Belgian waffles? Olives? Greek Gyros? Doughnuts? My first thought is that someone better hold me back.
But alas, I am in control of my own destiny, and I always choose food.
That’s the first thing that hits me when crossing over from Petty Cury to Cambridge Market Square; the unmistakeable aroma of street food. A small antenna in my brain springs to attention, and I forget all about that birthday card I was supposed to buy from Marks and Spencers. After reminding myself that 11:10 is too early for lunch, I press on, walking confidently past the Belgian Waffles stall (obviously making a mental note to circle back to that later), and come to an abrupt stop at the end of a queue at the Brown Bread stall, which is conveniently filled with fresh bread, cakes and pastries.
Several minutes later, with an iced doughnut (adorned with multicoloured sprinkles) in hand, I continue on my journey through the delights of the market. Firstly, I encounter an antique pitch selling military coins and ornaments, the Fen Tomato Farm stall boasting Cambridgeshire plump tomatoes and fresh seasonal produce, then a group of excited young women surrounding a stall filled with various glittering trinkets and jewellery.
Many consider the market to be the social and commercial hub of the city, with British trade dating back to the the medieval period. In the modern era, there has been a multicultural explosion, and the market now boasts a vast range of international produce, which truly reflects the diversity of Cambridge. It is not surprising then that as I weave through the corridors of the market, the air is filled with chatter and laughter in a variety of languages.
Most of this originates from the hot food vendors that I pass next. There is the Caribbean Barn offering a classic roast with a Caribbean twist, Azuma serving Japanese and Malaysian foods, and The King of Wraps stall which boasts a varied menu with gluten-free and vegan options available. Leaving the sizzling pans behind, I halt at the stylish Honey Lemon pitch which is decorated in a beautiful lemon tree arch. The colourful menu offers hot and cold honey lemonade, as well as gelato and sorbet.
After perusing the many other stalls selling vintage clothes, books, coffee and oils, I reach the final row opposite Great St Mary’s church. Here, I receive an education in olives at Borough Olives, which serves Greek, Italian and Spanish olives as well as other Mediterranean goods such as almonds and sun-dried tomatoes. After another brief debate with myself at what constitutes as lunch time lingering around Just Greek Gyros, I come to the final stall, Cam Cattle, a local family farm selling various cuts of beef.
What makes this market special is it trades seven days a week and vendors vary; alongside the street food, the general market traders also sell clothes, books and plants as well as phone accessories and bike repair services. I visited on a Sunday, and the square housed providers selling handmade arts, crafts and local produce.
Being a local I am obviously biased, but I have been to many city markets and I must say that this Cambridge market is undoubtedly my favourite. Now I must excuse myself, as I have the most insatiable craving for a doughnut…