“AD” – Why is this here?

Few places are synonymous with Cambridge quite like the University Arms Hotel, and within it lies Parkers Tavern, a beautiful restaurant offering refined British classics overlooking Parkers Piece.

The restaurant proudly sources ingredients seasonally and locally, utilising East Anglian produce from suppliers they “know by name”. Being my first visit, I was eager to see how this dedication to craft and provenance would translate to the dinner plate.

A slice of Mayfair

Entering the hotel, you are greeted by an impressive and pristine reception area, reminiscent of the affluent areas of London. A pleasant, slightly pungent aroma fills the hallways leading to the restaurant. The service here is formal and highly professional, setting a tone of implied luxury. The space is busy, with numerous side rooms hosting events – I even spotted a live jazz performance, something I have missed in Cambridge since Charlie Chan stopped doing live music.

Old English charm

As you’d expect from the grand, historic exterior, the restaurant offers a traditional, old-English style and ambience. It feels cosy and atmospheric, with a mix of modern and historic artwork adorning the walls, each subtly referencing Cambridge. A fun, eccentric touch is found in the lavatories, where, instead of music, an audiobook of ‘Wind In The Willows’ plays on a loop. If your guest is taking a while in there, then they are probably just keen to hear what happens next!

What to expect

The menu offers a wide selection of dishes, including huge sharer platters. A word of caution: prices are written in italics and without a pound sign, which almost led me to accidentally order a £90 steak for two people! 🫣

Overall, the menu is safe and accessible, offering something for everyone – even a surprising number of gluten-free options. Expect traditional comfort dishes like scotch eggs, prawn cocktail, steaks, burgers, pork chops, roasted salmon, plaice, and duck breast. If you fear Parkers Tavern might be too fancy, rest assured, they also offer fish & chips, spag bol, and bubble n squeak. While not aggressively adventurous or innovative for a foodie, we all know even the most familiar dish can be invigorating when executed with genuine craftsmanship.

Your wine will be fine

Parkers Tavern is known for its impressive wine cellar, but I was particularly impressed to learn they partner with wineries specifically to optimise their pairings. The menu offers suggestions with selected dishes, which was a nice touch. For a wine lover who lacks deep knowledge, this really helps optimise the experience and even educates you along the way. For example, the sharer rib eye steak came with a recommendation for a Henschke ‘Keyneton Euphonium’ 2019, Shiraz—a fruity yet bold French red that impressed my guest so much she’s already looking to order more for herself.

Quail Scotch Egg

I can never resist a scotch egg. This version came as two modestly sized minis, presented on a pristine ceramic plate. The breadcrumb outer layer was thick and crispy, surrounding a layer of high-quality sausage meat that was the true flavour highlight – very fresh and light. The quail eggs, however, were hard boiled in the centre, lacking the expected runny yolk that I know some insist upon. Personally, it worked and I absolutely loved it.

French Onion Soup

My guest ordered the magnificent French onion soup, made from caramelised roscoff onions and large chunks of wild mushroom. It was topped with a beautifully presented gruyère cheese croute. The soup itself was balanced, with the onion flavour less overbearing than other examples I have had. This created a modest but more rounded flavour that would be appreciated by a refined palate.

Sirloin Steak

My char-grilled 8oz sirloin steak was served with skin-on chips for a rustic, earthy flavour, and a garnish of salad. I asked for it medium-rare and they pretty much hit the mark. The steak itself was an incredibly soft and tender cut, with my knife gliding through it with minimal effort. This was clearly a quality piece of meat, sourced – as the menu proudly boasts – from within East Anglia, reaffirming their claim of local provenance.

​A small jug of thick, rich peppercorn sauce was provided alongside the plate, the portion being just right for the dish. The chips arrived in a separate pot, and, unexpectedly, a pot of baby new potatoes and herbs also appeared, adding a very welcome variety of carbs to the meal. By the time I had finished, I was pleasantly satisfied that 8oz was indeed enough.

Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle

My guest ordered a delicious looking tagliatelle served with crispy sage, olive oil, pine nuts, and aged parmesan. I didn’t get to try this myself, but my guest confirmed the dish was a delicious combination of earthy, nutty, and fresh flavours. Essentially, an absolute triumph!

Grandma’s Apple Bread Pudding

I ordered this comfort food classic purely to see what ‘Grandma’ had cooked up. This take on the dessert – made from bread soaked in custard and baked – came with milk chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla ice cream. It combined into a comforting warm hug, with the cinnamon adding a perfect seasonal twist for an autumn evening.

Oat & Banana Delice

This stunning-looking dessert really made an impression. Made from multiple layers of chocolate with a honey and oat gel and an oatmeal brittle, it looked light and delicate but was surprisingly dense with an intense chocolate flavour.

Cocktails

​Parkers Tavern offers two cocktail menus: one featuring five classics (Margarita, Old Fashioned, Irish Coffee) and four mocktails; the other is a list of signature cocktails lovingly named after historic Cambridge connections. I was treated to the Bloomsbury Boozer (Cambridge Dry Gin, Raspberry, Elderflower, Super Lemon), a drink that particularly hit the spot and pays tribute to the boozy student days of The Bloomsbury Set of writers and intellectuals.

Old School refinement

One of the most memorable aspects of the evening was the service. From start to finish, we were treated to a razor-sharp yet formal service that was simultaneously warm and friendly. My waiter possessed an impressive knowledge of the menu, paired with a charming personality and wit that sent us away smiling. It was reminiscent of the classic, high-level service you would expect from times past – it felt almost like a lost art.

A night to remember

Parkers Tavern consistently delivers on its promise of providing elevated British dining. While the menu doesn’t provide exciting foodie innovation, its true strength lies in premium, well-executed ingredients that make even the most familiar dishes feel truly special. This focus on quality, coupled with the stunning, sophisticated setting and genuinely exemplary service, confirms that Parkers Tavern is much more than a typical hotel restaurant. Instead, it offers a refined Cambridge experience – one that ensures every guest feels well looked after and thoroughly satisfied. It is a definite recommendation for anyone seeking a quintessentially English dining experience in the city.