50 per head).
Unsurprisingly, the combination of unlimited prosecco (or Birra Moretti), feel-good music, great service and a mouth-watering menu is very popular.
Fill your boots with American-style pancakes drenched in maple syrup, ‘The Stonker’ full English made with Mill Road Butchers’ sausage and the iconic brunch pizza!
