Bucks &amp; Oxon

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Famous faces</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/3/2022/10/Mother-Goose.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137790" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mother-Goose.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mother-Goose-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mother-Goose-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mother-Goose-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Mother-Goose-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Forget Z-listers and dodgy reality TV stars, the upcoming local panto season is serving up some real celeb stardust (oh no it isn&#8217;t! etc etc). First off, Vernon Kay will be starring in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/panto-wycombe-buckinghamshire-pantomime" target="_blank">Cinderella at the Wycombe Swan</a> from 9-31 Dec &#8211; tickets are on sale NOW and will go faster than hot mince pies, so I&#8217;d snap them up if I were you!



If you can wait until next year, you&#8217;ll get three celebs for the price of one in <a href="http://mothergooseshow.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mother Goose</a>, which stars Ian McKellen, John Bishop and Mel Giedroyc! The panto comes home to roost (do geese roost? Pun still stands) at Oxford New Theatre from 7-11 Mar 2023, but tickets are on sale now if you want to snag your seat well in advance. 



Outside of panto, Clarkson&#8217;s Farm fan favourite Kaleb Cooper is launching a new book, The World According to Kaleb, and will be signing it at Chipping Norton bookshop <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.jaffeandneale.co.uk" target="_blank">Jaffé and Neale</a> on 15 Oct. If you&#8217;ve got farming fans in the fam (try saying that five times fast), it would make a great Christmas present, hint hint. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Say hello to&#8230;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="900" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/1200x1080pixels-1000x900.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137791" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/1200x1080pixels-1000x900.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/1200x1080pixels-800x720.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/1200x1080pixels-400x360.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/1200x1080pixels-583x525.jpg 583w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/1200x1080pixels.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.thebicestercollection.com/bicester-village/en" target="_blank">Bicester Village</a> has new boutiques galore, just in time for its <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/fashion/shop-bicester-village-private-sale/" target="_blank">Private Sale</a> and before the festive shopping season truly kicks off. Charlotte Tilbury is back in pop-up form (race you for the last pot of Magic Cream), Jo Malone London is arriving from 14 Oct and OP 2.0 sneakers are our go-to option for men and teens when 25 December rolls around. Thirsty from all the shopping? Treat yourself to a glass of fizz from The Veuve Van, or a latte from newly-opened GRIND Coffee. 



Plenty of new pub and restaurant openings around Bucks and Oxon too this month. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://claytonslounge.com" target="_blank">Clayton&#8217;s Lounge</a> in Marlow opens on 8 Oct, in the old premises of Muddy Award-winning Clayton&#8217;s Bar on Oxford Street &#8211; we hope husband and wife team Steve and Rebecca are able to breathe life into the bar once again! 



For a new date night spot, hotfoot it to the newly-opened <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.olivieratthechequers.co.uk" target="_blank">Olivier at The Chequers</a> in Aston Tirrold, South Oxon. The menu looks totally mouth-watering, with mains including escalope of Chiltern venison with port gravy, Cornish fish and sun-dried tomato risotto with white burgundy sauce and Gressingham duck breast in wild mushroom sauce with potato terrine. The wine list doesn&#8217;t look too shabby, either &#8211; taxi for two, booked. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1002" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/theturnpikeyarnton-gallery_01.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138032" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/theturnpikeyarnton-gallery_01.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/theturnpikeyarnton-gallery_01-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/theturnpikeyarnton-gallery_01-1000x668.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/theturnpikeyarnton-gallery_01-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/theturnpikeyarnton-gallery_01-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Two pub reopenings for you: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/south-east/theturnpikeyarnton#/" target="_blank">The Turnpike</a> in Yarnton, Kidlington, has been transformed from its original identity as The Bunch of Grapes. As well as a Cotswold-chic new look, there&#8217;s a new food menu to match, with brunches served from 9am until noon (hello pulled beef brisket hash) and an extended lunch and dinner offering. 



After sitting empty for years, Oxford&#8217;s 500-year-old The Lamb and Flag pub is open once more, having been purchased and refurbed by The Inklings Group. We&#8217;re pleased to hear it &#8211; after all, the pub has plenty of literary history as JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis and Thomas Hardy used to frequent it. Go along and show your support to a true Oxford icon. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-George-Wallingford-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137793" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-George-Wallingford-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-George-Wallingford-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-George-Wallingford-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-George-Wallingford-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-George-Wallingford.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



In case you missed it, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://george-dorchester.co.uk" target="_blank">The George Hotel</a> (above) in Dorchester-on-Thames has opened its doors once more, after a fabulous four-month refurb on the restaurant, bar and rooms. Why not pop in to admire the surrounds, and while you&#8217;re there, book in for afternoon tea, cocktails in the courtyard garden or a slap-up Sunday roast? 



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://sevenstarsatmarshbaldon.co.uk" target="_blank">The Seven Stars</a> at Marsh Baldon welcomes brand new general manager Gus Evans to the flock (hi there!) &#8211; his CV includes managing Deals in Chelsea Harbour and The Big Easy on The King’s Road, so we expect big things from him. In the meantime, go check out head chef Patrick&#8217;s brand new autumnal menu, launching next week &#8211; it&#8217;s packed with comfort foods that are perfect for the chilly season. 



Coming soon! Super-popular Middle Eastern bakery <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://zaatarbake.co.uk" target="_blank">Za&#8217;atar Bake</a> on the Cowley Road in Oxford is due to open a sister restaurant, Za&#8217;atar Grill, on the same road. We&#8217;re yet to confirm an opening date, but diners can expect shawarma, meze and more. 



<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/3/2022/10/Real-Magic-Bookshop.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137805" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Real-Magic-Bookshop.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Real-Magic-Bookshop-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Real-Magic-Bookshop-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Real-Magic-Bookshop-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Real-Magic-Bookshop-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Wendover has an indie bookshop once more! Family-owned <a href="https://www.instagram.com/realmagicbooks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Magic Books</a> has just opened on the High Street, stocking all manner of non-fiction and fiction treasures as well as cool 70s-inspired merch and products from Princes Risborough-based perfumer, <a href="https://www.ruthmastenbroek.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruth Mastenbroek</a>. Stick your head in and say hi to owners Sophie and Carl! 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sad goodbyes</h2>



It&#8217;s tough times out there, and this is your Muddy reminder to give a little love to your plucky local indies where you can! Sadly, we&#8217;re saying goodbye to the lovely Drifters coffee shop in Henley, and the Cartshed cafe and restaurant in Preston Crowmarsh, which have both had to close their doors. They&#8217;ll be sorely missed. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">And finally&#8230;</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/3/2022/10/296772027_10166841507955014_3339620433570382246_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137806" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/296772027_10166841507955014_3339620433570382246_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/296772027_10166841507955014_3339620433570382246_n-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/296772027_10166841507955014_3339620433570382246_n-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/296772027_10166841507955014_3339620433570382246_n-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/296772027_10166841507955014_3339620433570382246_n-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



If you&#8217;re visiting Cotswold Wildlife Park this Half Term, keep your eyes peeled for some of the new babies on site! Cute and cuddly new additions include baby anteater Zena, and a litter of Pallas&#8217;s cats (no, me neither) born to Tull and Penelope. Awww.

Superflashy newsflash! A-list pantos, new bars and pubs galore

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