It’s nearly five years since Stir opened up shop on Chesterton Road, bringing a much-needed coffee haven to this buzzing corner of Cambridge. The brainchild of owner Judith Harrison, Stir has flourished during its short lifetime and after a taste of the coffee (sourced from Butterworth & Son in Bury St Edmunds) and a whiff of the freshly-baked bread (made daily at Stir’s onsite bakery) it’s easy to see how this independent coffee house has become something of a local gem.
Judith and her family moved to Chesterton 15 years ago and always believed the neighbourhood needed a coffee shop. An HR professional at the time, Judith decided to take what she admits was ‘a massive punt’ and began researching opportunities to open up one of her own. After much searching the now Stir building became available and fast forward a few years, it’s serving delicious food and drinks seven days a week and has a team of over 20 staff.
Next door, its busy bakery provides all the bread and pastries for the café as well as serving the public and retail customers. It received the accolade of ‘Best Bakery’ in Cambridgeshire in the National Bakery Awards in 2019, and adapting to the COVID outbreak, now sells its bakery goods online as well with free delivery within Cambridge.
From the start Judith was determined to create a place where people from the local area and beyond could go to enjoy great food and drink, but above all be made to feel very welcome and experience great customer service. And Stir does just that. Step inside and you’ll see workers enjoying a flat white and the ever-popular ‘Big Brunch Board’ over their laptop, alongside parents and kiddies recharging with a delicious pastry and hearty smoothie.
If you haven’t yet visited Stir, what are you waiting for? You won’t be disappointed.
Stir Cambridge
253, Chesterton Road
Cambridge
CB4 1BG
Tel: 01223 778530
stircambridge.co.uk
Run by long-term residents with a true passion for Cambridge and the independent scene, Indie Cambridge is the only organisation and website dedicated solely to supporting and promoting indie businesses in the city – and beyond. Their site features hundreds of traders and tradespeople, artists and makers, producers, venues and events – all of which play a part in the real life of the city and local area. Packed with valuable insider knowledge, it also features a list of indie businesses offering online shopping, click and collect and local delivery.
Read the latest issue of The Indie magazine or click here for places where you can pick up a free copy. Alternatively, have it delivered direct to your door by joining IndieClub - just £12 for three issues a year, then sit back, relax and enjoy a most civilised read.