A Long Weekend in Cambridge with Local Katie Underwood
Compendia spent a weekend in Cambridge with Katie Underwood, founder of hospitality and experiential destination PR and Social Media agency Kuco. Here Katie recommends some of her favourite places to experience Cambridge like a local and explore the Cambridge life that buzzes beyond the University walls.
Scott’s All Day
Known for its Bottomless Brunches, Scott’s All Day is always buzzing on the weekends. I love visiting Scott’s with a group of friends and indulging in their breakfast foods - think American-style pancakes and full-English fry-ups - with a few Mimosa’s. It’s a great place to kick-start the weekend.
Espresso Library
For a brunch which is more low-key, I usually head to Espresso Library on East Road. They do great healthy brunch options that aren’t just bread based. The food is colourful, bright, and fresh. Sitting adjacent to Parker’s Piece, the space is light and bright and the perfect place to look out and watch the world go by.
Gonville Hotel
At the Gonville Hotel, the classic Bentleys in the driveway are the first indicator that you’re in for a special experience, and that continues as you walk through the door. I love spending time on the terrace overlooking Parker’s Piece, it's the perfect place for cocktails in the summer or to enjoy some delicious fine dining.
Parker’s Tavern
As I head over Parker’s Piece I like to pop into Parker’s Tavern at the University Arms Hotel. In the daytime, I will usually spend some time there having a coffee in The Library. You’ll often find me at the bar in the evenings, catching up with friends and drinking cocktails. They have live jazz on Friday nights, which my friends and I really enjoy.
Cambridge Wine Merchants
Cambridge Wine Merchants is really buzzing both during the daytime and in the evenings on the weekends. It’s located on the stunning Bridge Street - where you’ll find all of the iconic Cambridge visuals you might have seen on postcards. Perfect for enjoying a glass of wine.
Rutherford’s Punting Company
If I've got my kids with me, one of our favourite activities is to head to Rutherford’s Punting Company and take in the sights along the backs of the colleges. It’s great to spend time on the river both in good weather and in the Autumn when the trees are a beautiful orange.
Jack’s Gelato
There’s nothing quite like Cambridge on a warm summer’s day, and I often treat the kids, and myself, to an ice cream or sorbet from Jack’s Gelato. Everything is made by hand and there is a huge range of flavours to choose from which are constantly changing, so there’s always something new to try.
Garden House Bar and Garden, The Graduate Hotel
Heading over to the Mill Pond, Garden House in The Graduate Hotel has some of the best food in Cambridge. You can sit by the river in the summer, watch the punters, and they even play Wimbledon, live sports, or host the Enchanted Cinema outside in the evenings.
PAUS
Located just outside the city, PAUS is somewhere I love to visit to take a moment to myself. It’s an outdoor bathing destination with meadows, rewilded grasslands, hammocks, a wellness studio, saunas and hot tubs. Set on one of the few hills in Cambridge, it’s a great place to take in the scenery. Think gorgeous sunsets and drinks by the fireside.
Turing Locke Hotel Eddington
If you plan on staying more than one day, I recommend resting your head at Turing Locke in Eddington. This sleek, avant-garde style aparthotel has all the ingredients for the perfect stay, and it’s just a 10-minute cycle from the historic city centre.