Melt your choosen ones heart by making a token of affection for them?

Join us for this 2 hour workshop with Artistry in Cocoa. You will learn tempering, rolling and decorating chocolate. Take away as much as you can make – you may have more than one Valentine to cater for? Please email us for details or call 01223 212462. 6th Feb – 6.30pm to 8.30pm – £30 inclusive.

 Book now for a place as we are limited to 12 places. If you’d like to have your own or company workshop then please email for details. Great way to bond over chocolate !

Alternatively – why not woo that special person with an evening spent eating  wonderful Pavitt’s Pies of Cambridge. Choose from six delicious fillings.

We ran this event last year, which was a great success! The shop used in the evenings creates an intimate environment where you can ask to be seated either in one of our window seats for two or why not share a table and meet new folk or bring some friends? A double proposal maybe?

This romantic setting for the evening with memorable food is just a lovely way to spend the night, no crowded, overpriced menus , red roses on the tables here !

Book early as places are limited. The evening will include a glass of fizz on arrival, nibbles while you anticipate your pies! Your pre-ordered pie of choice will arrive with a healthy serving of champ mash, red onion & red wine gravy and peas. Dessert is care of Afternoon Tease – where I am sure there will be some hearts involved!  Please email us for more details – info@urbanlarder.co.uk  or call me on 01223 212462.

We had a great night on Burns Night with an intimate supper. Donald Wilson from the Scottish Society and his lovely wife Pat, kindly agreed to see us through with all the traditional toasts and rituals.

The evening began with a welcome glass of fizz and a chance for people to meet. Being such a small venue, these evenings become more like an  supper club, with friends being made and a chance to meet new people in general. Very relaxed and informal, something we look to grow for sure.

Our host, Donald, declared the evening open and guests were seated. The Selkirk Grace, a well-known thanksgiving said before meals, using the Scots language followed and we served the first course. A Cock-a-leekie soup, a hearty broth of leeks and chicken, enhanced by adding both prunes wild black rice, which added texture to the soup.

Glasses were then charged with a dram of local whisky from the award winning local Norfolk distillery , English Whisky Company.

The sounds of the pipes (care of the iPod sadly, next year will get the real thing), saw the arrival of the Haggis – from Mac Sweens. Again next year, we will buy locally as just found out that The Radmore Farm Shop make their own! Mac Sweens however was truly delicious and also offer an excellent vegetarian version.

With loud piped music, the piping hot haggis is traditionally bought forward to the ‘host’ in this case Donald and a toast is said to both the chef, in this case me, then the recital of the Address to a Haggis. This actually was a lot longer than I expected and was anxious not to burn the whisky sauce that was heating up! All turned out fine as Donald raised his silver knife and with the line ‘ An ‘cut you up wi’ ready slicht, ‘ plunges into my plate of steaming haggis and the food can be served.

We decided to go with The Hairy Bikers‘ recipe of haggis, neeps, tatties and whisky sauce. Huge servings went down well and surprisingly they were still hungry for more………. Cranachan – This traditional Scottish dessert of oats, cream, whisky and raspberries is a delicious alternative to trifle.

Coffee  is served and one final Toast to the Lassies. This was originally a short speech given by a male guest in thanks to the women who had prepared the meal. In this case it was one guest to another, replied by a Toast to the Laddies!

To finish off the evening we all stood and sang, yes sang, Robert Burns’s Auld Lang Syne, who knew it that he wrote this? It was a lovely warm evening with lots of fun, good conversation and food.

And the good news is …… Haggis is not just for Burns Night, just found a site that has lots of recipes for alternative uses for it ……don’t worry we will give you time to digest.

We hope to be holding lots more evenings similar to this , where we can offer an intimate friendly environment for you. Open for pirvate bookings/birthday parties/book clubs etc.

Our next couple of events include a ‘Chocolate Making Workshop’ on the 6^th February and then our annual Valentines Pavitts Pies of Cambridge Night on the 14^th February. How can you not be romantic when there’s pies involved!

See website and facebook page for more details on all events and activities in the shop.

I will try to keep this brief…… a quick update as to what is happening  during the rest of December.

We would like to thank everyone who stopped and came to eat and/or visit the shop during the Mill Road Winter Fair. We had our best event ever! Selling out of our pulled pork completely by 3pm and going on to sell gallons of our spiced cider till the end of day. It was a great day and atmosphere, really goes to show what a supportive and local community we live in. Talking of Cambridge Independents – Have you seen the new book of this name?

Here’s a link to our page of this fantastic new book http://www.independent-cambridge.co.uk/directory/urban-larder.htm – come and buy your copy from the shop and you’ll get it gift wrapped free this month!  Great original present too…………

Pavitt’s Pies of Cambridge have announced their Christmas Special pies – these can be bought in the shop or order for collection on both the 21^st and 24^th December. All of their pies are perfect cooked from frozen, so perfect for all occasions. Their regular selection include three vegetarian options too – take a look, http://www.pavittspies.co.uk/our-pies/ . A pie for everyone!

Christmas Pies -

Turkey and cranberry with a sausage meat stuffing (filled with chestnuts, apricots and thyme)  or  Parsnip and cranberry with a breadcrumb stuffing (filled with chestnuts, walnuts and sage) Individual pies £4.20 , Sharing (between 6-8 people) £14.50.

Lots of vegetarian options just in from Simply Natural Cuisine – Berry Glazed Nut Roast, Spinach Mushroom Chestnut Strudel, Cashew Chestnut Strudel and Asparagus & Stilton Wellington.

On the food front we have sitting on the counter – packs of home-made minced pies from Josie our lovely W.I baker – ‘so you don’t have to bake your own’ basically – also some yummy Christmas puddings by her and a couple of individual Christmas Puddings and individual Christmas Cakes – beautifully boxed up to give or send to someone either spending Christmas alone or maybe abroad so they don’t forget you or our traditions.

Seasonality are about to deliver their scrummy fig relish, The Pickled Village has lots of choices of unusual jams, pickles, relishes and Marmalades – Christmas Cheer Chutney, warming fruity, spicy and festive. Red Rapscallion- red onion marmalade with redcurrants and chillies.  Tasting notes: This unusual condiment is perfect with game and hot sausages but also a wonderful accompaniment to cold meats and cheeses. Cuban Mojito Breakfast – lime marmalade with mint and white rum. Special offer of three in a box for only £10.00 till Christmas.

Stuck for those awkward people to buy for? Why not give them a gift voucher to one of our ‘Make your own Sourdough’ courses with Loaf for Life? The next one will be running on the 22^nd January then the 19^th February. It’s a three hour course (6.30pm to 9.30pm) covering every aspect of making, keeping, flavouring, using your very own sourdough made on the night. You also get to try different ones, some dating back 200 years and some more recent bought from the shelves at Waitrose. It’s a lovely evening and an original present. For more information or to collect a voucher for either this or just a straight forward voucher for the shop, to spend on whatever they choose, come into the shop anytime or email me on info@urbanlarder.co.uk

And lastly, as I am sure you are busy ……………….. Free Range Christmas Turkeys and Chickens can be ordered from us now. Turkey is £10.80 per kilo and chicken, £7.50 Ready for your collection on the 22nd December onwards.       Please ask about other meats or game and I can get you a price. A 20% deposit is required on all meat ordered please.

And lastly…………….. the shop will be open every Thursday night for soup night and late night shopping until 9pm. We will also stay open late on Friday 21^st December for any last minute needs. We will be serving home-made Lemoncello, spiced cider and seasonally inspired cakes along with a Christmassy inspired soundtrack to kick start the Christmas break. Please make a date in your diary to pop in if only to say hello……….. would be nice.Lots of Fair Trade paper chains left – currently beautifully gracing our ceiling in the shop – Such fun!  Don’t forget lots of hampers, stocking fillers, original crafts and pure wool blankets, Cheeses, biscuits, chocolate and tons more! Thank you for reading to the end and look forward to seeing you before Christmas.

At last! A website (and don’t forget to buy the book!) dedicated to the fabulous range independent traders our Cambridge has to offer. Take a quick tour and you’ll be amazed at the diversity. For example did you know that we have both a specialist bow maker and a specialist violin maker? There are unique boutique hotels, bustling communities of craftspeople and artists; beautiful thriving little cafes tucked away in the back streets and no less than six thrilling annual cultural events to discover. Enjoy your trip and happy shopping.

http://www.independent-cambridge.co.uk/directory/urban-larder.htm

Pop in and buy your pre-wrapped copy from us up to Christmas!

£7.99 per copy – Two for £14.50

Lots going on this month as you would expect. Starting off with the Mill Road Winter Fair on Saturday 1^st where we plan on feeding you some delicious pulled pork in soft white babs with home-made coleslaw, helped down with a glass of spiced cider. For the veggies we have lots of yummy Spanakopita and salads and more….. Inside the shop. The Galloping Chef will be there as always with those favourite warming sausage rolls, pasties and pork pies. Perfect for the kids. There will plates full of ‘sweet treats’ too so please come on by. Inside the shop are lots of foodie and gift ideas for Christmas. Colourful beautifully made ‘fair-trade’ Indian paper chains and papier-mâché Christmas Decs !

Hampers, Cheeses, Chutneys, Pickles and Jams. Homemade minced pies, Individual Christmas Puddings and Cakes, for those non sharers!  Pure wool Celtic weave and traditional throws for the back of the sofa and over your knees, draft excluders and soft cushions. Perfect for these Romsey houses and a unique and welcomed gift I’m sure.

Stock up on over four different types of locally sourced apple juice from Cam Valley Orchards; get in lots of handmade chocolate treats like buttons and bars from our again local Artistry in Cocoa, of Newmarket. They make our scrummy hot chocolate…………. Come and view work from local artists and designers that now sit proudly on our shelves and mini larder cupboard space!

Other activities this month sees a special shopping night on the 4^th of December where we invite in some external suppliers to give you even more reason not to head into the crowded streets of town this year. There will be two rails brimming with funky and original clothing and accessories from great names such as Ghost, Patrick Cox and Diesel. Lots of pretty and sexy outfits from ‘Brand You’ , with the extra introductory styling service offered from Helen our in house ‘Gok Wan’ ! I have been privy and a willing subject to her wonderful ‘make over’ skills, she has a great eye for colour and style and can put together the most spectacular outfit out of nowhere!? Has to been seen to be believed, trust her she knows her stuff. So why not grab a friend and come down for a new outfit from either Helen or Revital for those unexpected invites over Christmas.

Oh and there’s lots of gift ideas from the lovely Christine from Made in Provence, Jewellery from Stella and Dot, as seen on the ‘X factor’. Share with us a glass of mulled wine and lots of tasters…………. Christmas doesn’t have to be a chore anymore. Oh and did I forget to mention, for those really tricky people to buy for, why not get them a place on one of our ‘Make your own Sourdough’ with Peter Voshol from Loaf for Life. This evening has already been running very successfully and will continue next year.

There are lots of new things planned for the New Year too, but more on this in the next newsletter …… New Baker, a pop up event with the Punter Pub’s chef Ben Pope, more unique supper evenings and workshops.

Ahhh lastly talking of workshops, Emma Bennett, known for some already I am sure , is coming to the Larder on December 9^th . Laden with lots of colourful papers and added bits , she will be running a workshop for children to make in collage their own unique Christmas card for their loved ones. Lots of fun for two hours so why not book Dad/Mum, Granny or friend , to take the kids off while you shop, rest or simple do nothing while we entertain them. Juice and biscuits will be on hand and coffees and breakfast for the adults.  Lots more details on the website or please pop in and ask. Look forward to seeing you this side of Christmas and will bring your more news of future events soon.

Christmas Turkeys and special meats and game are all available, please just ask.

Life at the Larder: Winter 2012

November 2012

With the festive season within arms’ reach, we’ve got heaps planned! So here are all of the dates for your diary. Places are limited at our special events, so pop in and make a reservation next time you are passing or give us a call on 01223 212 462. We look forward to seeing you!

Late night openings have started in the Larder!  At dusk Mill Road comes into its own, so and get involved and enjoy some great British suppers, including stews, soups and pastas as well as the Larder’s usual menu. Staying open until 9pm, later if demanded; Thursday’s Soup Kitchen will have two hearty, healthy soups on offer, served in our organic bread bowls and Friday sees the arrival of our long-awaited Vinyl Night, bring your own favourites or listen to our eclectic collection. A great way to spend a chilly evening with friends and family. Neither of these evenings needs to be booked, please feel free to just pop in and shop as usual – the aim is to hold two informal supper/shopping evenings up until Christmas.

November

Throughout November; Thursday until 9pm Soup Kitchen and Friday until 9pm Vinyl Nights

Wed 7                  Pavitt’s Pie and Mash night – £20/head: includes supper and pudding. BYO alcohol.

Tue 13                 Loaf for Life Bakery: Sourdough Workshop 18:30 – 21:30

Back due to popular demand, Peter Voshol, accomplished baker, will take you through the various stages of sourdough, including how to develop and maintain your own sourdough starter.

To book, call us on 01223 212 462 or email info@urbanlarder.co.uk. Places are limited.

Wed 21               Pavitt’s Pie and Mash night - £20/head: includes supper and pudding. BYO alcohol.

Tue 11        Loaf for Life Bakery: Sourdough Workshop 18:30 – 21:30

Back due to popular demand, Peter Voshol, accomplished baker, will take you through the various stages of sourdough, including how to develop and maintain your own sourdough starter.
Unfortuanatly this course has had to be cancelled but two new dates for the New Year on our next newsletter.

To book, call us on 01223 212 462 or email info@urbanlarder.co.uk. Places are limited.

Other News – The shelves are filling up with lots of new stock. Plenty of Christmas ideas both from our local food companies and local artists.  Jo Clarke, Emma Bennett and Rachel Thompson bring us colourful and imaginative ranges of cards, notebooks, bags, hand painted individual houses, perfect for those new house owners!  Rachel also likes to capture your home in ink with a commissioned line drawing, presented in two sizes.

Currently being put together are some small hamper choices – wicker baskets of great present ideas for those who have everything! Tea Pigs t-bags, an individual mug and some handmade biscuits – perfect for that uncle that’s so hard to buy for. Truckle Cheese company cheese, biscuits and a delicious pickle or relish.

For the chocolate lover why not treat them to some handmade bars, a packet of hot chocolate and some giant buttons! For the really hard to buy for why not give them a voucher either for the shop so they can choose their own or come in for lunch one day or alternatively treat them to a place on one of our sourdough making courses or a place with you to come to one of our Pavitt’s Pie and Mash Nights !

Gracing our freezers are a new selection of top quality ready meals from Tom’s Pantry – dishes include Lamb Tagine, Green Curry, Beef and Ale Pie and Lasagne – all made with ample of top quality local ingredients . (Gluten Free) Simply Natural Cuisine will also be delivering soon a tasty range of wellingtons and strudels for all those less impressed with the turkey option! Berry Glazed Nut Roast, Asparagus & Stilton Wellington, Walnut Cashew & Chestnut Wellington, Spinach Mushroom & Chestnut Strudel are just some of their offerings.

Good news for all those gluten and wheat free people out there, Mandy’s Kitchen continues to stock us with their flavoursome quiches and pasties and soon to come mince pies and Christmas puddings. The puddings will need to be ordered but the rest will be regular stock. Other excellent news on this front is that Mellynbakes will be back in production in the New Year! Following some hiccups this very popular company will be bringing us once more their quiches, frangipanes, ‘mellatas’, fish pies, biscotti’s and more ! So a great start to the New Year ahead.

More news to come in December – currently preparing for the Mill Road Winter Fair – so please put a note in your diary to be there on the 1st December for lots of surprises, good food and music!

Find us at 9 The Broadway, Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3NA or online at www.urbanlarder.co.uk 01223 212 462 or info@urbanlarder.co.uk

Normal Opening Hours:

Monday     12:00 – 17:00

Tues – Wed         10:00 – 18:00

Thurs – Fri 10:00 – 21:00

Sunday                11:00 – 17:00