Review: Victors

3rd December 2023 by Faith Inch Leave a Comment AD - Invite, BlogCENTRAL OXFORD/ Oxford/ OXFORDSHIRE/ restaurant/ REVIEW

First things first – Victors is beautiful. There's no point ignoring this fact because it almost feels like it is the point of the restaurant. In one section, canopies of faux wisteria and fairy lights twinkle over wide tables. Elsewhere, low-hanging lanterns reflect in enormous mirrors that hang on rustically-distressed cream brick walls. A frankly distracting amount … [Read more...]

Il Corno in the Covered Market: launch night

30th November 2023 by Faith Inch Leave a Comment AD - Invite, Blog, New Restaurants, News, PreviewsCENTRAL OXFORD/ COVERED MARKET/ INDEPENDENTS/ ITALIAN/ LUNCH/ Oxford/ OXFORDSHIRE/ restaurant/ REVIEW

It was an absolute treat to be invited to the opening of Il Corno in the Covered Market! The business is named after a traditional Neapolitan amulet that is said to bring good luck, and the shop has been painted to match the corno's vibrant red colour. With striking black décor and gleaming new ovens, this is definitely a very chic addition to our favourite mini-plaza in the … [Read more...]

The search for the perfect bagel

29th November 2023 by Liz Wilding Leave a Comment Best For, BlogBAGELS/ CENTRAL OXFORD/ Oxford/ OXFORDSHIRE

Okay, bagel lovers, where in Oxford do YOU go when you need a fix? My inner New Yorker is always craving the perfect bagel. That means they’ve been boiled and then baked, resulting in a dark crust and a dense, chewy (rather than bready) interior. Here’s my latest round-up, and I’m keen to get new recommendations from anyone who’s as obsessed as me. I’m still looking for … [Read more...]

Review: The Fox Inn Pie & Pint night

28th November 2023 by Faith Inch Leave a Comment AD - Invite, BlogINDEPENDENTS/ Oxford/ OXFORDSHIRE/ pub/ REVIEW

We all know there is no shortage of charming country pubs in and around Oxford. But how many of them offer a pie and a pint for £15 on a Tuesday night? It was a cold and misty evening when Chiara and I wended our way to the Fox Inn, and it was lovely to be greeted by the sight (and smell!) of a roaring fire in the hearth when we bundled in the front door. The pub has … [Read more...]

Review: Za’atar Bake

23rd November 2023 by Liz Wilding Leave a Comment AD - Invite, BlogCENTRAL OXFORD/ COWLEY/ INDEPENDENTS/ Oxford/ restaurant/ REVIEW

If Za'atar Bake isn't already on your list of go-to places on the Cowley Road, you should think about adding it now. My recent outing for Sunday lunch (no English roast for me!) reminded me of how tasty the food is at this popular and friendly Middle Eastern spot. The small space is very casual, though the decorative twinkly lights, colourful fabrics, and draped … [Read more...]