Hello from Peterborough Spotlight this week

Your weekly dose of what’s new, local and worth talking about in Peterborough

Is it just me, or does the August Bank Holiday always sneak up out of nowhere?

One moment you’re sweltering in the Lido queue, the next you’re Googling “best packed lunch boxes” while shoving school shoes in a trolley.

This weekend feels like summer’s last hurrah and Peterborough’s giving us plenty to savour, from riverside beers to family adventures at Ferry Meadows.

Whether you’re dancing under the flyover, sipping something hoppy on the Embankment, or simply enjoying a lazy garden BBQ, it’s a chance to press pause before the school runs and darker evenings creep in.

Sourdough Bakery, Fletton — Bread That’s Got a Story to Tell

If you’ve been to a Peterborough farmers’ market recently, chances are you’ve seen baskets of rustic loaves from Sourdough Bakery, tucked away in Fletton.

This micro-bakery is run from a home kitchen, specialising in traditional sourdough bread and a rotating selection of seasonal bakes.

Everything is yeast-free, handmade, and uses long fermentation for flavour and texture. Locals particularly rave about the seeded loaf the kind that turns a weekday lunch into something special.

It’s proof that “small batch” still means something in Peterborough.

 No fuss, no additives, just flour, water, salt and patience.

📍 Find them online at sourdough-bakery.co.uk and at local markets

      High Street, Fletton — open Wed–Sat, 8 am–2 pm

Chocoberry Café Now open on Lincoln Road and is buzzing this summer.

Chocoberry Café after a grand opening on Friday, May 30, 2025. The cafe, located in the former My Dentist unit, offers a range of desserts like waffles and crepes, as well as breakfast, dinner, and coffee in a family-friendly atmosphere. The grand opening event featured special offers, games, and entertainment,

Lakeside Café Reopens at Thorpe Meadows (Tea & the Gang)

Peterborough walkers and rowers have been buzzing since

Tea & the Gang reopened the café at Thorpe Meadows earlier this month.

With free 15-minute parking at Nene Park, it’s become the go-to for post-paddle lattes and toasties.

One mum told us she loves grabbing a cappuccino while her kids dash to the playground: “It feels like a little holiday, five minutes from home.”

It’s proof that when locals invest in local spaces, the whole city wins.

Treasured’ Indie Makers’ Store Opens in Queensgate (8 Sept)

If you’ve ever wished the craft fairs at Queensgate lasted all year, you’re in luck.

This September, Treasured will open as a permanent showcase for independent makers—everything from jewellery and home décor to baked treats.

Each month, new local creatives will rotate through, giving shoppers fresh finds and sellers a city-centre platform.

A stallholder from Hampton told us, “It’s more than a shop; it’s a chance to belong in the heart of Peterborough.” Mark your diary for 8 September.

Coffee Friends Brings a Turkish Twist to Broadway

The old Pizza Hut on Broadway has been reborn as Coffee Friends, a cosy café serving Turkish tea, crepes, and hearty breakfasts. It’s already getting attention for its vibrant interior and friendly vibe. One couple we spoke to were impressed: “We just popped in for a quick coffee, but stayed for an omelette. It feels very European—it’s a lovely change for the city centre.” With opening hours from early morning until evening, it’s set to be a staple for students, workers, and shoppers alike.

Blind Tiger Taproom & Kitchen Opens by Ferry Meadows
Beer lovers, rejoice—Peterborough’s got a new destination for craft pints.Blind Tiger Taproom & Kitchen , just off Ham Lane, opened its doors this month in a former bike shop. Expect colourful art on the walls, an open bar with plenty of local brews, and plans for a food menu that pairs just right. Early visitors say the space feels relaxed yet buzzing. One walker who popped in after Ferry Meadows said: “It’s exactly what we needed—a proper spot for a pint after a stroll.” A refreshing addition to the city’s social scene.

Frasers Update — Queensgate’s Big Arrival

The transformation of the former John Lewis site is finally taking shape. Frasers Group has the keys in hand and recruitment is already underway.

Job interviews for management roles are expected in September, with an opening date aimed for November 2025.

Shoppers can expect a multi-brand destination under one roof, including Sports Direct, USC, and more.

A long-time Queensgate visitor summed up the mood: “It’ll be great to see the lights on in that building again—it feels like a fresh start for the city centre.”

Last weekend, regulars at Ferry Meadows noticed a swan struggling near the shoreline.

Instead of just walking past, volunteers from Peterborough Wildlife Rescue waded in, carefully catching the injured bird and getting it to a vet. By evening, it was patched up and swimming free again.

No headlines, no fuss — just locals stepping in. Proof that kindness is alive and well in our city.

Paws & Whiskers — Bank Holiday Special 

If you’re thinking about adopting this weekend, here’s what locals say the journey feels like at a reputable rescue (e.g., Woodgreen in Godmanchester — home of The Dog House):

• The first chat is gentle. It’s not a test; it’s a conversation about routines, garden gates, and who’s at home in the day.

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• Matching is thoughtful. They’ll nudge you toward the animal that suits your pace of life — the jogger, the sofa‑snuggler, the cat who just wants a sunny windowsill.

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• The “yes” moment is emotional. People describe the drive home as quiet and happy — windows cracked, a promise made.

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💡 Pet‑care reminders (truthful + useful):

• Heat & water: pack a collapsible bowl; shady routes beat blazing pavements.

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• Algae caution: avoid letting dogs swim where the water looks scummy/blue‑green.

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• Microchips: dogs must be chipped and cats in England must be microchipped by law (June 2024). If you’re not sure, ask your vet to check.

Peterborough Beer Festival (19–23 Aug) — Riverside Embankment is buzzing with ale tents, food stalls, and live music. Perfect for clinking glasses with old mates.

Key Theatre Shows — From the outrageous “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” (21–23 Aug) to Prof. Alice Roberts’ deep-dive on empires (29 Aug).

Ferry Meadows Family Trail — Pond dipping, sculpture spotting, and a summer adventure trail to burn off the kids’ energy.

Museum Fun — Creative workshops all week, from monster-making to Dalek-drawing.

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• Oak Adventurers Holiday Club (until 29 Aug) – Kayaking, climbing, and bushcraft for ages 8–13 at Ferry Meadows.

Thursday	67° 49°	Low clouds
Friday	73° 55°	Pleasant with intervals of clouds and sunshine
Saturday	71° 52°	Low clouds
Sunday	74° 53°	Nice with sunshine
Monday	76° 55°	Nice and warm with times of clouds and sun

Quick take: cloudy and mild today, then brightening for the weekend — perfect for riverside plans and festival wandering. (Data for 21–25 Aug.)

• Council tax rise of 4.99% agreed earlier this year—Band D homes pay around £1.59 more a week.

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• Lincoln Road upgrade work is underway, expected through spring 2026.

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• Cygnet Bridge (new cycle and pedestrian bridge over the Nene) delayed again—timeline unconfirmed.

Sally was in Amira’s kitchen in Millfield this week, watching her iron tiny white labels onto jumpers. “It’s boring, but it saves £30 by half-term,” Amira said, waving the iron like a sword.

Claire from Werrington chips in: she pre-makes sandwiches on Sunday, freezes them, and chucks them into lunchboxes in the morning.

“By break time, they’re defrosted — and it stops me panic-buying meal deals.”

Sometimes it’s not about extreme budgeting — just little habits that stop school season bleeding your wallet dry.

“Little swaps that add up” — Late August edition:

• Beauty club‑buys: split litre salon shampoos/conditioners with two friends. You’ll pay a third for a product that lasts months.

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• Uniform refresh without the panic: label everything on a Sunday;

•  keep a “repair kit” (iron‑on patches + hem tape) in the kitchen drawer.

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• Snack hack: swap branded lunchbox bars for a traybake you slice and freeze. Cheaper, and you control the sugar.

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• Energy mini‑win: run the washing machine at 30°C and line‑dry if possible your tumble dryer is a silent bill‑eater.

Sam caught up with Tariq in Dogsthorpe, who’d painted his front door navy blue before putting his house on the market.

 “It felt daft spending £25 on paint,” Tariq said, “but viewers stayed chatting outside longer. One even asked about the colour.”

Sam’s take?

Those £25 tweaks matter: plant pots, a swept path, a shiny letterbox.

Buyers don’t want to picture your chores they want to picture their Sunday mornings.

Maya from Orton swears by The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Gel Moisturiser (£15): “Light enough for sticky August nights, but I wake up hydrated.”

Claire in Werrington has been rescuing chlorine-soaked hair with L’Oréal Elvive Bond Repair (£9.99, Boots): “It smells lush, and my split ends have calmed right down.”

Neha in Bretton keeps a bottle of rosewater spray (£4, Indian shop on Lincoln Road) in the fridge. “One spritz before makeup, and it feels like heaven. Honestly, better than half the expensive setting sprays.”

Your late‑summer skin reset: step down from heavy SPF creams to a lighter gel moisturiser, keep hyaluronic serum for hydration, and exfoliate gently once a week to shift the build‑up from heat and city air.

Homemade Face Mask Recipe

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Enjoy your refreshed, glowing skin!

More DIY skincare & beauty ideas or tips next week!

• The charity‑shop circuit: do City Centre (Queensgate edge), Cowgate and Lincoln Road in one sweep for back‑to‑work bargains; look for quality fabrics and lined skirts.

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• The “good tee” rule: two white, one stripe, one black — rotate and you’ve solved weekday chaos.

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• Late‑summer sandals: block heel or sleek slider; tan leather goes with everything.

NHS reminds women not to skip cervical screening appointments—especially important for over-50s, where attendance dips. A gentle nudge if it’s on your to-do list.

Katy from Hampton’s Thursday “library hour” is genius. “We all pick a book, sit on beanbags, and I get a coffee in peace. It beats the screen fights.”

Meanwhile, Jay in Paston took his twins pond-dipping at Ferry Meadows: “They came back drenched, holding a dragonfly nymph. I didn’t even know those existed!”

Small adventures = big memories. And mostly free.

Nearly forgot to say ...

Rituals opens 3 Sept in Queensgate—history tells me you’ll find a signature scent, a silk pouch to plant in your wardrobe, and a dreamy candle. They’ll be offering sample mini-treats the week they open—always worth a Saturday pop-in

Leila from Orton has cracked the ultimate rainy-day craft: candle jars from old jam jars.

✨ Wash jars, paint the outside with PVA, roll in glitter.
✨ Drop in a tealight.
✨ Ta-da — instant twinkle lights for £2.

“They look gorgeous on the patio at night,” she says. “And the kids feel like they’ve made something magical.”

Strictly fever is building — rumour has it former Posh player’s wife might appear in the line-up (watch this space).

Meanwhile, Bake Off’s back in September, and locals are already betting who’ll be the “Paul Hollywood handshake” magnet.

Closer to home, word is the old pub on London Road is quietly being renovated into a new Turkish grill.

Nothing official yet, but a neighbour says they’ve smelt charcoal smoke on test nights… 👀

Right now, terraces in Dogsthorpe are flying — average of 3 weeks to sell while 3-beds in Hampton are sitting longer.

Agents say it’s the cost-of-living squeeze: buyers want affordability and walkability.

If you’re selling, small touches (like Tariq’s painted door) are making the difference.

If your looking at buying or selling your Peterborough Property sign up to the weekly newsletter Peterborough Seller Insider 

⚽ Posh — Lost 3–2 to Grimsby in pre-season, then fought hard against Cardiff and Luton in League One openers. Fans like Chloe from Paston say, “It feels like the lads are hungry — even in defeat.”

🏏 Bretton Cricket Club — Saturday fixtures continue at Bretton Park, with last week’s game ending in a nail-biting 2-run win.

🚣 Peterborough Regatta — Thorpe Meadows was buzzing with 500 m sprints. Junior crews made the city proud with two wins.

🏑 Town Hockey Summer League — Midweek matches at Bretton Gate have been lively. Hannah from Stanground reckons: “The best bit is the post-match pint.”

Peach & Mozzarella Salad

Maria in Paston swears by this 10-minute dish.

🍑 Slice 2 ripe peaches
🥛 Tear a ball of mozzarella
🌿 Add basil leaves
🌰 Scatter toasted walnuts
🥗 Drizzle balsamic & olive oil

“It’s sunshine in a bowl,” Maria says. “And it makes me feel like I’m in Italy… even if I’m just in my back garden.”

Bonus Recipe (just because we can)

Late-Summer Berry Salad with Mint & Feta

Why it’s perfect: fresh, flavour-packed, and on-theme with lingering berries and garden herbs.

You’ll need:

• Strawberries & raspberries (handful each)

• A dash of mint, torn

• Crumbled feta

• A squeeze of lemon juice & drizzle of olive oil

• Toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch

Steps: Toss gently, serve in shallow bowls, and enjoy on your garden table. It whispers “summer isn’t over yet”—just like this newsletter.

Bank Holiday weekends are like bookmarks in the year a pause to catch our breath. Whether you’re clinking pints at the Beer Fest, crafting with the kids, or just tackling that jungle of a garden, I hope you squeeze every bit of joy out of it.

And if you’ve enjoyed this issue, do me a favour tap that share button and forward it to a friend. 

The bigger our PBS family, the better our stories get. 💙

• Squeeze in a midnight swim—you’ll remember it all year.

• Pair yoga with brunch for a Saturday that feels like a holiday.

• Nominate a local business you love for September’s Spotlight—just reply with their name and why.