Cambridge’s annual culinary celebration serves up fabulous fare at discount rates – in top venues all across the city. Read on to find out how you can get involved!
Love Cambridge Restaurant Week returns this month to celebrate the best of the city’s food scene, with a host of enticing dining deals. Running from 13 to 23 March, it’s a chance to enjoy special menus and amazing discounts across the city, ranging from fine-dining fare to casual cafe bites. Behind the event is Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), which aims to improve the experience of the city’s visitors, workers and residents through events and initiatives.
“We’re thrilled to once again showcase the talent and creativity of our local chefs and restaurateurs,” says organiser Natalie Cargill from the BID team. “Cambridge is home to some of the most innovative culinary minds, and we are excited to give people the chance to experience their incredible food at an affordable price.
“Love Cambridge Restaurant Week is important; it helps support local businesses and highlights the diverse and thriving food scene here,” she continues. “The event helps bring the community together and encourages people to explore the city’s offerings, making it a unique and exciting time to
visit Cambridge.”
It’s more vital than ever to support the hospitality industry, which was hit hard by the pandemic – and continues to face staff shortages and rising operating costs. Meggy Yip, co-owner of the much-loved Bridges Cafe, sees Restaurant Week as a chance to do just that, helping secure the future of our city’s vibrant food scene in the process. “We’ve been participating in the event each year since it was launched – it’s such a great initiative for the restaurants and cafes in the local scene to work together, with help from the local authority, to promote and celebrate the hard-working hospitality industry in this special city,” she comments. “Cambridge is not a cheap place to dine out, but with a joint promotion, we are encouraging local residents to eat out more and help to revive the sluggish economy after the long-lasting impact of the pandemic. The world has changed enormously, but food connects people; use Restaurant Week to connect with your friends and family face to face while supporting our local economy!”
With Bridges Cafe celebrating its 26th year in business, Meggy knows a thing or two about weathering storms in the sector, as does Oliver Thain, founder of successful local restaurant group Cambscuisine. “The Cambridge Chop House was born 15 years ago, and we feel we need to support the local food scene as we’ve been part of it for so long,” he says. “Restaurant Week is a perfect time to wander the streets, to roam, to eat, to drink – a perfect day out for many. There are few better towns in the country in which to enjoy such pleasures in life.”
Meals start for as little as £5 during Restaurant Week, with many eateries offering set menus or offers for £10, £15, £20 and £25, with a £30 fine-dining option. Tempting deals include a pizza or pasta dish and glass of Italian wine for £15 at Maurizio’s on Mill Road – or tapas, a side and one drink for £10 at La Raza in the city centre. There are discounts to be had at hot chocolate bar Knoops, burger joint Steak & Honour and hotels including the Graduate and the University Arms. The Gonville is getting in on the action, too, offering a chance to sample its stunning, two-AA Rosette menu at £25 for
two courses.
Also getting involved is De Luca Cucina on Regent Street, a firm favourite for its excellent Italian fare. With a total of 15 years in the game, the owners credit their continued success to a loyal customer base, who know that ‘they will always be greeted like extended family, and offered a dining experience they cannot get elsewhere in the city’, according to Robin Phillips from the team. “Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to offer something to our long-term customers and entice those that haven’t visited before to give us a try,” he adds. Swing by for a cocktail and pasta or risotto dish for a very wallet-friendly £15.
If you’re interested in dining discounts, head to the Love Cambridge website and download a code for the deal you’d like to redeem. Full menus for all participating restaurants will be confirmed nearer to the event, although it’s recommended you book directly with the venue in advance. Some offers will only be redeemable on certain dates and times, so make sure to visit the website for terms and conditions before you go.
For more information, check Love Cambridge’s website.
