Bucks &amp; Oxon


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



<p>A cool brunch spot for dogs (humans welcome!), new Cotswolds digs, where to head for watersports, MK&#8217;s latest foodie openings and more superflashy news you need to know this week.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T103135.362-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-129548" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T103135.362-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T103135.362-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T103135.362-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T103135.362-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The swanky brunch and cocktail joint that&#8217;s been the preferred hang out for ladies who lunch on the King&#8217;s Road and the likes of Dulwich and Balham is opening soon in Marlow! <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Megan's (opens in a new tab)" href="https://megans.co.uk/marlow-restaurants/" target="_blank">Megan&#8217;s</a> is famous for its Baked Eggs Shakshouka, vegan pancakes, organic coffee and for its dog and child friendly policy. In the evenings its all about small plates and sharing platters like gambas pil pil and spicy piri piri cauliflower wings, with a massive range for veggies and vegans&#8230; not a bean burger in sight!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T104327.080-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-129554" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T104327.080-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T104327.080-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T104327.080-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T104327.080-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I can almost smell that freshly-baked sourdough and wafting whiff of croissants already&#8230; the new Nettlebed deli and bakery that I mentioned in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="my last news round-up (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-restaurant-shopping-news/" target="_blank">my last news round-up</a> has now got an opening date! McQueen&#8217;s will throw open its doors on 14 April at the former site of the Field Kitchen near Henley. With local brothers, Freddie and Jack Wilcox, of&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://orwellsrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Orwells&nbsp;</a> and&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/goringgrocer/" target="_blank">The Goring Grocer</a> at the helm, it&#8217;s sure to be a corker. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Griffiths-Brothers-Gin.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-108900" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Griffiths-Brothers-Gin.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Griffiths-Brothers-Gin-240x300.jpg 240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Griffiths-Brothers-Gin-400x500.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Griffiths-Brothers-Gin-120x150.jpg 120w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Griffiths-Brothers-Gin-420x525.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Rounding off our foodie news: Old Amersham is soon to be home to a brand new Artisan Food and Drink Market, happening from 10am to 3pm on the third Sunday of every month and kicking off this Easter Sunday. Snaffle paella from Little Urban Chef, pick up jams, jellies, chutneys, sauces and pickles from Violet’s Orchard and Sam’s Chilli Sauces and wash it all down with a G&amp;T from <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Griffiths Brothers Gin (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/griffiths-brothers-gin/" target="_blank">Griffiths Brothers Gin</a>. Best of all, as well as supporting local businesses, the market also helps out The Chilterns Dog Rescue Charity. Shopping trip ahoy, methinks&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where to make a splash </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T104752.482.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-129556" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T104752.482.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T104752.482-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T104752.482-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T104752.482-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A whopping new inflatable park has opened at Cotswold Country Park &amp; Beach. The <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Aquaventure (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com/aquaventure/" target="_blank">Aquaventure</a>  Climb the Incredible Iceberg and Tower, have fun on the Trampoline element – with over 40 pieces to challenge yourself, friends and family members on the high energy obstacle course. It&#8217;s available for one-off bookings, parties, and &#8211; shock horror &#8211; team building days (get me a team building cocktail sesh any day&#8230;). Need more activity inspo? Check out our <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/kids-activities/easter-holiday-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="57 things to do with kids this Easter (opens in a new tab)">57 things to do with kids this Easter</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="537" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/07/hinksey_2020_08_07_15_31_15.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-118335" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/07/hinksey_2020_08_07_15_31_15.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/07/hinksey_2020_08_07_15_31_15-360x193.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/07/hinksey_2020_08_07_15_31_15-720x387.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/07/hinksey_2020_08_07_15_31_15-150x81.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/07/hinksey_2020_08_07_15_31_15-900x483.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Get that dry robe back on! Oxford&#8217;s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Hinksey Hill outdoor pool (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/hinksey-outdoor-pool/" target="_blank">Hinksey Hill outdoor pool</a> is not going to open in April as planned. It still needs some refurbishment work to the liner, but if you&#8217;re just itching to dive in, check out our Muddy guide to the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="best local lidos and splashparks (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/water-based-fun/" target="_blank">best local lidos and splashparks</a>. Brrrrr.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New digs</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T125258.212-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-129572" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T125258.212-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T125258.212-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T125258.212-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T125258.212-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Cotswolds bolthole alert! The celeb-fave <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Wild Rabbit (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/days-out/stayherethewildrabbitkingham/" target="_blank">The Wild Rabbit</a>, in Kingham, has unveiled two new self-catering properties, available to book from 4 April. Old House and Fowler’s House are kitted out for a family or friends break and have a gorgeous feel with reclaimed timber beams and exposed original Cotswold stone walls. There&#8217;s all the additions that you&#8217;d expect from a property in the Bamford fold (yup, that&#8217;s the Daylesford clan!) including gorgeous vintage finds, Daylesford homewares and of course the spa, farm shop and restaurant are just down the road. Both sleep up to 8 people.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/The-Dinton-Hermit.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-129660" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/The-Dinton-Hermit.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/The-Dinton-Hermit-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/The-Dinton-Hermit-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/The-Dinton-Hermit-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Speaking of new rooms, the Dinton Hermit in the pretty hamlet of Ford, near Aylesbury, has opened its newly-refurbished accommodation (five rooms in The Barns and two rooms in The Eaves) at extremely agreeable rates &#8211; especially as they&#8217;re comfortably kitted out with all the mod cons. The perfect spot to rest your head while exploring the area or out for a wedding. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MK munchies </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T130748.106.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-129577" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T130748.106.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T130748.106-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T130748.106-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T130748.106-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Kiki&#8217;s Cafe</figcaption></figure>



<p>Milton Keynes has had a slew of spring-time openings, livening up the food scene in the Bucks town. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Warbler on the Wharf (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/warbleronthewharf" target="_blank">The Warbler on the Wharf</a> opened for bookings on 6 April and the big sell is its outdoor&nbsp;terrace and south-facing beer garden overlooking the marina. Then there&#8217;s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kobe Steakhouse &amp; Cocktail Lounge (opens in a new tab)" href="https://m.facebook.com/koberestaurantmk/" target="_blank">Kobe Steakhouse &amp; Cocktail Lounge</a> that opened on 8 April in the stonkingly massive leisure and shopping centre, Xscape. Its the first Kobe &amp; Wagyu restaurant to launch outside of London (those are cuts of beef dontchaknow). Finally, there&#8217;s the cute new <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Lily's Cafe (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/lillycafemk/" target="_blank">Lilly&#8217;s Cafe</a>, now open for  coffee, brunch and fabulous cakes in Whitehouse Park, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Coco's Coffee House (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/Cocoscoffeehousemk" target="_blank">Coco&#8217;s Coffee House</a> to cater to your caffeine and sugar needs if you&#8217;re in the New Bradwell area and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kiki's Cafe (opens in a new tab)" href="https://kikiscafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kiki&#8217;s Cafe</a> coming soon to Grafton Gate and promising strong coffee &#8211; now they&#8217;re talking my language&#8230; </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="1306" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Whatshisname-balloon-dogs.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-129663" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Whatshisname-balloon-dogs.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Whatshisname-balloon-dogs-613x800.jpeg 613w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Whatshisname-balloon-dogs-766x1000.jpeg 766w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Whatshisname-balloon-dogs-306x400.jpeg 306w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/04/Whatshisname-balloon-dogs-402x525.jpeg 402w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Well, hot dog! If you&#8217;ve been to the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Westgate (opens in a new tab)" href="https://westgateoxford.co.uk/" target="_blank">Westgate</a> in Oxford recently you&#8217;ll have spotted these two colossal canines, courtesy of artist Whatshisname (no, that really is his name) and Castle Fine Art. They&#8217;re not just there to look cool though &#8211; the sculptures are in aid of animal charity Blue Cross. Take a selfie with the pop art pooches and share on social with the hashtag <strong>#castle4bluecross</strong>, and Castle Fine Art will donate £1 to Blue Cross for every image shared. Talk about a guilt-free shopping trip. </p>


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