Lee Clarke – the new Executive Chef at University Arms
University Arms, Cambridge has appointed Lee Clarke as its new Executive Chef, heralding a new culinary chapter for the storied Cambridge hotel.
About Parker’s Tavern
Parker’s Tavern is a quintessential all-day British brasserie celebrating feasting at its finest. It’s the place to dine if you like something fancy but comforting at the same time in a stunning setting.
The History of the University Arms
The University Arms has been Cambrige’s landmark hotel since 1834 and reopened in 2018 after a 4 year £80 million refurbishment. The result was beautiful, befitting its history and, just as importantly, its future. The restaurant can seat 110 guests, and the grand bar 61.
About Lee Clarke
So, who is Lee Clarke, leading Parker’s Tavern into a new era?
Originally from Peterborough, Lee’s culinary journey began with two years of training under the renowned Marco Pierre White at Mirebelle restaurant. He then honed his skills further under the guidance of the late Albert Roux at Roux Fine Dining restaurant. With over a decade of experience in London, Lee returned home in 2011 to open Clarkes in Peterborough. Here, he built a reputation for relaxed classic cuisine, which saw the restaurant enter several of the UK’s top 100 lists and the Michelin Guide within two years of opening.
Lee opened his next restaurant, Prévost, in 2015, which was recognised within months of opening by the Michelin Guide. Suddenly, the Peterborough region became a place for excellent fine dining, drawing guests from across the UK. The restaurant was also awarded 3 AA rosettes and was noted as one to watch the Good Food Guide that same year and Square Meal Top 100 List 2024.
What’s new about the food at Parker’s Tavern?
It is still the quintessential all-day British brasserie, celebrating seasonal feasting at its finest and using the best British and local produce. What is the refreshing element? The a la carte menu not only brings you seasonal variety but also what’s fresh each day from Cambridgeshire fields and Fens conjured into whimsical dishes delivered with refined techniques.
Share a meat feast
New to the table is also the Meat Feast. It’s a board of East Anglian Rib Eye and Bavette steak, succulent chicken poussin, and chorizo, all expertly cooked over charcoal and paired with a rich Argentinian Malbec. Perfect as a sharing board or to enjoy all to yourself.
Dining at Parker’s Tavern
We had the pleasure of dining here a few weeks ago. Upon arrival, we were treated to a glass of Saffron Grange Sparkling wine, which is always an excellent start to a fine dining experience. The menu has a good selection of starters, mains, sides, and desserts. Interesting additions to the new menu are the sharing pies, the selection of schnitzels, and the fact that the starters could be ordered as small or large plates.
The cashew curry caught my eye on social media the other day. I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I love Indian food. Delicious potato dumplings were covered in a lovely, rich cashew sauce with a lovely kick. They were served with roti, salad, cucumber raita, and jeera rice. My husband decided on the charcoal roasted chicken supreme with mixed leaves salad, pumpkin seeds, Parmesan, and charred lemon, which was succulent and had nice char.
For starters, we had the roasted pear and goat cheese curd salad, which was nice and peppery. There is nothing worse than a bland salad, and there are quite a few around! My husband’s vegetable tempura was delicious, spiced well, and had a lovely crunch. It was a real show-stopper! Perfect for sharing and as a snack in the bar with your drinks.
Let’s smash it!
The most sensational dish of the evening was the creme brulee. The creamy soft pudding was covered with a giant crunchy biscuit, inviting you to smash it. And we did. You rarely get the chance to smash a dessert, so if you fancy doing this, this is your pudding!
Music, cocktails and events
Parker’s Tavern is not only a nice place to eat out but also a perfect spot for a posh afternoon tea or fancy cocktail or for sipping Cambridge Gin in the bar while listening to the tunes of jazz musicians on Friday evenings.
Over the next few months, Parker’s Tavern has exciting events lined up, from a Cambridge Gin dinner to Halloween Afternoon Tea and Festive Afternoon Tea to celebrate the festive season.
Go and check out the new menu at Parker’s Tavern and make it a ‘smashing’ experience!
PR/INVITE
Gerla
Gerla