Appropriately for a bar named after a mysterious entrance to a magical land, The Rabbit Hole is tucked behind an enticing yellow door, hidden away down one of North Oxford's more unassuming and picturesque streets, and appeared as if by magic. Okay, maybe it wasn't magical, but if there was any big fanfare about this little independent neighbourhood bar's opening then it … [Read more...]
Introducing: L’altre Vi – Organic and Natural Wines from Catalonia
My son Rubén and I have been specialist importers since 2016, when we set up L’altre Vi, or “the other wine”. We have roots in the Penedès region and wanted to share the beautiful wines we knew so well, and pass on our enthusiasm for a little corner of the world which isn’t so well known in the UK. There’s nothing stuffy about wine in Catalonia and we don’t think it matters … [Read more...]
Review: Fizz Tasting at Vine Oxford
Vine has been around the Cowley Road for a couple of years now, serving up some lovely wines by the glass and very good vegetarian (and non vegetarian) brunches. While I’d been in for a glass of wine now and again, I’d never tried one of their wine tastings before. I’d been to other tastings in Oxford and enjoyed them, but felt that they were a little stuffy, taking themselves … [Read more...]
Preview: Grape Minds independent wine shop, North Oxford
Well, it's all go in Summertown at the moment. Portabello is becoming Pompette (more on that very soon), Oxford Kitchen won a Michelin star, and now new wine shop, Grape Minds, is set to open on South Parade. Michael Jelley and Graeme Woodward have been working together at Majestic Wine in North Oxford for the past two years, with Graeme working there for a further four. The … [Read more...]
Bitten Bites: Vine Oxford to Return
Those of you in the know will have visited pop-up wine bar and takeaway Vine Oxford during its temporary appearance on Cowley Road last year. Those who aren't in the know can find out more here. The good news is, it's returning. And the better news is it will be permanent! Opening from early April in the original Atomic Burgers building, Vine will be a wine shop and cafe … [Read more...]
