Inside Cambridge's hidden gem, Six Panoramic Bar and Restaurant

We investigate one of Cambridge's hottest new dining spots

Restaurant: Six Panoramic Bar and Restaurant at the Varsity Hotel, Cambridge

Where is it?

Situated in the heart of the city, The Varsity Hotel & Spa is one of Cambridge's most popular places to stay, while the spa is the ideal place to be pampered. Just a stone's throw from the River Cam, its location makes for a good post-meal walk through the historic colleges. In the summer, guests can take advantage of the nearby punting, or pop upstairs to the hotel's famous roof garden.

What's the story?

The hotel recently opened the doors of its new restaurant and bar, Six – appropriately located on the hotel's sixth floor. As Cambridge is my home town, I knew that I had to check the hotel's new offerings out for myself.

The restaurant has a very intimate feel thanks to its warm and cosy décor. It has a gorgeous sprawling bar, complete with leather stools, where non-dining guests can enjoy a drink or two. Surrounded by windows, dining tables all overlook the city's rooftops.

What did we drink?

We had a bottle of Spanish white, Pasos de la Capula's Verdejo, from the extensive wine menu, which went brilliantly with our meal. The bar in the centre of the room also serves up a wide range of cocktails, so guests can sip on their favourites while also drinking in the historic views.

What did we eat?

Although known for its excellent wood-fired pizzas, the menu has many other mouth-watering dishes to choose from, from the Woodstone Roasted Salmon to the 28 Day Aged Beef Fillet. Safe to say that it took us a little while to come to a decision.

While I had spotted the Burrata, Maple Roasted Figs and Bruschetta over my shoulder, I chose the scallops to start. These were served with watercress, chilli and crème fraîche. They were cooked to perfection, with the crème fraîche balancing perfectly with the heat from the chilli.

Now for the main event. After much deliberation, I opted for the slow roasted lamb (which can be ordered as a small plate too), which is to die for. Served with a chilli drizzle, rocket, hummus and pomegranate seeds, the lamb itself is melt-in-your-mouth, and the portion was extremely generous. Although I was getting pretty full at this point, who can resist dessert, really?

To round off the evening, I chose the raspberry and vanilla cheesecake (a winning combination in anyone's eyes). Light and creamy, this had just the right consistency and was the perfect end to the delicious meal.

The Marie Claire hot tip here is...

The panoramic restaurant is surrounded by windows, so if you can, get one of the tables in the corner to take advantage of the city's gorgeous views. If you time it well enough, you'll be able to see the sun go down over one of the UK's prettiest cityscapes.

What are we talking in terms of £££?

The menu is reasonably priced, with most of the flavoursome and generously portioned main courses costing less than £20. If you take advantage of the wine list, then the bill can soon tot up. But based on a bottle of wine, and a starter, main course and dessert for two people, you're looking at spending just under £100.

Overall...

The staff are attentive and welcoming, the food is delicious, and the ambiance at Six is just lovely. Whether you're just in Cambridge for a flying visit or you're a born-and-raised local, it's an absolute must that you pay a visit. Six get booked up pretty far in advance, so be sure to plan your visit ahead.

In short, top marks from us.