LUXURY CAMBRIDGE HOTEL LAUNCHES UNMISSABLE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OFFERING PROVIDNG THE ULTIMATE FESTIVE ESCAPE OUTSIDE OF LONDON

Make the most of the festive season this year with a visit to a stunning, independently-owned, boutique hotel and spa, The Varsity (https://www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk).
Based in Cambridge, just a short distance outside of London, the luxury hotel provides the ultimate festive escape for those looking to celebrate in style whilst experiencing everything the famous University city has to offer including the festive lights, cobblestone streets and a shopping spree like no other. The Varsity Hotel & Spa is also perfectly positioned to offer unparalleled views of the city including the famous University colleges.
With the choice of two excellent eateries, SIX and River Bar Steakhouse & Grill, the hotel has it all when it comes to celebrating this Christmas. Each restaurant will be offering its own take on the festive period with menus stocked full of the freshest, seasonal ingredients providing guests with a meal they won’t forget in a hurry. Those who want to make the most of the evening can enjoy an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s elegant and contemporary guestrooms, and book in for a relaxing treatment in the spa.
From Christmas parties and Christmas Day lunches to dancing the night away at the hotel’s two spectacular New Year’s Eve events, there’s no better place to get together with family, friends and colleagues alike this December.
Christmas Parties
Looking to celebrate the festive season with a much-loved Christmas party? Look no further than The Varsity Hotel & Spa where both SIX and River Bar Steakhouse & Grill have you covered.
Available to book between the 15th of November and the 24th of December inclusive, both venues will offer a two or three-course feast alongside complimentary Christmas crackers and a refreshing glass of prosecco or Elderflower Fizz on arrival, making every celebration that bit more special.
Highlight starter options at SIX include Slow Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup served with sourdough bread; Lamb Samosa with Auntie’s yoghurt and mint raita and Burrata with marinated cherry tomatoes, mint and a balsamic drizzle. At River Bar Steakhouse & Grill, expect starters of Ham Hock Terrine with English piccalilli and toasted brioche, and Smoked Salmon with picked cucumber, shaved lemon, horseradish and toast amongst others.
When it comes to the main event, guests visiting SIX will be able to choose from the likes of Traditional Roasted Turkey with all the trimmings; Wild Mushroom Risotto with truffle oil and baked parmesan crisp; and Woodstone Roasted Cod with potato fondant, broccoli and lemon beurre blanc. Those celebrating at River Bar Steakhouse can indulge in Slow Roasted Pork Belly served with smoked bacon and bean cassoulet and a Yorkshire pudding; 8oz Beef Fillet or 10oz Rib-eye Steak, both of which are served with triple cooked chips, roasted tomatoes and bearnaise sauce; or Pan Fried Salmon; and of course Traditional Roasted Turkey and more.
To finish on a high, desserts at SIX will include classic Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce; Vanilla Cheesecake with berry coulis; Chocolate Yule Log served with black forest berry compote; Mature Cheddar and Blue Cheese Plate with chutney and crackers; Madagascan Vanilla Crème Brulée and 70% Dark Chocolate and Cognac Parfait. River Bar Steakhouse will feature a similar delectable dessert menu alongside a Sicilian Lemon Tart with mascarpone.
The Christmas Party Menus are priced at £46.50 per person for two courses at SIX, and £48.50 per person for two courses at River Bar Steakhouse. Party-goers at both restaurants can opt for three courses for £58.50 per person.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is for eating and drinking to your heart’s content and where better to do this than The Varsity Hotel & Spa.
Both of the hotel’s impressive eateries will be hosting magnificent festive feasts like no other, allowing diners to relax and enjoy the day knowing the expert chefs have everything sorted (including the washing up!)
Priced at just £135 per person (or £58 for children) at SIX and £88 per person (and £45 for children) at River Bar Steakhouse, both restaurants will serve three-course menus, alongside Christmas crackers and a delicious welcome cocktail.
To kickstart the lavish banquet, guests dining at SIX can choose from a range of tasty starters including the likes of Duck Liver Pate with chutney and toasted brioche; Scallops 3 Ways with pea and mint puree, crème fraiche and garlic butter; and Tempura Vegetables with ginger soy sauce. Diners enjoy Christmas at the River Bar Steakhouse can tuck into Burrata with cracked black pepper, cherry tomatoes and aged balsamic; Homemade Scotch Egg with smoked garlic mayonnaise and Garlic Butter Tiger Prawns.
Irresistible main courses served in both restaurants include Roasted Turkey Ballotine wrapped in streaky bacon and served with all the trimmings; Slow Roasted Pork Belly; Roasted Salmon and Wild Mushroom Risotto with baked parmesan crisp. SIX will also be serving Prawn Skewers with giant cous cous, rocket and lemon and a 28 Day Aged 8oz Beef Fillet accompanied by potato fondant, seasonal vegetables and peppercorn or béarnaise sauce; whilst River Bar Steakhouse will offer an 8oz Beef Fillet with seasonal vegetables, chips or mashed potato, and either peppercorn or bearnaise sauce; and Half Grilled Lobster with garlic butter and chips.
Guests can then satisfy their sweet tooth with plenty of flavoursome desserts including classic Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce; Mature Cheddar and Blue Cheese Plate with chutney and crackers; Madagascan Vanilla Crème Brulée, and 70% Dark Chocolate Parfait, all of which will be available at both venues. Both SIX and River Bar Steak House will also offer its own choice of selected desserts which will include a Salted Caramel Sundae with salted caramel and vanilla ice cream, dulce la leche, toffee sauce and fresh cream, and Traditional Sticky Toffee Pudding with clotted cream at SIX; and Hazelnut Slab Brownie with salted chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream at River Bar Steakhouse.
New Years Eve
Ring in the New Year with the help of SIX and River Bar Steakhouse at The Varsity Hotel & Spa.
Both celebrations will feature a three-course menu and a complimentary welcome cocktail on arrival, setting the mood for the rest of the evening. Cocktail options include Peach Bellini, Kir Royale, and Elderflower Fizz as well as prosecco at River Bar Steakhouse. Guests visiting SIX will also be able to enjoy live music throughout the evening.
Standout starters at both restaurants include Slow Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup served with crème fraiche; Grilled Halloumi with herb marinated cherry tomatoes and salsa; Traditional Prawn Cocktail with Marie Rose sauce; Salt and Pepper Squid with lime mayonnaise and Crab Cakes served with chipotle mayonnaise.
Diners can then delight in a range of flavoursome main courses including the likes of Chicken Milanese baked with buffalo mozzarella and served with tomato sauce, basil, and parmesan chips, or Roast Cod with sauteed artichokes, sundried tomatoes and crushed potatoes at SIX; or Roasted Salmon with sautéed soy and ginger greens and baby potatoes, or an 14oz Sirloin or 8oz Beef Fillet served with triple cooked chips and either peppercorn or béarnaise sauce at River Bar Steakhouse. Succulent Slow Roasted Pork Belly served with creamed spinach and mustard mash, will also be available at both restaurants.
Ending on a sweet note to welcome in 2024, there will be a range of indulgent desserts on offer in both restaurants including Madagascan Vanilla Crème Brulée, Lemon Sorbet, and Mature Cheddar and Blue Cheese Plate with chutney and crackers. In addition, SIX’s New Year’s Eve menu will also boast the likes of Warm Apple Crumble served with vanilla ice cream, and Sticky Toffee Pudding with vanilla ice cream, whilst at River Bar Steakhouse diners can enjoy a Chocolate Brownie with salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream and a 70% Dark Chocolate Mousse.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at SIX for just £96 per person or at River Bar Steakhouse for £94 per person.
Featured Photo by Artem Kniaz on Unsplash