Shop small and local this Christmas
Each year I like to give a mention to some of my favourite local indies where you can pick up some great Christmas gifts AND support a small/micro business in Cambridge.
This bookshop specialising in crime fiction has recently opened in the centre of Cambridge. The owners really know their stuff so you can certainly expect recommendations. They’re also trying to be supportive of local authors which is great to see. I don’t usually accept bags when shopping as I carry my own tote, but I could not resist their aptly named BODY BAG.
Beautiful handmade shirts with sustainability as the core ethos. Owner, Andy Boothman, describes his shirts as ‘GeekLux’ as the designs are inspired by technology. The shirts are made to the highest standards using the best materials and made to last. Do you fancy pixels, cursors, algorithms, spacer invaders or DNA? Check out these unusual prints from this slow fashion brand.
Provenance Kitchen – Brix + Mortar
An excellent restaurant off the beaten track in Whittlesford, Cambridge but well worth a visit. I cannot praise the food highly enough. They use locally sourced season ingredients with wood fired fish and meat. I’d love to receive a voucher for a meal here (hint hint). Just pop onto their website where you can select vouchers from £10 to £150.
One of the quirkiest restaurants in Cambridgeshire. Inside it’s French chateau meets Hygge with faux fur rugs and ornate mirrors. Outside you can dine around the fire pit, in a dome or teepee surrounded by fairy lights. Expect great food and cocktails served by owner, Shaina Galvin’s friendly team. Christmas Gift Cards and Afternoon Tea Gift Cards are available to buy online.
For the budding artist in your life. Lots of us feel daunted at enrolling on a 6 or 8 week course, but Karen has that covered. Earlier this year I participated in a one-day workshop at her glorious studio in Stapleford Granary and will be back for more. You’ll spend around 6 hours being totally immersed in Karen’s world of colour and you will definitely be inspired.
A small independent Cambridge-based craft brewery, in the next village to me – Harston. This is excellent craft beer. I am not usually a beer drinker, but I do like a lot of these with the Raspberry Berliner Weisse being my favourite because it takes me back to a time when I visited Belgium a lot. I guess this is beer as it should be … deep, interesting and not full of fizz. You can buy mixed packs online, or a gift voucher. But, you know what, why not pop down to Harston and chat to the guys.
Justine Jarman has been handcrafting her copper and silver jewellery for many years. She has a beautiful range of delicate necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings many with a connection to nature. Many of the collections feature gemstones like moonstone, opal, amber and amethyst. And for anyone (like me) who loves a cufflink, she has some of those too!
Now featuring their ALL WRAPPED UP exhibition for Christmas so you can buy some unique decorations and cards. You’ll also find a wonderful collection of prints, ceramics, jewellery and glass that would make a unique Christmas gift. I just love Andy Irwin’s small houses and churches and you can pick one of those up for just £15. Owner Victoria is very happy to help with suggestions and advice so get on down to St Ives (Cambridgeshire).
Sonia paints iconic scenes of Cambridgeshire and Essex using acrylic, oil, watercolour and collage. Her work is fantastically colourful and quirky and would suit a traditional or modern interior.. Her vibrant limited edition art prints start at just £40. She also has a lovely range of Christmas cards.
Maker/creator Marnie has a wonderful range of boho style jewellery to choose from, but her beanie hats would make a great stocking filler. Choose from a gorgeous range of colours and, good news, they are a luxurious double knit and super soft … so completely itch-free.
BONUS - INDEPENDENT WITH A BRANCH IN CAMBRIDGE
I discovered Bird & Blend at the cafe in my village many years ago and it quickly became my favourite brand of tea. It’s easy enough to buy online but I was very excited to hear that a branch has opened in Cambridge. I have already been in to stock up. This Christmas they are selling a bamboo tea chest packed with 60 single serves of 12 flavours. Cheaper options include the gift box and cube. The perfect way to explore new flavour blends. My favourites at the moment are Baby Spice and Bonfire Toffee. Delicious.
