CAMBRIDGE & EAST ANGLIA - England 2012 and the Best of Wales - page 502

and Cambridge Arts Theatre, 6 St. Edward's Passage ( & 01223/503333; www.
cambridgeartstheatre.com), has some wonderful stage productions. It used to be the
venue for Cambridge Footlights, the university theatre group that produced some of
Britain's best-known actors, comedians, and satirists, such as John Cleese and Graham
Chapman of the Monty Python team, and Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, and Ste-
phen Fry. The Footlights Spring Revue now takes place at the Amateur Dramatic
Club, in Park Street near Jesus Lane ( & 01223/300085; www.adctheatre.com), and
it's the place to see other university or local drama productions. The Junction, Clifton
Way ( & 01223/511511; www.junction.co.uk), has well-known bands, comedians, and
contemporary stage and dance shows, plus club nights.
Cambridge also has some wonderful old pubs. The oldest is The Pickerel Inn,
Magdalene Street ( & 01223/355068 ), dating from 1432. It has ceiling beams and
little alcoves and is near the river. The Eagle, Benet Street, off King's Parade
( & 01223/505020 ), is where Nobel Laureates Watson and Crick first announced
their discovery of the DNA double helix. It was also loved by American airmen during
World War II. The Anchor, Silver Street ( & 01223/353554 ), and The Mill (Tap
& Spile), 14 Mill Lane, off Silver Street Bridge ( & 01223/357026 ), are good for
sitting out near the river. Alternately, escape other tourists at The Free Press, Pros-
pect Row ( & 01223/368337; www.freepresspub.com), with its cozy bars and
courtyard, or try The Cambridge Blue, 85-87 Gwydir St. ( & 01223/471680;
www.the-cambridgeblue.co.uk), which serves good food and has a great beer garden.
Where to Stay
EXPENSIVE
De Vere University Arms At first glance this 19th-century hotel looks as
though it belongs to one of the colleges, particularly with its picturesque position on
Parker's Piece a few minutes' walk from the heart of the city. Look beyond the modern
extension and you'll find many original architectural features, an elegant bar that
serves afternoon tea, and the highly regarded Restaurant 17. There are Classic and
Executive rooms plus two suites, some with four-poster beds, some with Sony Play-
Stations. Family rooms are also available.
Regent St., Cambridge CB2 1AD. www.devere.co.uk. & 01223/273000. Fax [phone] units.
£140-£200 double; £250 suite. Rates include English breakfast. AE, MC, V. Parking £16. Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; babysitting; room service. In room: TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).
Hotel Felix Take a break from the city in this highly rated boutique hotel, a
15-minute walk from the middle of town and set in three acres of landscaped gar-
dens. Both stylish and luxurious, the Victorian mansion is a blend of old and new with
specially commissioned modern art and unfussy decor. It has an exceptional restau-
rant, Graffiti (main courses £13-£23), which offers dishes such as filet and braised
blade of Tilbury Meadow beef, shallot tart tatin, crisp bone marrow, and cavolo nero.
There's a large terrace for drinks, dining, and afternoon tea.
Whitehouse Lane, Huntingdon Rd., Cambridge CB3 OLX. www.hotelfelix.co.uk. & 01223/277977. Fax
01223/277973. 52 units. £198-£245 double; from £295 suite. Rates include English breakfast. AE, MC, V.
Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; access to health club; room service. In room: TV, CD, hair
dryer, Wi-Fi (£10 per day).
MODERATE
Arundel House Hotel Overlooking the River Cam and Jesus Green, this is one
of the loveliest sites in Cambridge. The hotel consists of six connected Victorian

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