06/07/2026
One of our most frequently asked questions is why do we play Blackadder in the toilets at Cambscuisine?
Founder Oliver Thain gives us the answer...
"The idea came to me around 2007 when my wife and I visited the The Hoste Arms, then brilliantly run by Paul and Jeanne Whittome. I headed down to the basement toilets and, whilst attending to the mundane ritual of a life necessity, I was treated to the rich tones of Elvis, apparently a favourite artist of Paul.
The moment was transformed into something memorable.
I immediately ran back upstairs and declared that we should do something similar. After all, most good ideas in hospitality are borrowed, adapted and improved.
The only question was: what should we play?
For me, there was only one answer.
I've always loved Blackadder. In fact, many years ago a friend and I attempted a "Blackadderthon"—watching all four series back-to-back whilst each consuming a kilogram of spaghetti (uncooked weight!) and, rather regrettably, 24 cans of Guinness.
Needless to say, we fell asleep long before reaching the finish line.
So Blackadder it was.
Ever since, guests visiting the loos across our seven venues have been accompanied by the incomparable wit of Rowan Atkinson et all.
I love seeing people emerge from the toilets grinning, then immediately recounting a line they've just heard to the rest of their table.
Restaurants spend a lot of time thinking about food, drink and service. Those things matter enormously. But sometimes it's the unexpected little touches that people remember years later.
And, naturally, if we can make a trip to the toilet slightly more entertaining, that seems like a worthwhile contribution to British hospitality!"
