My GP is always nagging me to take statins. As I get older, doctors are increasingly concerned with helping me avoid a heart attack or stroke. And, of course, they’re completely right to be, as I’ve been diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (an inherited genetic disease that leads to high cholesterol levels).
The issue is that I simply can’t tolerate statins. I’ve tried every different type to no avail and, even when I only take them on alternate days, I’m faced with nasty side effects like muscle cramps, acid reflux, and insomnia. Over a year ago, I was referred to a Lipid Clinic in Cambridge and finally had my appointment the other week. And I was so surprised to learn that there are lots of other medications I can try.
Having had a complete blood count, I’m waiting to hear back, but it looks like I’ll be trying bempedoic acid and ezetimibe, which you take in tandem and should do a similar job to statins – I’ll let you know how I get on.
Anyway, I’d received an invitation to try out Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street, Cambridge, so what better way to reward myself and my husband (and, of course, our dog, Rollo) after the appointment than by trying one of Cambridge’s best-known lunch spots? Fitzbillies is something of a Cambridge institution.
Opened in 1920 by Ernest and Arthur Mason, it’s renowned for its ultra-sticky Chelsea buns, and everything is baked in-house.
We decided to do the green thing and use the Trumpington park-and-ride service as Cambridge Council is cycling mad and car parks are ruinously expensive. The park-and-ride car park was so enormous it felt a bit like parking at the airport when you go on holiday!
The brand new buses are frequent, have phone charging outlets in the back of the seats, and with my over-60s bus pass, it was free. We didn’t even have to pay for Rollo, who jumped on quite happily and sat on Daddy’s lap, gazing out of the window.
We had absolutely no idea where Fitzbillies or Trumpington Street was, but our friendly driver promised us he wouldn’t let us overshoot, and, in fact, the bus stop was practically outside Fitzbillies’ front door. Our host was called Oliver and he showed us to a lovely little corner table at the back of the room. Rollo could tuck himself away under the table, and Oliver brought him a bowl of water.
Oliver has been working at Fitzbillies for over four years and loves it. He said, “I meet so many different and interesting people – university professors, tourists, and visitors to Cambridge.” He’s also the proud owner of a rescue pup so was quite happily chatting away to Rollo in between serving.
The décor at Fitzbillies isn’t glitzy or over the top; it’s friendly and functional whilst attractive and comfortable. It’s commonly frequented by students, tourists, and older adults like us who are having a lovely, unhurried sit down whilst enjoying a day shopping.
So, down to brunch. My husband, Malcolm, opted for the special – toasted sourdough bread piled high with scrambled eggs, garlic chestnut mushrooms, and crispy bacon. I chose a Fitzbillies toasted Chelsea bun (actually, three of them!) which was served with crispy bacon, halloumi cheese, and maple syrup.
Our coffee and elderflower lemonade was served promptly. Malcolm was in garlic heaven and his scrambled eggs were divine (yes, I tried them). In fact, Malcolm’s special looked so appealing that other customers, coming over to say hello to Rollo, ordered it as well, and Oliver was recommending it to everyone he served.
All the food was delicious and we could’ve sat there all day – I really wanted to have afternoon tea, too, but sadly Rollo needed a walk. Reluctantly, we said our goodbyes and left. But not before buying a box of yummy macarons to take home.
Fitzbillies has two other shops in Cambridge – there’s one on Bridge Street (right by the River Cam), which is perfect for a pre-punt treat, and one on King’s Parade, right outside King’s College Chapel.
With Fitzbillies’ Chelsea buns now world-famous, they’ve introduced some new flavours. There’s blueberry cheesecake, cheese and Marmite (sorry, but no), and every month there’s a different limited edition flavour – how about strawberries and cream? And if I’ve got your taste buds tingling, you can buy Fitzbillies’ products online. Oh, and I nearly forgot, they also sell fancy cakes that come with a collectable Fitzbillies cake tin.
On a completely separate note, I’m so excited! I’ve been invited to the opening night of Plied and Prejudice in London in March. And I can’t wait. Straight from a sold-out run in Australia, a cast of five play 20 characters in this hilarious re-incarnation of Austen’s classic tale as never seen before.
This is Darcy’s booziest ball and with drinks and laughter thrown in, I don’t know whether Elizabeth Bennett would’ve approved. Although, we can be sure that her younger sister, Lydia, certainly would have!
As I keep telling everyone, I’ve watched the BBC adaption of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice over and over again – especially that wet shirt scene with Colin Firth as Darcy emerging from the lake! Though, my favourite scenes involve the dances – the costumes, the music, and the elegance – what I wouldn’t give to have been a Regency lady…a wealthy one, of course!
I’ve never taken part in an immersive theatre experience before, and I simply can’t wait. Stand by for a full report, featuring glorious photographs and an in-person review!
Have you been to Fitzbillies? Are you planning to see Plied and Prejudice? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.