Peterborough Spotlight highlighting the Peterborough businesses, people and community every week

Peterborough Beer Festival 2025 - Revolver

Hello from Peterborough

Hello from Peterborough 👋

Bank Holiday week has that bittersweet edge, doesn’t it?

Half of us are clinging to summer last BBQs, last swims at the Lido, last ice creams on Cathedral Square while the other half are already labelling school jumpers and googling “best flask for playground coffee.”

Wherever you fall, this week’s got a little something for you. Let’s dig in.

Treasured: From Weekend Pop-Ups to a Home in Queensgate

If you wandered through Queensgate this summer, you might have stumbled upon the Treasured Craft Fairs tucked in among the big-name shops, but with queues, chatter, and that “just one more look” magic that only small makers can create.

Those weekends were proof enough: Peterborough has a hunger for the handmade.

Now, Treasured is levelling up. From 8 September right through December (and with an eye on becoming permanent), they’ll have a dedicated shop in Queensgate, giving our indie makers more than a weekend to shine.

Step inside and you’ll find an ever-changing line-up one week it’s gooey brownies from Those Cookies Dough, the next it’s whimsical crochet from Totally Hooked or delicate glassware from Kristy Hughes Designs.

Add in living terrariums, quirky art from Christopher Abrams, and thoughtful gifts from The Little Wish Club, and suddenly Christmas shopping feels more meaningful than stressful.

Owner Aimee Plumridge, who has nurtured Treasured from pop-up fairs into this new city-centre home, puts it simply:

“We’re all about celebrating local talent, supporting independent makers, and offering something truly unique for shoppers in Peterborough.”

What makes it special isn’t just the products it’s the rhythm.

Traders rotate, so every visit feels like a treasure hunt, a chance to meet the people behind the work, and maybe to take home a story along with a gift.

So next time you’re in Queensgate, don’t just rush through take a turn into Treasured and discover the soul of Peterborough’s creative community, gathered under one roof.

📍 Treasured, Queensgate Shopping Centre — opening 8 September, running until Christmas (and hopefully beyond).

👉 Perfect for early Christmas finds or unique gifts. Follow Treasured Craft Fairs on social media for weekly trader updates.

Bonus Review - 33 1/3: A Bar That Spins Stories (Westgate Arcade)

Walk past Westgate Arcade on a Friday night and you’ll hear it before you see it.

A curl of bassline, the hiss of a needle dropping, the laughter of a room rediscovering the joy of vinyl.

That’s 33 1/3, Peterborough’s newest bar-meets-music-space. Inside: shelves of records waiting for their turn, a cocktail list clearly argued over until it tasted just right, and a crowd who seem relieved the city finally has a place where the DJ matters as much as the drinks.

Rich, the owner, told us: “I wanted somewhere you come for the music and stay for the company.

Like the old days.” And judging by the packed dancefloor at 11pm, he’s nailed it.

Westgate Arcade’s always been a cut-through. Now it’s a new destination.

Peterborough’s Stories of Growth and Grit

The Awards Countdown

There’s still time to put your name forward for the Peterborough Telegraph Business Awards 2025 but not much.

One shop owner in Werrington laughed when we asked if she was entering: “Me? Oh, I don’t win awards… but my customers keep telling me to try.”

And that’s the point these awards aren’t about faceless giants, they’re about the places where we buy our bread, get our bikes fixed, or sip that first latte of the day.

If you know someone quietly brilliant, give them the nudge.

Mancetter Square’s £4.5 Million Fresh Start

Over on Lincoln Road, the Mancetter Square Business Estate quietly changed hands for £4.5 million.

To outsiders it’s just a line in a property deal.

To the 70-odd small firms inside, it’s reassurance that their futures are a bit more secure.

A café barista there told us: “We’d been nervous about the lease — this feels like a weight lifted.” Sometimes stability is the biggest investment of all.

Greener Steps for Local Firms

Meanwhile, the Business Board is rolling out free Carbon Literacy training for companies across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

It sounds dry, but it’s anything but one local garage owner who attended put it simply: “I thought ‘net zero’ was for someone else.

Turns out it saves me money on energy bills too.” A reminder that sustainability isn’t just for big firms it’s a tool for survival for the little guys as well.

Business Buzz — Fresh Faces on the High Street

Adam Fruits Brings Colour Back to Long Causeway

The old Woodgreen charity unit has been reborn as Adam Fruits, and suddenly Long Causeway looks brighter. Peaches, peppers, and banter spilling onto the pavement.

One shopper laughed: “I came in for lemons and left planning a stir-fry.” That’s how you know a greengrocer’s doing its job.

Costa Eyes Another City-Centre Site

A familiar name, maybe, but more open doors mean more footfall. Plans are moving for another Costa in the centre, and commuters are already calculating “flat white to train” timings.

Lovisa Adds Sparkle in Queensgate

The jewellery brand has opened in Queensgate, and it’s already the place where teens and aunties are picking up affordable sparkle at Lovisa. Matching hoops are apparently a thing now.

POSH Build a Fans’ Bar & Community Hub

Work’s underway at Weston Homes Stadium where the old club shop stood. Matchdays will gain a new pre-game pint spot; off-days, a hub for yoga, meetings, and community events. “It’s about giving supporters and the city more than just 90 minutes,” one staffer said.

Roots & Rise: A Feel-Good Opening

Next week sees the launch of Roots & Rise in Queensgate part café, part wellbeing space. Expect plant-filled corners, earthy bakes, and that rare opening-day mix of freebies and friendship.

Have your Say with our Quick Poll

Which new arrival has you most excited?

Adam Fruits on Long Causeway
Another Costa in the centre
Lovisa in Queensgate
POSH’s new fans’ bar
Roots & Rise opening next week

👉 Hit reply with your pick — we’ll share the results in next week’s Spotlight.

Feeding Hope with Peterborough Foodbank

At Dodson House in Fengate, the Peterborough Foodbank warehouse looks ordinary from the outside: metal shutters, stacked crates by the door.

Step inside, and you’ll see a system that quietly keeps the city afloat.

Last week, a donor told us, “I only brought a few tins — but they treated it like gold.” And that’s the magic: every contribution matters.

This summer alone, the Foodbank distributed over 800 parcels. Fridays are often the busiest, when wages and bills collide.

📍 Donations welcome: Dodson House, Dodson Way, Fengate, PE1 5XG.

🕙 Hours: Mon–Fri (10 am–1 pm) & Sat (10:30 am–12:30 pm).

⚠️ Remember: the warehouse is for donations only. If you need food, you’ll use a voucher at a Foodbank centre.

If you're in the mood for some furry friends and feel-good vibes, pop over to RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre in Wimblington (just outside March).

It’s one of Fens' busiest rehoming centres, sheltering around 150 animals from cats and dogs to rabbits and guinea pigs, all prepped for their second chance neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and assessed for behaviour.

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This week’s hopefuls include:

Wotsit, Tabasco, Chipotle — a trio of cats with unique names and even bigger hearts.
Pumpkin — is a confident guinea, who I dare say, has a spring in his step! He loves climbing and jumping off of his houses in his pen, and running through his tunnels.
Several lovelydogs still looking for loving homes—and maybe a friend or two

Many of these animals never chose their pasts, but they have plenty of love still to give—and the RSPCA team at Block Fen will help find the right, lifelong match.Facebook+6

Want to meet one? Head to RSPCA’s Find a Pet, select “Block Fen Animal Centre,” and have a browse: someone’s waiting to make your house a home.

This newsletter sponsored by

Little Miracles

Until a sponsor steps in, this slot belongs to Little Miracles. They’re the Westwood-based charity where children with additional needs and their parents can just be — without judgement, without stress. A dad we spoke to said: “It’s the only place my son feels like he fits in. That’s priceless.”

If your business wants this space next week, reply to book it. If your heart wants to help today, a pack of crayons or a fiver is never wasted.

Sally’s Savers — Four Little Wins Locals Swear By

1️⃣ The 20-minute “bill triage” — Becky in Orton sets a timer: “Cancel one app, trim my data, done. Feels smug every time.”

2️⃣ Yellow-sticker Sunday — Martin from Bretton batch-cooks reduced veg into a tomato base: “By Thursday, dinner’s waiting in the freezer not Deliveroo.”

3️⃣ Energy taper — Amira in Millfield says: “Turning the heating off half an hour earlier saved me £14 on last winter’s bill. Tiny change, big grin.”

4️⃣ Free swap > new buy Post “any spare lunchboxes?” in your street WhatsApp. You’ll be amazed what appears.

Win the Viewing in 90 Seconds

Sound, scent, sight. That’s it.

Sound: “I oiled the squeaky gate before viewings,” said Tariq in
Dogsthorpe. “Buyers lingered outside longer — it set the tone.”
Scent: Neutral wins. Open windows for 10 minutes, coffee grounds near the bin. No one wants eau de leftover curry.
Sight: One hero shot per room. A plant, a tidy surface, warm lighting. Kitchens sell; bathrooms seal the deal.

Your house should whisper “lazy Sunday morning,” not “unfinished chores.”

Surviving Hard Water, September Skin

Peterborough’s water is so hard it could practically do your ironing. Locals swear by a weekly chelating shampoo to shift build-up, then a lighter conditioner so hair doesn’t flop by lunch.

Skin tip? Swap heavy SPF creams for a gel moisturiser with vitamin C serum underneath. “It feels fresher — like my skin can breathe again,” says Neha in Bretton.

Feet battered from sandals? Quick fix: salt soak, file, rich cream, cotton socks overnight.

Wake up with feet that look holiday-ready — even if your last trip was to Tesco.

City Bingo & Sky Stories

We tried “City Bingo” on a damp Wednesday: nine squares scribbled with local sights (spires, buskers, bandana dogs).

By the time we hit Cathedral Square, my daughter yelled “Bingo!” and demanded a hot chocolate prize.

Back home, we swapped to sky-spotting. The Summer Triangle glittered over Orton, and my youngest renamed Vega “Disco Star.” Free entertainment, bedtime delayed, memories made.

Pressed-Flower Bookmarks

Leila in Orton pressed daisies from her garden under a stack of recipe books. A week later, she brushed them with PVA onto strips of card and threaded ribbon through the top.

“They’re teacher gifts,” she said, “but the kids have nicked half for themselves.” Cheap, cheerful, and more personal than anything from a shop.

This Weekend Properly Glammed Up

Alice Roberts: Domination (Fri 29 Aug, New Theatre) – She’ll take you from empire-building to bathroom priorities with wit sharper than a Roman gladius. Tickets still available for a night that might make you feel clever and charmed.
Longthorpe Tower Tours (Sat 30 & Sun 31 Aug, plus selected weekends) – Climb in to meet medieval wall paintings that murmur centuries of gossip. Perfect for a cloudy afternoon turned beautiful.
Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock (until Sun 31 Aug) – Last chance for selfie-snapping. Word is one sheep hides on the café roof (kidding—but keep your eyes peeled).
Doggy Paddle at the Lido (this weekend) – The Lido’s final splash includes a fenced-in doggy hour. Wet noses recommended.
Summer Nights at Ferry Meadows (Fri & Sat evenings) – Pop-up cinema, DJ booths, and food stalls under strings of festoon lights. Bring a blanket, bring a glowstick, bring a friend.

Bin Shuffle Drama: “Wheelie bin roulette” season remains live—unless you check the council’s bin-day tool, you risk being the only street not anonymous on bin-day.
Lincoln Road Works: Still mining into 2026. Locals joke it’s their daily cardio if they sprint between traffic lights.
Household Recycling Centre: Same centre, new rules. Bring ID, book ahead — last-minute DIY sessions are asking to get wrong-sided on sorting.

Weather Watch — Your 7-Day Outlook

Day	Forecast	High	Low	Notes
Fri 29 Aug	Cloudy with showers	19°C	13°C	Keep that brolly handy on the commute.
Sat 30 Aug	Breezy, sunny breaks	21°C	12°C	Ferry Meadows walk, but hold your hat.
Sun 31 Aug	Sunny spells, light winds	22°C	14°C	BBQs safe (ish) for Bank Holiday Sunday.
Mon 1 Sep	Overcast, light rain	20°C	13°C	School-run umbrellas back in action.
Tue 2 Sep	Bright start, cloud later	21°C	12°C	Bake Off picnic weather—just about.
Wed 3 Sep	Mostly cloudy	20°C	11°C	A jumper day, finally.
Thu 4 Sep	Partly sunny	22°C	13°C	One more taste of late-summer warmth.

☀️ Overall: A mixed bag—Saturday gusts, Sunday sunshine, Monday drizzle. Classic Bank Holiday balance: cardi in the bag, optimism in the heart.

Fashion Finds — Real Examples That Pop

Geneva Clarke (Instagram/Page 3) spotted a Cropped Utility Jacket from Next for under £40 paired with wide-leg culottes—and nailed that 1990s editorial vibe.
Primark just dropped soft slip skirts in moody teal and rust shades, £12 a pop — perfect with a chunky knit as evening edges in.
For work-to-weekend easy switches: pop a basket weave belt (around £8) into a plain dress—brings “intentionally styled” energy for near nothing.

The September Switch (With Real Picks)

We’re past sandals season (mostly), but that doesn’t mean splurging. Here’s what works now:

Slip Skirts Are Back: Primark and H&M have them under £15 in autumn shades. Pair with a fine-knit jumper and ankle boots for instant polish.
The “Shacket” Layer: Zara’s khaki belted overshirt (£45) is already selling fast. Light enough for August evenings, sharp enough for office Fridays.
Charity Shop Treasure Hunt: Queensgate’s edge shops are already putting out wool skirts and tweed blazers. Tip: feel every fabric — lined skirts and wool blends are your September gold.
Quick DIY Win: Swap buttons on a tired blazer (tortoiseshell looks luxe for £5). A kettle’s steam revives last year’s knits without a dry-clean bill.

Here’s the real scoop making the rounds:
- Shona McGarty in Talks for Strictly 2025
- EastEnders favourite Shona McGarty is reportedly in discussions to join Strictly Come Dancing this year. She previously turned down the show due to anxiety, but recent comments suggest she’s now feeling ready to take the leap.
- Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce — Engaged!
- It’s official: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got engaged on 26 August in a beautifully shot Instagram announcement.
- Reaction on every side of the pond has been electric and here at home, Swifties are already daydreaming about an Eras Tour cinema screening when the album drops this autumn.
- Dean McCullough Faces Troll Threats
- BBC Radio 1 presenter Dean McCullough has called police after receiving death threats online.
- Greater Manchester Police are now investigating multiple malicious accounts. It’s a sobering reminder that fame can come at a real emotional cost.
Peterborough fans are already whispering that when Taylor’s Eras Tour lands on the big screen in October, it must come here — fingers crossed we see more than just a cheeky cinema booking this time around.

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TV to Catch This Week (Ok it's not exactly Googlebox) but tell us the shows you are looking forward to next week.

We had Bake Off last week so here’s what else will have everyone talking:

The Inheritance (Channel 4, Sun 31 Aug, 9pm) — Liz Hurley, Rob Rinder and a messy family saga over a £20m fortune. Expect accusations, twists, and headlines Monday morning.
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (BBC Two, Sun 8pm) — A gentler watch. Two blokes, a river, banter and heart. Bob’s health reflections this season are set to strike a real chord.
Must Binge Watches On Netflix

Fool Me Once (Netflix)

Starring Michelle Keegan and Richard Armitage, this gripping thriller launched on Netflix on 1 January 2024.

Based on Harlan Coben’s novel, it follows Maya Stern as a nanny cam reveals what should be a ghost her supposedly deceased husband.

Expect suspense, secrets, and Joanna Lumley bringing that extra drama.

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Missing You (Netflix)

Dropping on New Year’s Day 2025, this latest Harlan Coben adaptation stars Rosalind Eleazar as DI Kat Donovan, who’s shocked to find her missing fiancé on a dating app 11 years after he vanished.

The cast includes Richard Armitage and Lenny Henry, and early reviews say it’s one twisty watch

Adolescence (Netflix UK)

This crime drama smashed UK streaming records in March 2025, overtaking Fool Me Once as the first streaming show to top weekly ratings. It follows a 13-year-old boy accused of murder—shot in one continuous take and performed masterfully by Stephen Graham, among others.

Doggy Paddle at the Lido this weekend — final splash before autumn closures.
Rituals opens 3 Sept in Queensgate — free sample minis promised opening week.
Peterborough Beer Festival wrapped with record footfall — CAMRA hailed 25,000 pints poured.
Cross Point Logistics Park (west of A1M) still in public consultation — 8,000 jobs at stake.
Peterborough United home crowd back at London Road — first home win sealed 2–1 over Luton.
Council Tax rise of 4.99% still biting — Band D £1.59 extra a week.
ARU Peterborough Innovation Hub officially opens Sept — labs, engineering floors, and jobs for grads.
Frasers taking shape in ex-John Lewis — opening still on track for November.
Nene Valley Railway secures funding for Norman Cross interpretation project.
Made in Chelsea meets Love Island crossover — yes, it’s happening, yes, you’ll hate-watch it.

Property Corner — Buyers, Sellers, Renters

The Peterborough market’s a split screen right now:

Terraces in Dogsthorpe & Paston are flying — snapped in under 3 weeks.
New-build 3 beds in Hampton? Sticking. Affordability is the name of the game.
Rental squeeze continues — average rents up 6% year-on-year, with one-beds in Bretton topping £750pcm.

💡 Want deeper insight?

Sign up for Smart Property News (weekly, renter & buyer trends).
If you’re selling, Home Seller Insider gives sharper local valuations and tricks that shift homes quicker.

Real Wins Before October

This week’s feature from Smart Money News is one of those “do it once, feel it all month” lists. Five simple switches to save at least £100 by October:

Switch your energy direct debit — most providers will reduce upfront payments if you’re in credit (one quick call = cash back in your account).
Ditch the zombie subscriptions — gym apps, trial TV services, random software. Audit once, save monthly.
Banking switch bonus — three UK banks are offering £175–£200 for new current accounts (takes an hour to move, free cash in weeks).
Shop the yellow-sticker aisle — not just food: toiletries and cleaning products get slashed after 7pm. Stockpile basics.
Broadband haggle — ring your provider, quote their own online new customer offer. Average saving: £20/month.

👉 For the full breakdown, case studies, and step-by-step guides, sign up to Smart Money News (free, weekly) and start putting cash back in your own pocket.

Bank Holidays are bookmarks — one chapter closes, the next waits on the other side of a school gate, a new notebook, a first commute in shoes that aren’t sandals. Light a candle, call a friend, walk the river. September can be kind if we ask it to be