April brings fresh food news to Cambridge, from celebrating community bonds to new sandwich shops and more local foodie updates
Fifteen years of Hot Numbers Coffee
To celebrate 15 years of coffee, music and good vibes since it first fired up the espresso machine on Gwydir Street, Hot Numbers Coffee is dialling in a limited-edition 15th Anniversary Roast that it describes as a spectacular, complex coffee sourced from trusted, long-term partner farms.
Not only that, but it’ll be hosting a series of gigs across its cafes, featuring live jazz, DJ nights and more. Soul music has a special place in the line-up, in tribute to the late Max Rees, a legendary local soul DJ. “Hot Numbers took its name from Max’s former Kingston Street record store, so we are keeping the place rocking in his memory,” said Simon Fraser, founder-owner of Hot Numbers.
“I want to say a massive thank you to the community that makes this place tick,” he continued. “Drop in, grab a brew, catch a gig and celebrate with us. Here’s to 15 years of great coffee, proper music and good vibes!”
Visit hotnumberscoffee.co.uk to find out more
New life for The Lord Byron
Hospitality group Heartwood Collection has acquired The Lord Byron Inn in Trumpington, with plans now underway for a significant refurbishment and rebranding. Reopening in late 2026 as The Meadow Lark, the new 19-bedroom ‘pub with rooms’ will draw inspiration from the nearby Trumpington Meadows.
The extensive refurbishment will transform the pub’s bar and dining spaces and introduce seasonally changing menus. Meanwhile, an enhanced outdoor space will make the most of the pub’s proximity to the picturesque nature reserve and Byron’s Pool.
Celebrating community bonds in Cambridge
Ukraine Time has reached an important milestone with its tenth Borshch Time community lunch marking one full year since these volunteer-run gatherings began taking place in Cambridge. They have grown into a welcoming cultural meeting point for the city’s diverse community.
The anniversary event brought together around 100 guests, including local residents, university students, representatives from Cam FM radio, councillor Cameron Holloway and members of the Ukrainian community who are currently living in Cambridge after being displaced by war.
Inspired by Masnytsia, a traditional Ukrainian festive week marking the end of winter and the approach of Lent, the menu featured traditional Ukrainian dishes such as varenyky (filled dumplings) and mlyntsi (crepes) – echoing the British tradition
of Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday).
The next event in this series of community gatherings takes place this very month – see right for details!
Marvin’s opens on Mill Road
Marvin’s sandwich shop, from the team behind Stir, has opened a second Cambridge location on Mill Road.
Taking over the site long occupied by Maurizio’s, a much-loved fixture of the street, the Marvin’s team say they are honoured to be continuing a tradition of feeding the neighbourhood. “We know Maurizio’s means a lot to people,” said Martin Perkins of Marvin’s. “Places are part of the rhythm of a street. We’re incredibly grateful to Maurizio for everything he’s built and proud to take up the mantle.”
“Mill Road has a unique energy; it’s where so much of Cambridge’s food culture lives,” added Matt Harrison, co-founder and owner of Stir and Marvin’s. “To open Marvin’s here and become a part of that fabric is something we’re hugely proud of.”
Like the Green Street site, Marvin’s Mill Road will serve the brand’s signature menu of big, layered sandwiches built on
bread baked fresh each day. The launch special will nod to the previous restaurant by featuring a spaghetti and meatball sub with marinara dipping sauce.
Follow instagram.com/marvinscambridge
Cambridge local prepares to reveal transformation
The Plough in Fen Ditton, part of the Premium Country Pubs Collection, reopens this month after undergoing a significant renovation. Guests can look forward to such improvements as a refreshed beer garden, complete with a brand-new pizza shack and updated outdoor bar, perfect for enjoying the university boat races this summer. Food will be at the heart of the new experience, with a carefully crafted menu of comforting classics and elevated favourites using seasonal ingredients.
“The Plough has always been at the heart of the Fen Ditton community, and the refurbishment is a chance for us to give back to our guests this summer,” said general manager Stacey Norwood-Gregory.
For more information, or to make a booking, visit theploughfenditton.co.uk
Morgan’s Butchery wins accessibility award
Morgan’s Butchery in Halstead, Essex has been internationally recognised after winning a prestigious UN Zero Project award for its work creating a more inclusive, accessible shopping experience for customers with disabilities. The award recognises Morgan’s Breaking Down Barriers initiative, an accessibility programme launched in 2023 to help make sure everyone in the community can shop independently and with confidence.
As part of the initiative, a range of practical accessibility measures have been introduced, including braille product lists, hearing loops, staff training in Makaton and an easy-to-understand communication system combining speech, signs and symbols. The shop has also created its own PECS symbol boards to support non-verbal customers and is developing a bespoke deaf-awareness training course with a UK-based deaf organisation in order to help small independent stores better support deaf customers.
The award from the Zero Project, an international organisation focused on disability inclusion across the globe, highlights Morgan’s Butchery as an example of how independent retailers can champion accessibility, proving small businesses can make a big impact when it comes to inclusion and community support.
“We are incredibly proud,” said Amy Nicholas, director of Morgan’s Butchery. “Inclusivity is built into our family business – our aim has always been to create a welcoming space where every customer feels valued and supported.”
Find the business online at morgansbutchery.co.uk
Date for your diary
11 April
Borshch Time – Easter Edition
Hosted at Downing Place United Reformed Church from 3 to 6pm, this seasonal gathering will feature food and insights into Ukrainian Easter traditions. Guests will also have the opportunity to pre-order paska, Ukrainian Easter bread (limited availability).
Register for the event at bit.ly/40IItkU