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Afternoon Tea at Parker's Tavern, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Afternoon Tea at Parker's Tavern

4.0
4
255 Reviews
£41 and over
Afternoon Tea
Top tags:


"A restaurant and bar located within the new University Arms hotel on Parker’s Piece, Cambridge.
Parker’s Tavern serves modern British comfort food sourced from field, fen and England’s seas.
The menu changes with the seasons, every dish representing a return to good, unpretentious British cooking, conjured by a spectacular chef."

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2 people
19:00
Booked 5 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    Afternoon Tea
  • Hours of Operation
    Afternoon Tea Daily 12:00–17:00
  • Phone number
    01223 606266
  • Website
    http://www.parkerstavern.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual

What 255 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.0
4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.1Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 3.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Great for scenic views

  • Cambridge

    Romantic

255 Reviews

  1. TraceyL

    Cambridge

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    It was absolutely shocking . Nothing like the reviews. It was booked as a surprise for my friends 60th birthday which turned into a nightmare

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  2. Alice

    Hertfordshire

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall2food4service2ambience3
    The main problem was the lack of service. Although the staff were very pleasant when you did get their attention, they still mixed up order requests. I had emailed in advance as we had a milestone birthday and dietary requests. On the day, these were not acknowledged.

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  3. TorFil

    London

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    I don’t like leaving bad reviews, I will always try to find the good aspects and focus on that, but on this occasion I’m sorry to say there are so few good aspects. We were seated at our booked time. We were given menus and our order was taken. Both ordered afternoon tea, one vegan. Tea was brought to us swiftly, however, no sugar, lemon slices (earl grey) were brought with the tea. At least 45 minutes after ordering we were informed it isn’t possible to have afternoon tea from the “free from” menu without at least 24hrs notice. We agreed to have just vegan sandwiches and vegan scones. More than an hour after we sat down, we still had no food. Many other diners were in similar situation. The manager came to apologise and ask if there was anything he could bring us (sparkling wine etc). We asked for some food, any food. Having not eaten all day so as to fully enjoy the afternoon tea - it was now approaching 4pm and we were well and truly starving. Eventually some olives were brought to all tables that had been waiting for a long time. Nearly 2 hours after we were seated our food arrived. The sever placed the stacked platter on the table, but did not check to see all legs were on, and the platter tipped, causing several items to fall on the floor. This was of course rectified and more food was brought to replace what was lost, but it really was the final straw. Over all, despite profuse apology from the manager, the experience was dreadful. Service was terrible, food was mediocre, and had they not taken 50% off the bill I would have been very reluctant to pay the £40 per head. I can’t see me returning any time soon, which is a shame because the decor and building is beautiful.

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  4. BarryD

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 November 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Lovely time, very quiet setting in library. Tea and food very good, large portion sizes. A little pricey, but can’t beat the setting! Enjoyed the visit

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  5. FruM

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 13 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing cosy and christmasy atmosphere, our couches and afternoon tea table was very comfortable and great location, staff was very kind and helpful and great food. Everyone had a fantastic time!

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  6. JennyP

    Cambridge

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 12 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The afternoon tea was delicious if a little over priced but the service was excellent, staff were very helpful & friendly

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  7. Abcda

    Cambridge

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 November 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience5
    Very beautiful and calm location. Good food. Service - not ideal. We received the wrong type of tea two times. Price - extreme. Small font that we needed to pay 12.5% tax, so in total we paid 90£ (!) for two afternoon teas. But the place is really beautiful and the food pretty good.

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  8. Lucia

    Orlando

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 October 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    It was a nice experience. But super expensive, and no advice of mandatory tip.

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  9. EmmaW

    Buckinghamshire

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 23 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful. We asked to move seating and this was no problem at all. They are so friendly

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  10. LukeH

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 October 2023

    overall1food5service1ambience1
    Food was great - but the worst service I have ever had!! Put out to a back room & forgot about! People were seated near us eventually -but even they walked out as they had enough of waiting! Can’t be bothered 2 explain into details -but My worst experience I’ve ever -we had afternoon tea was good ,the building venue is lovely but that’s as good as it got I’m afraid. Never again

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  11. LHeg

    London

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 2 October 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    Unfortunately we didn’t have a great experience, the afternoon tea was advertised as being served in the lounge area but when we arrived we were shown to a table in the main restaurant which didn’t have the same ambience for an afternoon tea, when we asked if we could move we were basically talked out of it & told we wouldn’t have the same experience as there weren’t enough staff in the lounge area?? The staff were very inattentive throughout, we had to send scones back as they were overcooked and very hard and some of the sandwiches were quite soggy so we asked for more as we couldn’t eat the existing ones. Overall very disappointing considering the price and it was for my daughters birthday.

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  12. Lollie

    Cambridge

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 28 September 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    We were originally shown to a table in the main dining area, which was cold and not conducive to an Afternoon Tea. When we asked if we could be seated elsewhere, we were shown to the Library, which was much more appropriate for Afternoon Tea. I think that overall, it was overpriced. In terms of service, it was mediocre, nothing seemed to flow. I have paid more and received more, then again, I have paid less and got more. Has potential to be special, but didn't deliver on this occasion. Sorry.

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  13. Katharine

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 September 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    This is a beautiful setting for an afternoon tea with the view over Parker's Piece and lovely restaurant interior. I looked at all the afternoon teas in Cambridge to treat my Australian cousins - this was the most expensive but I thought it would be worth it. I thought there would be a lot of attention to detail but sadly not. My cousin asked for water with ice and lemon instead of tea and the brought a bottle of water for the table no ice no lemon. There was no butter for the scones and when my cousin asked for some the waitress bought two tiny pats. The sweets were lovely but the sandwiches were in the majority sardine which is a very particular flavour that doesn't appeal to most people. There was no beef and no smoked salmon as advertised. I've been to Parker's Tavern a few times and love the toilets! However this time the bins were overflowing and I didn't feel it was as clean as it should have been. Last of all, my mum and I asked for another cup of tea and this cost us £15. I would have expected the tea to be refillable. So - four afternoon teas for £180- If money is no object then it's a nice experience but that's mostly because of the setting.

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  14. ADFrat

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love the afternoon tea at the Parkers Tavern! The food is delicious and the staff was amazing. Will be recommending to friends and will be returning in the future for more Afternoon teas.

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  15. Lesley

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 14 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love celebrating birthdays here, and this was, as always, wonderful. The staff are all very nice and made sure everything was very special. This is one of our family's very favorite restaurants, next to the park.

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  16. EmmaD

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 11 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the setting, to the attentive staff, to the mood to the incredible food it was PERFECT.

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  17. WonderWomanOffDuty

    Cambridge

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 9 September 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    Service could not be faulted. The restaurant attention to detail was amazing from the Cambridge themed plates to the reality checkpoint cake stand holder. We took afternoon tea for 6 ladies. I had the gluten free option as I am coeliac. The sandwiches were divine. The scone was good but crumbly. Sadly the cakes were dry and tasteless. I expected better food. My friends however enjoyed their food greatly. Remainders were carefully boxed in bright yellow cake boxes.

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  18. MARGENAC

    Cambridge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, atmosphere, and service were excellent. Would highly recommend.

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  19. AmyD

    London

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 28 August 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    There was no menu on the table explaining what was included in the afternoon tea. The tea was placed down with no description either. They didn't come over to check and when I did ask a question I never got an answer.

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  20. PoppyW

    London

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 26 August 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Unfortunately the cake stand leg got caught in between the 2 tables and the tower fell over and smashed along with our cakes. Maybe in the future put the stand onto one table not in the middle.

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  21. MichelleH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 August 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    The afternoon tea itself was pleasant, but the service and atmosphere were lacking. Seeing though the restaurant was pretty much empty, it took a long time to get our first drinks, the waiter offered us tea or coffee but not which ones were available. Did not come back to offer a top up, did not come back to check everything was OK. I would not have left 12.5% tip if it had not assumptively been added to the bill. Such a shame because its a great setting, and with just a bit more care it could have been a great experience.

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  22. DavidS

    Cambridge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service. The food and presentation were exemplary.

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  23. Frequenter

    London

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 13 August 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    Though the venue is beautiful and the library is really unique. The afternoon tea was terrible from presentation, sequence and mostly quality. The “sandwiches” were sad looking and far too much mayonnaise in everything. The scones were okay and the sweet top platter was stale! Very sad! The early grey teabag was great.

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  24. ClaudiaP

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 12 August 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience5
    I have never seen service like that, and not in a good way! I have no idea where they get their waiters and waitresses from but if you want to be upmarket and exclusive then you simply need to get the staff to reflect that. One or two good ones managed to turn things round but food was dropped on the floor, people sat there for twenty minutes without anybody taking their order, we waited ten minutes for a waiter to come (who was rude and clearly completely untrained) orders were forgotten and the food was OK but nothing special. I cannot even remember the last time I posted a negative review about any place, but afternoon tea at the Tavern is really not worth the money!

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  25. Mel12

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 August 2023

    overall3food1service5ambience5
    The waitress was lovely and tried her hardest! The food was expensive for what we had, one sandwich hand purely cucumber inside. The building is beautiful and service seems good just need better food and value for money.

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  26. SpanielGuy

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 August 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Over priced and over sweet. Waiters absent a lot of the time.

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  27. CharaV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for a date whilst we were at Cambridge for the weekend. Service was lovely so was food. We enjoyed it so much and our table was facing the window. It was really nice!

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  28. ECY111

    Cambridge

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 July 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    I’ve had afternoon tea there earlier this year and it was lovely. The food was very good, beautifully presented and we sat in the library. This time the food was very bland, the sandwiches were really tasteless and no love put into them or the presentation at all. The staff were very kind though. We won’t come back for this again.

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  29. RosemaryK

    Bedfordshire

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 July 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    A most enjoyable afternoon supported by very attentive staff and good service. Only downside, and not your issue, was car parking difficulty die to lack of on street parking in central Cambridge.

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  30. KW1980

    London

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 July 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience1
    The food was nice but the service was awful, sadly. They were polite but took ages to get a drink and the same with the food. We waited for over 20 mins for a cup of tea. The place was empty so it didn’t make sense. It was a lot of money when the service was so awful and the food was ok, not amazing. Real shame as we were so looking forward to it

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  31. Newyork

    London

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 12 July 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience1
    Very average food and little ambience as no one else in restaurant.

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  32. RalfS

    NRW

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 11 July 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Very nice ambience, as one would expect of a british Tea Room. The teas were very tasty and most of the finger food were very good. However, the scones were a bit "heavier" than we are used to, particularly the whole wheat ones.

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  33. Anon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great first time at Parker’s Tavern. The waitress was super nice and answered all our questions patiently. Definitely planning to go again.

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  34. Amelia

    Essex

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 9 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the afternoon tea - the restaurant was lovely, quirky decor and clean/tidy. Service was perfect, was not left waiting too long to be seated or for our food/drink. Food was delicious and you can refill any plate you want. The same with drinks. Will be returning to try the normal menu!

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  35. AnitaM

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 July 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Yes it was very nice but I’ve had other afternoon teas that have been better.

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  36. Underwhelming

    Cambridge

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 8 July 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience1
    I had high hopes for this afternoon tea, given it's location and reputation. However, it was rather underwhelming, especially for the price (£36 each) for 3 tiny sandwiches per person and some sadly disappointing sweets. The room was extremely noisy and I wouldn't call it "energetic". The staff were friendly enough, at least. Just let down by the overall experience. I've had far better afternoon teas for less than half this price and in far nicer surroundings. The room doesn't match the images. Never mind.

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  37. wynnk

    Cambridge

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 1 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Booked afternoon tea at Parkers and went with a friend. We has a lovely time, the service was great, such a lovely man looked after us very well. Tea and drinks were great, food was great. We will return.

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  38. XinyiC

    London

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 30 June 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    I took my friends for afternoon tea here mainly for the location and decor. It mostly met my expectations with nice food (not wow-level but seems trustworthy for future visits), decent tea selection, and friendly service. Sweet potato avocado sandwich is an interesting combination. Surprisingly savory, with a hint of curry, and beautifully smooth. Love the smoky salmon mousse and the cheese and onion quiche, which isn’t solid like egg quiche and is so creamy. The freshly baked scones are lovely. Warm, crusty on the outside, and moist inside. They are more eggy, bread-like, denser than my other favorite ones, but tastes good too. Fruit scones are slightly smaller. A nice balanced hint of cinnamon and not too sweet (only two or three pieces of raisins on the top but good enough for me). The sweet deck… a balance between aesthetics and taste. Duke of Cambridge tart is savory-sweet and quite good. The lemon drizzle cake is quite pleasant. Vegan scone tastes a little like burnt coconut/sesame/milk powder. Not bad but we were intrigued. Lapsang Souchong is really smoky. Masala Chai is delicately spiced. Rooibos Orange breakfast is very fruity. Bottomless tea is a nice plus, as the sandwiches and desserts are a little less tempting to be re-ordered. Service is warm and friendly. The decor is beautiful, but somehow the smooth jazz-ish background music doesn’t fit the ambience. Some classier jazz or classic music would work better. Overall it’s a 4.4 for me, worth the price and I’d recommend it if you have to have one in Cambridge.

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  39. VickiK

    Yorkshire

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 29 June 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Fabulous afternoon tea in beautiful surroundings. Great for a special occasion.

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  40. LauraS

    Cambridge

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 23 June 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely relaxing experience. Attentive staff and delicious food. Couldn’t have asked for more!

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FAQs

Afternoon Tea at Parker's Tavern is rated 4 stars by 255 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 5 times today
Google Map for Afternoon Tea at Parker's Tavern

Parker's Tavern, Regent Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 1AD

Additional information

  • Area
    Cambridge
  • Hours of Operation
    Afternoon Tea Daily 12:00–17:00
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    Afternoon Tea
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking Details
    Hotel Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, High Tea, Indoor Fireplace, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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