Cambridge
Rooftop Cinema
Throughout the spring and summer, The Varsity Hotel & Spa in Cambridge will be screening a season of cult, classic and contemporary films with a pop-up cinema on their stunning rooftop garden.
The Skyline Cinema opened on Sunday 9 July and provides a completely unique and luxurious cinematic experience from the award-winning hotel. Open air screenings will allow guests to watch movies whilst taking in unparalleled views of Cambridge from the centre of the city at the top of the 4 AA Star hotel.
Everyone loves a trip to the movies, but this will be a completely different experience. It's the perfect place to spend a balmy summer evening surrounded by a spectacular 360 degree view..."
Forget traditional movie fare, guests at the Skyline Cinema can swap soft-drinks and hotdogs for expertly mixed cocktails from the award-winning hotel’s mixology menu, and gourmet snacks from The Varsity’s in house restaurant, The River Bar Steakhouse.
The Skyline Cinema was launched in association with The Cambridge Film Trust, a local charity that promotes film culture and education in the region and across the UK. The Trust was a natural partner for The Varsity, which is committed to working with the city to create exciting, cultural and community-based events throughout Cambridge.
Manager Roberto Pintus said: “Everyone loves a trip to the movies, but this will be a completely different experience. It's the perfect place to spend a balmy summer evening surrounded by a spectacular 360 degree view of the beautiful Cambridge skyline.
“We have a great selection of films to screen, including some retro classics and the latest releases, so there will be something available for everybody to enjoy.
"Along with being a fantastic place to stay when visiting the city, The Varsity Hotel & Spa prides itself on hosting exciting events that can be enjoyed throughout Cambridge society. We hope the Skyline Cinema will be another winning addition to the city’s social calendar," he said.
Screenings are open to both locals and hotel guests and take place at select dates until the end of the summer. For those concerned about the unpredictable British weather, The Varsity has created an indoor space for any screenings that need to be brought inside.
Movies will be chosen from a collection of vintage and modern blockbusters, including The Artist and Inception, classics like Casablanca, Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter and David Lean’s Dr Zhivago along with cult screenings from Hitchcock and Tim Burton.
Tickets for the Skyline cinema are available to book at £10 per person (£8 for Cambridge Arts Picture House members), with gourmet refreshments available to order on the night. Places can be booked at www.TheVarsityHotel.co.uk or by calling 0871 902 5720.
Punt and Dine Culinary Experience
The Varsity has recently also launched the ultimate al fresco culinary experience. Guests and locals will now be able to dine while taking a guided punt tour of the city, giving them the opportunity to experience Cambridge’s fascinating sights whilst enjoying a delicious three course meal from the hotel’s acclaimed Head Chef, Angus Martin.
Punting is an extremely popular past-time in Cambridge and a must for any visitor, but this is the first time that punters will be able to enjoy an al fresco lunch or a candle-lit dinner prepared by expert chefs whilst enjoying a comfortable chauffeured tour of the picturesque River Cam.
With so much to see in this historical metropolis, it’s easy for visitors to miss the best bits that the city has to offer. This new dining experience allows tourists to gain some memorable insights into the background of the Cambridge University colleges, the breath-taking architecture and incredible history of the city in a relaxing and indulgent way.
Each meal will be expertly prepared by chefs at The Varsity’s restaurant, The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill, so that diners can enjoy a delicious selection of gourmet cuisine. Dishes will include The River Bar’s legendary Flame-Grilled Sirloin Steak along with New Potato Salad, Parma Ham and Fresh Melon, Grilled Red Pepper and Pesto Mufaletta and Strawberries with Clotted Cream & Black Pepper and homemade shortbread biscuits. Each meal is accompanied with wine and any dietary requirements can be catered for upon request.
Expert punter, well-versed in the fascinating history of Cambridge will guide diners along the River Cam, passing on their huge wealth of local knowledge during an effortlessly smooth ride along the idyllic riverbank.
The tour will pass by the city’s most interesting colleges and under seven bridges, with diners learning fascinating insights into the history of Cambridge and its University along the way.
Guests will discover a variety of interesting trivia, like why Trinity College doesn’t include the letter “J” in its alphabetised staircase and how many cars students have suspended under the Bridge of Sighs.
The punting and dining experience costs just £49 per person and can be booked by at www.cambridgepicnics.co.uk
Have you visited The Varsity? Tell us what you thought of the experiences above in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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