Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crazy-bear-beaconsfield-and-stadhampton"><a href="https://crazybeargroup.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crazy Bear</a>, Beaconsfield and Stadhampton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/05/Crazy-Bear-bar-667x500.jpg" alt="crazy bear bar drinks cocktails bar" class="wp-image-68506" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/05/Crazy-Bear-bar-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/05/Crazy-Bear-bar-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/05/Crazy-Bear-bar-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/05/Crazy-Bear-bar.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure>



<p>Here&#8217;s one for serious party animals. The Bear (as we fondly like to call it) dials up the décor to 11, with an unapologetically decadent interior that&#8217;s just screaming for you to sling on some leopard print, pad to the extremely well stocked bar and screech: &#8220;Mine&#8217;s a Peach Bellini!&#8217;. The Muddy team will be rolling up here in December for their Christmas lunch &#8211; say hello if you see us! &#8211; and the party continues through to New Year&#8217;s Eve, when there&#8217;ll be burlesque dancers, a DJ spinning party anthems and enough Champers to sink a six-foot grizzly. You&#8217;ll certainly see in 2025 with a bang &#8211; although we can&#8217;t vouch for the state of your head on New Year&#8217;s Day. Book your tickets for the Beaconsfield hi-jinks <a href="https://crazybeargroup.co.uk/events-experiences/christmas/nye/">here</a>, or check out the sister shindig at The Bear&#8217;s Stadhampton venue <a href="https://crazybeargroup.co.uk/events-experiences/christmas/nye/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-victors-oxford"><a href="https://www.victors.co.uk/venues/oxford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victors</a>, Oxford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Victors_Oxford2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-177068" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Victors_Oxford2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Victors_Oxford2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Victors_Oxford2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Victors_Oxford2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Festive cocktails with a view? Victors bar on the top floor of Westgate shopping centre is your friend for spirits served Americana-style under its signature (and rather Instagrammable) wisteria trees. It&#8217;s also brought back its winter igloo pods from November, which seat up to eight people for a private party with panoramic Oxford views. They&#8217;re available to hire seven days a week for drinks or bottomless lunch &#8211; kick off from 10am. Indulge in one too many Watermelon Caipiroskas and your sightline of Christ Church Cathedral might become a little blurry but hey, it&#8217;s nearly Christmas, right?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jj-s-at-the-old-crown-inn-faringdon"><a href="https://www.theoldcrowncoachinginn.com/jjswinebar">JJ’s at The Old Crown Inn</a>, Faringdon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="921" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/JJS-921x1000.jpg" alt="JJ's bar " class="wp-image-176960" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/JJS-921x1000.jpg 921w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/JJS-737x800.jpg 737w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/JJS-368x400.jpg 368w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/JJS.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 921px) 100vw, 921px" /></figure>



<p>Head to The Old Crown Coaching Inn, Faringdon, for its in-house cocktail bar JJ’s (read our brand-new review&nbsp;<a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/review-the-old-crown-coaching-inn-faringdon/">here</a>). It’s named after Judge Jeffreys, aka The Hanging Judge, who earned his moniker thanks to the brutal sentences he handed down in the courtroom on what is now the hotel’s first floor. But don’t let that put you off getting stuck in to its extensive cocktail list – beware those espresso martinis aren’t hanging over you the morning after though. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-manor-aylesbury"><a href="https://themanorgroup.co.uk/aylesbury/cocktail-bar/">The Manor</a>, Aylesbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheManorAylesbury.jpg" alt="The Manor Aylesbury" class="wp-image-176969" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheManorAylesbury.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheManorAylesbury-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheManorAylesbury-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheManorAylesbury-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Elegant lighting, plush velvet seating and chandeliers set the scene at this twinkly cocktail lounge and adjacent rooftop bar atop the Hale Leys Shopping Centre in the middle of Aylesbury. The classy cocktail list (okay, they do shots of crack baby too if that’s your thing) are created by expert mixologists, but if you’re not up for a King of the Zombie or a Chilli Mango Margarita (why not?) then no probs. The wine list is sourced from nearby Waddesdon Manor and the Prosecco comes directly from an Italian family supplier in Treviso. Arrive thirsty – especially on Weds to Fri when there’s a two for £14 cocktail deal. Sounds dangerous.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monty-s-bar-marlow"><a href="https://www.montysmarlow.co.uk/">Monty’s Bar</a>, Marlow</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/MontysBar.jpg" alt="Monty's Bar, Marlow" class="wp-image-174255" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/MontysBar.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/MontysBar-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/MontysBar-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/MontysBar-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Monty&#8217;s Bar, Marlow</figcaption></figure>



<p>Matt Jolley, the new owner of Monty’s Bar in Marlow, <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/drinks-on-me-matt-jolley-of-montys-bar-marlow/">used to work at Mahiki back in its particularly swinging noughties heyday</a>. (He may have rubbed shoulders with a teenage Royal bro or two, but he’s not telling). Anyway, his new joint opened in Marlow this summer where Clayton’s used to be, and he’s keeping the good-time party vibes going on a diet of great food, sharp cocktails and dancing when it all kicks off. You’re invited to become a member here – there’s no fee, it’s just a way to make everyone feel they’re part of a like-minded tribe. That’s my kind of club.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unity-sky-lounge-milton-keynes"><a href="https://www.unityplace.co.uk/food-drink/unity-sky-lounge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unity Sky Lounge</a>, Milton Keynes</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/UnityPlace.jpg" alt="Unity Place" class="wp-image-176952" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/UnityPlace.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/UnityPlace-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/UnityPlace-400x225.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you live in North Bucks, the rooftop bar on the top of MK&#8217;s snazzy new Unity Place cocktails-to-co-working space is the place to head for festive drinks &#8211; plus a lively-sounding Christmas party night on 12 and 14 Dec (the 13 Dec is already sold out!). There&#8217;s a crowd-pleasing menu of cocktails, wine, beer and softs so it suits any occasion and the drinks are not too damaging to your bank balance &#8211; from £9 for a hand-mixed cocktail. Not to be confused with <a href="https://www.fourteenmk.co.uk/sky-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fourteen Sky Bar</a> at the top of the Hotel La Tour in MK, which serves fab cocktails alongside its all-day menu if you&#8217;re after a meal with your tipples.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-morse-bar-at-the-randolph-oxford"><a href="https://www.diffordsguide.com/bars/yzQo09/morse-bar-at-the-randolph-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Morse Bar at The Randolph</a>, Oxford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheMorseBar.png" alt="The Morse Bar at The Randolph" class="wp-image-177108" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheMorseBar.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheMorseBar-800x800.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheMorseBar-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheMorseBar-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Morse Bar</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you’re after a cocktail in sumptuous surroundings, squirrel yourself away at The Morse Bar at the Randolph Hotel, named in tribute to Oxford&#8217;s most famous TV cop. Pull up a chair and enjoy a huge range of classic cocktails, plus a few of the hotel&#8217;s own inventions with suitably Morse-themed names. Try a Detective Lewis, a Morse &amp; Chandon or a Last Bus to Woodstock. The bar&#8217;s open for drinks until midnight, so we deduce you&#8217;ll be needing it. Taxi! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estelle-manor-eynsham"><a href="https://estellemanor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Estelle Manor</a>, Eynsham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Estelle_Manor.png" alt="" class="wp-image-177076" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Estelle_Manor.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Estelle_Manor-800x800.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Estelle_Manor-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Estelle_Manor-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Do you know anyone who&#8217;s a member of Estelle Manor? Find them pronto and get them to let you tag along as a plus-one, because this luxe members&#8217; haunt near Witney is pulling out all the stops to get its well-heeled guests in the Christmas spirit. Drinks are served in the grand Living Room Bar, where the extensive cocktail menu covers everything from the perfect Martini to retro favourites, plus a huge choice of vintage wines. While you&#8217;re there, you can try out the new ice-rink outside the Manor, which opens on 30 Nov. Just don&#8217;t attempt a triple salchow after you&#8217;ve had a few.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-double-red-duke-clanfield"><a href="https://www.countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Double Red Duke</a>, Clanfield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/DoubleRedDuke.jpg" alt="Double Red Duke" class="wp-image-177103" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/DoubleRedDuke.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/DoubleRedDuke-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/DoubleRedDuke-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/DoubleRedDuke-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>C&#8217;est chic at this Country Creatures-owned Cotswolds pub! Head here for a gorgeous drinks menu including beer, cider and ale on tap, loads of wines by the glass, and <a href="https://www.countrycreatures.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Double-Red-Duke-13.05.24-copy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classic and seasonal cocktails so you can taste your way around some of the finest local distillers</a>. There&#8217;s plenty for non-drinkers to choose from too, of course &#8211; try the Cotswold Tea Party if you&#8217;re the designated driver or need a clear head the next day. While you&#8217;re here, check out its new sister pub, <a href="https://masonsarmsinn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mason&#8217;s Arms</a>, which opened across the way in October. Can you do the double on a festive Clanfield booze cruise? There&#8217;s a challenge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosy-club-oxford"><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-cosy-club-oxford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosy Club</a>, Oxford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheCosyClub.jpg" alt="The Cosy Club Oxford" class="wp-image-177029" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheCosyClub.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheCosyClub-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheCosyClub-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/TheCosyClub-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Cosy Club, part of a group spread across the UK, has been making a name for itself with relaxed dining and top-notch cocktails since the Oxford venue opened on Cornmarket in Oct 23. Fancy a Spicy Mezcal Paloma, or are you more of a Chocolate Old Fashioned kinda girl? You&#8217;re all catered for here thanks to an extensive cocktail list with some intriguing festive mixes (Tiramisu Martini anyone?). Book a table near the main bar or there&#8217;s The Treasury room in what used to be a bank (above) and The Mulberry Suite private rooms for a bigger gathering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farmshop-bicester-village"><a href="https://www.farmshopbicester.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmshop</a>, Bicester Village</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Farmshop_Bicester.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-177065" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Farmshop_Bicester.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Farmshop_Bicester-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Farmshop_Bicester-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Farmshop_Bicester-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>An outpost from the Soho House brand that doesn’t require membership or remortgaging (hurray!). This&nbsp;restaurant and café in Bicester Village&nbsp;is a great spot for all-day dining plus classic cocktails &#8211; which is possibly what you&#8217;ll need after maxing out your credit card in the Prada outlet. It&#8217;s walk-ins only, so no need to book, and it&#8217;s open until a generous 9pm from Mon to Sat (and 7pm on Sun) for plenty of post-shopping kicking-back time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lynrace-spirit-amp-cocktail-bar-oxford-0"><a href="https://lynrace.com/spirit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lynrace Spirit &amp; Cocktail Bar</a>, Oxford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="753" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/LynraceSpirit.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-177026" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/LynraceSpirit.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/LynraceSpirit-800x602.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/LynraceSpirit-400x301.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lynrace Spirit</figcaption></figure>



<p>And finally: if you&#8217;re looking for a real drinkers&#8217; den, head to Paul Southouse&#8217;s Lynrace Spirit cocktail bar on Walton Street in Jericho. In true speakeasy fashion, you’ll find&nbsp;The Parlour&nbsp;bar hidden in the basement (above), where it&#8217;s all dim lighting, Victorian-style vintage décor and curated art. He caused a stir last year when he started serving absinthe here (yep, the same drink that was banned for 100 years but was much loved by artistic types). Totter this way to unleash your creative spirits. Open 6pm &#8217;til late from Weds to Sun.</p>


Chin chin! 12 chic cocktail bars for twinkly festive drinks

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