When an opportunity to visit The Bell in Hampton Poyle came along, there was no way I could say no. Opened in 2009, The Bell is both boutique hotel and quaint country pub, fusing traditional British inn with cosy, contemporary furnishings. While the five-star hotel offers nine boutique rooms, the restaurant serves a typically British menu, including an A La Carte menu … [Read more...]
The Ivy Oxford Brasserie – restaurant review
It's been a few weeks since I visited The Ivy Oxford Brasserie, the glistening new addition to Oxford's High Street. I'd have written this sooner, but I've been fighting off a bunch of migraines. Not - I hasten to say - because of the visit to The Ivy, although that did come with a timing-related headache of its own. But we're here now, and hopefully, it's worth the … [Read more...]
Preview: Bigger, Better Branca
Jericho fave, Branca, has recently undergone a rather large extension, so - nosey as ever - Bitten popped along to check it out. What was the deli, is now an additional dining space for the restaurant, which can be booked privately as the 'Garden Room' - seating up to 50 or 100 standing. The Garden Room has gorgeous, large steel windows overlooking the rear patio, perfect for … [Read more...]
Preview: Pompette
After breaking the news early last month that Portabello was being reopened under new management as Pompette (French for tipsy), I went along to meet new owners Pascal and Laura Wiedemann. The brand new restaurant will feature a charcuterie and wine bar area to the left and a classic dining area with table service on the right, with a charcuterie slicing area in the rear … [Read more...]