images: Nicola Foley
We’re pleased to report that Cambridge has recently welcomed another excellent independent foodie enterprise in the shape of Tom’s Cakes, a new shop and cafe which opened in late September.
The business is the brainchild of passionate baker Tom Dolby, who built up a name for himself selling his delicious wares at famers markets for years before eventually opening up the original Tom’s Cakes in St Ives. A resounding hit with locals, the bakery has gone from strength to strength, leading to him opening the second branch of his flourishing business on Mill Road this autumn.
The premises, which was previously home to CB1, has been transformed from lovably scruffy to hip and sleek, with deep navy walls, polished wood flooring gorgeous copper light fittings and fresh flowers on the tables. Step inside and you’re greeted with a spectacular counter, groaning under the weight of pretty meringue clouds, pastel-hued macarons, fresh-from-the-oven golden sausage rolls, biscuits and gigantic handmade scones.
And then there’s the cakes, oh the cakes! All baked at the Cambridge shop or the bakery in St Ives, they’re created with top quality local ingredients and use fresh, seasonal produce to delicious effect. The towering Victoria sponge caught our eye especially, but there’s plenty to tempt, from salted caramel brownies to delicate lemon drizzles, plus lots of gluten free options.
Wash it down with a cup of much-lauded Monmouth coffee or local Kandula tea, and if you fancy making a meal of it, you can tuck in to savoury treats like panini, tarts and soups.
“We’re loving Mill Road so far” says Tom’s business partner Ian Clarke. “It’s really welcoming, both in terms of other traders and customers, and there’s such a rich mix of customers coming in. It’s great to be part of the indie food scene, and to be able to add to it with something different.”
