High Five, Cambridge Travel Guide

Petty Cury has existed since at least 1330 as a narrow commercial lane. Its name derives from medieval cook stalls. The north side retains late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century commercial façades after earlier inns and yards were cleared. Number 24 is recorded as a Building of Local Interest with a red-brick frontage and slate roof. Whittard of Chelsea has occupied the unit since around 2018, continuing a sequence of drapers, tailors and grocery stores.

The interior follows the chain’s standard layout: tall shelves of loose-leaf teas, ground coffees, hot-chocolate mixes and ceramic or metal accessories. Staff offer small tasting cups at the counter. Purchases are packed in distinctive tins or gift boxes. The space is narrow and multi-level, with stock displayed on both ground and upper floors. Lighting is bright and functional; background music is low.

Most people enter while walking between Market Square, Lion Yard and the Grand Arcade. A stop lasts ten to thirty minutes for browsing, tasting and payment. Larger gift selections or questions about brewing extend the time slightly. The shop does not function as a café; there are no tables for lingering. Visitors usually continue directly to adjacent streets or the market.

Petty Cury is fully pedestrianised. The shop threshold is level with double doors, providing step-free entry. Cambridge railway station lies fifteen to twenty minutes’ walk away; Drummer Street bus station is ten to fourteen minutes. Frequent local buses stop within three to five minutes at Christ’s College or Emmanuel Street. The nearest large car park is Grand Arcade, a few minutes on foot.

The retailer stocks mid- to premium-priced loose teas and giftware. Card and contactless payment are standard. A food-hygiene rating of Very Good was recorded in 2023. Public toilets and additional seating are available in the adjacent shopping centres rather than inside the unit. Hours follow typical city-centre retail patterns, shorter on Sundays and bank holidays.