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University Arms and Parker’s Piece have long been the location of choice for great feasts and celebrations in Cambridge. It’s a place that has always known how to gather people together and the same celebratory spirit that brought 15,000 guests onto the green for Queen Victoria’s Coronation in 1838 still lingers in the air today.

Now, it’s your turn. Whether you’re planning a special birthday, an anniversary, a hen-do with style, a private dinner with friends, or simply a weekend away that calls for a little champagne, our spaces are made for unwinding, conversing, and raising a glass (more than once, if the night calls for it).

From seasonal menus and beautiful wines to the small details that make a big difference, our team curates each celebration with expert ease; so you can relax into the moment, enjoy your people, and let the night unfold exactly as it should.

Your Space, Your Way

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or bringing a bigger group together, University Arms offers a choice of beautiful spaces designed for celebrating in Cambridge. From relaxed tables in Parker’s Tavern to private rooms for more exclusive occasions, we’ll help you find the right setting for your guest list, your timings, and the kind of atmosphere you want, lively and sociable, or more tucked-away and intimate. Our events team will guide the flow from arrival drinks to the final toast, so it all feels seamless on the day.

Big milestone or low-key gathering? We’ll make it feel special, with the right room, the right menu, and a toast-worthy start.

Perfect for: afternoon tea, cocktail receptions, seated meals dinners, bowl food & dancing-after

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• A central Cambridge setting overlooking Parker’s Piece • Private dining rooms and group tables for celebrations of all sizes • Seasonal menus prepared by the team at Parker’s Tavern • Cocktails, Champagne and thoughtfully chosen wines for proper toasting • A dedicated events team to plan the details and keep everything running smoothly • Bedrooms for overnight stays (and breakfast the next morning) • Finishing touches on request: cakes, flowers, fizz on arrival and more

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Few halls in Cambridge can match the grandeur, elegance and history of the University Arms Ballroom, a wood-panelled space that’s part of the city’s heritage. Natural light pours through striking stained-glass windows decorated with college crests, with views over the iconic Parker’s Piece. Summer or winter, it’s made for grand celebrations, with room for up to 180 guests seated or 200 standing.

Ideal for gala dinners, award nights, grand celebrations, University events, Milestone birthdays and large receptions

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From a round of cocktails to a full sit-down feast, we’ll help you shape the experience around your group, including dietary requirements, timings, and the little details that make the night feel seamless. AFTERNOON TEA A classic British way to celebrate in Cambridge, and where better than University Arms? Time to linger, toast, and make an afternoon of it. RECEPTIONS Welcome drinks, mingling, and an atmosphere that feels instantly festive CANAPÉS Perfect for pre-dinner celebrations or a stylish stand-up gathering BOWL FOOD Relaxed, sociable, and ideal for groups that don’t want to sit still BUFFET DINING Generous, flexible, and great for larger celebrations SEATED THREE-COURSE MEALS The full “proper celebration” experience, beautifully hosted

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Celebrations FAQs

  • What types of food and drink can we choose from? We can arrange afternoon tea, receptions, canapés, bowl food, buffet dining, and seated meals, alongside drinks packages or a more bespoke bar selection.
  • Can you help me choose the best format for my group? Absolutely, our events team will recommend the best space and style (reception vs seated, canapés vs bowl food, etc.) based on your timings, guest list and the atmosphere you want.
  • Can we bring decorations? Yes, decorations are welcome. We work with trusted external suppliers and can recommend options to suit your space and style, or you’re welcome to bring your own (we’ll just advise on what works best in each room).
  • Can you arrange cakes, flowers, or Champagne on arrival? Yes, we can help with cakes, flowers, and fizz/Champagne on arrival, plus other personalised touches depending on what you have in mind.
  • Do you cater for dietary requirements and allergies? Yes, we can cater for dietary requirements and allergies. Share details in advance so the kitchen can plan properly.
  • Can we play our own music? Is there AV? Many of our spaces can support music and AV. Let us know what you’re planning (speeches, playlists, microphones, screens) and we’ll guide what’s possible.
  • Is there a minimum spend, deposit, or booking terms? This depends on the date, time, space and group size. Once you enquire, we’ll confirm availability and share the relevant minimum spend/deposit and terms.
  • What times can celebrations run until? It varies by space and day of the week. Tell us your ideal timings and we’ll recommend the best set-up.
  • Can guests stay over? Of course! Bedrooms are available, and yes, breakfast the next morning is a very good idea.
  • Is the venue accessible? Yes, we have accessible access and facilities. If you have specific requirements, tell us, and we’ll make sure the right space and route are arranged.
  • How do we enquire? Email our events team at events@universityarms.com or call 01223 606066. Share your preferred date, guest numbers, the occasion you’re celebrating, and the style you’re after (afternoon tea, reception, canapé, bowl food, buffet, or a seated three-course meal), and we’ll come back with the best options.