The Hobson Cambridge by Adina: Where practicality and sleekness meet

Most of Cambridge’s charm comes from its buildings and their centuries-old architecture. Fittingly, the Australian-born hotel group, TOGA Far East Hotels has chosen a Grade II listed building with an important story for its debut. The Hobson Cambridge by Adina reveals a clue in its name: the site was indeed where the stables of the 17^th-century businessman Thomas Hobson (whose name gave rise to the expression “Hobson’s choice”) once stood. The edifice later became home to the city’s police and fire station, whose features can still be spotted today, for example in the spiral staircase or in the decorative stones on the façade.

After extensive refurbishment works, the hotel group opened their 56 apartments to the public in November 2025, unveiling a contemporary addition to an ancient city. However, the transformation has been done with deep respect for the legacy and history of the property and its place within the urban fabric. The exterior still blends perfectly with the old stone environs. Inside, the tall, wide windows in the communal zones, the exposed brickwork of the original fireplaces along the corridors, and the softly hued marble have been retained, while pastel-toned furniture, subtle lighting and greenery bordering the shared spaces have been seamlessly integrated, for a comfortable modern aesthetic that elegantly meets preserved heritage.

B3 Designers – the studio whose work can also be seen at venues such as The Cinnamon Club, The Prince Akatoki Hotel and The Malt Bar in London, as well as at Hosho for Louvre Hotels Group in Paris – have paid careful, though never obsessive, attention to detail, delivering a curated yet understated atmosphere. The rooms are equipped with amenities to help guests feel at home: the kitchenette includes a microwave and Joseph Joseph cutlery, the wardrobe has built-in lighting and ironing facilities, and the large wall-mounted flat-screen television is present without dominating the space. The bathroom has underfloor heating, and a card on the table informs guests that housekeeping is provided every three days rather than daily, as part of a more environmentally friendly routine – a touch we appreciate.

On the ground level, the doors of Oz & Isle (the restaurant and bar) are open to both hotel guests and walk-ins. The room, which occupies the former drill yard of the fire station, embodies two very different personalities. In the evening, a dim glow intensifies the vibrant red walls, while the chatter from the tables almost harmoniously mixes with the music in the background, creating an atmospheric of casual chic. During the day – particularly enjoyable for those taking advantage of the generous hotel breakfast – the natural light streams in and illuminates the iron arches, exalting the verdant area where even a tiny stuffed toy koala has found refuge (a nod to the coming together of Australian, Oz, and English, Isle, spirits).

The venue features a bar counter at the back that is really the heart of the offering. The drinks menu includes a good selection of wines (from France, Argentina, Italy and Australia) and a focused list of signature cocktails, of which the bourbon-based Southern Echo is a highlight. The all-day food menu presents an assortment of small plates – tasty bites to accompany the drinks. Among them is the Botanic Shore, consisting of delicious cured salmon, simply dotted with a potato salad-style dressing. The Golden Isle Arancini are nicely crispy, with a mouthwatering saffron and lemon filling, and for those with a sweet tooth, the Orange Isle makes for a sumptuously sweet finale, featuring St Jersey cream, meringue and a touch of bitter orange.

Walking out into the small open-air atrium between the courtyard-turned-bar and the main building, the stained glass-embellished corner tower is illuminated for a romantic view. The same tower houses a beautiful spiral staircase leading to a wood-panelled conference room.

Practicality and sleekness meet in charming Cambridge at this tasteful Adina property.

Cristiana Ferrauti

To book accomodation at The Hobson Cambridge by Adina, 42-44 St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge CB2 3AS, call 01223 931316 or visit their website here.