January’s food news serves up new cafe openings, big-name arrivals and international accolades, with plenty for Cambridge diners to look forward to
New indie cafe opens on Mill Road
Mill Road has welcomed a new Japanese-inspired cafe with a sustainability focus, blending Asian elements with a modern refill shop.
Its menu consists of Japanese dishes made in a home cooking style for both meat eaters and vegans, with weekly specials, a curated tea bar and intentionally chosen refill items such as snacks and dried foods. The cafe also has initiatives like a 5% discount on drinks for customers who bring their own reusable cups.
A family effort, the business is run by Mathis Wong and her parents. “I started Imp Cafe because I believe sustainability should be something that we all feel empowered to be a part of, without judgement, guilt or perfection,” said Mathis.
“Many people experience climate anxiety or feel pressured to do everything right, but instead of one person trying to be 100% perfect, 100 people improving by 1% each can have more impact.”
Plans for supper clubs, workshops and events are in the pipeline, and Mathis hopes Imp Cafe will be a place where people meet, support each other and feel inspired to take small, sustainable actions. “With time, I hope there’s a butterfly effect, sparking new ideas, more creativity and maybe even inspiring the next climate innovation to be born here in Cambridge!” she enthused.
Wingstop UK opens first site in Cambridge
Wingstop UK has opened its doors in Lion Yard Shopping Centre, offering diners a full menu of wings, tenders and burgers cooked to order and hand-sauced-and-tossed in Wingstop UK’s bold flavours. Milkshakes, freestyle drinks, Camden Town beer and a churros selection for dessert are also on offer. The brand currently operates 79 sites across the UK and is growing fast. “Cambridge has been on our minds for a long time, and we’re so excited to finally share our signature flavours with the city,” said Chris Sherriff, CEO at Wingstop UK. “It’s such a vibrant place, full of learning, creativity and culture, and that energy feels like a perfect match for us.”
Global accolade for Midsummer House
Midsummer House has once again taken its place among the global top 500 finest restaurants in the prestigious La Liste 1000, an algorithm-based ranking that aggregates thousands of reviews, guidebooks and trusted culinary publications.
With an impressive score of 92, the two-Michelin-star restaurant continues to reinforce its reputation as a beacon of excellence in modern British gastronomy.
Nestled beside the River Cam and set within an elegant Victorian villa on Midsummer Common, the restaurant is led by chef-patron Daniel Clifford, whose visionary approach to seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine has earned Midsummer House a loyal following both locally and internationally.
Celebrate Burns Night at The Pheasant
With hearty dishes, friendly company and a wee dram on the house, Burns Night at The Pheasant in Great Chishill is an annual highlight in the south Cambs diary.
A favourite evening of Nutwood’s executive head chef, David Kerr brings his own heritage into the kitchen this year with his legendary neeps and tatties, haggis and Scotch broth.
Bringing the spirit of Burns Night to life with warmth, tradition and plenty of character, the sound of live bagpipe music heralds the ceremonial Address to a Haggis, delivered with theatrical enthusiasm! And throughout the evening, the atmosphere is enriched by lively renditions of Robert Burns’s poetry and rounds of enthusiastic toasts. Taking place on 23 January, book your table at pheasantgc.com
Hilton triumphs at Cambridge BID awards
Hilton Cambridge City Centre is celebrating a double victory at the 2025 Cambridge BID Mystery Shop Awards. It won top honours for best overall customer experience in the restaurant or bar category for its Bull & Bass Restaurant, as well as the special recognition accessibility award for the hotel’s inclusive and high-quality guest experience.
“We’re incredibly proud of this recognition from Cambridge BID,” said Richard Finn, the general manager at Hilton Cambridge City Centre. “These awards reflect our talented team’s passion and dedication to creating memorable experiences for every guest – whether that’s a warm welcome, an outstanding meal or thoughtful accessibility that ensures everyone feels at home. It’s a true team achievement and reinforces Hilton’s promise
to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.”
Date for your diary
23 January
Fawlty Towers: The Dining Experience
This fully immersive and highly interactive show, taking place at Gonville Hotel, is 70% improvised! Expect two hours of laugh-out-loud comedy, a delicious 70s-inspired three-course meal, a glass of prosecco on arrival and plenty of chaos and laughter along the way!
Stir partners with parenting platform
Members of Mama’s Little Black Book can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount in all Stir Cambridge locations, such as Chesterton, Cherry Hinton, Histon and Stir at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, as part of a new partnership launched for Baby Week UK. Mama’s Little Black Book is a fast-growing community supporting families across Cambridge, Royston and surrounding areas, built on the belief that it takes a village to raise a child. It helps parents find trusted local experts, provides access to discounted and free activities for children and hosts regular in-person meet-ups. For the partnership, Stir is expanding its support by hand-delivering lunches and soft drinks to the maternity specialist Rosie Hospital, making it easy for new parents, visitors and staff to enjoy freshly made food without leaving the ward.
If these culinary updates have whet your appetite, find out more in December 2025’s food news.
