Searching for Cambridge’s best Avocado Toast? Well, look no further. As a public service duty, I studied in coffee shops almost every day before lectures whilst I was at Uni…. All in order to find the best Avocado Toast and write this article, of course. I needed to try the same Avocado Toast from the same handful of coffee shops in order to be sure. Jokes aside, here’s my Avocadope List of the best Avocado Toasts Cambridge has to offer!
Tuck in, enjoy & leet me know what you think. Lots of love, Jo xoxo
A version of this post appeared in the Cambridge Tab, April 2020.
NUMBER FIVE: FITZBILLIES
Quintessentially Cambridge, Fitzbillies is *the* place to go if you’re craving a sweet treat. “Famously sticky Chelsea buns since 1920”, Fitzbillies’ Chelsea buns are, dare I proclaim, world-renowned. As soon as you bite into these cinnamon bundles of joy, a syrupy, caramel sweetness oozes in your mouth. It’s an explosion of cinnamon, citrus and spice …which your taste buds will love you for. Accompany your decadent dessert with a cup of their Fitzbillies blend coffee for a winning afternoon tea. Delicious is an understatement.
NUMBER FOUR: STEM & GLORY
Stem & Glory is one of the only fully vegan restaurants in Cambridge and it continually features on my Foodsta – and for good reason. It’s a cute cafe situated just round the corner from Sidney Sussex College & Jesus College and the interior creates a calm, beach vibe. This hotspot’s brunch menu provides a healthy, yet filling, vegan twist to traditional brunch favourite. Their smoothie bowls are topped with crunchy granola, fresh berries and a mixed berry compote, thus creating a healthy & yummy dish to fuel you for your day ahead. Pictured is their berry booster – a fruity mix filled with a burst of berries, sweet banana and refreshing mango. They also now have a London location which I really need to visit.
NUMBER THREE: HOT NUMBERS
Hot Numbers’ menus are always evolving and combine unique twists with traditional homely favourites – think their spiced porridge or their much loved & pictured MATCHA PANCAKES… which NEED to serve a comeback.
Many of you have been reminiscing about the matcha pancake days, so here’s an ode to the Hot Numbers favourite. A tower of three spongey matcha infused pancakes sit in a sea of juicy blackberries, cooling kiwi and sensational strawberries. Orange flowers and leafy greens are dotted throughout the dish; Granola is sprinkled over the tremendous tower, whilst pomegranate seeds rest peacefully on top of the centre piece. To add the “icing” on the PAN”cake”, a gooey Nutella chocolate sauce is drizzled on top of this scrummy stack.
NUMBER TWO: ESPRESSO LIBRARY
Feeling super hungry? Been on an early morning cycle? Wanting a healthy brunch to compensate for the night before? Espresso Library ticks all of the boxes. Their menu features “porridge like no other” – a delicious blend of organic almond milk, gooey dates and is tastily topped with slices of banana, almond flakes, and a sprinkle of chia seeds. Wanting a boost to your day? Their power granola, served with berry compote, Greek yoghurt and coconut flakes will boost your energy levels for the day ahead.
Espresso library is a true melting pot – a fusion cycling cafe, art gallery, coffee shop, study space and bar, it brings together the local Cambridge community, meaning you never know who you will bump into. In true Cambridge fashion, bicycles hang from the ceiling- reflecting co-owner John’s passion for road cycling. It really is an innovative space, perfect for getting your creative juices flowing as you sip on their artisan coffee.
WINNER: THE LOCKER CAFE
Undeniably the BEST avocado toast in Cambridge, Locker is THE place to go. How can you beat customising your very own avocado toast?! The vegan avocado toast is more of a guacamole, and rests on their perfectly toasted, crispy bread. Top with chilli flakes and a poached egg for a healthy breakfast. Or add mushrooms and peppers if you’re feeling super hungry.
Locker has such a homely vibe to it. The staff are always chirpy, happy and smiling and sure will lift your mood. Indeed, Locker was founded by father & son John & Adam, and the espresso cups, coffee cups and water cups are all hand made by John.
If you’re looking for a quiet study spot, where you can eat and study with friends, Locker is the place to go. The background music is just right for studying- it’s not too loud so that you can’t concentrate, but it’s not so quiet such that you feel like you’re in a library. Fun fact – Locker Cafe used to *always* play I Dare You by The XX which was s.u.c.h. a v.i.b.e.
