Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-as-seen-on-screen">AS SEEN ON SCREEN </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T215458.574-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148774" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T215458.574-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T215458.574-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T215458.574-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T215458.574-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>ED KINGSFORD PHOTOGRAPHY</figcaption></figure>



<p>Have a love of classic children’s movies and a cool £9 mil? Then take a gander at this beauty &#8211; the Bucks windmill that was used in the 1967 film <em>Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</em> <a href="https://search.savills.com/property-detail/gbhershes230185" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has gone up for sale</a>. Cobstone Windmill in Ibstone, near Turville, was restored by actress Hayley Mills in the 1970s after the film crew did a bit of work, and was then bought by Aston Martin owner Sir David Brown in the 1980s. A three-bed house comes with the Grade II Listed windmill as well as outbuildings and a pool. Time to rummage for spare change down the back of the sofa. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1004" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Heartstopper_Season2_Image2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148808" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Heartstopper_Season2_Image2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Heartstopper_Season2_Image2-800x535.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Heartstopper_Season2_Image2-1000x669.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Heartstopper_Season2_Image2-400x268.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Heartstopper_Season2_Image2-784x525.jpg 784w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re settling down to watch the brand new season of <em>Heartstopper</em>, you might spot a few familiar locations &#8211; no surprise when multiple scenes of this super-cute teen romance were filmed in Buckinghamshire. Keep an eye out for Norfolk Park Stores in Maidenhead, Gerrards Cross Everyman, Chesham high street and Burnham Park Academy playing fields. </p>



<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="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/El-Cerdo-Bourne-End-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148814" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/El-Cerdo-Bourne-End-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/El-Cerdo-Bourne-End-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/El-Cerdo-Bourne-End-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/El-Cerdo-Bourne-End-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/El-Cerdo-Bourne-End.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This week sees the opening of a second branch of the Berks tapas bar, <a href="https://elcerdo.co.uk/bourne-end/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Cerdo</a>, which has snuck across the border to open in the pretty Bucks riverside town of Bourne End. Occupying a peachy spot in the Bourne End Marina, this place is all about roasted Marcona almonds, Iberian ham and Spanish cheese boards groaning with Manchego, Payoyo, walnuts and crackers. Wash down with a glass of Rioja while watching the boats drift by and you could be in Spain &#8211; but without the passport queues. Cheers to that. </p>



<p>We were super-sad to hear that Wantage’s indie bookshop Mad Hatter Bookshop was closing its doors &#8211; but delighted at the news that Emma and Alex, owners of <a href="https://hungerfordbookshop.co.uk">Hungerford Bookshop</a> for a whopping 17 years, were taking the helm. The newly-named Wantage Bookshop opened for business last week, and is hoping to host author talks once the dust has settled. Pop in for that new book smell. </p>



<p>Good news for the residents of Hardwick in Aylesbury &#8211; postcard-pretty pub <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048174405144">The Bell</a> has welcomed new tenants Erin and Ion and is set for a total makeover (including a brand new menu inspired by chef Ion’s time in Moldova and Greece). The grand re-opening is due at the end of September. We can’t wait. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/The-Bell-at-Hardwick.jpg" alt="Latest openings - The Bell at Hardwick" class="wp-image-148809" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/The-Bell-at-Hardwick.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/The-Bell-at-Hardwick-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/The-Bell-at-Hardwick-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/The-Bell-at-Hardwick-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/The-Bell-at-Hardwick-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Erin and Ion at The Bell at Hardwick</figcaption></figure>



<p>Rumour is that work&#8217;s underway on a boutique hotel in Marlow. Work on the bar and restaurant with rooms &#8211; five to be exact &#8211; is underway in a handsome Grade II Listed building on the high street. It joins a fairly modest hotel offering in the town that&#8217;s currently dominated by <a href="https://www.thechequersmarlow.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Chequers</a>, a pub with rooms, plus of course, Kerridge&#8217;s <a href="https://www.thehandandflowers.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hand &amp; Flowers</a> and the larger <a href="https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/compleat-angler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Compleat Angler</a> in a fabulous spot overlooking the river. Muddy will keep you posted on all the glorious details, aka the bar/terrace they&#8217;ve got planned.</p>



<p>Speaking of hotels, <a href="https://www.oldbankhotel.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Bank Hotel</a> on Oxford’s high street is hoping to transform its former stables into a wellness centre and spa (yes please!). No word yet on when this will happen, but rest assured Muddy will be the first to know, fluffy robe in hand. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MANE ATTRACTION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T220205.054.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148778" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T220205.054.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T220205.054-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T220205.054-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T220205.054-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Philip Joyce</figcaption></figure>



<p>A new Lion House has opened at <a href="https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk">Cotswold Wildlife Park</a> for its Asiatic Lions ahead of World Lion Day. It&#8217;s the first new animal house since the giraffes got their new gaffe in 2010 and to mark the occasion, Professor of Wildlife Conservation at the University of Oxford Amy Dickman cut the ribbon. With only six big Lion populations left in the world today, now’s your chance to get an eyeful up close through the huge viewing windows. Go now and catch the Bactrian camel, Amber, born this summer (to avoid the queues, go after midday as it&#8217;s open til 6pm all summer).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OXON&#8217;S CRIME QUEEN UNVEILED</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T224720.671.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148800" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T224720.671.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T224720.671-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T224720.671-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-14T224720.671-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy yourself as a sleuth? Then you might want to pencil in the weekend of 8-10 Sept for the <a href="https://www.wallingfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/council_events/murder-mystery-extravaganza-celebrating-agatha-christie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Murder Mystery Weekend</a> at Agatha Christie&#8217;s former hometown of Wallingford. Expect talks by Christie experts, guided walks, street performers, free films, murder mystery quizzes, train rides, teas, and themed dinners at venues across the town. Plus, the unveiling of a life-size statue called &#8216;A Monument to Imagination&#8217;, of the author by grandson, Mathew Pritchard, which is sited so that visitors can take a selfie of themselves sat on the bench next to the grand dame of crime. </p>


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