Local events and openings to whet your appetite
Antipodean roots
Bringing a dose of Australian cafe culture to Cambridge, Ellimatta is all about great flavours and top-notch ingredients. Located on Victoria Avenue, this cosy venue belongs to Amanda and Shane, who relocated to Cambridge from the east coast of Australia a year ago, bringing with them decades of experience in hospitality and entertainment.
Previously, the duo ran a successful fruit and veg business specialising in seasonal, local produce, which they believe is the secret to the best dishes. Having worked in some of London and Sydney’s top restaurants and bars, Amanda pursued a career in nutrition.
Through teaching, recipe writing and catering events, she discovered her passion for supporting good health, alongside the joy of eating and sharing delicious food. Shane, meanwhile, brings his years of experience as a DJ and record collector to Ellimatta in The Tiny Vinyl Room, a lovingly curated selection of second-hand vinyl at the back of the cafe.
A mainstay on the menu are the ciabatta sandwiches, packed with organic vegetables from Abington’s Wild Country Organics, house-made pickles, butter, spreads and locally sourced meats cooked in-house. The Illawarra signature coffee blend is fast gaining a solid reputation too, while those in search of an Aussie treat will be spoiled for choice with Vegemite, Timtams, Solo, Bundaberg Ginger Beer, Twisties and Cherry Ripes.
The team recommends the homemade Anzac dipped in a warm Milo – ideally consumed in a window seat as you watch the world go by.
The tea decree
Tea Apothecary – a chic tea boutique on Magdalene Street – has just opened its doors, offering a luxurious space for tea lovers to explore hand-blended artisan teas. Run by Cambridge locals Victoria and Edvard, this family business began as a market stall and has now evolved into a beautifully curated shop, brimming with bespoke blends.
The store features an innovative tea dispensary where customers can purchase loose-leaf teas by weight, making premium blends more accessible. From indulgent black teas like Royal Grey to wellness-focused herbal infusions like Blissful Sleep, the selection promises something for every palate.
Tea Apothecary’s homely interior is perfect for relaxing, sampling the flavour of the week or attending events such as Tea and Tarot on 26 October. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply curious, this stylish new addition to the city centre is a must-visit.
Quick Bites
Smashing it
Cambridge just got itself (yet another) new burger joint, this time in the shape of Smashburger. Now open on Hills Road, it specialises in smashed burgers, aka thin patties cooked on a hot griddle and flattened. The brand was recently awarded Deliveroo’s Burger of the Year winner, and the menu includes a huge choice of meat and plant-based burgers, along with sides like cobb salad.
Good Noshe
Mill Road’s dining scene continues to thrive with the arrival of Noshe Cambridge: a coffee house and Afghan restaurant at number 18. The menu features bold dishes like lamb dumplings (mantu) on herby yoghurt and savoury tomato sauce, as well as Kabuli pulao – lamb with rice, carrots, raisins and pistachios. Vegetarian delights include a spiced okra stew and stuffed aubergine.
Ice, ice baby
Recently opened on King’s Parade, Spoonstruck is an artisan ice cream parlour serving plant-based ‘frozerts’ and other desserts. On top of classic flavours, you can expect seasonal additions like eggnog and peppermint candy, as well as more unusual offerings like black pepper and crickets! The team welcomes suggestions from punters – the more off-the-wall, the better.
