JANUARY 2023 FIVE FOODIE MUST HAVES
This is Januarys five foodie must-haves, brought to you by Velvet magazine
Do It
Bitesize Bakehouse @camchocofest
We all need something to look forward to: roll out the bunting, then, for the return of Cambridge Chocolate Festival. Back for a second year and relocating to The Orator at Cambridge Union, it’s running February 10 to 12, promising everything from stalls, talks and tastings to chocolate cocktails.
Media partnered by Velvet, the programme starts on Friday with a shopping and cocktail night in the historic Debating Chamber. The main event will then run 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, with confirmed stallholders already including Anisa & Chocolate (known for bean-to-bar), Bitesize Bakehouse (gourmet mallows and chocolates), The Linton Kitchen (cakes and bakes) and Knoops (build-your-own hot chocolate).
Follow on Insta @camchocofest
Book It
Burns night wouldn’t be the same without a wee dram of whisky
Celebrating the work of Scottish poet Robbie Burns – who hailed the haggis ‘Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race!’ – Burns’ Night warms the cockles with food, drink and kinship in January’s darkest days: what better reason to book your supper slot?
Chef Tristan Welch is hosting a Burns Supper at Cambridge’s Parker’s Tavern on January 25, with a menu of “crispy haggis balls served with whisky cream, steaming haggis with bashed neeps and extra buttery tatties, and whisky-drenched Baron Bigod brie”.
The Cambridge Brewhouse will also be offering a special menu for Burns Night: classic haggis, neeps and tatties, served with a dram of whisky.
Find out more at parkerstavern.com
Find out more at thecambridgebrewhouse.com
Shop It
The Larder at Burwash Manor
Famed for both its friendly staff and skilful stock selection, which ranges from freshest and finest locally grown and made produce to globally sourced specialities, The Larder at Burwash Manor, Barton, has been shortlisted for Small Farm Shop of the Year in this year’s Farm Retail Association awards.
Beating competition from across the country, the shop has made top three alongside The Goat Shed, Norwich, and Broom House in Witton Gilbert, Durham, with the overall winner to be announced at a ceremony in March.
Visit BurwashLarder.com
Cook It
Nourishing Vegan Every Day
Whether you’re vegan, veggie, flexi or giving Veganuary a whirl, Amy Lanza’s new book is one to add to the kitchen bookshelf.
Titled Nourishing Vegan Every Day, it contains plant-based dishes for every occasion, from nutritious breakfasts (green glow smoothie) to decadent desserts (banoffee pie jars) and weeknight timesavers (roasted vegetable basil pasta) to dinner-party showstoppers (garlic tahini whole-roasted cauliflower).
Best known to her Insta fans as Nourishing Amy, Amy is an advocate for mindful balance: “From kale salads to chocolate cake, there is room for it all.” We’ll second that.
Nourishing Vegan Every Day is out in hardback on January 3, published by Fair Winds Press and priced £19.99.
Diary It
Bens Yard Cafe, Stuntney Estate, Ely
With an artisan food hall and all-day dining at its heart, both championing best of British produce, new shopping destination Ben’s Yard is set to open on the outskirts of Ely this spring. Located on the 2,500-acre Stuntney Estate, the retail village promises everything from spa and hairdressing services to a luxury florist, home and giftware.
Open seven days a week, Ben’s Yard Cafe will feature a contemporary botanical-themed interior, an outdoor terrace equipped for all weathers with heaters and umbrellas, and an eclectic menu of modern British and international dishes. Ben’s Yard Larder, its sister food hall, is billed as “the ultimate one-stop shop” for food and drink, selling both seasonal and specialty goods.
Follow on Insta @bensyardely
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