In our last Bitten Bites, we promised you an update on No.1 Ship Street and after popping in recently for a look around and a long chat, here it is.

Currently it’s little more than an empty shell but it’s starting to take shape. The period features have been accentuated with deep warm shades of colour, and copper lighting gives that an intimate feel. The ground floor will be a modern brasserie that will use local suppliers where possible but the focus will be on quality. Upstairs on the first floor will be a champagne and oysters bar along with a sharing menu. It’s designed for social eating where the table can order multiple dishes and dip in to what they want.  Much like those big family lunches where there’s a table laden with food and everyone dives in – which sounds like heaven to us!

Also on the first floor will be a separate cocktail bar, specialising in gin and rum cups and that makes us very happy! Their wine list will concentrate on championing small, family run vineyards and independent suppliers. There’s also a suggestion that this floor may be hosting entertainment. Finally the second floor will be available for private dining and events.

Music has been supplied and mixed by Fast, a founder of The Fun Lovin’ Criminals and there will be a collection of art on the walls that has an utterly amazing story. All the staff will know the tale so when you’re there, do ask! It’s quite something and I’m looking forward to seeing it!

Talking to the owners, Ross Drummond and Owen Little, it’s clear that these guys know Oxford, know what it needs and know how to make that happen. Both have local pedigrees such as Turl Street Kitchen and The Crazy Bear and have been waiting for the opportunity to bring their vision to Oxford. It appears that we have very similar opinions regarding where and where not to eat locally! Their overriding priority is to provide food and drink of the utmost quality at sensible prices.

Irrespective of the Westgate’s imminent launch on 24th October, Oxford’s food scene is certainly improving in leaps and bounds. Recent meals out and the upcoming opening of this venue make me think we will be revising our Bitten Top Ten very soon…

No.1 will be opening with a soft launch from Monday 17th July to Thursday 20th July, before a private launch on Friday 21st and officially open to all on Saturday 22nd July. If you’d like to attend the soft openings, simply sign up on their website http://www.no1shipstreet.co.uk