Ely is known for many things; its stunning cathedral, the beautiful fenland countryside, and its copious amount of tea rooms. It wasn’t, however, historically well known for being a foodie hub, especially after that infamous Muscle Food magazine piece a few years ago which dared to cite Ely as one of the worst foodie spots in the country (something I thoroughly rebutted – here). Since then, the city has been on a mission to prove them wrong – and it is winning!

Accessible for all!

But the real reason Ely is winning isn’t just the food; it is the accessibility. The city planners here actually seem to understand what makes a high street thrive. While Cambridge looks to alienate residents with congestion charges, closing random roads and bridges, and extortionate fees in a vain attempt to keep you out, Ely still offers free parking and keeps things accessible. It is a city designed for real people – whether you want to quickly pop in for something important or spend the day at your own pace.

Remarkably, the free parking rarely results in congestion in Ely. I am almost always able to find a space, and more importantly, I no longer have that underlying anxiety about getting back to my car. We’ve all been there in other cities: that constant cat-and-mouse game between the driver and the council where you feel like they are just waiting for you to slip up. There is no fear here of being charged another £4 for an extra hour of parking or worrying that you’ve misunderstood a purposely complex parking sign, only to be welcomed back to your car with a ticket. In Ely, that “them and us” stress is gone. It allows families to pop in and stroll around without feeling like they are being watched by a ticking clock. No wonder I keep finding people who live on the outskirts of Cambridge shopping here. They would rather drive a bit further and not deal with the faff.

If you don’t want to drive, the transport links are just as stress-free. The train station is only a twelve-minute journey from Cambridge, followed by a scenic ten-minute walk along the riverside straight into the centre. It makes the entire experience entirely hassle-free.

“Yeah, but Ely can’t keep up with Cambridge,” I hear you say.

Well, think again. Because the food scene in Ely is superb, in fact, I wrote about it now being a foodie hub in its own right. We have Sushi and Salad serving up what I’d argue is the best sushi in the county, a world famous tea room with Peacocks, and the award-winning Grain Culture (a bakery so good that many burger joints across Cambridgeshire use its buns for their burgers). If you want something more trendy, you can head to The Yard; a shipping-container destination perfect for live events or a family day out, serving up great food and drink with genuine Shoreditch vibes (yes, Ely isn’t just a sleepy town anymore).

We are seeing a new wave of energy hitting our permanent shopfronts too. The recent opening of Limora on Chequer Lane is a perfect example – a stylish, modern Mediterranean spot run by a family who have been part of our community for decades. New places are popping up all the time, including a brand-new restaurant opening right on the riverside and Gail’s bakery now on the High Street, proving that the momentum isn’t slowing down.

Foodie Friday’s

The beauty of the market remains at the heart of this, but the real runaway success has been the growth of Foodie Friday. What started as an initiative to breathe life back into the high street has turned into a massive draw for the city, with an energy and increasing popularity that even the Cambridge market cannot match. While Cambridge can often feel a little stale in comparison, Ely’s Foodie Friday feels alive.

I have met people at these events who have travelled from across East Anglia and even the Midlands just to see what all the hype is about. It has created a vibrant, social hub where you can still find Tibetan-style food from Tibet Flavour alongside independent legends like Manna Seoul offering Korean-style Kdogs or Al Chile.

Crucially, the organisers understand something that many others miss: the importance of space, which I think goes to the very heart of the attitude in Ely that others get wrong. Having an abundance of seating, tables, and deck chairs is a bigger deal than people think. We have all been to events where seating is purposely inadequate because the organisers don’t want you to hang around; they want you to empty your pockets and leave. At Foodie Friday, people stay for hours – talking, taking their time, and trying new food. This simple bit of understanding, combined with live music, turns a small market square into a genuine social event. It is why the atmosphere is so full of energy; people actually want to be a part of it.

Fairness for locals

But perhaps the most telling difference in how these two cities view their residents is found at the Cathedral. In Ely, the Cathedral remains free for locals to enter. It is a nod of respect to the very people who make this city what it is. Compare that to the colleges in Cambridge, which often feel like they are locking their gates and charging the very residents who live alongside them. By keeping the doors open, Ely allows its residents to be a true part of their own culture and identity.

A great place to live

Whereas many towns and cities have fallen to an abundance of chain restaurants, Ely is a place where small independent businesses run rife. From marvellous independent cheese shops to craft beer at Drayman’s Son or 3@3, you don’t have to hunt for quality; it is everywhere you look. The next time you want a stress-free day out, take the train or take advantage of the free parking. Take a walk along the river, visit the award-winning tea rooms, and embrace a city that is so much more than just a cathedral.

This is how the high street is supposed to be!