Graffiti

Cambridge - rather surprisingly - is not particularly well served for the aspiring gastronome, so the addition of Graffiti at the Felix Hotel to the available options has been universally welcomed by the locals. The Observer commented, 'A cool, modern oasis. . . .a marvellous restaurant and all the comforts you can expect from a smart boutique hotel'.

Awarded 2 Rosettes by the AA, the menu covers a generous interpretation of modern British with hints of the Mediterranean. Overlooking the terrace and garden, the candlelit Graffiti is open to both residents and a wider public, and encourages a relaxed ambience against a smart background well lined with contemporary art. In winter an open fire adds to the feeling of luxurious living.

Bedrooms are luxurious, as one might expect, perhaps best described as possessing an opulent simplicity, many with walk in Rainshower showers and a bath. King size Hypnos beds combines with the finest Egyptian cotton bed linen and duvets to ensure the best possible night's sleep. All the modern IT 'smells and bells' are supplied including a laptop safe, and wireless internal hotspots in both bedrooms and public rooms. Four bedrooms are located in the Victorian part of the hotel, the remainder in an adjoining wing. Rooms for the disabled are also available.

A set price lunch menu at £12.95 for two courses, £16.95 for 3 represents some of the best value in town, with a café bar offering lighter dishes for lunch and dinner.

The modern menu is an inspired assembly of dishes, and a meal could commence with warm salad of squab pigeon, baby beetroot, broad beans and pancetta lardons. Saffron risotto is served with sautéed baby squid and a red pepper coulis, while the bread selection accompanied by pesto, tapenade and chilli oil that makes a refreshing change, though closer examination reveals Stilton and goats' cheese croquette with sticky walnuts, grapes and shredded red chicory.

Main courses yield a veritable harvest of enticing choices, not least of which is the roast crown of poussin with apricot and pistachio pastilla, sweet potato purée, crushed chick peas with mint and harissa. A poached ballotine of hake filled with a salmon and crab mousse arrives at the table with wilted lemon spinach, mussel and potato chowder.

Desserts of baked blueberry cheesecake, or chocolate soufflé tart with raspberry and red wine jelly and parsnip ice cream are but two of the temptations that await.

A more than usually attractive wine list includes an excellent range of by-the-glass options guaranteed to meet the great majority of aspirations. This is followed by an impressive collection of house wines, including the house champagne at a reasonable £38.50. Prices in general hover between the £30/£40 mark, and there are more expensive but still reasonably priced offerings to cope with that special occasion.

Private rooms and the terrace are also available for occasions when only something rather special will do.

Little more than a mile from the centre of Cambridge, regarded by many as the most civilised of our University cities, Hotel Felix is well-placed for access to main link roads, business parks and the M11. For more information, including further details on staying at the Hotel Felix, do visit their Website.