Novi
Novi is an independent café-bar on Regent Street, a couple of minutes from Parker's Piece. Downstairs works as a daytime café for brunch, cake and coffee, and upstairs becomes a lounge bar in the evening, with table service and cocktails made with house syrups.
Photos
Liz Tan
Day: brunch and coffee
Novi opened in 2015 on the site of the old Fountain pub, styled as a continental café-bar with clean, Scandinavian-inspired interiors. During the day the downstairs space serves breakfast and brunch, cakes and coffee, and it is a useful spot to sit with a laptop between sightseeing. It was set up by owner Matthew Knight as an independent, design-led business rather than part of a group, and the cafe floor was planned with fast broadband for people who want to work. Small sharing plates with global influences run alongside the brunch menu.
Night: cocktails upstairs
In the evening the upstairs lounge takes over, with comfy seating and table service. The cocktail list leans on botanical flavours and syrups made in-house, and small sharing plates are served alongside. It stays open late, so it suits a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.
Where it fits
Regent Street links the station side of town with the centre, so Novi is handy on the walk in. Parker's Piece is across the road for a picnic or stroll, and the University Arms is next door. Hotels on Regent Street are close by if you are staying in town.
Highlights
- Independent, design-led café-bar
- Brunch and coffee by day
- Upstairs cocktail lounge with table service
- Opposite Parker's Piece
Good to know
- Upstairs lounge has table service in the evenings.
- Busy at weekends for brunch.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: cambsedition.co.uk