I love Cambridge and I feel so lucky to have the wonderful city on my doorstep. Hours have been spent stomping the streets while shopping, catching up with friends over long lunches and date night dinners with my husband. However, until I met Gerla at Cambridge Food Tours, I had no idea that I’ve been walking around this great city with my eyes virtually closed.
The Cambridge Food Tour has recently been listed as one of the top 20 food tours in the world by Trip Advisor and it’s clear to see why. Hidden coffee shops, international cuisine and a back-street brewery; be prepared to see Cambridge in a whole new light.
I joined the knowledgeable, fun and engaging Gerla and her fellow food loving companions on a sunny Saturday morning as part of the Classic Cambridge Food Tour. First stop was sampling the stickiest Chelsea buns around at Fitzbillies – a place I pass so frequently but am ashamed to say I’ve never tried.
Next we headed to Bene’t Street where we heard tales of hauntings and WW2 air forces at The Eagle pub (be sure to look up at the ceiling in the back building next time you’re here). It was onto Aromi to sample Sicilian pizza breads and desserts. Finally I understand why this place always has queues out of the door – simply mouth-watering. The establishment is set to open its third branch in the city soon.
Despite its title the tour goes beyond classic dishes. The market pit stop revealed that Cambridge is alive with international cuisine – Portuguese delicacies, worldwide cheeses and Turkey chimney cakes.
The day was a mix of savoury and sweet; chocolate orange fudge at The Cambridge Fudge Kitchen on King’s Parade and pork pies at The Cambridge Cheese shop on All Saints Passage were some of the highlights of the day.
The Free Press pub was the perfect place to stop for lunch, where the group crammed into the sunny courtyard for flavoursome scotch eggs and ales. A quick rest and it was on towards Mill Road for a sit down tasting of wine and spirits!
This was an exclusive tasting Gerla had worked on with Cambridge Wine Merchants and one that worked exceptionally well. Who knew vodka and cheese were so good together? The group couldn’t resist purchasing a bottle or two for themselves. The afternoon concluded with a visit to Calverley’s Brewery tucked away in a garage on the back streets and ice cream at Urban Larder.
Five hours in length and a belly full of food, the Cambridge Food Tour is worth every penny. Whether 
you’re a foodie fanatic or simply love Cambridge, the tour appeals to everyone, just make sure you wear comfortable shoes and maybe skip breakfast!
The Cambridge Food Tour has been running for three years and has moved on from just one scheduled food tour to three, private tours, masterclasses and food events. Pub, lunch and afternoon tea tours are so available.
The tours are one of the best ways to experience everything great about the historic city. Host Gerla de Boer brings the city to life with her knowledge and enthusiasm for Cambridge cuisine.
Classic Food Tour is priced £59.50 for adults and £35 for children under 8.
