Set in the heart of Cambridge at University Arms, Parker’s Tavern is the kind of place where long lunches turn into celebratory dinners, and one drink becomes “just one more”. Expect seasonal cooking, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that feels effortlessly lively, whether you’re gathering for something big or simply getting everyone together.
Bring the people you love, We’ll handle the rest
Celebrations at Parker’s Tavern
A Cambridge Table Made for Celebrations
From the first toast to the last laugh
Mark the moment
The Cambridge Table for Every Occasion
From Christmas and New Year’s to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Valentine’s, Burns Night, and graduation season, Parker’s Tavern is a the place to celebrate in Cambridge. Join us for birthdays, anniversaries or family get-togethers, with seasonal à la carte dining, a children’s menu for smaller guests, and Afternoon Tea when the occasion calls for something delightfully unhurried.
Two Celebrations, Effortlessly Hosted
Mother’s Day & Father’s Day
Two of the favourite family occasions, served with a little extra shine. Join us for a celebratory set menu designed for lingering, toasting, and doing the day properly, with a complimentary glass of fizz for all mothers on Mother’s Day, and a complimentary pint of beer for all fathers on Father’s Day.
Consider it our way of saying: you’ve earned this, and then some.
The Best Kind of Excuse to Celebrate
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Big milestone or a quiet “just us” moment, Parker’s Tavern is made for both.
Settle in with seasonal à la carte dining, raise a glass (or two), and let the celebration unfold at its own pace. If you’d like to add a little extra sparkle, we can help arrange thoughtful touches like flowers, cake, or fizz on arrival, because some moments deserve more than a quick toast.
Two Winter Nights Worth Getting Together For
Burns Night & Bonfire Night
From crackling conversation to proper comfort food, these are the evenings made for warmth and good company. Join us for Burns Night with a special menu and a nod to haggis, or make Bonfire Night feel a little more civilised with dinner and drinks before Cambridge lights up outside.
Festive Celebrations in the Heart of Cambridge
Christmas & New Year’s
When Cambridge turns twinkly, Parker’s Tavern is the place to gather.
Join us over the festive season for warm hospitality, seasonal flavours, and a table that’s perfect for catching up, clinking glasses, and staying a little longer than planned. Whether it’s a Christmas get-together or a New Year’s toast, we’ll keep it celebratory, welcoming, and effortlessly hosted.
A Spring Celebration, Best Enjoyed Unhurried
Easter at Parker’s Tavern
Celebrate Easter in Cambridge with our special Easter Afternoon Tea, seasonal, indulgent, and made for lingering. Ideal for family catch-ups, friends’ gatherings, and anyone who believes spring deserves cake.
Romance, Served Two Ways
Valentine’s Day in Cambridge
Join us for Valentine’s with a little extra indulgence, choose our special five-course menu for a proper evening of celebrating, or keep it delightfully unhurried with Valentine’s Afternoon Tea.
Either way: expect great food, raised glasses, and a table you’ll want to linger at.
Proud Moments, Properly Celebrated
Graduation Season in Cambridge
Graduation in Cambridge has a way of turning into a full-day celebration, and we’re very much here for it. Gather the family, bring the proud people, and settle in for seasonal à la carte dining in a lively, central setting by Parker’s Piece. Perfect for post-ceremony lunches, celebratory dinners, and long catch-ups where the toasts are encouraged and dessert is non-negotiable.
A Lovely Reason to Get Everyone Together
Baby Showers in Cambridge
Celebrate the upcoming arrival with a relaxed gathering in the heart of Cambridge. It’s the perfect setting for unhurried conversation, a few well-chosen treats, and a moment that feels special without being overdone, with seasonal à la carte dining, a children’s menu for families, and Afternoon Tea when the occasion calls for something a little more indulgent.
WAYS TO CELEBRATE
However you like to mark the moment, we keep it beautifully simple. Choose our seasonal à la carte menu for celebratory lunches and dinners, bring the whole party with a children’s menu for smaller guests, or settle in for Afternoon Tea, the British way to linger, unhurried. Or keep things delightfully informal with drinks and nibbles; the ideal plan when you want to celebrate without over-structuring it.
Seasonal, Signature & Themed
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is one of our signature experiences, a classic Cambridge way to celebrate, served with seasonal flavours that change throughout the year. Look out for special editions inspired by the moment, from Summer and Autumn teas to themed favourites like Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s, each one a very good reason to linger a little longer.
Quintessentially British, Always in Season
À la Carte Dining
Our à la carte menu evolves with the seasons, rooted in East Anglian produce and classic British flavours, changing just enough to keep things exciting, while staying reliably excellent. Expect timeless favourites that never go out of style, alongside seasonal highlights, and a dedicated vegan menu so everyone at the table can order well.
Prefer it private?
Private Dining
If your celebration calls for a little more privacy speeches, surprises, a bigger guest list, or simply your own space, private dining is available at University Arms. Just upstairs from Parker’s Tavern, you’ll find a choice of beautiful rooms, including the Ballroom, which can be divided into the Crick and Watson rooms for more intimate gatherings. Our events team will help you choose the perfect setting, shape the flow of the day, and take care of the details with expert ease.
THE WATSON
Intimate, stylish, and made for celebrations that feel personal. The Watson is ideal when you want your own space without losing the warm, welcoming feel — perfect for toasts, speeches, and long, lovely dinners.
Up to 70 guests.
THE CRICK
A little more room to gather, while keeping things beautifully relaxed. The Crick offers the same elegance-without-the-fuss atmosphere, ideal for bigger birthday dinners, anniversaries, and milestone moments where you want everyone together.
Up to 90 guests.
THE BALLROOM
When your guest list grows, the celebration can too. The Ballroom is our grandest space, impressive, light-filled, and still wonderfully hospitable, whether it’s a big birthday, a gala-style dinner, or a proper “everyone’s coming” occasion.
Up to 180 guests.
Prefer it private?
Private Dining
If your celebration calls for a little more privacy speeches, surprises, a bigger guest list, or simply your own space, private dining is available at University Arms. Just upstairs from Parker’s Tavern, you’ll find a choice of beautiful rooms, including the Ballroom, which can be divided into the Crick and Watson rooms for more intimate gatherings. Our events team will help you choose the perfect setting, shape the flow of the day, and take care of the details with expert ease.
Evenings Worth Turning Up For
FEATURED EVENT
Fri 5 June 2026 | 8:30–10:30pm
Tim Boniface
Tim Boniface is a respected bandleader, versatile UK jazz collaborator, and composer of three original albums. He performs across the UK, directs the ‘Girton Jazz’ program at Girton College, mentors at Cambridge’s Centre for Music Performance, and works with the University’s Faculty of Music.
Free Entry
FEATURED EVENT
Fri 29 May 2026 | 8:30–10:30pm
Sam Miles
Sam Miles is an award-winning Cambridge based saxophonist. As well as performing around the UK with his own quartet you can find him regularly playing and touring across Europe with the Jazz-House Producer Berlioz, Tom Green Septet, Patchwork Orchestra and the Work8hop Octet.
Free Entry
GOOD TO KNOW
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, we’re happy to cater for dietary requirements. Let us know in advance so our team can look after you properly.
- Do you have vegan options?
Yes, we have a dedicated vegan menu, alongside vegetarian options on the à la carte menu.
- Do you offer Afternoon Tea every day?
Yes, however Afternoon Tea availability can vary. We recommend booking ahead to secure your preferred time.
- Does Afternoon Tea change?
Yes, Afternoon Tea is a Parker’s Tavern signature and changes seasonally. We also create themed editions throughout the year, including Summer, Autumn, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s.
- Do you have a children’s menu?
Yes, we have a children’s menu for smaller guests.
- Can we bring decorations?
Yes, decorations are welcome, and we work with trusted external suppliers if you’d like help creating the look.
- Do you offer private dining at Parker’s Tavern?
Private dining is offered at University Arms. If you’d like a private room, our events team will guide you to the best option.
- How do I enquire about private dining?
Email [email protected] or call 01223 606066.
- How do I book a table at Parker’s Tavern?
Use the Book a table button on our website to reserve your table, then let us know what you’re celebrating.