Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ed-sheeran-sings-ginger-wings-praises">Ed Sheeran sings Ginger Wings&#8217; praises</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/3/2024/06/GingerWings.jpg" alt="Ginger Wings" class="wp-image-164399" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/GingerWings.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/GingerWings-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/GingerWings-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/GingerWings-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ed Sheeran: an honorary &#8216;Ginger Wing&#8217;</figcaption></figure>



<p>Muddy enjoyed catching up with the Ginger Wings team at our Muddy Awards drinks at Waddesdon Manor last week, where they were cock-a-hoop at being crowned Best Casual Dining business.</p>



<p>Now we hear they’re cooking up even more exciting plans. Chef Leigh Jones and business partner Jack Blumenthal (son of Heston) are launching an investor round this week to help fund expansion plans for Ginger Wings, currently based at the Crafty Taproom on Marlow high street.</p>



<p>Leigh told Muddy he’d love to expand Ginger Wings to London and beyond (so he can then retire somewhere sunny), and we’re sure this incoming cash injection will help Ginger Wings fly.</p>



<p>Well, Ed Sheeran is a fan (see this Insta snap above for proof he’s popped in for some buttermilk fried chicken), so if it’s good enough for a global pop megastar, we’re sure investor appetite will be keen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swift-entrance">Swift entrance</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/3/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-06-04T124237.775.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162965" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-06-04T124237.775.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-06-04T124237.775-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-06-04T124237.775-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-06-04T124237.775-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Couldn&#8217;t bag tickets to The Eras Tour? Weep not, Swifties. Word is, Taylor is has booked a £3.3m Cotswolds cottage for the last leg of her UK shows, so she&#8217;s in the Oxon &#8216;hood until August. Muddy&#8217;s sources know where the £3,250-a-night rental is located, but out of respect for Ms Swift and her crew, let&#8217;s just say it&#8217;s a stone’s throw from Soho Farmhouse. Her people say she&#8217;s most at home in muddy boots heading out for fresh air though, so perhaps we&#8217;ll bump into her striding across the fields. We can but hope.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-gun-tom-cruises-in-to-oxford">Top Gun! Tom cruises in to Oxford</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/3/2024/06/TomCruise.jpg" alt="Tom Cruise " class="wp-image-164536" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/TomCruise.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/TomCruise-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/TomCruise-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>In other celeb news (they can&#8217;t get enough of Bucks &amp; Oxon), Tom Cruise jetted in to Oxford by helicopter last weekend &#8211; wearing Top Gun-style aviators, of course. Apparently, a tour of the dreaming spires has always been on his sightseeing to-do list &#8211; and conveniently fitted into his schedule while he&#8217;s over filming the eighth <em>Mission Impossible</em> film. Well, we say that&#8217;s mission accomplished. Come back any time, Tom!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-is-better-in-the-cotswolds">Bigger is better in the Cotswolds</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/feathered-nest-inn--1000x666.jpeg" alt="FEATHRED NEST INN" class="wp-image-157351" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/feathered-nest-inn--1000x666.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/feathered-nest-inn--800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/feathered-nest-inn--400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/feathered-nest-inn-.jpeg 1022w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Crack open the champers. Lord and Lady Bamford are close to securing the green light to transform the rather run-down Mill House Hotel in Kingham into a luxe 38-bedroom boutique bolthole. The plans were rejected by the council in 2021, but newly submitted proposals seem to have addressed these concerns. As with the rest of the billionaire couple&#8217;s Cotswolds empire, we expect it&#8217;ll be super chic. Plus, there&#8217;ll be a shuttle bus to hop to the Wild Rabbit pub and Daylesford Organic farm shop. Well, the Bamfords own them too.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Bull-Burford-bedroom-1000x750.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-161492" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Bull-Burford-bedroom-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Bull-Burford-bedroom-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Bull-Burford-bedroom-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Bull-Burford-bedroom.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Elsewhere in the Cotswolds, we hear that Bull at Burford, our best-in-show in the Muddy Awards&#8217; Boutique Stay category (above), is drawing up grand designs to expand too. Owner Matthew Freud (yes, <em>that</em> Matthew Freud) is taking over another building on Burford high street to create more bedrooms (there’s 18 suites at present) and an even more glitzy offering for guests. Since taking over in 2020, Freud has already installed a Damien Hirst in the Bull’s art collection and Nobu’s ex-head chef in the kitchen, so we’re excited to see what Phase 2 of his refurb will bring. It&#8217;s certainly gonna be glossy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pig-can-fly">The PIG can fly</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/3/2024/06/The-Village-Pub-Credit-Jake-Eastham-14.jpg" alt="The Village Pub PIG hotels" class="wp-image-164471" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/The-Village-Pub-Credit-Jake-Eastham-14.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/The-Village-Pub-Credit-Jake-Eastham-14-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/The-Village-Pub-Credit-Jake-Eastham-14-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Village Pub, Barnsley. Credit: Jake Eastham</figcaption></figure>



<p>Oink! The PIG hotel group has opened the first of its twin hotels in pretty Barnsley near Cirencester. Part one is called <a href="https://www.thepighotel.com/and-the-village-pub/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Village Pub</a> (to be followed by a more trad PIG hotel in C17th Barnsley House) – and, naturally, Muddy is checking in as we speak.</p>



<p>We’ll bring you our hot-off-the-press review of The Village Pub sharpish – but in the meantime, here’s a couple of snaps (above and below) to whet your appetite. We’re sure you’ll agree this Cotswolds addition to the PIG&#8217;s litter, run by cheery pub landlord Luis Davila, looks rather lovely. That jugged beef and carrots chalked up on the blackboard has Muddy’s name on it.</p>



<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/3/2024/06/The-Village-Pub-Credit-Jake-Eastham-17.jpg" alt="The Village Pub PIG hotels" class="wp-image-164474" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/The-Village-Pub-Credit-Jake-Eastham-17.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/The-Village-Pub-Credit-Jake-Eastham-17-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/The-Village-Pub-Credit-Jake-Eastham-17-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Village Pub, Barnsley. Credit: Jake Eastham</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foodie-news">Foodie news </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/3/2024/06/Piccolino-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-164324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Piccolino-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Piccolino--800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Piccolino--400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hot on the heels of its <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/new-bars-restaurants-openinngs-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new Marlow restaurant</a>, Italian gem <a href="https://piccolinorestaurants.com/locations/henley-on-thames/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piccolino</a> is going for Oxon domination next. It&#8217;s set to open another Italian hotpot on Market Square in Henley on 24 June. We hear it&#8217;s housed in a Grade-II listed building with 140 covers inside, plus patio and alfresco seating. Ciao bella!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="884" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-20-09.24.59-884x1000.png" alt="" class="wp-image-164262" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-20-09.24.59-884x1000.png 884w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-20-09.24.59-707x800.png 707w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-20-09.24.59-354x400.png 354w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-20-09.24.59.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px" /></figure>



<p>Still hungry? Great Missenden&#8217;s <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/peterley-manor-farm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peterley Manor Farm</a> (home to heavenly afternoon tea and brunch) has added a new breakfast dish with Muddy&#8217;s name written all over it. The courgette, garden herb, and British feta fritters topped with two poached eggs, fermented chili oil, toasted seeds and crumbled feta (pictured above) is available to order now. Thank us later.</p>



<p>And a massive congrats to <a href="https://thefeatherednestinn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Feathered Nest Inn</a>, which has appointed new head chef Renemar Pinedo, AND had plans approved for an eight-bedroom expansion. Pinedo carries some serious foodie creds from training under Michelin-starred chef Ollie Dabbous and cooking in the glorious Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons kitchens. The Cotswolds bolthole is already home to four boutique rooms and a luxe dog-friendly cottage. Now &#8211; drumroll please &#8211; there&#8217;ll also be a fabulous eight-bedroom stand-alone property.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watering-holes-galore">Watering holes galore </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/3/2024/06/Oxfordshire-Lido-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-164329" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Oxfordshire-Lido-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Oxfordshire-Lido--800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Oxfordshire-Lido--400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sun is that you? Yep, and with it comes the new season of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OxfordshireLido/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxfordshire Lido</a> dates. From now until September, the lido will be open for wild swimming between 10am and 5pm for just £5 (bar 11-13 July). There&#8217;s a fun charity race on 29 June if you want to up the competition.</p>



<p>Huzzah! <a href="https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/oxfordshire/boat-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boat House</a> in Wallingford has reopened after unexpectedly closing in January due to flood damage. The team took the closure as the perfect time for a six-figure makeover, which has given the pub a modern revamp and zhuzhed up the garden for al fresco dining. Think outdoor lounging furniture, cosy lighting and a fabulous new cocktail area. Chin chin.</p>



<p>Good news for wild swimmers: Wallingford Beach made it into the list of 27 new monitored swimming sites across the country. This means the water will be tested weekly to ensure tip-top quality and improve conditions for local wildlife. Go on, dig out your &#8216;kini and take the plunge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-end-of-an-era">End of an era</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="990" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Lamb-Flag.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-164346" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Lamb-Flag.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Lamb-Flag-800x792.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Lamb-Flag-400x396.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sadly, it&#8217;s time to say farewell at the <a href="https://linktr.ee/lambandflagoxford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamb &amp; Flag </a>on St Giles Street, after landlords Dylan and Alice Dudbridge-Hay announced they&#8217;re heading to Cornwall for a new venture. Watch this space for updates on how the new owners will transform the pub. Bon voyage, Dylan and Alice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pass-the-popcorn">Pass the popcorn</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="815" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_443839917_18439545127026092_5234977667604300536_n_1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-164468" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_443839917_18439545127026092_5234977667604300536_n_1024.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_443839917_18439545127026092_5234977667604300536_n_1024-800x652.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_443839917_18439545127026092_5234977667604300536_n_1024-400x326.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Movie news! The dreaming spires has inspired another book-to-film adaptation. The Netflix production <em>My Oxford Year</em>, based on the book by Julia Whelan, follows an ambitious young American student called Anna (Sofia Carson, pictured above) who sets out to Oxford Uni to fulfill a childhood dream. There she meets a charming local (Corey Mylchreest) who transforms both their loves. No release date yet, but we’re already gripped!&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sky-high">Sky high </h2>



<p>Finally, some good news for plane spotters (anyone?). The <a href="https://abingdonairandcountry.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abingdon Air &amp; Country Show</a> has announced a new date after being postponed from May, and it will now take flight on 21 September. Most of the previously scheduled traders and exhibitors will be on board, plus the usual flurry of aircraft, including helicopters and World War fighter planes.</p>



<p><em><strong>Do you have any more local news? Celebs, new openings, you get the flavour. Feel free to email Bucks Oxon editors harriet@muddystilettos.co.uk and ginny.light@muddystilettos.co.uk. We&#8217;re all ears!</strong></em></p>


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