Roughly this time five years ago, I wrote a review of The Oxford Kitchen. Last week I returned for the first time since then, it's taken that long and a newly awarded Michelin star to tempt me back. It wasn't because the restaurant was bad - I actually had some good food there - It was because it was confused. While one person at the table might be eating a plate of fine … [Read more...]
Restaurant Review: Pompette, Oxford
Having given their Instagram an eyeing up since November, and after a glowing review from Giles Coren, I thought it was high time to give Pompette a try. Pompette takes up the same spot left by Portabello on South Parade. For my money, Summertown has been in dire need of an eaterie to sit between The Oxford Kitchen and the more straight forward pasta-and-pizza offerings of … [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...]
Preview: The Bicycle Shed
I spend ages not talking about Summertown, then all of a sudden it's all I seem to be talking about. Following on from the news that Portabello closed and is opening under new management as Pompette (more on that later), Oxford Kitchen won a Michelin star AND South Parade is getting a new independent wine shop, I went to visit The Bicycle Shed last week. The Bicycle Shed … [Read more...]
Meet the Producers: Modern Baker
Last week, we had the opportunity to visit Modern Baker's new R&D kitchen on the outskirts of Kidlington. The Nordic-inspired space is an opportunity for the team to produce a pioneering healthy range of bread, cakes and biscuits. Many Oxford locals will already be familiar with Modern Baker, from its pale jade-fronted bakery-cafe in Summertown. The popular venue has … [Read more...]