It’s been a busy time in Oxford recently! Atomic Pizza has had a refit and reopened last week. Thaikhun is officially opening today, May 1st and this weekend sees the launch of the British Street Food Awards right here at Oxford Castle. You already know how much we love street food and so we were chuffed when the organiser of the awards visited us in March and asked if we would mind them taking over our venue for the opening event! Never one to say no to even more amazing food, it’s happening right now.

There will be music from the likes of The Voice winner Jermain Jackman, The Shires, KikoBun and Kimberly Anne, plus unsigned artists get the chance to perform on Monday’s Spinnup session. There will be street crazy golf, free craft beer with your ticket and intriguingly, an aroma DJ who will be pumping tunes as well as evocative smells.

But most important of all is THE FOOD! You, the public, get to vote on your favourites in the categories and send the winners of this heat through to the finals. So, who will be there? Well, not that we’re showing any favouritism at all but our Bitten Street traders of Crumble Shack with his legendary fruit crumbles and custard will be there. As will Toro Poco in his red and yellow truck, serving amazing Spanish street food. The Roadery are back with their Bracos (British tacos) and that sublime ox cheek. SubCult Subs haven’t been to Bitten Street yet, but are coming very soon. Their Sub-Marine sub, consisting of seared scallops, roast free range pulled pork, calamari, rocket, lemon and parsley mayo made me cry with joy as I walked through the backstreets of Soho back in February. DogTown London is another Bitten Street regular with literally the best hot dogs I have ever tasted. Don’t just take my word for it – eat them!

We’re also massively looking forward to seeing the legendary RibMan in action – he’s only there Friday night though so if you want to chomp on that meat, you gotta be there! Crabbieshack won the London heat last year and are coming back more determined with their soft shell crab buns. Cake Doctor – making cakes in a converted ambulance and more importantly, introducing us to the DUFFIN! A cross between a doughnut and a muffin which just sounds perfect.

Cheeky Italian – arancini. “Nuff said. And Hank’s Po’Boys. Brisket, gravy, slaw and mayo. What more do you need?! Schwarma or chicken noodle soup from Bloom Kitchen – even if you have a cold we can make you feel better. Just stay away from the rest of us! The Fish Hut will be arriving tomorrow with proper seaside fish and chips so you can get the traditional Bank Holiday food without the three hour traffic jams, although given the state of Oxford’s roads at the moment that could be just as applicable here… Last but no means least, Happy Maki. Sushi without the meat. Or the fish! Sushi for the vegetarians and those who want to give their jaws a break.

All this and more on a Bank Holiday weekend. Come on down! It’s kicking off at Oxford Castle today 5-10pm, 11am – 10pm Saturday and Sunday then 11am to 5pm Monday. There will be more special guests than you can shake a stick at and you can even get to see the Bitten crew sharing our wisdom on street food at 1pm Saturday and Monday!

Get your tickets now here or on the door British Street Food Awards and remember to vote on this app British Street Food app