Where to eat in Cambridge, pre-punt or with pup

By Janet Gordon

Specials board garlic chestnut mushrooms

I’ve only ever been to Cambridge a couple of times – when I used to be a medieval re-enactor (Lady Elizabeth since you’re asking) and we used to camp on Parkers Piece. Luckily we were allowed to park in a reserved part, since with so much armour, swords, helmets and of course my beautiful costumes, there is absolutely no way we could trapse through Cambridge streets dropping daggers as we go. And of course parking in Cambridge is really, really expensive.

All this preamble is because husband and I, along with Rollo Dog were invited to take brunch at Fitzbillies in Trumpington Street Cambridge. And because we do like to be green as much as possible, we decided to park at Trumpington Park and Ride and take the bus into Cambridge.

Trumpington Park and Ride is enormous – much like parking at Stansted – so you’d be well advised to make a note of just which aisle you’ve parked in. Don’t do as I did, think that the big green van you’ve parked alongside will still be there when you return! 

The Park and Ride buses seem brand new and even have handy charging points  on  the back of the seats, and with an “oldies” free bus pass, we didn’t even have to pay for Rollo Dog who sat quite happily on his Daddy’s lap. With the bus stop practically outside one of Fitzbillies' front doors (there are three!), we waved goodbye to our friendly bus driver.

Janet and Rollo outside Fitzbillies

Shown to a table near the back of the main restaurant, Rollo tucked himself under the table after our waiter Oliver produced a bowl of fresh tap water for him. 

The décor is not glitzy or over the top at Fitzbillies – it’s friendly and functional whilst attractive and comfortable.  And frequented by uni students, tourists and oldies like us having a lovely unhurried sit down whilst enjoying a shopping day. 

Fitzbillies is something of a Cambridge institution.  Opened in 1920 by Ernest and Arthur Mason, Fitzbillies is renowned for its ultra-sticky Chelsea Buns, and everything is baked in-house.  So – down to brunch.

The special that day was toasted sourdough bread piled high with scrambled egg, garlic chestnut mushrooms and crispy crispy bacon – which husband Malcolm – a mushroom fan -  opted for, whilst I plumped for what is a Fitzbillies signature dish, a toasted Chelsea bun, (well actually three of them)  again with crispy crispy bacon and halloumi cheese with maple syrup on the side. 

Coffee and elderflower lemonade was also served promptly.  Malcolm was in garlic heaven and his scrambled egg (yes of course I tried it) was divine.  In fact Malcolm’s special looked so appealing that other customers, coming over to say hello to Rollo Dog, also ordered it – with waiter Oliver recommending it to all he served.  Oliver has been working at Fitzbillies for over four years and loves it – “I meet so many different and interesting people,” he said. “University professors, tourists and visitors to Cambridge” – he’s also the proud owner of a rescue pup so was quite happily chatting away to Rollo Dog in between serving. 

It was all delicious – and we could  have stayed  all day – I really wanted to have afternoon tea which is also a Fitzbillies special,  but sadly Rollo Dog needed a walk and so reluctantly we said our goodbyes and left.  But not before popping next door in through the Cake Shop door and buying a box of yummy macarons to take home.  

Actually Fitzbillies have two other shops in Cambridge. There’s Bridge Street - perfect for a pre-punt treat as it's right by the River Cam - and King’s Parade which has King’s College Chapel right outside their front door. 

With Fitzbillies Chelsea Buns now world famous, they’ve rung the changes by introducing new tastes  - so there’s blueberry cheesecake and also cheese and Marmite (sorry but no) and every month there’s a different guest flavour – how about strawberries and cream (oooooh yes).   And if I’ve now got your taste buds tingling, you can buy Fitzbillies products by mail and even order an online afternoon tea or a hamper. Oh, and I forgot there’s even fancy cakes, which you can also order online and come complete with a collectible Fitzbillies cake tin. 

Cambridge is such a great city to explore – there are the colleges, and there is a University Tour if you fancy, The Cambridge Backs (or just the Backs for short) is an area of central Cambridge, along the banks of the river Cam. Occupied by seven of the most famous and prestigious colleges that form Cambridge University, and they can also be toured, either on foot or by boat. 

And if it’s shopping you want, there are all the usual suspects, plus loads of independents and at least three or four indie book stores, with three shopping arcades. And always popular, there’s a market, with a foodie market on Saturday. 

Catching the Park and Ride bus back to the car park, I was amazed that I’d actually more or less remembered where I’d parked, even though the green van was no longer there! 

https://www.fitzbillies.com/