Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-have-winners">We have winners! </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Le-Manoir-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138366" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Le-Manoir-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Le-Manoir-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Le-Manoir-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Le-Manoir-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Le-Manoir-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Le-Manoir-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Le-Manoir.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ta da! The AA Restaurant Guide 2023 has been revealed, and plenty of our local haunts feature in its pages this year. The one Oxon restaurant that managed to achieve the highest rating of five rosettes (given to just a handful of restaurants across the entire country) is <a aria-label="Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/belmond-le-manoir-aux-quatsaisons-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat&#8217;Saisons</a>. The accolade means the inspectors felt the cooking was up there with the world&#8217;s best restaurants&#8230; Raymond will be pleased! </p>



<p>Two got four rosettes, which means the cooking demands national recognition &#8211; those were <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Hand &amp; Flowers (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thehandandflowers.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Hand &amp; Flowers</a> in Marlow (still the only pub in the UK with 2 Michelin stars) and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Orwells (opens in a new tab)" href="https://orwellsrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Orwells</a> in Shiplake.  </p>



<p>Seven Bucks and Oxon eateries got three rosettes, among them some of our Muddy faves &#8211; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Wild Rabbit (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thewildrabbit.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Wild Rabbit</a> in Kingham, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Artichoke (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.artichokerestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Artichoke</a> in Amersham, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.minstermill.co.uk/" target="_blank">Minster Mill</a> in Witney, Tom Kerridge-owned <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Coach (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thecoachmarlow.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Coach</a> in Marlow, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.sircharlesnapier.co.uk" target="_blank">The Sir Charles Napier</a> in Chinnor, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/the-cliveden-dining-room/" target="_blank">The Cliveden Dining Room</a> at Taplow and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Nut Tree Inn (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-nut-tree/" target="_blank">The Nut Tree Inn</a> in Murcott (both up from two rosettes last year, congrats!). </p>



<p>Well, that&#8217;s our next few date night suggestions sorted&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pubs-hot-off-the-press">Pubs hot off the press</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="652" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/thumbnail__MG_5655-2.jpeg" alt="Crown Church Enstone " class="wp-image-138584" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/thumbnail__MG_5655-2.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/thumbnail__MG_5655-2-800x522.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/thumbnail__MG_5655-2-400x261.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/thumbnail__MG_5655-2-805x525.jpeg 805w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This honey-hued Cotswolds pub with five beautifully appointed en-suite rooms in the pretty rural village of Church Enstone has just gained two siblings &#8211; The Kingham Plough and The Hare at Milton-under-Wychwood &#8211; after being taken over by new owners and experienced hospitality operators, Matt and Katie Beamish. <a href="https://crowninnenstone.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crown Inn</a> will be re-opening on 1 Nov with a new look for the ground floor bar (think inky blues, soft greens, greys and hand-blocked wallpapers and fabrics by Rapture &amp; Wright) and conservatory which is now a airy, plant-filled room with French doors leading out to the pretty walled garden. The new menu champions seasonal, local produce with highlights including Cotswold chicken Kiev and 24hr Tamworth pork belly. There&#8217;ll also be a children&#8217;s menu, plus Fido&#8217;s welcome too making it the perfect base to explore the Cotswolds on a dog walk with the family.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="836" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/chef-836x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138596" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/chef-836x1000.jpg 836w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/chef-669x800.jpg 669w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/chef-334x400.jpg 334w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/chef-439x525.jpg 439w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/chef.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px" /><figcaption>Paul Welburn </figcaption></figure>



<p>Meanwhile in Islip, <a href="https://swaninnislip.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swan Inn</a> reopened this week (26 Oct) after a mega refurbishment to remove the seven bedrooms and transform the space into a large bar and dining area with open plan kitchen. Michelin-starred Chef Paul Welburn &#8211; who previously headed up Oxford&#8217;s only star-rated restaurant The Oxford Kitchen, before its reincarnation to deli/bistro <a href="https://www.kitchenfoodco.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kitchen Food Company</a> &#8211; has taken the reins at Chef Patron so you can expect BIG things from the Cygnet restaurant when it opens late November. However, in the meantime you can sample a small sharing plates menu which included Cotswolds country bread with whipped butter, whipped cod roe, onglet with chimichurri, crispy pigs and burnt apple. Yum.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="930" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Eagle_and_Child-Wikimedia-Commons-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138598" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Eagle_and_Child-Wikimedia-Commons-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Eagle_and_Child-Wikimedia-Commons--800x744.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Eagle_and_Child-Wikimedia-Commons--400x372.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Eagle_and_Child-Wikimedia-Commons--565x525.jpg 565w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>And finally, ever fancied yourself as a pub landlady? Here&#8217;s your chance! The Eagle &amp; Child pub in Oxford, that sadly shut due to Covid, is back on the market after plans to turn the space into a hotel/restaurant have been dropped. The pub &#8211; once frequented by CS Lewis and Tolkein &#8211; is among Oxford&#8217;s most famous, so fingers crossed a new owner comes along to do it justice soon. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-booze-news">Booze news </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="997" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.17.06.png" alt="" class="wp-image-138600" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.17.06.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.17.06-800x798.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.17.06-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.17.06-527x525.png 527w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.17.06-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Too early to be thinking about Christmas tipple? Er, never (I drink Bailey&#8217;s all year round!). <a href="https://thehenleydistillery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Henley Distillery</a> has just announced a new, limited edition Spiced Damson Gin &#8211; spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and infused with locally-grown damsons &#8211; for the festive season but you better have your finger on the pulse if you want to get a bottle when they are released (date TBC) as there are only 450 in production. </p>



<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/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.21.07.png" alt="" class="wp-image-138602" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.21.07.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.21.07-800x800.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.21.07-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.21.07-525x525.png 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-12.21.07-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>In other news, how do you fancy owning your own gin company (er, sort of)? Henley&#8217;s multi award-winning <a href="https://www.skywavegin.com/crowdfunding" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skywave Gin has launched a crowdfunding page</a> to offer gin-lovers the chance to buy equity in the business. The investment will go towards creating a new look for the brand (check out the swanky new packaging above), as well as growing the sales and marketing teams to grow the brand in the Uk and overseas. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hellos-and-goodbyes">Hellos and goodbyes </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="816" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/The-Italian-Sullago--816x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138605" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/The-Italian-Sullago--816x1000.jpg 816w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/The-Italian-Sullago--653x800.jpg 653w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/The-Italian-Sullago--327x400.jpg 327w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/The-Italian-Sullago--429x525.jpg 429w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/The-Italian-Sullago-.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 816px) 100vw, 816px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy Italian? You&#8217;re in luck as two new joints are popping up over Bucks &amp; Oxon including <a href="https://theitaliansullago.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Italian Sul Lago</a> in Milton Keynes with stunning views over Furzton Lake. The independent restaurant, which neighbours another newbie in MK Dinosaur Valley adventure golf (you know, if you fancy hanging out with a pterodactyl after your pepperoni) serves authentic Neapolitan pizzas &#8211; available as gluten free or vegan &#8211; as pasta dishes and a grill menu. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/JKP-7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138606" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/JKP-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/JKP-7-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/JKP-7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/JKP-7-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Over in Oxford, <a href="https://gustorestaurants.uk.com/restaurants/oxford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gusto Italian</a> is set to open its first outpost in the south of England in the old Grade II-listed Mitre Hotel building on the High Street that&#8217;s been vacant since 2018. The 10,000sq ft restaurant, set to open before Christmas, will feature a large dining area wit olive trees, cocktail bar, private dining area for 60 covers, as well as offering a Chef&#8217;s Table experience where you can watch the chefs throw dough (no pressure) and cook. </p>



<p>Rather Portuguese? Also in central Oxford, London chain <a href="https://santanata.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa Nata</a> has opened a bakery on Cornmarket this week (26 Oct) and will sell traditional pastel de nata pastries (my favourite dessert!) as well as fresh coffee. </p>



<p>And finally, it&#8217;s a sad goodbye to Crockers Henley that has closed for good this week due to the impact of Covid &#8211; a stark reminder to go out and support our brilliant local independents. The good news is, you can still visit the sister outpost <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/crockers-tring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crockers Tring</a>, just over the Herts border. </p>


The hottest new pubs, restaurants + booze news in Bucks & Oxon

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