Bucks &amp; Oxon

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SPOTTED &#8211; BRAD PITT!</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Brad-Pitt-Kirsty-Edmonds.jpg" alt="Image credit: Kirsty Edmonds" class="wp-image-147557" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Brad-Pitt-Kirsty-Edmonds.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Brad-Pitt-Kirsty-Edmonds-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Brad-Pitt-Kirsty-Edmonds-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Brad-Pitt-Kirsty-Edmonds-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image credit: Kirsty Edmonds</figcaption></figure>



If you’re trying to visit The Globe Inn in Linslade on the Beds/Bucks border today, you’ll be disappointed as the pub is shut for filming &#8211; reportedly for Brad Pitt’s new F1 drama for Apple TV+, Apex. The A-lister to end all A-listers has already been causing a stir at Silverstone on the Northants border, where he kicked off racing for the British Grand Prix last weekend as part of filming. BRB, off to hang around Leighton Buzzard with my binoculars&#8230;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-openings">NEW OPENINGS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/339259125_1269610020302914_5148031535334596128_n.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-147466" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/339259125_1269610020302914_5148031535334596128_n.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/339259125_1269610020302914_5148031535334596128_n-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/339259125_1269610020302914_5148031535334596128_n-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/339259125_1269610020302914_5148031535334596128_n-525x525.jpeg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/339259125_1269610020302914_5148031535334596128_n-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



You might have seen their turquoise van bombing around leaving the delicious smell of coffee in its wake, but expert brewers (and Muddy Awards Finalists) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anonymouscoffeeco/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anonymous Coffee</a> have laid down some roots. Their brand new café and roastery can be found in the Manor Farm units, Henley-on-Thames where you&#8217;ll go for the seriously good coffee and stay for the industrial interiors. Open for takeaway, beans and the gear to brew yourself weekdays 8-3pm and Saturdays 8-12pm. 



Headington based coffee company <a href="https://www.newgroundcoffee.com/locations/ship-street-opening-july-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NewGround</a> are also setting up shop in the former Russell &amp; Bromley on Oxford&#8217;s Ship Street. The newly-opened coffee and wine bar (aha, I see I have your attention) is offering ethically-sourced java and a wide selection of natural wines. They&#8217;ve joined Jericho Cheese Company and Crosstown Oxford Doughnut Shop &#8211; can you think of two better pairings for your coffee and wine? Nope, me neither. 



<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/3/2023/07/353849636_641196911370906_4780485726816608320_n.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-147467" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/353849636_641196911370906_4780485726816608320_n.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/353849636_641196911370906_4780485726816608320_n-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/353849636_641196911370906_4780485726816608320_n-400x266.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/353849636_641196911370906_4780485726816608320_n-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Renowned in London for their Pad Thai and Wok Star stir fries, <a href="https://rosasthai.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosa&#8217;s Thai</a> is coming to Oxford &#8211; come August, this will be your go to for dinner or a cheeky takeaway. Pitching up on George Street, the vibe is homey, relaxed and unfussy. 



The only thing better than freshly-baked bread? Beer made with it! Sustainable beer company <a href="https://www.toastale.com">Toast Ale</a> are setting up their own micro-brewery at Unity Space in Milton Keynes this September, using surplus bread from on-site bakery, the Baker&#8217;s Room, to craft their pints. Talk about a guilt-free gulp! 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RE-OPENINGS</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/3/2023/07/Rupert-Kitchen-in-the-field-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-147324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Rupert-Kitchen-in-the-field-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Rupert-Kitchen-in-the-field--800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Rupert-Kitchen-in-the-field--400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Rupert-Kitchen-in-the-field--788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Run don&#8217;t walk as Oxford OG chef, Rupert Whitaker, and his <a href="https://www.thefieldkitchenoxford.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Kitchen</a> are *finally* returning for a select few nights of al fresco fine dining this summer and, you better get in line as seats are selling like hot cakes. For the last five years Rupert has been busy writing and directing films with his wife and, luckily for our tummies, he&#8217;s been inspired by some of the swish film locations (Morocco, LA, Iceland, Isreal, New York) and will be popping back up in a field near us for two evenings this month (28-29 July). Diners can expect an aperitif, crostini, wine and three courses at sharing tables for £65 per person. 



For more summer supper cubs, check out our round up <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/outdoor-supper-clubs-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire-wild-dining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/0_wallingford-splash-pad.jpg-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-147469" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/0_wallingford-splash-pad.jpg-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/0_wallingford-splash-pad.jpg-copy-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/0_wallingford-splash-pad.jpg-copy-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/0_wallingford-splash-pad.jpg-copy-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Summer hotspot Wallingford Splash Pad has just reopened after an extensive refurb, just in time for the school holidays (and the sun disappearing, it seems). After two months of work and a tasty £300,000 spend, kids big and small can enjoy the new water arches, tap activated water sequences, whoosh showers and sky drenchers &#8211; basically a whole host of splishy splashy fun. 



Hampers Café in Woodstock has reopened this week after a little TLC from the new owners. The space looks gloriously provincial with lots of original pieces of artwork hanging on sunshine yellow walls. I&#8217;ll be taking my coffee at the table by the window &#8211; until they receive their licence, that is. Then I&#8217;ll be trading the coffee in for a cheeky rosé. In the meantime, pop along to sample all sorts of delicious local goodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">REVAMPING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="719" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/BlenheimPalace-Italian-Garden-2.jpg.gallery.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-147471" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/BlenheimPalace-Italian-Garden-2.jpg.gallery.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/BlenheimPalace-Italian-Garden-2.jpg.gallery-800x575.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/BlenheimPalace-Italian-Garden-2.jpg.gallery-400x288.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/BlenheimPalace-Italian-Garden-2.jpg.gallery-730x525.jpeg 730w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Just when you thought the gardens at <a href="https://www.blenheimestate.com/land/gardens-and-parkland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blenheim Palace</a> couldn&#8217;t get anymore gorgeous, their head gardener reveals some ambitious plans to transform them. The plans, the biggest the Woodstock estate has seen in more than 100 years, will involve excavating the &#8220;lost&#8221; ponds at the Rose and Walled Gardens, building a brand new rockery and restoring the croquet lawn. Work is already underway and I can&#8217;t wait to see the finished result.



Now there&#8217;s even more time to enjoy the sweeping views from <a href="https://www.ashmolean.org/cafe-and-restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ashmolean</a>&#8216;s rooftop terrace and restaurant, after they unveiled a new summer look and later opening time this week. Working closely with the Oxford University Parks team, a swish new herb garden can be found as part of an urban garden display on the terrace. Said herbs will feature in the fresh seasonal menu available alongside their famous afternoon teas which can now be enjoyed until 6pm. We were just there for our Muddy Awards Winners event and can tell you it looks fab!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">LIT NEWS</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/3/2023/07/113945562_richard_osman_6260photographycredit.penguinbooks.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-147460" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/113945562_richard_osman_6260photographycredit.penguinbooks.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/113945562_richard_osman_6260photographycredit.penguinbooks-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/113945562_richard_osman_6260photographycredit.penguinbooks-400x266.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/113945562_richard_osman_6260photographycredit.penguinbooks-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Richard Osman and Val McDermid will be joining other criminally good (I&#8217;ll get my coat) authors at the <a href="https://www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/content/2023-crime-fiction-weekend" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">30th Crime Fiction Weekend</a> at St Hilda&#8217;s College, Oxford, 11-13 Aug. Osman is the after dinner speaker on the Friday and will be talking all things crime &#8211; here&#8217;s hoping for a few sneaky spoilers of what&#8217;s in store for his geriatric crime stoppers the Thursday Murder Club, with the fourth instalment, The Last Devil to Die, landing this September.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ART INCOMING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Ox-in-garden.jpg.gallery.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-147464" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Ox-in-garden.jpg.gallery.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Ox-in-garden.jpg.gallery-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Ox-in-garden.jpg.gallery-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Ox-in-garden.jpg.gallery-700x525.jpeg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image Sobell House</figcaption></figure>



We love some al fresco art at Muddy, so we&#8217;ll be eagerly awaiting the OxTrail which will be moo-ving (sorry) into Oxford next year as part of a collaboration between Wild Art and the charity Sobell House. The 30 life-sized Ox sculptures will be sponsored by local businesses, painted by local artists and popping up in different places for you to find around the city.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-foodie-news">OTHER FOODIE NEWS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="801" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/343792984_1264365171147116_4429464013665651810_n-801x1000.png" alt="" class="wp-image-147504" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/343792984_1264365171147116_4429464013665651810_n-801x1000.png 801w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/343792984_1264365171147116_4429464013665651810_n-641x800.png 641w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/343792984_1264365171147116_4429464013665651810_n-321x400.png 321w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/343792984_1264365171147116_4429464013665651810_n-421x525.png 421w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/343792984_1264365171147116_4429464013665651810_n.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 801px) 100vw, 801px" /></figure>



Raymond Blanc has secured £100m in funding to expand his delicious empire of restaurants. Heartwood Collection, the hospitality and pub group he founded with Mark Derry, plans to grow its portfolio from 30 restaurants to over 60 pubs and nearly 500 rooms by June 2027. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled.



Two Oxfordshire restaurants have just been named on The Good Food Guide&#8217;s list of 100 Best Local Restaurants in Britain. The <a href="https://www.fivelittlepigs.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Five Little Pigs</a> in Wallingford and <a href="https://www.pompetterestaurant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pompette</a> in Oxford have joined some of the best pubs and eateries in the country &#8211; now to sharpen your elbows for the reservation bun fight.

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