Eastlife Autumn 2020

Cambridgeshire
Cambridge Scene
Written by Emma Kemsley | Instagram @emma_kemsley
Cambridge’s University Arms
is the place to go for a safe and
stylish staycation
As more of us opt for a staycation following the pandemic, it’s
natural to feel nervous about planning a getaway. I’ll admit I felt
the same when I decided to enjoy a night in Cambridge post
lockdown, however upon check-in at the University Arms, that
anxiety slipped away.
My husband and I were greeted by friendly reception staff
who wore either a visor or mask, and there were gold hand
sanitisation stations at all entrances, perfectly in-keeping with
the hotel’s luxurious décor. Though valet parking is currently
suspended, a member of the concierge team, who wore a mask
and gloves, showed us to the car park and escorted us back to
reception.
Polite notices are present at the elevators, explaining a policy
of ‘only one person per lift unless you are from the same
household’. The sanitising package in our room was a nice
touch too.
Armed with our masks and gloves, we wandered around the
city. Alternatively, you could borrow the hotel’s complimentary
bicycles, all of which are disinfected after each use. There is a
one-way system in place in the city’s streets and most visitors
were abiding by the rules. It was refreshing to see people al
fresco dining, socially distanced of course, and punts up and
down the river. It offered a sense of normality; a sign life is
returning to normal in a safe manner.
We chose to dine at the hotel’s restaurant, Parker’s Tavern. The
restaurant is a must try. Think hearty meat dishes, British classics
and tasty Norfolk fish. Open to guests and non-residents, half
the tables have been removed to allow more space for social
distanced dining and the restaurant staff wear masks. There’s
also a newly launched al fresco dining space on Parker’s Piece
featuring bright coloured deckchairs and tables dressed in
pristine white tablecloths.
University Arm’s décor and grand stature is impressive.
Immaculately designed with shiny brass, historic fireplaces
and buttery tan leather. If you’d prefer not to venture out into
the city, the hotel alone provides a blissful hideaway. The
rooms are spacious, beautifully designed and in-keeping with
Cambridge’s rich history. The terrace rooms offer spectacular
views over Parker’s Piece and a free-standing bathtub – simply
divine!
At present only rooms with natural ventilation are being used.
The stationary has been removed and each room is left for 24
hours between guest departures.
General manager, Ian James, gave an insight into the extra
safety measures in place, all of which happen without
disturbing the guests. This includes hourly bathroom and
luggage cart cleansing, and a nightly disinfectant spraying of all
the surfaces.
If you’re currently undecided on your staycation destination,
then look no further than the charming city of Cambridge. The
University Arms have you covered for a safe and blissful night’s
sleep and the independent businesses will welcome you with
open arms…from a safe two-metre distance of course!
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