As we pack away the Christmas decorations and Dry January rolls around, there’s a new way to party in the city. “WONDER Take-over: New You and Dry January” is happening on Saturday 26 January at Cambridge University Centre on Granta Place, running from 2pm until late. This sober social is an event for everyone and revolves around good feelings rather than alcohol.
Created by friends Lisa Pollitt and Suzie Young, “WONDER Take-over” reflects a cultural shift and the fact that many people are now more mindful of their drinking habits or are avoiding alcohol for a multitude of reasons. Lisa and Suzie are both busy working mothers. They’re conscious of the choices they make about what goes into their bodies and whilst not teetotal, they both have periods of abstaining from alcohol. “We’ve witnessed unhealthy relationships with alcohol and we want to model something different for our kids,” Lisa tells me.
Inspired by the endorphin high they experienced at a 5 Rhythms dance class, Lisa and Suzie wanted to get that feeling again on a night out but when they couldn’t find an event without alcohol, they decided to set one up themselves from scratch, starting with a day event last July and following up with “Winter WONDER: The Alternative Christmas Party” in December.
So what can you expect from “WONDER Take-over”? A plethora of happenings designed to trigger your happy neurochemicals, raise your oxytocin levels and give you a natural buzz. There’ll be plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails with a vegan menu served up by Meatless street food van. Daytime workshops include Uplifting Joy Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Gong Bath. The evening kicks off with quick witted comedy from Cambridge Improv Factory, uplifting club classics, disco, house, funk and soul from DJs Paul Darking, MissChivers and Luna Love, immersive theatre sessions and dancefloor massages.
With an enthusiastic fan base of happy partygoers aged from 17 – 74, Lisa and Suzie have plans for more WONDER Festival events in Cambridge and possibly beyond. For details of “WONDER Take-over: New You and Dry January” and to book tickets, check out the website.
This post is part of my “New in Cambridge” column in the January issue of Velvet Magazine. Read more on http://www.velvetmag.co.uk
On the shelves when we visited were brioche, apple and raisin brioche buns, white and seeded sourdough breads, prosciutto and cheese croissants, mushroom and onion pastries and the sweetest little raspberry meringue kisses. Vegans are well catered for with vegan cakes and cookies plus lunchtime dishes such as freshly made spiced tofu and avocado sandwiches and butternut squash and avocado salad. The drinks menu offers a range of coffee, tea and soft drinks.
Magic is happening in the kitchen at Restaurant Twenty Two on Chesterton Road, just north of Midsummer Common. Chef Sam Carter and Alexandra Olivier, his partner in life and business, have refurbished this intimate space and offer creative modern British food with a twist, using seasonal ingredients from local suppliers. You’ll find seven and five course tasting menus alongside a la carte and a lunch menu which is exceptional value at £20 for three courses. Sam creates delectable flavours and textures in each dish and every plate of his food is a feast for the eyes too. It’s fine dining but Restaurant Twenty Two is not stuffy or starchy … it has a relaxed atmosphere and has quickly garnered an enthusiastic East Anglian fan base while also receiving rave reviews in the national press, so do book a table in advance. Your taste buds will thank you for it!
New in Cambridge 