From artisan cheese accolades to gourmet coffee on wheels, summer is off to a flavourful start in and around Cambridge
The Blackbird’s Nest arrives in Barrington
The Cambridgeshire village of Barrington has welcomed a new custom-built coffee truck called The Blackbird’s Nest, founded by Sarah Fesco. The mobile coffee shop also pays a visit to nearby Shepreth on Wednesdays.
Alongside its organic coffee, The Blackbird’s Nest offers a delectable selection of cakes and pastries, including tempting vegan and gluten-free options, as well as breakfast baps.
You can also catch the truck at the Ely Folk Festival on the weekend of 11 July!
Rennet & Rind named Affineur of the Year
Papworth-based cheesemonger and affineur Rennet & Rind has been crowned Affineur of the Year 2025 in an event organised by the Academy of Cheese, having impressed the judges with its maturation and refinement of a truckle of cheddar from Quicke’s Cheese Shop in Devon.
The winning cheese, named Dillon, was created using an aggressive aging strategy to achieve a bold flavour profile, maturing the clothbound cheddar at a high temperature and humidity, before removing the cloth after three weeks and using a spiked rolling device to help bring intense tasting notes, usually found near the rind, deep into the cheese.
Led by chief of cheese Perry James Wakeman, Rennet & Rind has now taken the top prize at three out of four editions of Affineur of the Year, up against some of the most respected cheesemakers and cheesemongers in the country.
Wasabi unveils fresh summer menu
Bringing an exciting twist to the table this summer, Wasabi Cambridge’s brand-new menu is designed to take customers on a culinary journey, the omakase way.
Translating to ‘I’ll leave it up to you’ in Japanese, the new omakase experience comprises seven tasting elements, designed to be enjoyed in a specific order, beginning with a light edamame bean salad before moving on to some more complex Asian flavours.
Presented in a gourmet to-go box, crave-worthy components include a tuna dragon roll that contains shredded cucumber and avocado with thinly sliced yellowfin tuna draped on top, fresh tuna and salmon nigiri, crisp Asian slaw with pickled daikon and a spicy tuna inari pocket with an array of hosomaki rolls dipped in a special citrusy ponzu dressing.
Wasabi has branches on Petty Cury and Station Square
Renowned pastry chef hosts summer afternoon tea
One of the UK’s leading vegan executive pastry chefs, author and presenter chef Danielle Maupertuis, is heading to Thrive Cafe, Norfolk Street on 6 July to host a vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea.
The fine-dining pop-up will feature indulgent treats like raspberry and caramel trifle and sweet potato scones crafted by Danielle, who will also give a special demo to help you replicate the desserts yourself.
Find out more and reserve a place at thrivecambridge.com
Hilton head chef wins Passion For Plating 2025
Hilton Cambridge City Centre’s head chef, Ermal Cani, has been crowned one of the winners of the Passion for Plating 2025 Aviko Masterchef competition in Mallorca, showcasing extraordinary culinary creativity and skill in one of the food industry’s most prestigious events.
Originally from Albania, chef Ermal discovered his passion for cooking after he moved to the UK in 2000, transforming his hobby into a career through dedication and experience. Having worked at renowned establishments, including Marco Pierre White restaurants, he currently serves as the executive head chef at Bull & Bass Restaurant located in Hilton Cambridge City Centre, leading a team of 17 culinary professionals and applying his expertise in Mediterranean, Asian and fusion cuisines.
If these culinary updates have whet your appetite, find out more in June’s food news.
