Relax and unwind: a late breakfast is the perfect way to start the weekend. Enjoy our round-up of top cafes to try
Top image by Ian Olsson
There’s something inherently comforting about a well-crafted brunch. Whether it’s a leisurely morning with friends, a solo treat with a good book or some weekend indulgence, brunch offers the perfect blend of breakfast and lunch, always served with a side of relaxation.
Famous for its sticky Chelsea buns and rich coffee, Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street has been a beloved institution in Cambridge since 1920. Its brunch menu is just as legendary, featuring classics such as eggs benedict (Eggs Bene’t with Norfolk ham), eggs florentine with wilted spinach or eggs royale with Scottish smoked salmon, plus a range of other appetising alternatives. The shakshuka consists of two poached eggs in a lightly spiced tomato and chickpea sauce, topped with feta, spring onion and coriander. There’s also a Chelsea bun version of French toast served with crispy bacon and syrup or whipped Greek yoghurt and berry compote. Or try the garden pea and edamame smash on toast, topped with a soft poached egg. Whichever way, pairing brunch with a freshly brewed coffee or glass of sparkling mimosa is always a winning combination.
A newer addition to the burgeoning Cambridgeshire brunch scene, and recent winner of two AA Rosettes, Amélie is set in the picturesque retail destination of Ben’s Yard, just outside Ely. This is a top spot for a relaxed brunch before browsing through the independent shops, and it brings something different to the table with its signature flammekueche (Alsatian-style flatbreads). While these crisp, light creations are often enjoyed later in the day, the brunch menu also offers freshly baked pastries and artisan breads, as well as perfectly brewed coffee.
Stir does a fabulous poached eggs on freshly baked sourdough toast
In addition to full English breakfast and classic royale, benedict and florentine eggs options, Amélie offers Turkish-style poached eggs with Greek yoghurt, garlic, paprika, Aleppo pepper, dill and extra virgin olive oil on grilled sourdough. There’s also caramelised French toast with crispy bacon and maple syrup or avocado with roasted vine tomatoes.
For those who love a vibrant, urban setting, Scott’s All Day on Mill Road is a welcoming choice. This lively all-day restaurant has a weekend brunch menu that’s hard to beat, with standout dishes such as American-style pancakes with bacon, berry compote or Nutella, banana and toasted almonds. The Lumberjack is a stack of pancakes with a locally sourced sausage patty, two slices of streaky bacon, two eggs and crispy potatoes. For a veggie option, The Forester has Bratwurst sausage from Redefine Meat, La Vie smoked bacon and eggs. The Stonker is a sausage patty with streaky bacon, black pudding, beans, roasted flat mushroom and grilled tomato. Equally fun is No Carbs before Marbs (no carbs before a beach holiday), which is a sausage patty, streaky bacon, grilled halloumi, two eggs, rocket and toasted seed salad, with grilled mushrooms. Scott’s boozy Bottomless Brunch option includes a glass of fizz to begin, then a choice of either unlimited bottled lager, cocktails, mimosas or sparkling frizzante on tap.
If you prefer your brunch with a touch of luxury, the bistro at Hotel du Vin is the place to go. Nestled in a historic building on Trumpington Street, this boutique hotel offers an elegant, yet relaxed brunch experience. The menu is a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary dishes, featuring everything from French toast and smoked salmon bagels to indulgent steak and eggs. The bakery selection includes banana bread and madeleines, or there’s the granola and Greek yoghurt, full cooked breakfast, a choice of egg dishes including dippy eggs and soldiers, cheesy beans and French toast fingers. There’s also scrambled Burford Brown eggs with truffle, smoked haddock and poached egg crumpets, kedgeree, French toast or crêpes. We couldn’t ask for more!
For those who prefer their brunch with a side of country charm, the Shack Cafe at The Gog Farm Shop is a must-visit. Just a short drive from Cambridge, this award-winning farm shop and cafe serves up one of the best brunches in the area, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. On the brunch menu, you’ll find whipped feta and berry compote on Stir sourdough, smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, Scotch eggs and sausage rolls and The Gog’s croissant – with a free-range Blythburgh pork sausage patty, a fried egg, melted cheddar and jalapeños. There are also kimchi pancakes with a fried egg, furikake seasoning, gochujang glaze and peanuts. It’s also worth exploring the farm shop itself, stocked with high-quality local produce, artisan cheeses and freshly baked bread.
One final mention has to be the local cafe-bakery chain Stir, which has branches in Histon, Chesterton, the Old Swiss building on Cherry Hinton Road and Addenbrooke’s, as well as its Green Street and Chesterton bakeries. Choose from the Big Brunch (half an avocado, bacon, halloumi, roasted mushrooms, tomatoes, two poached eggs and a side of chilli jam served with toasted Stir sourdough) or one of many veggie alternatives, such as heuvos rancheros (two poached eggs on Stir flatbread with charred corn salsa), Welsh rarebit or smoky beans on toast. There’s also smashed avocado on toast, with harissa-roasted sweet potato, and a courgette and feta tartine.
With all these delicious options on the menu, it’s clear that, in Cambridge, brunch is more than just a meal. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy great food and make the most of the morning.
