The University Arms, Cambridge

The University Arms is a huge and impressive hotel on Cambridge’s Parker’s Piece with a special occasion restaurant and fabulous bar. The hotel reopened in 2018 after a huge and costly renovation. Superstar architect and interior designer (Martin Brudnizki of Annabel’s fame) came together to create a magical hotel that manages to mix elegance with good old English eccentricity.

Both literary lovers and football fans (the rules of footie were made up on Parker’s Piece just outside) will be in heaven here with all the nods to the town’s famous uni, plus a cosy panelled library and the fun interior sporting touches.

Cosy Parker’s Tavern restaurant (designed to look like a college dining hall) is a wonderful place for a romantic meal. Or try and sound intellectual while propping up the velvet-upholstered bar as you drink The Secret of Life cocktail inspired by the discovery of the double helix.

The Terrace Suite is the most wow-factor of all the rooms with a bath with a view over Parker’s Piece and a cool rooftop terrace.