Eddington: Cambridge’s Bold Vision for Tomorrow—or Just Pie in the Sky?

Have you clocked what's happening at Eddington? This isn’t just another new build—it’s Cambridge University’s audacious bid to create a sustainable neighbourhood of the future. And it’s already raising as many eyebrows as hopes.

Just two miles from Cambridge’s historic heart, Eddington marries the old city’s prestige with twenty-first-century innovation.

Think sleek brick buildings, discreet underground bins, and green spaces woven through the landscape. With over 1,800 homes, plus its own primary school and nursery, Eddington is built to be a complete, eco-friendly community.

At its core is Storey’s Field Centre—a marvel of modern design hosting everything from comedy nights to weddings, drawing architects and planners from far and wide.

So, will Eddington set the gold standard for urban living, or is it just a grand idea that’s a bit ahead of itself? Whatever your take, it’s anything but ordinary.

November Flavors: Cambridgeshire's Must-Try Cozy Dining Gems to Warm Up This Season!

"Cambridge Travel Festival: Unlock Your Next Adventure!"

Travel enthusiasts from all over Cambridgeshire will soon gather for the Cambridge Travel Festival on November 29-30 at the Cambridge Guildhalls! Packed with travel talks, photography workshops, and 40+ exhibitors, this festival is a must for explorers seeking inspiration.

 Highlights include sessions with top travel writers, captivating photography displays by JRNY magazine, and insights from adventure experts.

Don’t miss the photography competition exclusive to East of England residents – your shot could feature in the gallery!

Get ready to discover your next unforgettable destination.

We asked TripAdvisor for the best local spots to try this season. Here are a few to kick things off—send your favourites via our Facebook Group! Send Us Your Views

1. **The Old Bridge Hotel & Restaurant, Huntingdon** – Refined British dishes in a blend of historic charm and contemporary style. Perfect for steak lovers.  
2. **Arbuckles, Ely** – Comfort food heaven with American-inspired dishes, from sizzling steaks to juicy burgers.  
3. **Peacocks Tearoom, Ely** – Cozy up with traditional English teas, homemade cakes, and vintage vibes.  
4. **The Brampton Mill, Brampton** – Enjoy British classics and riverside views, with a Sunday roast not to miss.  
5. **The Three Kings, Haddenham** – A warm, classic pub atmosphere with a twist on your favourite British dishes.  
6. **The Cutter Inn, Ely** – Relax with hearty fare and scenic river views.  
7. **The Cock, Hemingford Grey** – Award-winning gastropub fare with local ingredients and a welcoming vibe.

Know a hidden gem? Tell us about it, or tag your restaurant for a chance to be featured next!

Cambridge’s Crown Jewel: The Varsity Hotel & Spa Unveils Stunning £1 Million Makeover

The Varsity Hotel & Spa** has unveiled a stunning £1 million refurbishment.

Over the past six months, the independently owned boutique hotel transformed its 50 rooms, blending vibrant designs with modern luxury.

Featuring bold patterned wallpapers, oak flooring, and marble bathrooms with monsoon showers, the hotel’s glamorous yet contemporary feel is enhanced by cutting-edge technology like smart TVs, iPads, and ultra-fast broadband.  

Local craftsmanship played a key role in the redesign, with bespoke furniture from independent makers complementing high-end interiors from Chelsea Harbour brands such as Kit Kemp and Colefax & Fowler.  

The Varsity also revamped its two on-site restaurants—**SIX Panoramic Bar & Brasserie** and **The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill**—and remains Cambridge’s top-rated hotel on TripAdvisor.

Looking ahead, plans are underway for a new subterranean spa featuring a 20-metre pool, hammam, sauna, and treatment rooms.  

Known for hosting stars like Daniel Craig and Courteney Cox, The Varsity continues to shine as Cambridge’s leading boutique destination. 

Back in 2014, Peterborough's Council Celebrated Christmas in Style — Now, 10 Years Later, They're Pleading for £56,000 in Sponsorship!

Who can remember the year Peterborough Council spent a crazy amount of money on christmas decorations for Cathedral Square and Bridge Street and now they are saying 10 years later on that they need £56,000 to save Christmas seriously !!!

Ah, **Toad in the Hole**—a proper British comfort food, this one. It’s the sort of dish that conjures up cosy evenings by the fire, with a drizzle of gravy and a good natter round the table. Let’s roll up our sleeves and crack on with this simple yet satisfying recipe, full of that no-nonsense charm we love in a traditional English pud.  

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Toad in the Hole 

Serves: 4  
Prep Time: 15 minutes  
Cooking Time: 40 minutes  

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Ingredients

For the Batter:
  - 150g plain flour  
  - 2 large eggs  
  - 150ml whole milk  
  - 100ml water  
  - Pinch of salt  

For the Filling

  - 8 pork sausages (Cumberland or Lincolnshire are top-notch for this)  
  - 2 tbsp sunflower oil or beef dripping (a bit of dripping gives it that old-school flavour)  

To Serve

  - Onion gravy (don’t skimp!)  
  - Steamed veg, like carrots, peas, or a dollop of mash if you're feeling indulgent  

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the tin:

 
Pop your oven on at 220°C (fan 200°C, gas mark 7) and stick your baking dish (20x30cm should do the trick) in to get good and hot. The oil or dripping needs to be smoking hot before you pour in the batter—this is not negotiable for a proper pud rise!  

 Whisk up the batter:

Put the flour and a pinch of salt into a big bowl, then make a little well in the middle. Crack in the eggs and give it a whisk, slowly adding the milk and water mixture until smooth. Think thick cream for the consistency. Set it aside to rest for 10-15 minutes (even overnight in the fridge) —good batter’s like good bread; it needs a little breather.  

Brown the sausages: 

While your batter’s resting, heat a frying pan over medium heat and lightly brown the sausages. Don’t cook them through—just enough to give them a head start and a bit of colour.  

 Assemble and bake your pud:

 
Carefully take your hot dish out of the oven. The oil should be shimmering, maybe even just starting to smoke.

Lay the sausages in the dish and pour the batter evenly over the top. Don’t dawdle—the heat of the oil is what gives the batter its glorious rise. Whack it back in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and puffed up like a good Yorkshire should be.  

 Serve it up:

 
Slice into generous squares and dish it up with lashings of onion gravy. A side of greens wouldn’t go amiss, and some buttery mash on the side.  

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Handy Hints and Cheats

Batter Banter:** Resting the batter isn’t just a faff—it lets the flour absorb the liquid, giving you a lighter, airier pud.  

Keep It Hot: Don’t skimp on preheating the oil. If it’s not hot enough, you’ll end up with a soggy-bottomed mess—and no one wants that.

 
Cheffy Touch:Stir a teaspoon of wholegrain mustard or a pinch of dried thyme into the batter for a little extra pizzazz.  

Gravy Glory:Fancy gravy? Sauté some onions till they’re sticky, splash in a bit of red wine or ale, then stir in beef stock and reduce till rich and glossy.  

Veg Vibes: If you’re after something a bit lighter, serve with a crisp green salad. Bit posh, but it works. Well sort of lol.

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And there you have it, a proper British Toad in the Hole—golden, crispy, and guaranteed to hit the spot. Pair it with a pint of beer or a nice cup of tea, and you’re laughing!

Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in Cambridgeshire?

A: Punting on the River Cam, visiting the University of Cambridge colleges, and exploring Ely Cathedral.

Q: How can I travel around Cambridgeshire efficiently?

A: Cambridgeshire has a well-connected railway network, as well as bus services and cycling routes for easy transportation.

Q: What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Cambridgeshire?

A: Walking in the Fens, cycling along the flat countryside lanes, and birdwatching at nature reserves like Wicken Fen.

"Cambridgeshire Chaos: Empty £18M Soham Car Park Sparks Frustration Amid Road Closures and Community Concerns"

This week in Cambridgeshire, a significant community concern has been the underutilisation of the £18 million car park at Soham railway station. Residents have expressed frustration over the facility's emptiness, noting that it has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, particularly by "boy racers" engaging in anti social activities.

The car park, constructed with taxpayer money and opened in 2021, was intended to serve commuters but has seen minimal use.

 Additionally, the station lacks direct links to Cambridge, the area's largest city, which may contribute to its limited use. Have you been using the carpark in Soham or sick of the anti social behaviour we would love to get your opinion.

"Road Closure Woes: B1040 Shut at East Delph Sparks Resident Concerns In The Area"

The closure of the B1040 at East Delph, near Whittlesey, due to repairs on a collapsed roadside bank has caused chaos for local residents.

The road is expected to remain closed until November 22, with a fully signposted diversion in place. 

Is there a local issue you'd like to have a rant about contact us and we will feature it in a future issue of Cambridgeshire Spotlight.