Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balearics-or-bucks">Balearics or Bucks?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="742" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Crazy-Bear-Pool-Party.png" alt="Crazy Bear Beaconsfield pool" class="wp-image-206316" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Crazy-Bear-Pool-Party.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Crazy-Bear-Pool-Party-800x594.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Crazy-Bear-Pool-Party-400x297.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>“Boho chic beach club” was the brief of the newly revamped pool terrace at <a href="https://crazybear.co.uk/restaurant/al-fresco-terrace-beaconsfield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crazy Bear in Beaconsfield</a>, with the Balearic Isles as inspo. The never knowingly understated Bucks venue recently unveiled a refurbished pool, four new bookable day beds and a jazzy bar, complete with singing mermaid and chilled AIX rosé served from a Land Drover Defender at the launch party. Low key these guys ain’t, and we love them for it. There’s officially no cooler place to take a dip during heatwave number three (not that we’re counting) and the refreshed cocktail and food menu will go down a treat too. Did we mention the live DJs and ‘straight to sunlounger’ service? If you need us, we’ll be tapping away at The Crazy Bear until further notice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-change-on-the-oxfordshire-food-scene">All change on the Oxfordshire food scene</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Chandlers-Arms.jpg" alt="Chandlers Arms Epwell" class="wp-image-206318" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Chandlers-Arms.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Chandlers-Arms-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Chandlers-Arms-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Chandlers-Arms-300x400.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Just one of the many delicious morsels I&#8217;ve enjoyed from The Chandlers Arms&#8217; monthly tasting menu</figcaption></figure>



<p>With a coveted spot in the <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/michelin-star-winners-near-you/">Michelin guide </a>and celeb chef fans in the likes of Prue Leith and Tom Aikens, the intimate, family-run <a href="https://www.thechandlersarms.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Chandler’s Arms</a> in Epwell, near Banbury, has punched well above its weight in the gourmet stakes since it opened in 2022. My family has celebrated nigh on every anniversary or birthday there ever since, including welcoming my brother back from Australia this past weekend, but sadly the chicken liver macaron (sublime) will have to live in my dreams from now on. Owners Sarah and Anthony Flockhart are hanging up their aprons after four years, with the final service on Sat 11 July. The good news? They’re handing over the reins to the brilliant people at nearby <a href="https://www.embertaproom.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ember</a>, with chef Harry (Anthony’s son) staying on to continue the locally sourced foodie magic with a meaty, wood fired focus. The power drills are out and Ember at the Chandlers Arms is set to open in mid-August.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1308" height="944" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mole-Inn-Toot-Baldon-Instagram-.jpg" alt="mole inn toot baldon" class="wp-image-138574" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mole-Inn-Toot-Baldon-Instagram-.jpg 1308w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mole-Inn-Toot-Baldon-Instagram--800x577.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mole-Inn-Toot-Baldon-Instagram--1000x722.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mole-Inn-Toot-Baldon-Instagram--400x289.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mole-Inn-Toot-Baldon-Instagram--727x525.jpg 727w" sizes="(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Mole Inn</figcaption></figure>



<p>Over in Toot Baldon near Oxford, one of the loveliest pub gardens in the county will also close its gates at the end of July. The team at <a href="https://www.themoleinn.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mole Inn</a> is moving on and the pub is up for sale, but not without many a ‘final’ drink at the bar beforehand. Summer offers include £8 cocktails and the menu is as moreish as ever. One last Mole beef burger before the burners turn off would only be right.</p>



<p>Meanwhile we hear rumours that a new mid-priced brasserie will be among the nouveau offerings at <a href="https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/oxfordshire/belmond-le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons</a> in Great Milton when it reopens its ornate wrought-iron gates under the culinary direction of acclaimed <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/le-manoir-new-chef-news-oxfordshire-buckinghamshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">French chef Arnaud Donckele</a> in summer 2027. There’s only a year to wait for that, so until then toast Raymond’s other well-priced eatery <a href="https://brasserieblanc.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brasserie’s Blanc</a>’s 30th birthday year with a prix-fixe and glass of French fizz locally in Oxford, Beaconsfield or Milton Keynes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebs-in-chippy">Celebs in Chippy</h2>



<p>That’s a headline I’ve written a fair few times, but rarely is it accompanied by actually pretty down-to-earth property buys. It was recently revealed that <em>Love Island</em> presenter and radio host Maya Jama purchased a sweet little three-bedroom cottage near Chipping Norton for a smidge over half a million, which in that neck of the woods counts as thrifty. She signed on the dotted line for the honey stoned bolthole at the end of last year and it’s primarily used as a holiday let (complete with guest welcome basket of local goodies), but Jama may well pop up for a<a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/insider-guide-to-the-cotswolds-oxfordshire-gastropubs-walk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Cotswolds getaway</a> for a breather during a busy year – she set to appear in the second series of <em>Celebrity Traitors </em>this autumn.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1062" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Kaleb-Cooper-wedding.png" alt="Kaleb Cooper wedding" class="wp-image-206321" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Kaleb-Cooper-wedding.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Kaleb-Cooper-wedding-800x566.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Kaleb-Cooper-wedding-1000x708.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Kaleb-Cooper-wedding-400x283.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DaaCdDsApQr/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@cooper_kaleb</a>, photo by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellisthephotog/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@ellisthephotog</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Also on the ‘grounded celeb in Chippy’ spectrum is much-loved local and <em>Clarkson’s Farm</em> star Kaleb Cooper, who married his school sweetheart Taya last weekend in an Oxfordshire field. Wedding pictures featured the prerequisite shiny red tractor and gifts included a monogrammed cattle branding iron. Very, um, on brand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-the-sun-is-coming-to-the-chilterns">Race The Sun is coming to the Chilterns</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Race-The-Sun-2027.jpg" alt="race the sun 2027" class="wp-image-206323" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Race-The-Sun-2027.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Race-The-Sun-2027-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Race-The-Sun-2027-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/Race-The-Sun-2027-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy getting a sweat on from dawn ‘til dusk for a good cause? Adventure challenge <a href="https://action.org.uk/events/race-sun/race-sun-chilterns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Race The Sun</a> is heading our way for summer 2027, with the rolling <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-chilterns-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire-hertforshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiltern hills </a>providing the setting for the team race in aid of UK children’s charity Action Medical Research. Mark<strong> Sat 10 July 2027</strong> in your cal for a cycling, hiking and paddling extravaganza from sunrise until sunset. The adventure triathlon will include teams of two or four, so grab some pals and get training; registration is officially open at £120 for a team of two / £240 for a team of four, with a fundraising target of £500 per person. You could include the <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/fitness/muddy-wellness-walk-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Wellness Walk </a>on <strong>Sat 3 Oct </strong>as your (gentle) warm up?</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/outdoor-fitness-classes-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">12 outdoor fitness classes in Bucks &amp; Oxon that make burpees almost bearable</a></li>



<li><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/weddings/ding-dong-this-seasons-wedding-trends-for-stylish-modern-couples/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2026 wedding trends: the stylish modern couple’s guide</a></li>



<li><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/best-pub-gardens-oxfordshire-buckinghamshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun, spritzes and stunning views: the prettiest pub gardens near you</a></li>
</ul>


Hot news! A beach club in Beaconsfield and big celeb moves in Chippy

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