Class times

Arrival time for the class is 10am with the class starting at 10:15am. Bacon sandwiches and tea and coffee will be served on arrival between 10am and 10:15am.  The class will finish about 5:30pm. Sometimes we may run beyond 5:30pm. 

Location and getting here

Meat Smoke Fire HQ is in the garden of our house. We’re located approximately 1 mile from the A14 north of Cambridge on the main road (B1049) through the village. Coming from the A14, drive for approximately 1 mile and the house is about 50m after the war memorial on the left. Our neighbours are number 72 so don’t be fooled by this. The speed limit from the A14 starts at 40 mph, drops to 30mph as you come over the bridge and then drops to 20mph.  There are two large white 20 mph signs painted on the road – we’re approximately 25m on the left after the second set of road markings.  Your sat nav will probably direct you about 100m past our house.  

26 Water Lane
Histon
Cambridge
CB24 9LR 

Tel: 07446 960303

When you arrive just ring the doorbell by the front door, don’t worry if you’re early.

If you’re coming by train and taxi then go to Cambridge station. A taxi from there is about £15. Whilst Cambridge North Station is closer, there isn’t a taxi rank.

What to wear

The majority of the class will take place outside. Therefore please bring appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. It’s much better to have extra layers with you and not need them than to feel cold for the whole day. Not all of the BBQ area is covered so please make sure your have a waterproof should the weather be inclement.

Please make sure you wear sensible shoes for cooking, no high heels and no open toed sandals. You will be standing for a lot of the day so make sure you wear something comfortable.

I will provide everyone with aprons so you can protect your clothes and stay clean.

If it’s going to be sunny please bring suncream, the BBQ area is a bit of a sun trap. Don’t forget sunglasses and feel free to bring a camera.

Parking

There is ample parking for 6+ cars on the drive. Please park sensibly with three cars on the left-hand side and two on the right. The last one to arrive can park in the centre of the drive and block everyone else in. Parking on the verge is also fine.

Food and refreshments

The class will start with bacon sandwiches cooked either on the Big Green Egg or the OFYR.

Tea, coffee and cold drinks will be available throughout the day. You can just help yourself to these.

We will be eating what we cook and there will be salads to go with lunch. Be prepared to graze your way through the day.  Depending on how much you manage to eat, there may be leftoevers, which we will box up for you to take home, so you may wish to bring a small cool bag.

While we don’t cater specifically for allergies, please do inform us if you suffer from any food allergies. We can then tell you which dishes contain which of the 14 allergens. We will not tailor a class specifically but we may be able to work with you.

Local Accommodation

Histon is a small village about 3 miles from the centre of Cambridge. There are too many options in Cambridge to list. However in the village we have:

• The Red Lion pub – this has some external accommodation at the back of the garden. The pub is a 5 minute walk from Meat Smoke Fire HQ. It’s a very traditional pub with great beers but standard pub food.
• Cambridge Shepherd’s Hut – if you’re looking for something a little different, how about a boutique shepherd’s hut in the garden of a 400-yr old thatched cottage, This is a 10 minute walk from Meat Smoke Fire HQ
• The Holiday Inn – this is by the A14 next to a fishing lake. It’s under a mile from Meat Smoke Fire HQ, off the same village road. At the moment there is work being carried out widening the A14. The hotel has a restaurant, pool and gym.

Outside the village but within easy reach:

• The Fellows Hotel, a member of the Hilton group. One of our customers said it was the best hotel they’d ever stayed in. It’s not cheap though. It’s about 3 miles away.
• Crown and Punchbowl, Horningsea – just a couple of junctions along the A14, this is a lovely pub/restaurant. They also have accommodation. The food is very good.
• The Old Bridge Hotel in Huntingdon – they have accommodation and the food is excellent. This is about 20 miles away and quite an expensive cab ride. 
• Hilton Cambridge City Centre – located in the centre of Cambridge.  Ideal if you want to explore the City during your stay.
• The Graduate (formerly The Garden House Hotel) – located in the centre of Cambridge, adjacent to the river.  Perfect location for being in the centre of Cambridge.
• Premier Inn, Orchard Park, budget option, located on the Cambridge side of the A14, junction 32 for Histon.
• Travelodge. Orchard Park, budget option, located on the Cambridge side of the A14, junction 32 for Histon.

Of course there are many B&B’s available and I can recommend using AirB&B to book them. I use the service all the time for work and pleasure trips. If you follow and book through this link you’ll make a saving on your first booking – book on AirB&B.

Local places to eat if you’re staying

We’re blessed with a lot of good food locally. Highlights for me are:

• The Boot – This brasserie and pub is just 5 mins from Meat Smoke Fire HQ. It’s part of the White Group, owned by Raymond Blanc. The food is good and reasonable. It’s one of the best places to eat in the village.
• The Pint Shop – a fab restaurant in Cambridge City centre specialising is great beer and good food. They have Big Green Eggs that get used in the summer time evenings.
• Crown and Punchbowl, Horningsea – just a couple of junctions along the A14, this is a lovely pub/restaurant. They also have accommodation. The food is very good.
• Midsummer House – If you really want to push the boat out then this 2 star Michelin is worth a visit, I’ve eaten there. Daniel Clifford is the executive chef and is no stranger to the Big Green Egg, I think he owns at least 7. It’s expensive though, my 10 course lunch for 2 people with matched wines was £440.