At Parker’s Tavern, every dish is a whimsical re-imagining of a British classic, sourced from field, fen and England's seas. This is where you will find plates piled high with Norfolk fruits de mer or suckling pig with wild mushrooms, and our special spaghetti bolognese. You can taste England on every plate.

As an old coaching inn, Parker’s Tavern has been a meeting spot for over a hundred years. The inventiveness of our cocktail list is matched only by a famously well-stocked wine cellar. Then and now, the Bar is a place where meetings are concluded with a round of drinks, where stories are told late into the evening in the company of friends and stiff nightcaps.

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Borne of feasting, yet of our time, our restaurant is a meeting place, a confluence of old and new, where university hall meets velvet-upholstered club. From early in the morning until late at night, Parker’s Tavern hums with conversation, with waiters carrying plates piled high with delicious food.

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Cambridge has given the world more great literature per square mile than perhaps any other city on earth. In their time, preeminent authors have paced along every side street, canal path and cobbled courtyard. Afternoon tea at Parker’s Tavern is inspired by the city’s literary legacy, inflected with a maverick pastry chef’s creative passion.

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1. What are the best places to eat and drink in Cambridge city centre?

At the heart of Cambridge, Parker’s Tavern at University Arms brings together the best of British dining with the character of the city itself. A setting made for everything from leisurely lunches to celebratory dinners.

2. Can non-hotel guests dine at Parker’s Tavern?

Absolutely. You needn’t be staying at University Arms to pull up a chair at Parker’s Tavern. Guests and Cambridge locals alike are welcome to join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or drinks at the Bar. Reservations can be made online, and we recommend booking ahead for particularly popular times.

3. Does Parker’s Tavern cater for dietary requirements?

Yes. Our team is happy to accommodate a range of dietary requirements wherever possible. We also offer a specially created free-from afternoon tea, prepared by our pastry team so that no one need miss out on the occasion. For allergies or particular dietary requirements, please let us know when booking so the kitchen has plenty of time to prepare.

4. Is Parker’s Tavern suitable for special occasions and celebrations in Cambridge?

Of course. From birthdays and anniversaries to graduations and gatherings simply because the occasion calls for it, Parker’s Tavern offers an elegant but relaxed setting overlooking Parker’s Piece. For larger celebrations, University Arms also has private dining spaces, with our team on hand to help arrange menus, drinks and all the details in between.

5. Where is afternoon tea served at University Arms Cambridge? Afternoon tea can be served in the restaurant, bar or library at Parker’s Tavern, our quintessentially English brasserie at University Arms. Overlooking Parker’s Piece in the heart of Cambridge, it’s an atmospheric setting in which to settle in for sandwiches, warm scones, pastries and, naturally, a lovely pot of tea.