Parked well away from the chain-strewn city centre, the independent Black Cat Café on Mill Road in Cambridge is a local institution amongst nearby Romsey residents. The inventive homemade cakes (Lemon and Cardamon, Gluten-free Chocolate and Almond) and other unfeasibly large offerings (think french toast with banana and bacon) made from local, organic and responsibly sourced ingredients make this cosy place a must for anyone visiting Cambridge.

Breakfast and lunch are magnificently catered for with the menu changing regularly to incorporate seasonal produce and the new inventions of the owner. There are also regular exhibits of work by local artists. I recently bought a sketch drawn by a local student – my first original art work, no less – so there is always something to peruse whilst you are chowing down on the tasty food.

For those in need of a caffeine fix, I challenge anyone to find a better flat white than those served at the Black Cat. Considering the fact I am currently living in New Zealand – one of the Antipodean homes of coffee served in this way – this is no mean feat for us instant-glugging Brits.

TiYK Top Tip! Go for the caramel coffee cake – a wholemeal coffee and chocolate cake full of dulce de leche. Sublime and not in the least bit fattening. Much.

Image courtesy of Matt Biddulph on Flickr