We’re bringing some Christmas cheer this December, and for this month’s Local Life, we caught up with two of Royston’s vibrant retailers – Linda O’Sullivan, founder and proud owner of The Honest Fig, & Kirby Morrow, Managing Director at Cambridge Wine Royston.
Kirby’s lived here for 23 years and Linda for almost 8. They met whilst walking their dogs on the Heath, and, like many dog owners, used to say a polite ‘hello’ to each other when they passed. Then, one day, they were both shouting ‘Riley!’… and their dogs ran to the opposite owner! So that’s where the friendship started, all thanks to their dogs called Riley!
How did the business collaboration start?
The Honest Fig started four years ago on Royston Market. At the start, Linda had no idea how to approach other businesses about collaborating, but fortune had it that one Saturday, Cambridge Wine, Kirby had a wine stall, was thrilled to see a new cheese stand, then did a double-take when she saw Linda! The rest is history… Cheese & Wine is a match made in heaven!
What do you enjoy most about life in Royston?
Linda: Without sounding too cheesy (sorry, had to be done!), I genuinely love almost everything about Royston. We’re surrounded by beautiful walks, and the history here is incredible, the Cave absolutely blew me away when I visited. The support I received when I first started has made me feel like I’m part of a truly special community. And of course, the Heath has to get a mention, it’s the jewel in Royston’s crown. I mean, if it managed to convince a King to live here, it must be pretty special!
Kirby: Lifestyle wise, I love the Heath. It is so beautiful and we are lucky to have this on our doorstep. Other than that, it really is the people and community. Working in the town for over 20 years, you really get to know customers and other businesses. I didn’t grow up in Royston, so this really makes the difference in feeling a sense of community and home.
Tell us about shopping in Royston
Linda: My 2025 New Year’s resolution was to buy all my clothes and as much else as possible from charity shops and local businesses. And honestly, my wardrobe has never looked better. From Kisses to La Bella Vita, plus treasure hunts through the charity shops with a coffee from The Horsebox, everything I needed was right here. We even got our kitchen from Trademark Kitchens, who were a dream to work with, especially when the brief included a cheese and wine fridge.
Kirby: Royston has some great independent shops (and I do love a charity shop!) I absolutely love La Bella Vita, The Cave Shop, Ladds and of course, The Honest Fig! You can find much of what you need in the town.
What do you most love about your work?
Linda: I genuinely love everything about my work. After nearly 30 years as an employee, taking the leap into self-employment was huge and even two years on, I’m still finding my rhythm. But the daily love and support from our customers makes it all worthwhile. Some even bring me cheeses and other local delicacies from their holidays so I can taste them, which is such a joy. I also adore collaborating with other businesses and bringing people together. And, of course, I get to eat cheese for a living!
Kirby: Everything, I really think I have the perfect job! From sharing my passion with customers, meeting incredible wine and spirit producers, working with a brilliant team, and getting to travel the world.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Linda: I binge watched The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Netflix a little while ago, it was real switch off your brain TV which I do enjoy.
Kirby: I also love easy TV – mine is Tipping Point!
What’s your favourite local place to eat?
In true Linda style, I can’t pick just one – Royston has too many great spots! For breakfast, it has to be The Heath Café. Lunch would be Mitr or Kooky. Dinner? The Fox & Hounds or Ashiana for a cheeky curry. Coffee is always The Horsebox, Jenny and her team have learnt how fussy I am! And even though I don’t have a sweet tooth, the Pastéis de Nata from Kelly’s Kitchen are the best I’ve ever had.
Kirby: For me, it’s The Fox & Hounds in Barley. It is superb. Eating out is a treat, and every time I visit I leaving beaming.
What are you most looking forward to in December?
Linda: The last two Christmases have been incredibly busy, and I put a lot of pressure on myself. This year, I want to enjoy the lead-up to Christmas and have fun. On the day itself it’ll just be me, my husband Chris, and Riley. We’ll take a long walk, enjoy a delicious bit of beef from Butcher Boyz, vegetables from the Market and of course raise a glass (or two!) from Cambridge Wine Royston.
Kirby: The shop is a really fun place to be over the festive period, spending time with my colleagues in a fun and buzzy atmosphere. Ultimately, getting to Christmas Day, walking the dog and spending time with my partner will be the best.
Which four people would you invite to dinner?
Linda: I’d invite Tom Davis, Roy Keane, Meryl Streep, and Patricia Michelson, the incredible founder of La Fromagerie.
Kirby: Charles Bukowski, Jarvis Cocker, Catherine O’Hara + Tina Turner. I think the last three could handle Charles!
We think this sounds like quite a party!
Find The Honest Fig (@The-Honest-Fig ) and Cambridge Wine, Royston (@cambridgewineroyston) on FB
