Harden's survey result
Summary
Despites both its iconic status – a Cambridge landmark since 1921 – and foodie ownership (FT columnist, Tim Hayward has owned it since 2011), this Varsity café (most famous for its Chelsea buns) inspires only limited and middling feedback: “more-than-adequate if pricey comfort food in a busy environment”.
Summary
This Cambridge icon (est 1921) famous for its Chelsea buns has inspired mixed views since FT columnist Tim Hayward took the reins in 2011. For some long-term sceptics “this new trendy journalist owner has ruined the place (despite its friendly staff, they can’t even get marmalade on toast right!)” but fans were more in evidence this year, boosting its “excellent brekkies” (“sourdough smash is just great”), “amazing cakes and good coffee too”.
Summary
“A Cambridge institution” – a “cute little spot that holds on to its history” (including the original sign) and where, above all, “you have to try the Chelsea buns” (“but maybe take a friend and share!”). As a more serious place to eat, however, food journalist Tim Hayward’s “upmarket café” can be a letdown, with food that’s “no doubt very trendy, but quite strange”, and service that – albeit “very friendly” – falls short.
Summary
“Still an institution” – a “crowded” café “famous for its Chelsea buns and cakes” but where the Full English is also “superb”; on the downside, the atmosphere can seem “noisy and busy” (in a bad way) and service can be “lovely” or it can be “non-existent”.
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Filter Coffee | £2.60 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £3.50 |
| Service | 10.00% |
51 - 52 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RG
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 8 am-6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am-6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am-6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am-6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am-6 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am-6 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30 am-6 pm |
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Cambridge
Sandwiches, cakes, etc restaurant in Cambridge
British, Modern restaurant in Cambridge