Good Food, Good Mood
Figuring out what to do for big occasions can be stressful. That’s why Elisha Young (aka @elisha.eats on Instagram) has compiled her top picks for foodies in Cambridgeshire
Celebration meals
Good food is easy to find on Mill Road. Almost too easy; Fin Boys is literally the first restaurant you walk past. This stylish seafood spot is known for its tasteful interior and interesting dishes. There is the option of an à la carte menu, but if you want a special treat, the set menu is imaginative and constantly changing, with a wine flight for an extra £60 per person. If wine doesn’t appeal, head to Vanderlyle for a carefully considered and delicious soft drinks pairing.
The food is just as enjoyable, which means bagging a reservation for this plant-led restaurant can be tricky – but it’s worth the effort. Nearby, you can find Fancett’s: a cosy, intimate bistro with French-influenced cooking. Expect seasonal and sustainable dishes that are skilfully executed and reasonably priced (particularly the lunch set menu).
Afternoon teas
For an idyllic setting, look no further than the Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester. It’s located in a peaceful orchard where you can dine on sandwiches, sausage rolls and frittatas, as well as mini cakes, scones, clotted cream and jam. Once you have finished your cup of tea (or coffee), stroll through Grantchester Meadows to admire the beautiful countryside and the River Cam. But I can’t mention afternoon tea without bringing up Peacocks Tearoom in Ely.
It’s legendary for a reason, from the wisteria-clad walls to the riverside location and the quirky interior filled with vintage cups and teapots. Be warned: the menu includes teas from every continent (excluding Antarctica), so you need to be decisive when ordering. And give the lemon and lavender cake a try, it may surprise you.
Food-themed activities
So you have a full stomach. Now what? You could visit the Cambridge Gin Laboratory for an hour-long gin-tasting class to learn all about the history and production of gin while sampling a selection of spirits. For a more hands-on experience, there’s also a class to make your own personalised gin.
But if you’re hankering for a sweet treat, Gourmandises Académie is the place for you. Corinne Payet runs friendly baking classes from her home in Cottenham, whether you want to master macarons or try your hand at patisserie. Having been to one, I can certainly vouch for her teaching skills – and the amazing homemade food served up while you’re learning.
Gift ideas
But what about presents? For some foodie inspiration, there’s nothing quite like a good delicatessen. Culinaris is the Cambridge go-to, and I often visit so I can admire the large table piled high with interesting and hard-to-acquire chocolate bars in weird and wonderful flavours.
The shop is packed with fresh produce, teas, conserves, spices, speciality ingredients and cheeses – plus friendly and patient service to help you out if you’re feeling overwhelmed. And tucked away in Ely you can find the Bake Shop General Store, which sells much more than just beautifully baked Grain Culture bread. I’ve spent many hours perusing the shelves and discovered colourless soy sauce, sriracha caramel, chocolate peanut butter and squid ink. But my top picks are the cereal milk chocolate, fried egg-flavoured crisps and caramelised pistachios.
Discover for yourself!
