Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top chefs descend on the Cotswolds </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/DoubleRedDuke-WeTheFoodSnobs.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-142876" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/DoubleRedDuke-WeTheFoodSnobs.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/DoubleRedDuke-WeTheFoodSnobs-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/DoubleRedDuke-WeTheFoodSnobs-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/DoubleRedDuke-WeTheFoodSnobs-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The foodie scene is hotting up in the Cotswolds this spring, with a series of renowned chefs teaming up with Executive Chef Henrik Ritzen at <a href="https://www.countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Double Red Duke</a> near Bampton. Each chef will curate a bespoke four-course menu featuring TDRD&#8217;s signature fire-based cooking techniques that will be served for one day only at £70 per person. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="905" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/QV_JeremyLee_Alexander-Baxter.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-142875" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/QV_JeremyLee_Alexander-Baxter.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/QV_JeremyLee_Alexander-Baxter-800x724.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/QV_JeremyLee_Alexander-Baxter-400x362.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/QV_JeremyLee_Alexander-Baxter-580x525.jpg 580w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Jeremy Lee </figcaption></figure>



<p>The line up includes Jeremy Lee (from Soho&#8217;s Quo Vadis) on 23 Apr; Avinash Shashidhara (Head Chef at Fitzrovia-based Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai) on 24 May; Andrew Clarke (owner of super-cool East London restaurant ACME Fire Cult) on 21 June; Mitch Tonks (founder of seafood restaurant group Seahorse in Dartmouth and Rockfish) on 19 July. Last year&#8217;s tickets sold like hotcakes, so get yours quick if you want a seat at the table.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-kids-on-the-block">New kids on the block</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="948" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.28.46-948x1000.png" alt="" class="wp-image-142871" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.28.46-948x1000.png 948w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.28.46-758x800.png 758w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.28.46-379x400.png 379w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.28.46-498x525.png 498w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.28.46.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px" /></figure>



<p>A new affordable lunch spot has just opened on King Edward Street thanks to Will Pouget, who also runs Muddy favourite Vaults &amp; Garden,&nbsp;Alpha Bar&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Covered Market and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History café. <strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovechickpeaoxford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chickpea</a></strong> is a fully vegan and vegetarian falafel restaurant serving up pittas, salads, and bowls with deli toppings like tabbouleh, tzatziki and roasted veg.</p>



<p>Elsewhere in Headington,<strong> <a href="https://www.fs-restaurants.co.uk/oxford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons</a> </strong>(the Chinese restaurant, not the hotel) is set to open its second UK outpost outside London. The Chinatown staple has been said to cook &#8216;the best roast duck in the world&#8217; alongside classic Chinese dishes &#8211; plus Jay Rayner has said that he &#8216;eats there alone once a month&#8217;. Head to Oxon and we&#8217;ll get dinner Jay! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="607" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.29.27.png" alt="" class="wp-image-142872" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.29.27.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.29.27-800x486.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.29.27-400x243.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.29.27-865x525.png 865w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p></p>



<p>Also opening a new outpost outside the Big Smoke is <strong><a href="https://www.thebicestercollection.com/bicester-village/en/dine/the-mayfair-chippy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mayfair Chippy</a>, </strong>which is coming to Bicester Village this spring<strong>. </strong>Not your average chip shop (it <em>is </em>Mayfair, after all), it&#8217;s been awarded a 1AA Rosette and Michelin guide accreditation since opening in 2015. The Bicester restaurant will serve a condensed version of the Mayfair menu including sustainably sourced fish, fried tofu, loaded chips and extra-large sourdough crumpets. </p>



<p>In Henley, it&#8217;s exciting news for eco-friendly store<strong> <a href="https://fourstate.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fourstate</a> </strong>which has expanded its shop into the old Drifters Café site, now offering sustainable coffee, cake and brand new refill station with a variety of products. The upstairs is also due a revamp to create a new workspace offering lunch which will transform into an evening bar area. Watch this space! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="879" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.30.01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-142874" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.30.01.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.30.01-800x703.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.30.01-400x352.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.30.01-597x525.png 597w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Over in Buckingham, cake delivery service<strong> <a href="https://www.purepatisserie.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pure Patisserie</a></strong>, run by Michelin trained chef Sophie Lewis (her CV is seriously impressive, she&#8217;s worked at Claridges, Paris House, and The Latymer) is opening a bricks and mortar shop. The shop will be fully open from 5 April for bespoke cake collections as well as a sweet treats counter and a fully kitted-out bake school. You never know, maybe one day you&#8217;ll be able to make something like this, above! </p>



<p>And finally, from April, a glass marquee will be popping up at Blenheim Palace as a temporary replacement for The Orangery restaurant which is undergoing restoration work. Dubbed <a href="https://www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/cafes-restaurants/clementines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Clementine&#8217;s on the Lawn</strong></a> (after Sir Winston Churchill&#8217;s wife Clementine Hozier), the beautiful marquee will offer unique views across the South Lawn while you dine from the lunch menu or Afternoon Tea. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dark &amp; Stormy </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/3/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-14-at-15.07.18.png" alt="" class="wp-image-144565" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-14-at-15.07.18.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-14-at-15.07.18-800x798.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-14-at-15.07.18-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-14-at-15.07.18-527x525.png 527w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-14-at-15.07.18-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s official, rum is the new gin &#8211; and sailing vanguard <a href="https://arthurbeale.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arthur Beale</a> (the Bucks-based company kitted out Sir Ernest Shackleton for his Arctic expeditions) is just about to launch your new favourite serve, infused with sea salt. Available to buy from next week, the rum has a coffee and caramel complexity, and is velvety smooth with a rich salty finish. A dead cert for putting you in high spirits! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">It&#8217;s playtime! </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/3/2023/03/lost-garden-cgi-b.847822d17993f848f6ccba15d2628e903671.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-142878" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/lost-garden-cgi-b.847822d17993f848f6ccba15d2628e903671.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/lost-garden-cgi-b.847822d17993f848f6ccba15d2628e903671-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/lost-garden-cgi-b.847822d17993f848f6ccba15d2628e903671-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/lost-garden-cgi-b.847822d17993f848f6ccba15d2628e903671-900x507.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Need an Easter holiday hero? Blenheim Palace will be opening its <a href="https://www.blenheimpalace.com/the-lost-garden/?gclid=CjwKCAiAr4GgBhBFEiwAgwORrWMJFBIClcyq0faA9H6NT5nWtVoYu9diHICsAfKTlBJ0yR4wI3LpgBoCQx8QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shiny new Lost Garden adventure playground</a> on 1 April &#8211; part of the World Heritage Site&#8217;s major development of its Walled Garden area. The playground will cover a site larger than a football field (yes, really), with quirky wooden structures, an interactive sensory garden, secret play areas and an arial walkway with zip wire flying over the Capability Brown landscaped grounds. For the grown-ups there&#8217;ll be a replica of Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge with large seating terrace and refreshment kiosk.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.fairytalefarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fairytale Farm</a> in Chipping Norton will also unveil a major new outdoor play area this summer. The Fairy Dell will feature raised walkways and bridges, crawl tunnels, slides, a clamber net and climbing wall &#8211; plus giant toadstools for a magical feel. </p>



<p>Both playgrounds are being designed by Norfolk-based CAP.Co, who also built Stonor Park&#8217;s fabulous <a href="https://www.stonor.com/tumblestone-hollow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tumblestone Hollow</a> &#8211; so you can expect big things from both! </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/3/2023/03/kayla-farmer-qdKUa3IN0Cs-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-142879" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/kayla-farmer-qdKUa3IN0Cs-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/kayla-farmer-qdKUa3IN0Cs-unsplash-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/kayla-farmer-qdKUa3IN0Cs-unsplash-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/kayla-farmer-qdKUa3IN0Cs-unsplash-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>And for big kids, Millets Farm near Abingdon is hosting a series of <a href="https://milletsfarmcentre.com/what-s-on/this-year/1358-ball,-beer-burger-evenings.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ball, Beer and Burger evenings</a> come April on its new farm-themed 18-hole adventure golf course. Tickets include a round of golf, a choice of burger and either a beer or glass of wine &#8211; kids over 12 are allowed to attend (although you&#8217;ll have to drink the beer!). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fancy a kebab? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="766" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.55.46.png" alt="" class="wp-image-142881" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.55.46.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.55.46-800x613.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.55.46-400x306.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-02-at-14.55.46-685x525.png 685w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Then you&#8217;re in luck &#8211; turns out we have some of the best in the whole of the UK. Not only did Thame&#8217;s <a href="https://www.atalaykebabvan.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atalay’s Kebab Van</a> scoop the top spot for Kebab Van of the Year, but half of the finalists were in our &#8216;hood! Here are the places you should be heading to for your donner fix: Ahmed’s Bar B-Q in Oxford, Best Kebab Van in Chipping Norton, Grove Kebab Van in Wantage, Hello Boss in High Wycombe, Southmoor Kebab Van in Abingdon. Extra garlic sauce for me, please. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">And finally&#8230;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="527" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/FLorence-Pugh-music-video.png" alt="" class="wp-image-142907" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/FLorence-Pugh-music-video.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/FLorence-Pugh-music-video-800x422.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/FLorence-Pugh-music-video-400x211.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/FLorence-Pugh-music-video-900x474.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Check out the local talent in musician Toby Sebastian&#8217;s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sMcVB2TCQA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new music video for chilled-out song <em>Midnight</em></a> &#8211; not only is he duetting with his mega-famous sister Florence Pugh (above), the whole thing is shot in Oxford&#8217;s Kazbar restaurant, owned by the pair&#8217;s dad. Talk about keeping it in the family! </p>


New cafés, foodie pop-ups, local tipples and award-winning kebabs!

You may also like