Shop local and explore the treasures on your doorstep
From quirky cafés to great fashion boutiques, art galleries and artisan food stalls, Cambridge’s diverse array of independent businesses are part of what makes the city special. Happily, after a spell in the doldrums, over the last few years the indie scene in the city has really flourished, and now offers a healthy and ever-growing line-up of new eateries and shops on our high street.
As regular readers will know, championing our city’s independent businesses is key to our mission at Cambridge Edition, so we’re delighted to announce that we’ll once again be partnering with Independents’ Week, a huge celebration of indie business and what they bring to the city.
Organised by Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), this annual event is part of a national scheme geared towards encouraging people to shop local and explore the treasures on their doorstep, as well as highlighting the important role these independents play in the local community.
Taking place 1-9 October, this year’s event will treat shoppers to a host of great offers and discounts at stores, restaurants and cafés across the city, as well as special events and the chance to win fantastic prizes.
So why get involved? “Supporting local businesses is vital to the local economy,” explains Becky Burrell from Cambridge BID.
“For every £1 that you spend in a local independent, between 50p and 70p gets circulated back into the local economy. But also, independents are worth celebrating because they make our city unique. They bring a certain charm to the high street and offer fantastic, personal customer service.”
The independent scene in Cambridge continues to go from strength to strength, but one of the most exciting developments of all is the impressive evolution of the city’s food and drink landscape.
Cambridge Edition – proud media partners of Independents’ Week 2016
Supper clubs, a street food revolution, microbreweries and plenty of exciting new cafés and restaurants have transformed the city’s foodie scene from lacklustre to bountiful over the past few years. Independents’ Week is a great time to celebrate that, with tasty offers across the city at some of our favourite indies including Nanna Mexico, who’ll be giving you the chance to win a year’s supply of their famous Big Ass Burritos. You can also pick up bargain £1 coffees at popular Bene’t Street hang-out Bread & Meat, plus save some pennies at Don Pasquale, who will be giving little ones free pizzas.
Bridges Cafe on Bridge Street, who have now been in business for an impressive 20 years, are also getting in on the Indie Week fun, offering 10{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off on catering packages for new customers. “We love getting involved with Independents’ Week to celebrate all of the quirky shops and cafés that make Cambridge so unique. Without them, every town centre would just have the same bland offering,” says Mandy Knapp from the Bridges team. “Independents’ Week also helps to make customers aware of what we all do – in our case, providing really tasty, but also healthy fare.”
Look out for MillWorks, a new restaurant run by acclaimed local restaurant group CambsCuisine. Serving up brunch, lunch and dinner in a modern brasserie setting, it’s sure to become a Cambridge favourite in no time – and during Independents’ Week you could be in with a chance of winning a huge £150 voucher. Turn to the directory overleaf to find out how to enter.
More of a fashionista than a foodie? Pop along to Boudoir Femme, where they’ll be hosting a pop-up store from luxurious knitwear brand COVE, featuring a special event on 1 October with fizz, nibbles and great discounts. Boudoir Femme owner Pippa knows a fair bit about the local indie scene, having run her successful King Street fashion boutique for a decade.
“The independent scene has evolved over the last ten years, with a large growth in quality cafés and restaurants in the city,” she says. “In the fashion business we have seen some old names go and new additions to the city – I think the high street landscape is forever changing! Without independents you would lose the diversity of our shopping offer in the city – as well as unique products and great customer service in a relaxed environment, so it’s really important that this is supported.”
Jacks on Trinity are getting in on the indie extravaganza too, offering a fabulous prize every day for nine days. All you have to do is answer the questions (all of which are Cambridge-related and not too tricky!) via the store’s social media pages to be in with a chance of winning. They’ll also be posting the questions in the window of their lovely Trinity street store, too, if you want to do it the old-fashioned way and pop in.
Campkins Cameras are another stalwart of our high street, having been part of the local community since way back in 1955. “Campkins is a family business, I follow my father and grandfather in running the business – you can’t become any more local!” says manager Owen Howell. “We feel part of the history, which helps us give specialist knowledge and service for our customers and provide them with the best equipment to achieve their targets.” Photo fans can take advantage of discounts on a number of products at Campkins during Independents’ Week, including Olympus and Fujifilm cameras, Celestron binoculars and scopes and Manfrotto tripods.
From free afternoon teas when you book a trip with Premier Travel to the chance to get those treasures from your attic valued at Catherine Jones, there’s plenty more in store this month – so be sure to get out and about and celebrate the businesses which make Cambridge great!
Illustration: Alice Thomson (www.alicethompsonillustration.co.uk)
PHOTO COMPETITION
Win a £100 shopping spree
Fancy winning £100 to spend in any Cambridge BID business around the city? Get snapping! Get a picture outside your favourite Cambridge indie, tweet it to @cambridgebid using #CambsIndie2016, and tell them why you love that business so much! They will choose their favourite and let you know how to claim your fabulous prize. Good luck! Terms and conditions apply, check their website for more details.
Offers, discounts, new launches and more during the week
Premier Travel
Pop into Premier Travel’s Sidney Street branch during Independents’ Week and receive FREE afternoon tea for two at Harriet’s Cafe Tearoom. The travel firm, which is celebrating its 80th year, is giving away this tasty gift when you make any booking over £500. Visit the branch or call 01223 500007 to find out more.
Where is it? Sidney Street
Susie Watson Designs 
Susie Watson Designs sells gorgeous furniture, bespoke curtains and blinds, and she’s just introduced a charming new range of ceramics – all handmade by skilled artisans. Visit the store for 10{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} discount off ceramics and cushions.
Where is it? Green Street
King Street Housing
King Street Housing has over 50 years of experience of managing property in Cambridge. Running until 14 October, they will carry out a free valuation on your property and offer a reduced set-up fee and 5{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} management fee for the first six months if you contact them by this date.
Where is it? King Street
Hot Numbers Coffee 
Fusing passions for coffee and music, Hot Numbers now have hugely successful cafés on Gwydir Street and Trumpington Street. They’ll be offering 10{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off their retail price using the code BID10.
Where is it? Gwydir Street, Trumpington Street
Hotel Felix
Stir up some fun during Cambridge Independents’ Week with a two-for-one offer on fruity Bellini cocktails at Hotel Felix! Sip away in the stylish Graffiti restaurant or relax al fresco on the terrace, overlooking the hotel’s pretty gardens. £8.95 for one Bellini. Available 1-8 October.
Where is it? Huntingdon Road
Harriet Kelsall 
In celebration of Independents’ Week, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery invite you to join them and shop for a glass of complimentary fair trade wine on 8 October. Visit the team of expert designers who are on hand to chat about individual design commissions, plus take home a complimentary HK Jewellery polishing cloth.
Where is it? Green Street
Novi
Novi on Regent Street offers a huge range of delights for local foodies, from speciality coffee and nutritious, fresh brunches to street food pop-ups and beautiful botanical cocktails. During Independents’ Week, they’ll be offering 20{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off food, Monday to Friday (9am-4pm), whilst during the evenings (5-10pm), you can enjoy two cocktails for £10. Mention Indie Week to redeem.
Where is it? Regent Street
Catherine Jones
Have you got a treasure in the attic? It could be a rarity like the pearl Elizabethan brooch a client recently brought to us. Catherine Jones’s professional valuer, Charles Perry, was amazed. He believes the hair in it could belong to the Earl of Essex, a favourite of Elizabeth I, beheaded in the Tower of London in 1601. Charles will be with them during Independents’ Week so make an appointment by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01223 361596.
Where is it? Bridge Street
Petrus
Petrus are offering everyone visiting the shop during Independents’ Week an exclusive Petrus Scratch Card – your chance to win some exclusive offers and discounts.
Where is it? Bridge Street
Elegant Atelier 
Elegant Atelier will be launching its newest label King & Tuckfield during Independents’ Week. The premiere collection includes the brand’s staple 14oz selvedge denim, merino wool basics, bright indigo and Tencel separates with copper hardware, subtle signature sign-offs and hybrids in both design and fabrication.
Where is it? Rose Crescent
Cellini
An elegant jewellery shop specialising in pearls, plus coloured stone, diamond and bespoke creations. During Independents’ Week they are delighted to offer Rhodium Plating for only £15 per item. They’re also offering a free jewellery check and polish too.
Where is it? Rose Crescent
Podarok 
Oh No! For Independents’ Week only, Podarok is being overrun with mice! Guess how many are in their shop window – the winner will get a huge jar of sweets, and a 10{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} voucher off everything in store. Find out more in store or online.
Where is it? Bene’t Street
Sally’s Story Bags & Liberty Cat
Find the hidden fairy on Sally’s Story Bags (at the Cambridge Market on Sundays), which you can take home and colour in. Also on offer is a free flower fairy with any Story Bag over £15. Hannah from Liberty Cat, who uses the famous Liberty Print, will be offering 15{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off all hand-covered journals to anyone with a valid Student ID card. Both offers are available on 2 and 9 October.
Where is it? Cambridge Market’s Sunday Craft Market
sallysstorybags.strikingly.com
Bridges
Bridges café serve up seasonal, fresh, healthy dishes, juices and smoothies for taking away and eating in. For Independents’ Week, they’re offering a 10{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} discount on catering packages to all new customers. A great way to treat your guests to some really wholesome food for your next gathering.
Where is it? Bridge Street
Boudoir Femme
Boudoir Femme is excited to announce the launch of a pop-up store with luxury brand COVE knitwear, designers of cool cashmere and cashmere mix ponchos and jumpers. The pop-up store launches on 1 October and there will be drinks, nibbles and great discounts on the range on offer. The pop-up runs from 1 to 10 October in store.
Where is it? King Street
Cambs Lock and Safe 
Cambs Lock and Safe are offering 15{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} discount off of the Chubb Professional S2 Safe. This is a new range of small safes ideal for office and domestic use, designed to protect small amounts of jewellery and valuable items against burglary.
Where is it? King Street
Don Pasquale
Don Pasquale in the Market Square has been delighting Cambridge customers for 40 years. A proud independent and family-friendly restaurant, they’re known for their fantastic, authentic Italian cuisine. To celebrate Independents’ Week, they’re offering a free pizza bimbo or small pasta dish to children under 12 when any adult main course is ordered. Offer valid for Indie Week only and excludes Saturday.
Where is it? Market Hill
Bread & Meat 
Open seven days a week from 11.30am, Bread & Meat specialise in roast meat sandwiches, Canadian poutine, craft beers, and great coffee. To celebrate Indie Week, they’re offering £1 coffee from 3pm onwards, Monday to Friday, 1-9 October.
Where is it? Bene’t Street
Rainbow Café
Rainbow Café is planning lots of wonderful specials for Independents’ Week. Expect amazing creations, including plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.
Where is it? King’s Parade
Campkins 
The only independent camera shop in Cambridge. For Independents’ Week they’ll be offering discounts and free accessories on Olympus & Fujifilm cameras, Celestron binoculars/telescopes, Manfrotto tripods plus and more. Visit the store on King’s Parade or learn more online.
Where is it? King’s Parade
CallyCo
Stocking a wide range of fine fabrics, accessories and trims, CallyCo also offers a high-quality making-up service at less than high street prices. They’ve been making curtains, blinds and soft furnishings for many years; crafted and hand finished. During Independents’ Week they’ll offer 10{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off all dress and furnishing fabrics.
Where is it? Pea’s Hill
Pendred Printing
Pendred Printing will be offering 10{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off all canvas prints. Prints are mounted onto a wooden frame, which can be hung easily. Sizes include A3, A2, 18x18in and 20x30in. Canvases make the perfect gift and will bring any of your photos to life!
Where is it? Cobbles Yard
Jacks On Trinity
Nine days, nine questions, nine prizes. Every day during Indie’ Week, Jacks on Trinity will be giving away a Cambridge-related gift to the winner of their questions which will be posted each day on Facebook and Twitter, via Cambridge BID network and in the shop window.
Where is it? Trinity Street
King’s College Visitor Centre
The King’s College Visitor Centre on King’s Parade sells a selection of Cambridge and exclusive King’s College products. They’re offering a 10{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} discount during Indie Week. Quote ‘Independents offer’ at the till to receive your discount. There is also 10{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} discount off your first order online using the code KCV10D.
Where is it? King’s Parade
MillWorks 
CambsCuisine’s latest outpost MillWorks opens in late October at the old Watermill on the Mill Pond. This iconic Cambridge Mill is packed with history – from its time as the London Instrument Company’s factory to its period as Sweeney Todd’s. For a chance to win £150 in vouchers tweet @CambsCuisine or post on their Facebook wall with #MillWorks and your thoughts on this incredible building – photos, memories and comments welcome!
Where is it? Mill Pond
Nanna Mexico
Visit Nanna Mexico during Independents’ Week and you’ll get a chance to win a year’s supply of their famous Big-Ass Burritos – that’s a free Big-Ass Burrito every month for a whole year! Visit the Regent Street or Petty Cury restaurants 1-9 October and each time you order a main meal, leave a business card or contact details in the entry pot. At the end of the week they’ll draw one lucky winner from the combined pot at random, and those tantalising Big-Ass Burritos could be all yours! Good luck, amigos!
Where is it? Petty Cury, Regent Street
Sew Creative 
Established for over 40 years, Sew Creative are one of East Anglia’s leading sewing machine dealers, stocking Bernina, Janome, Pfaff and Horn cabinets. They have a wonderful selection of wools, yarns, knitting and crochet accessories, haberdashery and fabrics. Visit them for some fantastic autumn sewing machine offers, new Moda fabrics and great Independents’ Week offers!
Where is it? King Street
Della Kaur
In celebration of Independents’ Week, Della Kaur will be offering 10-25{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off bags, 10-20{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off jewellery and 5{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off precious stones. Check out the Della Cindarella blog to learn more!
Where is it? Magdalene Street
De Luca 
De Luca Cucina will be encouraging a little decadence and indulgence by offering two-for-one desserts throughout Independents’ Week. Offer available during lunch service only and to those ordering a main meal.
Where is it? Regent Street
Cambridge Framing Centre
During Independents’ Week Cambridge Framing Centre wants you to bin an old frame and give your pictures life again. Take in your old frames 1-9 October and they’ll give you 30{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off a new bespoke frame (discount is from the frame only. Any new glass, mounts and backing board will be charged at normal costs. The 30{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} offer must be used at the time the frame is brought in).
Where is it? Sussex Street
www.cambridgeframingcentre.co.uk
Poco Kids 
Poco Kids is an independent clothing boutique for children aged 0-12 years. They sell unique items from great quality brands from all over Europe and New York. During Independents’ Week they’ll be offering 10{b486c5a37ab2d325d17e17d701cb2567b1ecd1814e8ceb33effa2a4f1f171d46} off on all in-store purchases, as well as a competition to win some goodies.
Where is it? King Street
Sundaes Shoes
Pop in and explore this unique and colourful shoe shop in the centre of Cambridge. There are three great prizes to be won during Independents’ Week including a £50 store voucher, cashmere fingerless gloves and a Healthy Back Baglett.
Where is it? Green Street
