Travel Report: Fudge Kitchen, Cambridge.

May 2019. How could I have left Cambridge without popping into the amazing Fudge Kitchen on King’s Parade? Back in the mid noughties, I had an annual tradition of coming here to grab some of the best fudge in the country. In those days it was known as Jim Garrahy’s Fudge Kitchen and it was Jim himself who used to greet me with his Irish-American charms.

Fudge Kitchen, Cambridge.

Jim launched the store in 1983 with a blend of American style fudge based on an 1830 recipe. Although the precise details of his creation remain largely under lock and key, we do know that the use of whipped cream instead of butter gives the fudge its creamy, soft texture and distinctive flavour.

Fudge Kitchen, Cambridge.

Fudge Kitchen, Cambridge.

Sadly, Jim passed away and in 2010 the company became Fudge Kitchen as part of a nationwide expansion. Nevertheless, they still stick to Jim’s philosophy of doing the cooking on traditional stoves. And, of course, cutting the fudge by hand on marble slabs right in front of customers. Apparently, around twenty five tonnes of fresh fudge makes its way out of these doors every year!

Fudge Kitchen, Cambridge.

It was reassuring to see that Fudge Kitchen hasn’t reinvented the wheel. And that, for the most part, my experience was much as I remembered from my last visit fifteen years ago.

When I entered that day with my old friend Mike, there was a batch of Classic Fudge bubbling away in a traditional copper pot. The delicious smell filled the shop, forcing us into mischievous glances. There was only ever going to be one outcome…

Fudge Kitchen, Cambridge.

For FK newbies, there’s usually someone on hand to explain the fudge making process. Plus a jovial employee often stands outside the shop on King’s Parade handing out free samples. He or she will no doubt assure you that their fudge is made up of natural ingredients, with no preservatives. Furthermore, Fudge Kitchen is vegetarian friendly and gluten free, while customers can enquire about vegan flavours.

Fudge Kitchen, Cambridge.

What To See & Do Cambridge.

Mike and I agonised over which flavours to choose. Finally, I opted for some classic, a wedge of sea salted caramel and a lump of chocolate. The dude at the register wrapped everything up in wax paper, popped it into a beautiful box and then bagged it for good measure. I would love to tell you that this obscene amount of fudge lasted at least a few days. But you know, I’d be lying.

Fudge Kitchen, Cambridge.

You can find Fudge Kitchen right across from King’s College. They also have shops in Bath, Canterbury, Edinburgh, Oxford, Windsor and York. For more details, including their interactive fudge making experience, check out their website.

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