💬 This week from the Spotlight Team!

Hello, July — you sunny (and sometimes soggy) thing. School holidays are peeking over the horizon, the BBQ is being dragged out (again), and Peterborough’s summer buzz is in full swing — half garden party, half “where’s my brolly?”

Whether you’ve been catching the Euros at your local, planning a picnic that’ll probably need a plan B, or just enjoying a slower pace, we hope you’re soaking up the good bits.

This week’s issue is stuffed with local feel-good: a family-run gem that’s mixing cheese with community spirit, a charity that’s changing lives quietly but brilliantly, a picnic-perfect recipe, and all the local happenings worth pulling on your comfiest shoes for. Let’s dive in!

Nene Valley Brewery: A Short Hop for a Good Drop

Alright, this one’s technically just outside Peterborough, but it’s worth the few miles up the A605 to Oundle Wharf for a proper pint that’s brewed with care and local pride.

Family-run Nene Valley Brewery has been quietly perfecting its small-batch, gluten-free ales since 2012, pulling in awards and loyal locals along the way.

Their taproom is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and it’s exactly the kind of laid-back spot where you can sip a crisp ale, nibble a snack, and chat with the brewer who made your pint.

Getting there’s easy: it’s about a 25-minute drive from Peterborough, or if you fancy a car-free adventure, the X4 bus from Queensgate will drop you in Oundle with a short riverside stroll to the Wharf.

Perfect for a weekend escape without actually escaping too far.

Top tip: Try their Big Bang Theory APA or Egyptian Cream for a summery toast with your pals.

👉 Have a nose around here: nenevalleybrewery.com

Nominate Your Favourite Local Business

Do you have a favourite business in the Peterborough Area that deserves to be celebrated?

We want to shine a light on the hardworking local businesses that make our community special!

Whether it’s a cosy cafe, a dedicated service provider, or a unique boutique, we want to hear about it.

Submit your nominations for our "Local Business Spotlight" section in The Peterborough Spotlight!

Help us recognise the businesses that bring energy, creativity, and warmth to Peterborough. 

Tell us what makes them exceptional and why they deserve the spotlight!

Reply to this email with your nominations and a brief description to  – let’s lift up local Businesses!

Cathedral Summer Craft & Farmers’ Market

Where: Peterborough Cathedral Precinct, PE1 1XS

When: Friday 25 July (1 pm–8 pm) & Saturday 26 July (10 am–5 pm)
Local artisans, foodies, and makers take over the Cathedral grounds handcrafted jewellery, homewares, and stalls showcasing jams, breads, fudge, and more.

Entry is £3 (or £5 for early VIP), with proceeds supporting cathedral upkeep.

Live Music at The Ostrich Inn

When: Friday 4 July & Saturday 5 July, from 7:45 pm

Where: The Ostrich Inn, 17 North Street, PE1 2RA (just off Westgate, a stone’s throw from Queensgate)

A proper old-school pub with a cracking music lineup

Friday’s Halo and Saturday’s The Mighty & The High bring local tunes to the beer garden. Sheltered seating, real ales, good banter—this is where evenings stretch and toes tap.

Pick‑Your‑Own Strawberries at Hill Farm {Sadly Closed It Gates For Good After 52 Years Of Trading}

Where: Hill Farm PYO, Oundle Road, Chesterton, PE7 3UA – a scenic 10-minute drive or 20-minute cycle up the hill

Family-run for decades, this gem used to let you wander fields, pluck ripe berries, and taste-test as you go. 

Bring your own tub, nap in the sunshine, and maybe treat yourself to their farm shop’s fresh produce. 

But sadly we now must look else where for our summer strawberries let us know of any other PYO strawberries available and we will feature them on our Facebook Page or here in the news letter.

If you’re looking for proof that Peterborough’s got heart, look no further than Little Miracles.

Tucked away in Westwood, this family-run charity is a lifeline for parents and carers of children with additional needs, disabilities, and life-limiting conditions offering a safe space to play, laugh, cry, and breathe.

But it’s not just a hub; it’s a community that truly gets it.

From free sensory play days and art sessions to parent cuppas and respite clubs, Little Miracles is there when families need a bit of light in tough weeks.

Thanks to the unstoppable kindness of locals, they’ve just smashed their summer appeal target, keeping these lifelines going for another season.

Next time you spot their stall at a market or local fair, stop by, grab a cupcake, or try your luck on the tombola.

Every penny goes straight back into helping Peterborough families feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

That’s the kind of miracle worth getting behind.

Swivels Sandwich Bar – The Peterborough Lunch Hero

If you’ve ever wandered through Westgate Arcade around lunchtime, chances are you’ve seen the queue snaking outside Swivels Sandwich Bar—a sure sign you’re in the right place.

Family-run and proudly Peterborough, Swivels has been feeding the city’s workers, students, and hungry shoppers for over 30 years with sandwiches that don’t mess about.

Crusty rolls, fresh salad crunch, and fillings stacked high—this isn’t your limp meal deal; it’s the kind of lunch that sorts your day out.

What makes it special? It’s the chatty “What’ll it be today, love?” as you order, the warm hello they give to regulars, and the unspoken promise that your bacon bap will be hot, your baguette fresh, and your lunch break instantly better for it.

Swivels isn’t about Instagrammable fuss or fancy buzzwords.

It’s about the satisfying heft of a freshly made sarnie in your hand as you walk back through Cathedral Square, the kind of simple joy that feels a bit like home even if you’re grabbing lunch between meetings.

Top tip: The breakfast rolls are legendary if you’re in town early, and their roast meat baguettes at lunch will keep you fuelled for an afternoon of errands (or, let’s be honest, a post-lunch nap if you can swing it).

Wired Records Grows Its Vinyl Kingdom

Vinyl lovers, rejoice Wired Records at 533 Lincoln Road has expanded its Peterborough hub for all things vinyl.

Now in their 5th year, the family-run shop is hosting new listening nights and releasing a "Record of the Month" each month June’s pick was a rare 1969 Kaleidoscope pressing.

. It's quickly become the go-to spot for collectors, DJs, and anyone looking for that special LP moment.

• What’s new: dedicated chill-out booths for listening, extra racks of freshly arrived titles, and a soon-to-launch vinyl DJ session series.

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• Why locals love it: Mick and the team are as likely to swap stories about '70s prog as they are to help track down your missing album.

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• How to enjoy it: Visit in-store, sign up for listening events, or tune in on Instagram/@wiredrecords.co.uk for their “Record of the Month” features.

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👉 Check out their latest stock and event listings here: Wired Records websitebocanada.com

Rutland Cycling Peterborough Expansion

While not a tiny indie, Rutland Cycling Peterborough (Nene Park) is a locally-rooted, employee-owned business expanding its footprint at Ferry Meadows this summer.

They’re adding new e-bike hire stations, guided ride sessions, and family bike safety workshops to meet rising demand from families and commuters who want to explore Peterborough’s green spaces without the parking stress.

• What’s new: A larger hire fleet including e-bikes and adaptive cycles, plus new cycle servicing slots for summer.

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• Why it matters locally: Ferry Meadows rides are perfect for family days out, gentle commutes, and first-time cyclists looking to build confidence in a safe, beautiful setting.

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• How to enjoy: Pre-book online for bike hire to avoid weekend queues, and look out for their “Get Back on Your Bike” Saturdays throughout July.

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👉 Check Rutland Cycling Peterborough’s latest updates here

Greenbackyard Community Garden Flourishes

Peterborough’s own The Green Backyard is buzzing with fresh energy this summer at its community garden in the heart of the city centre.

Run by volunteers, this micro-farm has just welcomed its first group of urban beehives, boosting pollination and nature awareness in a very city setting.

They’re also launching weekly plant swap meet-ups and gardening mini-workshops, so even flat-dwellers can get their hands dirty (or at least watch others do it).

• What’s new: Buzzing beehives, seed swap stalls, and beginner-friendly gardening tips every Thursday evening.

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• Why it matters: It’s bringing nature into town, teaching green skills, and connecting people who love growing things—even if it's just tomatoes on a windowsill.

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• How to visit: Swing by the garden beds near the cathedral (corner of Church Street), drop in Thursdays from 5pm, or follow their cheerful community on Facebook to stay in the loop.

• Posh Pre-Season Friendlies: New Boots on the Grass

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  Peterborough United are back in action, warming up for the season with pre-season friendlies that are as much about spotting fresh talent as they are about soaking up a summer matchday atmosphere.

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• From new signings testing their boots to local academy lads making a mark, it’s football without the high-stakes tension perfect for a family afternoon out.

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• Grab a seat, a pie, and your mate for a catch-up in the stands.

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  🗓️ Check upcoming fixtures at theposh.com.

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• Deeping CC Family Day: Cricket, Cakes, and a Cheeky Pint

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  Nothing says summer like the gentle thwack of a cricket ball, a waft of BBQ smoke, and kids tumbling off a bouncy castle while parents relax with a drink.

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• Deeping Cricket Club’s Family Day is one of those perfect village moments—locals milling about, raffle prizes, and the chance to join a friendly match if you fancy testing your arm.

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• No kit? No problem. It’s community sport at its best, and you’ll likely leave with a great memory and who know's a new practice partner for the nets.

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  Outgang Road, Market Deeping | Check times at deepingcc.play-cricket.com.

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• Nene Park Family Cycle Sunday: Pedal, Pause, Picnic

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  Ditch the screens, pump up the tyres, and roll into Nene Park’s Family Cycle Sunday, where the vibe is gentle laps around the lakes, snack stops, and family groups rediscovering how fun a simple bike ride can be.

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• No Lycra snobs, no racing—just a breezy way to get outside together, and if you fancy it, the café does a mean sausage roll afterwards.

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  Ferry Meadows, Nene Park | Every Sunday, 10am–3pm | nenepark.org.uk.

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• Hockey Club Summer Sevens: Fast, Fun...

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  Short-sided, fast-paced, and full of laughs,

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• City of Peterborough Hockey Club’s Summer Sevens sees local teams mix it up in friendly matches that still pack a competitive edge.

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•  It’s the kind of summer evening sport where you’ll cheer on a cracking goal, then share a drink and exchange stories with the scorer afterwards.

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• A brilliant way to see grassroots sport at its liveliest.

  📍 Bretton Gate, Peterborough | Weeknight evenings |

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•  cityofpeterboroughhockeyclub.co.uk.

   

Smoked Mackerel & Horseradish Smash

No oven, no fuss. Flake smoked mackerel fillets into a bowl, stir through a dollop of cream cheese, a spoon of creamed horseradish, squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of chives.

Serve with crusty bread or crackers. Cold pint or glass of white wine optional but recommended.