OUT OF TOWN REVIEW: UNIVERSITY ARMS CAMBRIDGE & PARKERS TAVERN
The Lobby. Image Credit: University Arms Cambridge
We recently stayed at University Arms in Cambridge, the city’s oldest hotel that began life as a coaching inn in 1834. This impressive hotel was transformed in 2018 by leading architect John Simpson and one of Mayfair’s favourite interior designers, Martin Brudnizki. The eye-catching £80 million revamp has resulted in a triumphant and luxurious hotspot with plenty of inspiration taken from the University of Cambridge.
References to the university include Cambridge blue accents and impeccable dark wooden panelling, carefully curated artworks and the famous tie design that runs down long corridors. Brudnizki’s vibrant and eclectic signature style blends perfectly with Simpson’s architectural transformation of the hotel, honouring the building’s historic character whilst bringing it into the modern era.
The Library. Image Credit: University Arms Cambridge
The hotel’s 192 rooms include 12 suites named after famous Cambridge alumni such as Newton, Byron and Milne. After a super speedy and friendly check-in, we were delighted to be placed into Milne. The large room offers plenty of space for resting, reading and relaxing, much like a traditional student bedroom, with two arm chairs and a little table on one side and a desk area on the other. A tempting book collection caught my eye, curated by Mayfair’s very own Heywood Hill. Other special touches included University Arms milk chocolate, Parker’s Tavern Claret and a gorgeous illustrated pocket map.
A large balcony with a wrought iron table and chairs overlooks Parker’s Piece, a well-manicured green and one of Cambridge’s best known open spaces. The park is named after Edward Parker, a cook who held the original lease to the land, used as grazing land. Nowadays, you are far more likely to witness jovial picnics and games of football and cricket.
When darkness fell, we headed to Parker’s Tavern, the hotel’s bustling restaurant, popular with both guests and visitors. This quintessential all day British brasserie is overseen by Chef Director, Tristan Welch, who has re-imagined classic British dishes, utilising fresh, British ingredients sourced from field, fen and England's seas. The carefully curated menu is perfectly succinct, so you waste no time deliberating.
James kicked things off with a Wiltshire Winter Truffle Negroni (how charming is the name?!), whilst I satisfied an extreme pregnancy craving with a plate of lime slices and a side of sparkling water. Honey and Spice Baked Nuts arrived with our drinks, the perfect autumn Hors D'oeuvres served in a decadent silver goblet.
Parker’s Tavern
To start, James and I ordered Parker’s “Grantchester Cure” Smoked Salmon and Tempura Cauliflower respectively. Both dishes were wonderfully fresh and flavoursome. At this point, we were already commenting on the impeccably high standard of service - the staff here are truly outstanding and nothing is too much trouble. For our mains, we chose the Nut Brown Buttered Sole and the Roasted Cep Mushroom Tart - both dishes tasted as wholesome and as beautiful as they looked. We spent the rest of the evening in the bar and The Library with some drinks next to the fire. There are lots of brilliant books waiting to be discovered here.
The following morning, we returned to Parker’s Tavern for breakfast. As we looked around the restaurant, we spotted plenty of families, couples, colleague groups and Cambridge alumni chattering fervently over freshly brewed coffee and vibrant breakfast plates. A buffet-style set-up showcases the usual continental favourites alongside all the ingredients for a traditional full English - an excellent way to start a long day of exploring the city.
The Verdict:
From branded powder blue vintage-style bikes and illustrated pocket maps to brilliant food, glorious interiors and service with a smile, University Arms provides guests with the perfect base for exploring Cambridge. Staff are friendly and knowledgable, so whether it’s your first or tenth time visiting the city, be sure to ask for local recommendations and points of interest - you’ll be very pleasantly surprised. We can’t wait to return!
Local Recommendations:
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a wonderful haven of calm to visit in all seasons, boasting a collection of over 8,000 plant species from all over the world. We absolutely loved exploring the tropical green houses on a rainy morning in Cambridge.
University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology, one of Cambridge's major attractions, devoted to the diversity of animal life. Peruse marsupials, monkeys, mammoths, and manatees - there’s a lot to learn! The perfect way to spend a few hours.
Scudamore's Punting Cambridge, who first introduced pleasure punting to the city in the early 20th century. Book an award-winning, friendly tour of the River Cam, or if you’d prefer to explore the river yourself, a self-hire boat. This was one of the highlights of our trip despite the rain - hot water bottles, blankets and umbrellas were provided!
Fitzbillies, open daily for lunch, brunch, afternoon tea and sweet treats. The ultra-sticky Chelsea bun has been one of Fitzbillies most popular products since 1920. The initials of Ernest and Arthur Mason, the original founders, are still visible in worn-out gold letters on the shop front. We stopped by for a lovely afternoon tea. Vegan options available.
Cambridge Gin Laboratory, Aromi, Restaurant 22 and NOVI for food and drink.
Image Credit: Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Visit Cambridge, Scudamore's
University Arms and Parker's Tavern,
Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1AD
+44(0) 1223 60 60 66 | enquiries@universityarms.com
Reservations: reservations@universityarms.com
