Cafe@abantu – Cambridge (UK)

Cafe@abantu moved to Cambridge in January 2018 and is a welcome addition to the independents in the city centre. When popular café Stickybeaks decided to close their doors, Cafe@abantu’s owner Wendy Slade saw an opportunity to take her business to the next level and moved the café from Bourn to Cambridge.

I’ve been following Abantu’s journey since I first started this blog, from their original location at Manor Farm in Bourn (here), their subsequent move to Wysing Arts Centre (here) to their new premises on Hobson Street, at the heart of Cambridge city centre.

It can be argued that Cafe@abantu’s prominent location means it can no longer be described as a hidden gem. It’s visible at the end of Sussex Street, a very pretty pedestrian area. However, Cafe@abantu is still a gem amongst the usual high street chains and retains all of its charm.

The interior hasn’t changed much from Stickybeaks but I’m happy that my favourite table, the tiled colourful one, has been given pride of place by the window. It’s also heartwarming to see that Abantu’s original wooden sign has been retained.

Continue reading

Café@abantu, Wysing Arts Centre – Bourn, Cambridge (UK)

UPDATE: In January 2018, Cafe@abantu moved from Bourn to Cambridge at a city centre location at 42 Hobson Street, CB1 1NL (where Stickybeaks used to be). Read my post on the new location here.

Café@abantu is a popular tearoom in Bourn and I’m relieved they managed to find another location in the same village near Cambridge. I wrote about them here a few years ago. They moved to Wysing Arts Centre in July 2016 and it’s really a perfect fit, with the same cosy seating inside and lots more space outside. They offer the same fantastic homemade cakes and treats as well a menu featuring hearty dishes with fresh ingredients (Fairtrade and locally sourced as much as possible).

abantu-wysing-arts-centre

abantu-wysing-collage

Café@abantu isn’t just a run-of-the-mill village tearoom. It’s a destination in itself. You can walk along the trails and admire the outdoor sculptures by the artists at Wysing Arts Centre (ask for a map at the café) but their cakes and treats are definite highlights. Make sure you check out the cake counter at the till for their bakes of the day.

abantu-wysing-cake-counter

abantu-wysing-sandwich

Their menu, which includes vegetarian and vegan options, is varied enough to keep it interesting whilst still offering staples such as toasties and soup.

abantu-wysing-scrambled-egg-spinach

Continue reading

Cafe@abantu – Bourn, Cambridge (UK)

UPDATE: Cafe@abantu is no longer located at Manor Farm, Bourn. In July 2016, it moved to Wysing Arts Centre which is also located in Bourn. It’s run by the same owner who continues to provide their popular menu, as well as some new items. It is a beautiful setting that includes an outdoor terrace and free parking. I wrote an updated post so click on this link to read about the new cafe@Abantu.

UPDATE 2: In January 2018, Cafe@abantu moved from Bourn to Cambridge at a city centre location at 42 Hobson Street, CB1 1NL (where Stickybeaks used to be). Read my post on the new location here.

Cafe@abantu is a charming tearoom and shop located on Manor Farm in the village of Bourn.

Tucked away in converted stables with pedestrian access for locals “in the know”, it is literally a hidden gem.

For those driving in, turn into the path by the sign and A-board opposite the surgery then make a loop around to the car park in front of the café. You will be greeted by a lovely patio with ample seating, perfect for those sunny days.

Abantu Continue reading