Bucks &amp; Oxon


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



<p>&#8230;to some brand new openings! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Heythrop-Hotel-Orangery-DesignLSM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-135272" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Heythrop-Hotel-Orangery-DesignLSM.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Heythrop-Hotel-Orangery-DesignLSM-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Heythrop-Hotel-Orangery-DesignLSM-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Heythrop-Hotel-Orangery-DesignLSM-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Heythrop-Hotel-Orangery-DesignLSM-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/hotels/heythrop-park-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Heythrop Park (opens in a new tab)">Heythrop Park</a> in Chipping Norton is finally set to open its doors next month after a cool £40mil refurb since being bought by Warner Leisure way back in 2018. Bookings are already up and running, and guests can expect *deep breath* 337 guest bedrooms, three restaurants, six lounges, a spa complete with outdoor hot tubs, and two theatres. Phew! Staycation, anyone?</p>



<p>Two of Muddy&#8217;s favourite indie producers, <a href="https://www.tapsocialmovement.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Tap Social (opens in a new tab)">Tap Social</a> and <a href="https://www.themissingbean.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Missing Bean (opens in a new tab)">Missing Bean</a>, have joined forces to create Proof Social Bakehouse in Kennington! The wholesale bakery and coffee shop, which is located in Tap Social&#8217;s previous brewery, will dish up sourdough bread, pastries, and tray bakes, as well as &#8211; naturally &#8211; delicious beer and coffee. Opening weekend is Sat 20 and Sun 21 August from 8am to 3pm &#8211; put it in your diary. </p>



<p>In the mood for a G&amp;T (always)? <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Abingdon Distillery (opens in a new tab)" href="https://abingdondistillery.com" target="_blank">Abingdon Distillery</a> has opened their brand new distillery and shop on Ock Street in Abingdon, which means tours, tastings and drinks on the sunny patio are back on the menu. If you&#8217;re nosy but don&#8217;t want to book a full tour, their next Distillery Open Day is on 7 and 8 Oct. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1594" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Amersham-Owned.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-135264" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Amersham-Owned.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Amersham-Owned-753x800.jpg 753w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Amersham-Owned-941x1000.jpg 941w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Amersham-Owned-376x400.jpg 376w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Amersham-Owned-1445x1536.jpg 1445w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Amersham-Owned-494x525.jpg 494w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s not often we shout about a charity shop here on Muddy, but this one is more stylish than most! <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Amersham Owned (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/shop-with-us/amersham" target="_blank">Amersham Owned</a> just opened its doors to its Woodside Road premises from Thursdays to Saturdays, 9am to 5pm, with a larger opening slated in Sept. Think midcentury furniture, upcycled decor, plenty of books (courtesy of Chapter 2 in Chesham) and thoughtfully curated fashion. If you&#8217;ve previously steered clear of the charity shop jumble, it&#8217;s well worth a visit &#8211; and best of all, all profits go to Hospice St Francis. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1200" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Doughnut-Time.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-135261" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Doughnut-Time.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Doughnut-Time-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Doughnut-Time-1000x800.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Doughnut-Time-400x320.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Doughnut-Time-656x525.jpg 656w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sugar fiends, rejoice &#8211; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Doughnut Time (opens in a new tab)" href="https://doughnuttime.co.uk" target="_blank">Doughnut Time</a> has arrived in the Westgate, Oxford, and it&#8217;s brought the goods with it. Expect fun flavours with bonkers names to match (fancy a Gordon Jamsay, Freddo Mercury, Justin Timberflake or Selena Doughmez?), as well as plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Sweet!</p>



<p>Not only is Marlow home to the newly-opened <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Mixing Jug (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.themixingjug.co.uk" target="_blank">Mixing Jug</a> in Liston Court (hello smoothies in the day, cocktails by night!), it&#8217;s also getting a brand new Mediterranean bar, grill and garden: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Lavvin (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/Lavvin-Restaurant-102668022544117/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">Lavvin</a>. No news yet on a potential opening date, but we&#8217;ve got our ears to the ground and will report back ASAP. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2097" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/House-of-Flowers.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-135268" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/House-of-Flowers.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/House-of-Flowers-572x800.jpg 572w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/House-of-Flowers-715x1000.jpg 715w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/House-of-Flowers-286x400.jpg 286w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/House-of-Flowers-1099x1536.jpg 1099w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/House-of-Flowers-1465x2048.jpg 1465w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/House-of-Flowers-376x525.jpg 376w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Finally, Wantage has had a flurry of new openings, with brand new coffee bar <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Blackbird (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/Blackbird-Bar-100627135990657" target="_blank">Blackbird</a> and florist and gift shop <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="House of Flowers (opens in a new tab)" href="https://houseofflowers.co.uk" target="_blank">House of Flowers</a> both popping up in the market square. Not only that, but new bar and club <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Delaney's (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/Delaneys-Nightclub-101856679194272" target="_blank">Delaney&#8217;s</a> is aiming to be open for the August bank holiday &#8211; perfect if you want to book a bottomless brunch or trip the light fantastic. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Foodie news</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1641" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Sam-Brennan.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-135269" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Sam-Brennan.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Sam-Brennan-731x800.jpg 731w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Sam-Brennan-914x1000.jpg 914w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Sam-Brennan-366x400.jpg 366w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Sam-Brennan-1404x1536.jpg 1404w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Sam-Brennan-480x525.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you haven&#8217;t visited <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Star Inn (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thestarsparsholt.co.uk" target="_blank">The Star Inn</a> at Sparsholt recently, now&#8217;s the time to book in that dinner date, as they&#8217;ve just welcomed new head chef Sam Brennan to the fold. Sam moves from sister restaurant, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Woodspeen (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thewoodspeen.com" target="_blank">The Woodspeen</a> in Newbury, and we&#8217;re very much looking forward to what he whips up! </p>



<p>Calling all chefs! <em>Come Dine With Me: The Professionals</em> is looking for Oxford and Oxfordshire-based restaurants to film from 12 to 14 September. Reckon your place has what to takes to face off against the competition? <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Apply here, chop chop (opens in a new tab)" href="https://itv.etribez.com/ag/itvmultistory/cdwmprofessionalsseries2/welcome.html" target="_blank">Apply here, chop chop</a>! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1875" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Peterley-Manor-Farm-Barn-Kitchen.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-135273" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Peterley-Manor-Farm-Barn-Kitchen.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Peterley-Manor-Farm-Barn-Kitchen-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Peterley-Manor-Farm-Barn-Kitchen-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Peterley-Manor-Farm-Barn-Kitchen-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Peterley-Manor-Farm-Barn-Kitchen-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Peterley-Manor-Farm-Barn-Kitchen-420x525.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Hello, new date night favourite! The Barn Kitchen at <a href="https://peterleymanorfarm.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Peterley Manor Farm (opens in a new tab)">Peterley Manor Farm</a> in Great Missenden is now open for bookings Friday nights from 5pm to 10pm. Snaffle a flatbread, sharing board or small plate&nbsp;with a large glass of local wine while enjoying beautiful sunsets like this one! Dreamy. </p>



<p>Fancy a slice? Jeremy Clarkson&#8217;s <a aria-label="Diddly Squat Farm Shop (opens in a new tab)" href="https://diddlysquatfarmshop.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diddly Squat Farm Shop</a> has opened the Piddly Diddly Pizza Place, which is a three-minute walk from shop itself and will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 2pm to 6pm. Knowing Mr Clarkson there&#8217;ll probably be some controversy surrounding this one, so we&#8217;d get in quick while the goss (and the cheese) is hot! </p>



<p>If you&#8217;re near Marlow this Friday night, get thee to <a href="https://www.dogandbadger.co.uk/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dog &amp; Badger</a>, Medmenham for their menu launch party, complete with live music, fizz a-plenty and sliders from their new menu. Can&#8217;t make it? Book a table to check it out stat, as their British, seasonal food is always worth a nibble. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">You go girl!</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1373" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Olivia-Kew-Little-Pigs.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-135276" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Olivia-Kew-Little-Pigs.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Olivia-Kew-Little-Pigs-800x732.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Olivia-Kew-Little-Pigs-1000x915.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Olivia-Kew-Little-Pigs-400x366.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Olivia-Kew-Little-Pigs-574x525.jpg 574w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Congratulations to friend of Muddy and all-round boss woman Olivia Mikhail, owner of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kew Little Pigs (opens in a new tab)" href="https://kewlittlepigs.com" target="_blank">Kew Little Pigs</a>, for making the finals of the prestigious Best Businesswomen Awards 2022. Olivia is nominated for Best Business for her excellent (and adorable) micro-pig farm in Amersham, and will find out if she&#8217;s scooped the prize at the end of next month  &#8211; we&#8217;ve got our trotters crossed for you!</p>



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



<p>Ever wondered which county is best, Bucks or Oxon? Now you don&#8217;t have to &#8211; because there&#8217;s a Tug of War to decide it! The annual Ickford vs Tiddington Tug (which has apparently been going on since 1953) took place on Friday 5 Aug, with a men&#8217;s, women&#8217;s and junior event, and for the first time in 30 years the Tiddington Ladies stomped it! The Tiddington Men also won their event, while the Ickford Junior Team kept up their winning streak. It&#8217;s tradition that the losers get pulled into the River Thames, but considering the seriously sweaty weather, competitors from both teams took a dip, some with cans in hand. I&#8217;ll cheers to that! </p>


Superflashy newsflash! The latest goss in Bucks & Oxon

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