The Buns Are (Almost) Back In Town

Fitzbillies will reopen this summer, Pembroke college confirmed yesterday.

After a teasing reference to “strong interest from prospective tenants” last month from the College Bursar, Pembroke has let the cake out of the bag, announcing that Tim Hayward, food writer for The Guardian, and his Cambridge-born partner Alison Wright are the new proprietors.

The pair said they are: “proud to be involved in revitalising this Cambridge institution,” and “intend to run Fitzbillies as a family business, attaching equal importance to all our customers; locals, students and visitors.

“And we will, of course, continue to produce ludicrously sticky and delicious Chelsea buns, in a constant stream, from our own ovens.”

The famous Chelsea buns

Since its sudden closure in February, the bun-merchant has been widely mourned by students and alumni alike.

Stephen Fry, the most prominent bunophile, tweeted: “No! No! Say it ain’t so – not Fitzbillies?” on learning the news; and a 500-strong Facebook campaign launched by Cantabs Adam Drew and John Lindsay has provided an outlet for the grief of the bun-deprived.

Inevitably, students are delighted by the recent news. Third year Girton student Laurence Pryer told The Tab: “I am very keen for the return of this Cambridge institution.”

For anyone interested in getting truly stuck in with the revival, Fitzbillies are currently recruiting.

Find out more about the Chelsea Bun Renaissance, and follow every stage of the refurbishment of Fitzbillies at www.chelseabuns.com or by following @Fitzbillies on Twitter.