Cambridge sparkles with festive flavour this winter – from luxurious seasonal menus and bold new openings to award wins and artistic inspiration
Celebrate in style
Independent boutique hotel The Varsity Hotel & Spa is offering luxurious festive feasts using the finest local ingredients across its two eateries: Six Cambridge with its panoramic views and cosy vibes and The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill with its hearty meals.
At Six Cambridge, guests can enjoy a three-course festive menu, choosing from six dishes per course. Among them are baked camembert with onion chutney and sourdough, beetroot carpaccio with vegan feta and confit duck with pomegranate gremolata.
Meanwhile, at The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill (pictured), highlights of the delectable three-course Christmas menu include roasted wild mushroom and truffle soup, half-grilled lobster thermidor and 10oz ribeye steak with seasonal vegetables.
For both, the festivities will begin with a celebratory glass of champagne, peach bellini or zero Della Vite rosé prosecco.
For more information, to find out all about the restaurants’ Christmas party offerings or to make a reservation, visit thevarsityhotel.co.uk
Amelie brings the Alsace to the home
Award-winning French restaurant Amelie, located at Ben’s Yard in Ely, has announced the launch of a new online delivery service for its authentic flammekueche bases, giving customers across the UK the opportunity to quickly recreate this iconic dish.
Flammekueche, also known as tarte flambée and the speciality dish from the Alsace region of France, is a deliciously thin, crispy flatbread traditionally spread with crème fraiche, onions and lardons.
Now, flatbread fans can add their own combination of toppings and personal touches in the comfort of their own homes.
Find out more at ameliedistribution.co.uk
Big, bold sandwiches arrive on Green Street
Marvin’s, a new independent sandwich shop from the team behind Stir, has opened on Green Street, bringing
a menu of flavour-packed sandwiches, innovative pastries and speciality drinks to the city centre.
Each sandwich is built on freshly baked bread made specifically for that style of sandwich, from chewy bagels to fluffy focaccia and sesame-studded subs.The menu will showcase a rotating line-up of globally inspired creations, such as Korean pulled brisket with gochujang mayo and crispy noodles, a salt beef bagel stacked with pastrami and mustard and a crispy tofu banh mi with mushroom paté and pickled vegetables.
Alongside its sandwiches, Marvin’s serves a daily-changing selection of sweet and savoury pastries, speciality iced drinks such as tiramisu lattes and matcha strawberry milk, as well as a curated range of global soft drinks chosen to complement the food.
A custom canning machine on-site allows customers to order iced coffees and other cold drinks sealed in cans for easy transport – perfect for taking back to the office or enjoying on the go.
Marvin’s is situated at the former Stir cafe site on Cambridge’s historic Green Street. Follow the new shop at
instagram.com/marvinscambridge
Christmas in the countryside
The Pheasant in Great Chishill has unveiled its Christmas pre-order menu.
Available throughout December, this set menu offers two courses for £35 or three for £45, featuring handcrafted dishes such as steak and Guinness suet pie, roast Norfolk turkey with all the trimmings and, the perfect way to round off this hearty winter menu, a decadent boozy dark chocolate fondant with Baileys cream.
Nutwood Pubs executive head chef David Kerr has planned a menu that’s both affordable and luxurious. With a seasonal specials board, mulled cider and a roaring fire, it’s the perfect way to savour the spirit of Christmas.
It’s also worth noting that The Pheasant has been voted in the top three Sunday roasts in Cambridgeshire for the past two years!
Find out more at pheasantgc.com
Hilton GM wins prestigious award
Richard Finn, general manager of Hilton Cambridge City Centre, has been named as Business Person of the Year at the Cambridge Independent Business Awards 2025, held at King’s College.
The award recognises Richard’s leadership, dedication and impact on the local business community, marking a significant milestone in his career: ten years at the helm of Hilton Cambridge City Centre and 27 years with Hilton globally.
Under Richard’s leadership, the hotel has become a cornerstone of community engagement in the city, actively supporting local charities, educational initiatives and sustainability programmes, including partnerships with Cambridge Sustainable Food and local schools to promote hospitality careers. It also champions inclusion and LGBTQ+ representation.
“Winning this prestigious award means a lot to me personally and professionally. I couldn’t have achieved this without the effort from everyone who works at our amazing hotel and those who support us from Hilton and CDL Hospitality Trusts in delivering the warmth of our hospitality. We’re all winners; thank you for everything!”
Don’t miss!
On 7 November, Norfolk Street Bakery on Station Road will launch a new festive exhibition with Cambridge artist Roxana de Rond, entitled Wandering Cambridge: Cheerful illustrations reflecting the nature of Cambridge life. To celebrate this collaboration, the bakery will also make one of her father’s favourite treats: a French apple tart, or tarte aux pommes in the original language. norfolkstbakery.co.uk
If these culinary updates have whet your appetite, find out more in October’s food news.
