The Fellows House
Hotel ,Cambridge
The Fellows House is one of the relatively new Curio Collection Hotels, by Hilton. Described as ‘a global portfolio of remarkable hotels with a one-of-a-kind story to share,’ it is a unique apart-hotel which offers travellers a curated experience of Cambridge, sharing local and historic knowledge in an authentic and artistic way.
hemed on ‘the fellows’ that attended Cambridge University, the hotel has thoughtfully sourced artwork and installations each piece telling their own story that can be found throughout the hotel. There is something of significance relating to what those Cambridge fellows have achieved in their lifetimes. Perhaps it’s a series of wildlife painting as a nod to David Attenborough or a portrait of David Nicol, the first African to graduate with first-class honours and contributed to medical science with a breakthrough for the treatment of diabetes. My personal favourites were the silhouettes of King’s College and the Bridge of Sighs, that are laser cut from vintage maps of Cambridgeshire, laid over a contrasting-coloured map and the DNA Wall, where the first line is apparently the owner of the hotel’s very own DNA structure!
Built in 2021, it has gained a reputation for being a stylish artisan hotel sharing through artwork the story of the beautiful and historic city. With the trusted brand of Hilton behind this unique ‘Curio Collection’ you feel safe in the knowledge that your experience will be one of a restful stay whether long or short.
The Fellows House offers a selection of rooms or apartments, perfect for one night or weekend get-away breaks and to accommodate for those needing longer residential stays. There are 163 rooms, including eight duplexes that go across two storeys with the kitchen and living area downstairs, bedroom and bathroom upstairs. There are 65 studios and 51 apartments.
The property is ideal for those looking to reside somewhere where they can “Feel at home, Feel Inspired and Feel like a Fellow”. Located a short walk or cycle ride from the city centre, and a few minutes’ drive from Cambridge Science Park and other business parks around the city, it is the perfect base for project workers, business travelers and those looking to relocate.
For those wanting a romantic or much needed break, the hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing escape with luxurious bedrooms, high-powered walk-in rain showers or deep baths with lovely White Company toiletries.
The Folio Bar & Kitchen is Fellow’s signature restaurant that specialises in locally sourced ingredients, reducing food waste and offering guests a healthy and nutritious menu. The new executive chef, Kiran Selvarajan, brings a wealth of experience to the hotel. The menu has something from everyone including vegan, plant-based food. The Fellows House’s mission to serve healthy and high-quality food shines through its new gourmet offering, providing locally sourced, traditional British dishes with a modern twist. For a choice of starters there is plenty of choice. We enjoyed pan-fried scallops, lobster bisque and fried sage and tried burrata with grilled pears, heritage tomatoes with a basil and balsamic reduction.
The Folio’s Grill offers you a choice of Himalayan salt aged steak, whole spiced poussin, pork T-bone or a whole king tiger prawn. There is also a surf and turf option adding seared scallops, grilled prawn or the king prawn!
We opted for the fillet steak and a herbed rack of lamb with charred aubergine, which was delicious and all perfectly cooked to our liking. On the Folio’s Classics menu, there’s plant-based burgers, salads, tofish and chips and a choice of salads.
The restaurant and adjacent bar combine historic with contemporary, rewriting the food and drink script for the storied city of Cambridge encouraging a relaxing and inspiring place to drink and dine. There are cosy sofas and chairs and lots of space to relax. There’s a pool table in the bar area, creating a fun, yet relaxed atmosphere. The new cocktails are a must try, including ‘The Principia’, infused with tequila blanco and nectarine liqueur, which lends itself to Isaac Newton’s mathematical principles of natural philosophy. Alternatively, guests can try the Linden Leaf 8 gin-based cocktail, the ‘Theatre of Imagination’, after Quentin Blake’s book.
Seasonal menus are set to become a regular feature at The Folio Bar & Kitchen along with unseen dishes that appeal to both new guests and loyal friends of The Fellows House.
The Sage of Cambridge plays the role of a local coffee shop by day, offering health-conscious options and freshly baked pastries with their own in-house pastry chef.
The Sage of Cambridge also hosts a regular ‘house party’ social evenings with resident’s engagement activities for guests every Wednesday evening. These are designed to enable a space for long-staying visitors to meet one another and share their experiences over a selection of themed complimentary drinks and nibbles.
The hotel itself is a wonderful place to relax and unwind enjoying a drink and the atmosphere in the Folio Bar or indulging in a homemade cake or pastry in The Sage. The Fellows Garden is a spacious outdoor area with heated lamps for colder days or chilly evenings, a heated swimming pool with jacuzzi jets, a steam room and a sauna to unwind as well as loungers around the pool to relax on. The fully equipped gym is open 247 and has all the state-of-the-art gym equipment including LifeFitness running machines, cross trainers and bikes.
Venturing out, there are endless ways to enjoy the beautiful city of Cambridge. The hotel offers free cycle hire so you can set off and explore Cambridge’s famous colleges within a mile of the hotel. Explore the Bridge of Sighs, the University of Cambridge museums and Botanic Gardens and the daily Cambridge market.
Hire a punt and go punting on the River Cam or relax and enjoy people watching from the outside cafes. There are many independent businesses in the city, many art shops and galleries and little undiscovered gems waiting to be found and stories to unfold.
Rooms at The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton, start from £197 per night for two people staying in a Kipling King room on a B&B basis.
Phone: +44 (0) 1223 94 94 99.
Address: 33a Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1UZ.
Parking: Parking is available at the hotel £24 per day
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/stncaqq-the-fellows-house-cambridge/
Events at The Fellows House: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-fellows-house-35826430723
Explore Cambridge: https://www.visitcambridge.org/
Written by Kate Morfoot www.LoveToEatToTravel.com Follow Kate on Instagram @Love2Eat2Travel
