A Cotswolds cracker

The Cotswolds has a new gastropub and it’s another stone-n-fireplace affair with lip-smacking food to add to your burgeoning wish list. The Black Horse in Salford, near Chipping Norton, is the latest opening for the Lionhearth Group, which also runs The Chequers in Churchill, The Swan in Ascott-under-Wychwood, and the recently bought The Cock in Combe. Watch this space for more sumptuous pubs coming soon.

Sky high in MK

MK’s Unity Place has finally opened and it’s looking hot to trot. The eight-floored space includes offices, eateries (including the food market, above), social enterprises, wellness amenities and conference and event facilities plus an art venue, with acclaimed British designer, Kyle Wilkinson, named as the first artist set to exhibit. The rooftop small plates and cocktail bar, Unity Sky Lounge, is set to open this Thurs. Stilettos at the ready!

Bia. launches in Oxford

Summertown’s neighbourhood favourite El Rincón may have gone (though hopefully not forever – stayed tuned to Muddy on that), but in its place has come an exciting new venture from a young and ambitious team. Bia. is a cocktail, wine and small plates joint (you had me at porchetta bon bon with a basil emulsion) plus a café pop-up that has some of the finest Oxon heavyweights involved – think Dark Horse Roastery coffee, pastries from Proof bakery and all run by the Pannekoek café. So basically, it’s a go anytime kinda place. Open Tues-Sat 12pm-11pm.

Pub classics

Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park festival has announced its plans for the 2024 event and they have some big hitters rolling into Marlow for it – Busted will headline Fri 17 May alongside Example and DJ Gok Wan, then there’s Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt’s ‘Don’t Cha Disco’ and sets from BoyzLife and Shola Ama on Saturday morning, and Ministry of Sound Classical, Judge Jules, Eurovision’s Mae Muller and General Levy on Saturday night, with Paloma Faith, Scouting for Girls and Rick Parfitt Jr. rounding off on Sunday 19 May.

Miya expands

Aylesbury’s sleek and bijou Miya Japanese Grill & Bar is opening a second site later this month. The restaurant in Princes Risborough will be similar to the original in central Aylesbury, which is famed for its Sunday sushi and yakitori buffet and Robatayaki grill.

Hungry for more? Find the best pubs and restaurants in Bucks and Oxon – and check out my latest reviews.

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