Room Review

University Arms, Cambridge

Location:

THIS landmark property overlooks Parker’s Piece – a sprawling grassy common in the city centre.

Originally built in 1824, the Regency building had an £80million makeover in 2018 and now the entrance bears a resemblance to the Parthenon with its imposing columns.

Inside there are photos of Cambridge boat race crews, Winston Churchill and one of an incredible al fresco lunch for 32,000 on Parker’s Piece to mark the coronation of Queen Victoria.

Botanical prints and old maps are a nod to the university city’s past.

Check-in:

Apart from a couple of staff in visors, some hand sanitiser and a sign detailing Covid measures the hotel has taken, reception was relatively normal.

Some amenities have been removed from rooms for the time being, including bathrobes and body lotion, but are still available on request.

Any drinks and food are left on a tray outside your door and rooms are only serviced after three days.

Bedrooms:

Although grand, the hotel is relaxing and its 192 rooms ooze

■ by luxury. Mine, the Charles Darwin suite, featured a nod to the naturalist with some well-chosen science books.

The beds are superb, as is the silky linen, while the huge windows overlook Parker’s Piece. The black marble bathroom basins work beautifully against white tiles and there are rain showers, claw-footed baths and smellies from D. R. Harris & Co.

Food & Drink:

Parker’s Tavern has a relaxed French bistro feel with white linen tablecloths and banquettes.

The incredible menu is by Tristen Welch, who was Gordon Ramsay’s partner at Petrus.

Parker’s Classics include a Wiltshire truffle risotto (£15), spaghetti bolognese (£10) and nut brown-buttered sole for £16.30.

Every dish was beyond superb.

Wine comes suitably priced too, from £22.