The Big Reopening: 19 must-visit venues in Cambridge
Outdoor catering is GO next month and we cannot wait! Here are 19 destinations we’ve hand-picked for their incredible outdoor offerings, and everything you need to know to make those long-awaited alfresco dreams come true.
The Lodge, Duxford
The Lodge are taking bookings now for their stunning outdoor seating area, which opens on from 12th April. Expect plenty of leafy space in beautiful surroundings, a fire pit, fresh pizzas and even covered options in the glasshouse.
Outdoor exercise on the lawn begins next week, with F45 Cambridge Station back at The Lodge on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am. And if you’re looking for workspace or conference rooms, co-working is available from 29th in the Drawing Room and Gallery.
The Lodge has self-catering rooms outside in ‘the stables’ from April 17th. The rooms will comfortably sleep a family of 3, or 4 of you at a squeeze.
Ickleton Road, Duxford. To book email hello@thelodgeduxford.com, phone (01223) 755677 or head to thelodgeduxford.com; Instagram: @thelodgeduxford.
Evening ambience at The Lodge, Duxford
Rutherfords Punting, The River Cam, Cambridge
Chauffeurs will guide you along the stunning College Backs, as you learn Cambridge’s inspiring history and discover the secrets of the city. Their expertise and experience will ensure that you are entertained (as if you weren't just in it for the boozy picnic) .
During the tour you’ll soak in sublime University Colleges, exclusive bridges, pristine gardens as well as get a sample of some of the local wildlife – ducks, swans and possibly even some wild swimmers.
Rutherford’s is re-opening on 2nd April. Later this spring they will be teaming up with Cambridge Distillery for a Cambridge Gin Themed tour, complete with leather cushions and a full tasting experience from @cambridgeginlab.
Visit rutherfordspunting.com, Instagram: @rutherfordspunting.
Scudamores, The River Cam, Cambridge
Why not take a punt up the river Cam to Grantchester?
Scudamores is re-opening on 29th March for tours and Grantchester self-hire punts! It also plans to reopen the Upper River canoe and kayak rentals and College Backs self-hire operation further into 2021.
Scudamores has adapted its operation to ensure safe social distancing. Further safety information can be found here.
Visit scudamores.com, Instagram: @puntingcambridge, Twitter: @scudamorespunts.
GRANTCHESTER
The Red Lion, Grantchester
A short drive (or punt) from Cambridge and you’re in the picturesque village of Grantchester, home of the hit TV show yes, but more importantly home to some of our favourite venues.
Why not visit:
The Red Lion
Every parent’s dream. A pub garden serving decent food and a play area within eyesight. Order the wine and cross your fingers that the little ones don’t decide to play hide and seek. Reopening April 12th.
33 High St, Grantchester, Cambridge CB3 9NF. Instagram: @grantchesterredlion Facebook: @granchesterredlion
Cambridge Distillery
Pack a picnic and grab a bottle of Cambridge Dry Gin and Tonic on your way out to the meadows where you can pop the cork in true spring style.
The Rupert Brook
Reopening announcements coming soon.
The Orchard Tea Garden
Currently planning to reopen on April 1st (they’re no fools!) but maybe the week before if the weather is kind.
The Orchard Tea Garden
Three Horseshoes, Madingley
This gem of a pub now features two dining pods in their beautiful tranquil garden. Enjoy dining in your very own pod and feel relaxed and safe, in your own space.
Dining pod hire fee includes private use of the fully enclosed dining pod with heating, music system (pod disco anyone?) and lights. You will receive table service exactly as if you were inside, with everything brought to you in a safe and convenient way.
High Street, Madingley, Cambridge. Visit threehorseshoesmadingley.co.uk, Instagram: @Cambscuisine, Facebook: Cambscuisine.
The Cock, Hemingford Grey
The Cock sits close to the Great Ouse river in the lovely village of Hemingford Grey not far from Huntingdon and St Ives.
The outdoor space has had a complete overhaul ready for 12th April so expect a slick new outdoor space here. It also boasts two dining pods so you can enjoy dining in your very own pod and feel relaxed and safe, in your own space. Dining pod hire fee includes private use of the fully enclosed dining pod with heating, music system and lights.
High Street, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon. Visit: thecockhemingford.co.uk, Instagram: @Cambscuisine, Facebook: Cambscuisine.
Dining Pods at The Cock, Hemingford Grey and The Three Horseshoes at Madingley, both Cambscuisine venues
Café Foy, Cambridge
Insanely indulgent hot chocolates, epic toasties and now Café Foy have announced that on re-opening weekend (Friday 16th and Saturday 17th April) they will be joined by @oysterlabcambridge who will be serving a selection of oyster flavours for takeaway or eat in.
Quayside, Cambridge. Visit cafefoy.com, Instagram: @cafefoy.
Self-catering local mini break, anyone?
Hotels are not open yet but self-catering options are! Why not check out the gorgeous Crafts Hill Barn and book a stay in The Cowshed, The Pigsty or Dragonfly Cabin?
Crafts Hill Barn, Oakington Road, Dry Drayton. Visit craftshillbarn.co.uk, Instagram: @craftshillbarn.
Stir Cambridge
This CB4 favourite is reopening their outdoor space for seated takeaway from 12th April. Expect delicious fresh pastries from their on-site bakery, sourdough toasties and salads, as well as their famous sweet treats.
253 Chesterton Road. Visit stircambridge.co.uk, Instagram: @stircambridge
Parkers Tavern, Cambridge
On the 12th of April, Parkers are opening the outside area, Parker’s on the Piece, and yes, before you ask, their terrific homemade sourdough pizzas will be returning to the menu.
Parkers on the Piece, Parkers Tavern, Parkers Piece, Cambridge. Visit parkerstavern.com, Instagram:@parkers_tavern, Twitter: @parkers_tavern.
‘Parkers on the Piece’, Parkers Piece
Millworks, Cambridge
A riverside restaurant located on the Mill Pond in Cambridge. Sit out front for river views and people watching or ask to sit on the back terrace on evenings and weekends. It’s the newest terrace in town and a bit of an undiscovered gem so get an image of you with a cocktail in hand there on your Instagram story pronto.
MillWorks, The Watermill, Newnham Road, Cambridge. Visit themillworks.co.uk; Instagram: @Cambscuisine, Facebook: Cambscuisine.
Kings Parade, Cambridge
“Open space along King’s Parade and other locations in our compact city centre will be used to make the most of just over £700,000 in funding to help kick start extra outdoor trading in appropriate locations” writes Lewis Herbert of Cambridge City Council.
We’re looking forward to seeing what this alfresco dream looks like in practise but word is that Kings Parade will form the hub of on-street eating in the city. We’ll be frequenting Cambridge Wine Merchants, The Cambridge Chop House and queuing for Jack’s Gelato, whatever the set up.
Kingston Arms, Cambridge
Kingston Hummus and Wine is opening its lovely little outdoor courtyard garden on April 12th. Reservations are now open. Expect freshly shucked Maldon oysters, authentic hummus, the best Bloody Mary in the city and an inspired collection of deliciously quirky wines.
Kingston Street, Cambridge. Visit kingstonarms.co.uk, Instagram: @kingston.hummus.wine.
The Terrace at Cambridge Cookery School
Cambridge Cookery School, Cambridge
A normal 5-day week resumes Wednesday-Sunday, starting 14th April. They are working on a new Brunch and Café menu, and the large outdoor terrace has had a major facelift in order to be able to welcome customers back to a fresh new-look outdoor space.
Purbeck Road, Cambridge. Visit cambridgecookery.com.
Saffron Grange, Little Walden
A family-run vineyard producing premium quality English Sparkling Wine on the borders of Cambridgeshire and Essex.
Visit saffrongrange.com, Instagram: @saffrongrange, Twitter: @saffrongrange.
Fordham Abbey, Fordham
The Home of Dojima Sake Brewery, the first Japanese owned sake brewery in the UK and the Centre for Japanese culture.
Newmarket Road, Fordham, Ely. Visit fordhamabbey.co.uk, Instagram: @fordhamabbeyestate.
Town and Gown Theatre, Cambridge
This intriguing and self-proclaimed “quirky” new venue opened just before everything shut, so we can’t wait to see what it’s like.
Currently taking bookings for outside tables from April 12th – May 16th, there’s a terrace and some street tables too.
They are working hard to make sure theatre performances can go on with additional measures in place to protect everyone. Based on current government guidelines socially distanced performances shall commence from May 17th (1m distance in seating and mask wearing).
Book now for Sam Carlyle: My Life and Other Jokes.
Market Passage, Cambridge. Visit townandgowntheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @townandgowncambridge, Twitter: @_TownAndGown
Pint Shop, Cambridge
Now booking for the garden April 15th – May 17th.
Pint Shop is handing over the cooking to Lyla’s Kitchen during this period who will be serving up awesome pizzas alongside craft beer and delicious wine.
Peas Hill, Cambridge. Visit pintshop.co.uk, Instagram: @pint_shop, Twitter: @PintShop.
Gonville Hotel, Cambridge
On the Lawn opens Monday 12th April. You can expect delicious food, fresh cocktails, and great music all delivered in a safe environment with gracious hospitality. Alongside this, the spring Terrace will be re-opening too, perfect for relaxed lunches and drinks in the sun. ⠀
Gonville Place, Cambridge. Visit gonvillehotel.co.uk, Instagram: @gonvillehotel, Twitter: @GonvilleHotel.
The Spring Terrace at The Gonville, facing Parker’s Piece.
Provenance Kitchen, Whittlesford
‘Brix & Mortar’ is the home of the best Sunday roast in Cambridge (we think this has become an undisputed fact), a wood-fired kitchen and Provenance’s original Air Stream trailer.
Provenance Kitchen are working on their April re-opening with @cambridge_tent_company to make the space in the meadow garden and orchard beautiful and weather-proof.
Bookings are open now and also taking bookings for private hire for all those special occasions and private intimate gatherings we’re all longing for.
Hill Farm Road, Whittlesford, Cambridge. Visit provenancekitchen.com, Instagram: @provenancekitchen.
Katie’s littlest ones frolicking at Provenance Brix & Mortar, last summer.
We’ll be back with a roundup of May’s indoor hospitality re-openings, in keeping with the Government’s Lockdown Roadmap. There are also brand new openings on the cards this summer & autumn, from new hotels, cafes and cocktail bars to second sites of some of the City’s favourite independents.
Our agency is proud to be involved in the launch of a host of exciting openings in 2021. The future for Cambridge independents is looking bright, and we can't wait to share more news with you soon!