Wilde has now opened its doors in the heart of Cambridge, bringing its chic aparthotel concept to the historic city. This new opening in one of the UK’s most picturesque and storied cities marks the eighth property in Wilde’s expanding European portfolio, with further openings set later this year in Lisbon, Vienna, Porto and Amsterdam.
Ideally located amongst the city’s prestigious university colleges, and within short walking distance to both Cambridge’s iconic park, Jesus Green, as well as the famed River Cam, Wilde, Cambridge City Centre offers the ideal base to explore the city’s iconic streets and bridges by foot, bike, or even on the water from the comfort of a traditional punt.
Inspired by the wit and style of Oscar Wilde, the signature playful yet sophisticated style of Wilde is captured effortlessly across Wilde, Cambridge City Centre’s 227 studio, and one bedroom apartments. Taking inspiration from its location, the interiors across its rooms and social spaces – which include a fitness room, all day café bar, outdoor terrace, and on-site shop – reflect the elegant, literary charm of both the brand’s muse and Cambridge’s academic heritage, featuring rich woods, brass accents and tactile textures.
Designed by acclaimed London design studio Thurstan, the property’s social spaces are elegant yet informal and thoughtfully curated to inspire both interaction and relaxation. While in his tenure as European Design Director of Soho House, studio founder James Thurstan Waterworth was responsible for the eclectic design of Soho House Istanbul, leading the restoration of the former American Embassy into the 87 bedroom members club & hotel that returned the historic building to its former grandeur. Known for his understated and sophisticated approach, Thurstan’s design for Wilde, Cambridge City Centre seamlessly blends old with new, with a balance of contemporary and mid-century influence, mixing rich materials such as velvet, wood, brass, and marble to create visual dimension.
Speaking on the design, Grainne Keeley, Associate Director at Thurstan, said: “With a brief to curate a thoughtful, elegant yet eclectic aesthetic rooted deeply in the vibrant cultural fabric of Cambridge, Thurstan is thrilled to have been appointed to design the lively front of house and social spaces at Wilde, Cambridge City Centre. Together, we created an environment that is not only visually engaging but also truly reflective of Cambridge’s unique character—offering guests a memorable and authentic experience from the moment they arrive.”
The property’s fresh, contemporary rooms, created by Wilde’s in-house design team, are calm and inviting, flooded with natural light and enhanced by a palette of neutral, serene tones. Warm lighting, elegant curved edges, and plush soft furnishings in accents of muted green and pink further invite guests to unwind into the functional, yet aesthetically curated spaces.
Art takes centre stage at Wilde, Cambridge City Centre with a thoughtfully curated collection throughout, honouring the creative spirit of the city. Offering a sense of place, pieces from local artists adorn the walls, with the ground floor exclusively celebrating artists who are current or former residents of the city. Artworks include surrealist oil portraits from Cambridgeshire-based Adi Novac, Margaret Souttar’s 60s cityscapes of Cambridge’s world famous colleges, and works from Cambridge-born Photographic Artist, Sid White-Jones.
Wilde, Cambridge City Centre will see the introduction of the brand’s new concept, Oscar’s, an extension of Wilde and its vibrant day to night social hub within the property – encompassing a shop, coworking lounge, and café bar. Oscar’s, which will also be introduced across its forthcoming properties, begins a new chapter in Wilde’s story, each with its own unique personality and design, celebrating local craftsmanship and championing local, seasonal produce through its menus.
For breakfast, a selection of bakery goods and grains such as its House Granola with fresh berries and black bee british honey and Toasted Banana Bread will be on offer, alongside traditional breakfast dishes using St Ewe’s farm eggs, and signature Toasties using local products from its shop. Its all day menu serves up snacks such as House Crudites, Grilled Halloumi and its Oscar’s Sausage Roll. A choice of Cheese, Charcuterie, or Plant-Based platters are also available for guests, as well as a variety of fresh salads, and dishes including its Waste-Less Frittata, Homemade Soup, and Lamb & Apricot Tagine.
Redefining sustainable city living, Wilde, Cambridge City Centre is a responsible yet refined choice. The property is set to nurture a vibrant green roof that will become alive with native wildflowers, creating a natural haven for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. A striking living wall further enhances the building’s biodiversity, offering a sanctuary for local flora and fauna, while bee hotels and birdhouses help to foster a welcoming urban ecosystem. Committed to reducing environmental impact, the property has also incorporated solar panels and a state-of-the-art rainwater harvesting system.
To minimise waste, reduce bottle usage, and enhance the wellbeing of its guests, Wilde, Cambridge City Centre has introduced a partnership with Water2 – the fastest growing water filter brand in the world, co-owned by renowned British adventurer, Bear Grylls OBE, and creator Charles Robinson. Water2 activated carbon filters have been installed in all rooms to filter out contaminants and sediments, offering guests purer, cleaner tasting water direct from their taps.
Kelly Morgan, Managing Director at Wilde, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening Wilde in Cambridge, one of the UK’s most historic cities. Its literary heritage and creative spirit aligns with the ethos of Wilde and we are excited to write this new chapter in the brand’s story.”
