The Urban Shed is close to the hearts of The Cambridge Club. As a young team, we often came together at their delightful King’s Street cafe to make plans over a Satay Chicken sandwich (the best we’ve ever had), divulge life’s challenges to the sounds of the crackling Motown vinyl in the background – and, of course, share insults, a love of trance music and updates with head honcho Simon.

Adored by both students and locals alike, the Urban Shed made the decision to leave their King’s Street residence for pastures new. We caught up with Simon as part of our Food For Thought series, to hear about his new venture at The Phoenix in Histon, and how they’ve manoeuvred through the lockdowns….

Simon Morrice, Jamie Burton and Eamon Bensaud have launched The Urban Shed at Pheonix Arms, Histon.

How has lockdown affected you guys? And/or what are the plans for the coming months?

The lockdowns have been a rollercoaster for everyone. Lockdown 1 was a defining period for the Urban Shed. Having just opened earlier in the year, we were on a crest of a wave which was quickly flattened by the outbreak. However, we fought on to keep the business afloat and keep suppliers going, and we also provided meals for families in need. Myself, Jamie Burton and Eamon Bensaud formed a great team – so much so that I invited them into the business and haven’t looked back!

Before lockdown 2 we were starting to gather momentum again, gaining recognition for our high level of Covid procedures. We chose not to do the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ sceheme, as we wanted to avoid cutting corners at the cost of brand, which paid dividends – as we were back to hitting figures similar to when we first opened, but then lockdown 2 came…

After the announcement of the shift from Tier 1 to Tier 2 in early December, it became clear that it was going to be impossible to open from then on – particularly as we had to cancel over 400 bookings. We did some festive ‘tent nights’ in December, which were successful.

But with everything pointing to a third lockdown, for the greater good we decided to close and do our bit to stop the spread. During the current lockdown, we have been been plotting how we reopen and have some exciting synergies in the pipeline, particularly focusing on supporting new & local independent businesses – something we are very passionate about. So watch this space!

Oh to back at a restaurant or pub with 15 other people!

What have you been cooking at home during lockdown?

I have been baking a lot and mastered bread now! A lot of the cooking I do at the moment is slow cooked in the sous vide or slow cooker. This allows us to go for a walk, while our dinner is simmering away, ready for us when we get back. Saturdays we do a pizza night, making them from scratch, which my son loves!

They’re culinary wizards - be it brunch or dinner, veg or meat…

Top 5 ingredients to work with at the moment?

Venison
Cauliflower
Sweet potatoes
All sorts of pulses
Beef on a Sunday (obvs)

WE MISS SUNDAY ROASTS IN LOVELY PUBS LIKE THE PHOENIX.

Any chefs or foodie accounts that you’re following in particular at the moment?

To be honest, we have just been concentrating on ourselves, the business, and trying to avoid too much screen time!

Who is your chosen artist to provide the soundtrack to a dinner party?

That’s a tough one, but it’s got to be T-Connection and The JBC.

Massive!! 1977.. :pNO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED- - - - - - - - - - COPYRIGHT - - - - - - - - - -I own nothing used in this video and do not claim i...

Finally, your top track to get the party started in the kitchen!

At the moment The Weekend’s ‘Blinding Lights’ seems to be the one, particularly with my 6-year old son – who also loves to help me cook!

Official music video for The Weeknd "Blinding Lights" - available everywhere now: http://theweeknd.co/blindinglightsYD►Subscribe to The Weeknd on YouTube: ht...

Be sure to check them out at www.phoenixcambs.co.uk and keep an eye out for our competition on their Urban Shed Instagram page in the coming weeks!