TRAVEL TEST

WHAT AND WHERE: Turing Locke aparthotel opened last autumn just off the M11 in a brand-new development in Eddington on the edge of Cambridge. A suite for two with terrace costs from £203 per night or a studio for two from £111 per night. lockeliving.com EXPERIENCE: You’re met in the lobby by industrial-meets-scandi chic, with plenty of wooden furnishings, mellow shades, foliage and exposed pipework.

You’re just as likely to find one of the friendly members of reception staff seated at a laptop in the work/living spaces as you would behind the counter.

As Turing Locke is so new, it still has that lovely crisp-fresh feel and smell.

Our suite for two on the first floor had a bedroom area with king-size bed and a compact bathroom with a walk-in monsoon shower rather than a bath. The lounge/kitchenette is what sets it apart from a standard hotel room.

It comes complete with kettle, toaster, fridge freezer, dishwasher, induction hob, plenty of crockery and cutlery and even a washer/ dryer – perfect if you fancy whizzing up your own snacks or picnic, staying in for the night or spending a longer period there.

The extra cool bit was the plant-filled terrace, accessed by French doors with views over the pretty courtyard below.

Downstairs on the covered terrace at the Dutch bar, the novel cocktails are a must.

Try the Clover Club with gin, hibiscus syrup and fresh raspberries, or the Japanese with the vodka-style shochu, lychee liqueur and rice milk.

Then try KOTA next door for Finnish-inspired wood-fired cooking, from rib eye steak to Cornish sole with brown shrimp tortellini and cockles. KOTA’S a la carte breakfast includes avocado on sourdough and full English.

Underground parking, bookable in advance, is £15 a day. To avoiding driving into nearby Cambridge, catch the U bus, which runs every 10-30 minutes across the road. Day tickets £3. QUIBBLES: Being part of an out-of-town development, there is little of interest around you but a 40-minute walk into Cambridge takes you through meadows. VERDICT: A unique, good-value sleepover with funky touches and near Cambridge. 9/10