Cambridge is one of the best places for brunch spots, and I’m not biased at all. Well, maybe a little. But that doesn’t mean the statement is not true. We have something that caters to everyone, including budget-friendly places, fine dining, popular chains and some good old family businesses. So before facing a day full of activities in Cambridge, hop over to some of the city’s best brunch spots.
Here are my top 10 contenders for the BEST brunch in Cambridge (and they’re all really good to be honest):
1. Fitzbillies
How many of you can say you have eaten at a café that is 100 years old? I can, and so can you, if you head down to Fitzbillies. Their speciality is their cinnamon rolls and pastries. But that’s not all! You can have breakfast, or brunch, or come in for a quick surgery or savoury snack. It’s just across from the Fitzwilliam Museum, so I recommend, if you are in the area, to head down to the café that has been open since 1920 and enjoy a traditional English tea.
2. Café in the museum
Speaking of museums, there is a hidden gem in the Fitzwilliam one too. Once you have finished discovering treasures of the world across different lifetimes, I can guess you would be slightly peckish. If you can’t bear to make it to the Fitzbillies café, there is a café inside the museum!
Just before you leave, the museum guides you to the café and gift shop, where you can buy a trinket to remember your day and indulge in a pastry or hot drink. The café allows for sitting, so you can enjoy a snack and do work. It’s actually a nice place to get through a chunk of uni reading as you can go and explore the museum for inspiration or motivation on a break.
3. Cambridge market
The unique selling point of Cambridge is the market. With a wide range of special cuisines, they can satisfy any palate. The stalls litter the square, so if you have had a long day of shopping, you’ll no doubt be drawn in by the wonderful aromas. And they are worth it, I promise! There’s food from around the world, including classics and new things to try, such as falafels, samosas, sweet chilli chicken, cakes, pastries and good old sandwiches.
4. Caffé Nero
Franchises are generic I admit – but can I entice you to this particular branch of Caffé Nero? Near the high street, the Caffe Nero branch is filled with the coffee aromas and comfortable seating. I wouldn’t recommend a place I haven’t tried out myself, so don’t worry, it’s verified. With festive specials, there are always new drinks and pastries to try. So, don’t pop in for a takeaway drink next time and leave. Stay and sink into the armchairs, warm up by the steamy milk and hold a hot drink whilst you work on your work. There is WIFI and unlimited seating time, so there is one less thing to not stress in the wintery trimesters.
5. Butch Annie’s
If you are looking for something a little more filling, may I suggest the mouth-watering burgers of Butch Annie’s. But that’s not all they have, there’s Detroit-style pizza and craft beer, perfect after an all-nighter. I’d also suggest the burgers. Sorry vegans! They have a range of meat, just for your choosing, they have chicken, beets or even Scottish beef. If I have piqued your curiosity enough, then I have done my job, and I promise you will not be disappointed. Promise this is not sponsored, I wish it was, they’re just that good. But if they are reading this, please send me free burgers!
6. Bill’s Cambridge Restaurant
Now for the vegans, sorry if I offended you, I will make it up to you now. There is a wonderful little restaurant called Bill’s in Cambridge. They do a wide selection of contemporary European chains that dish out breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and even dinner menus. Open till late, there a many a thing to choose from, like vegan meat, vegetarian options and pancakes! They serve all different types of pancakes, honestly. Like bacon, fruit, Bischoff, and even vegan versions of all the ones listed. It is a contender when considering where to have brunch in Cambridge – particularly if you prefer vegan or vegetarian brunch options.
7. Browns bar and brasserie
If you’re looking for a place to take your significant other out for a fancy brunch, I would look no further than Brown’s bar and brasserie. A fine dining restaurant with over 50 years’ worth of experience, you will be treated to the best of the best when it comes to their food and drink selection. For lunch especially, they do special dishes like duck and watermelon salad, buffalo mozzarella, Scottish salmon, linguine and even chardonnay. And that’s just lunch! Their other menus hold more extravagant and magnificent dishes. Your partner will be sure to be amazed by the special night out, or it could be a great place your take your friends to let them know how much you value them.
8. Costa Coffee
If we are getting close to the end of the month and your funds are dwindling, let me advise a good old Costa. As you know the classic Costa can never let us down, so if you need a small pick-me-up after a long day or wish to wind down in a familiar café, you can rely on a good old Costa Coffee. Plus. you can sign up to their loyalty scheme to get free drinks every now and then, which is ideal if you’re a regular.
9. The box room
View this post on Instagram
One unique café is the Box Room café, where you can order food and have endless fun with their extensive collection of board games. There is plenty of hot food such as toasties, nachos, milkshakes and cakes galore. There is a whole side of the menu dedicated to drinks like draught beer, Wylde craft beer, cider, and wines. It’s perfect for a day out with friends or family – you can even book a table and get a discount every hour you play and a special discount for the students! So come and play games like childhood favourites or explore new ones without fishing out a tenner to buy the game just for it to collect dust, this way you can play hundreds and it’ll be new games each time.
10. Carlos BBQ
Don’t let the name fool you, Carlos does more than just barbecue. The man is a whizz in the kitchen and being of Turkish descent, he can cook up the entire Turkish cuisine. It’s not a classic go-to brunch spot in Cambridge, but it’s amazing food for any time of day.
The lentil soup is one of my favourites! The man is also a psychic as he needs just one look at you and he can serve you things exactly to your taste, with things that are not even on the menu. The friendly atmosphere is like no other and as he has been working there for over 30 years, he has established a beautiful staple in the heart of Cambridge. And just to add the parsley on top of the hummus, Carlos also provides food free of charge to the houseless, so be well assured, this man is a superhero cook!
Hi! I’m a second year Creative Writer at ARU. I enjoy writing about my experiences and places, so I hope I do justice writing about the beautiful city of Cambridge and all it has to offer.
