Degas and Fitzbillies, a very Cambridge afternoon

There's been an exhibition on at The Fitzwiliam museum in Cambridge which I've been really wanting to go to.  It is a free exhibition of Degas, and various works which both inspired him and which were inspired by him.

Cambridge is full of hidden gems, but The Fitzwilliam is arguably its most well known museum.

Whilst it is filled with so much beautiful artwork, as I find with many museums the building is almost a work of art itself.

To the ceiling

To the floor

Emma and I had a wonder round before going to the main exhibition, visiting all out favorite spots from our childhood.

The not so secret upstairs gallery.

Can I take these home please?

The solider on the horse from the weapons section.

The wise owl whose head comes off (not Emma, she has her head screwed on most of the time!)

Ceramic purple chicken with chicks... because why not.

This dude from the Ancient Egypt section which we are pretty sure we were made to visit every term with school when we were young.

Even if you don't make it to the exhibition, there is something for everyone. Unfortunately there was no photography in the Degas so you'll just have to go yourself!

After all that strenuous slow walking between paintings we decided we were in desperate need of sustenance so headed to another Cambridge institution, Fitzbillies.

They have a restaurant and cafe area as well as the bakery at the front.

We decided to share a sweet and savory option, largely so we could have an excuse to eat pancakes for lunch.

The savory tart of the day, which was swiss chard, basil and ricotta, with a season autumnal salad.

A stack of american pancakes with crispy bacon and Chelsea Bun syrup

They also have the post Instagram worthy autumnal widow display.

Unfortunately we didn't have room for any of their famous Chelsea buns, maybe we'll have to go back another time.

So nice to be able to spend time with Emma, we've been friends since we were 4 but went to different school since we were 13. We now work together as well has hang out all the time, so I better take advantage of her spending time with me before she gets sick of me!