The time between Christmas and New Year is usually a blur of picky bits for tea, being drunk or hungover (no inbetween) and not knowing what day of the week it is. This year we decided to use our time wisely and book a night away to explore a city other than our beloved London. See below our recommendations of where to eat, drink & sleep in Cambridge.
WHERE TO STAY
Although conveniently located in the city centre, stepping inside the grand entrance lobby you could mistake this old coaching inn for a luxury country manor. Lucky us had a room upgrade which included a bottle of bubbly on arrival. The rooms are spacious & light made possible by large Georgian windows overlooking students cycling through the neighbouring park. The beds are so big you need not touch your roommate, just how we like it, with beautifully tiled bathrooms, brass finishes and walk in rain showers. After a long day exploring, we hunkered down in the hotel library. Expect worn leather sofas, roaring fires and low lighting, perfect for a nightcap.
WHERE TO EAT
Usually white table clothes are a turn off for us however the warm & inviting interior made us take a punt. The food is posh pub grub done very well. Must tries include truffle risotto, pigs in blankets & the beetroot tartare.
The sleek interiors initially caught our eye but this small relaxed wine bar has over 500 bottles to choose from alongside a seasonal menu offering small sharing plates. Ask one of their expert sommeliers to pair the perfect glass with your meal.
Famous for its extensive wine list, eastern mediterranean meze & £1 oysters. They also serve up ‘dirty brunch’ on a Sunday, the perfect cure for the night before.
Having just opened their second branch in Cambridge only a short stroll from our hotel we were up & out early to snag a cup of coffee before exploring the city.
Open for 100 years, Fitzbillies sticky chelsea buns are famous around Cambridge and rightly so. Grab a bun to go or take a seat in their neighbouring tearoom.
French pastries & fresh bread in the heart of Cambridge. Unfortunately this corner bakery was closed when we visited but is on our list for next time
WHERE TO DRINK
Located on the banks of the river cam, this idyllic pub was a welcome break from the lashing of rain outside. Famous for its classic ales & mulled wine. There is even an old school record player with a great collection of vinyls to choose from.
Industrial interiors with a long list of beers and creative cocktails to work your way through. Make sure you try their scotch eggs when you pop in for a pint.
A spot we desperately wanted to try but never found the time. This neighbourhood bar has a homely feel to it with all their classic cocktails listed on handwritten menus. One for next time.
WHAT DO TO
Punt along the River Cam
Having previously visited Cambridge on a balmy summer's day, we chose to hire our own boat for £20/30 an hour, jump to a cold windy winters day, self punting wasn't an option. Prices start from £60 an hour for a guided tour on a shared boat.
Dragging our boyfriends around a museum isn’t usually our idea of fun, however the Fitzwilliam museum had the iconic portrait of the former Duke & Duchess of Cambridge (Wills & Kate) that we had to see.
Hire bikes
The University Arms hotel offers bikes to guests, if it wasn't for the horrendous weather throughout the duration of our stay, we would have most definitely explored like a local.
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