Indigo Coffee House

I visited Cambridge recently with some friends and we were looking for a cafe at the end of a long day. There are loads of cafes in Cambridge to go with the hoards of people. After all it's a great place to visit.

This particular afternoon we had walked from the Orchard Tea Rooms at Granchester http://www.orchard-grantchester.com/, along the river.  The Tea Rooms are unique, occuping a special place in literary history and therefore are very popular on a sunny Sunday. A beautiful spot which would be especially delightful on a quiet day, I will certainly go back.

I would guess that most people in Cambridge for a day don't really get a chance to explore and might miss out on some of the most delightful places. I love exploring cities I don't know well and invariably get rewarded by discovering somewhere new.

Around the corner, in St Edmunds Passage, we found a tiny cafe, Indigo Coffee House. http://bit.ly/m8NSbG This lovely cafe serves porridge, delicious cakes and excellent coffee. 

There were some poignant little sculptures on display, made from old cigarette boxes. Great example of recycling. They were based on ruined buildings the artist, Kimberley Herbert, had seen in Cyprus. 

Indigo like to encourage local artists so they change the exhibits regularly.

If you're in Cambridge, do check out Indigo, it's lovely.

Belle Epoque Patisserie

Stepping into the Belle Epoque Patisserie http://www.belleepoque.co.uk/ on Newington Green is like being on holiday as it's just like a patisserie in a town or village in France with its beautiful display of tartes and gateaux.

I wouldn't dare visit too often as their range of patisserie is irresistible. Today I had a fraisier which was wonderful and decorated with a personalised mini chocolate. As I like my coffee strong I was able to choose one with 100% arrabiata beans and an extra shot. 


A choice of pizzas, quiches and a huge range of sandwiches and drinks are on offer as well as artisan bread and chocolate. You can even pretend you're in France by drinking citron presse.




The shelves are lined with loads of jam, biscuits and other French products you might not easily find anywhere else.

There is a patio area at the back of the cafe as well as seating on the pavement and you can hire the back room for parties.

You could even buy a breakfast basket and take it across to the Green for a morning picnic. Nice.