Welcome to Living In Oxford
After 12 great years we say goodbye to In Oxford Magazine and welcome a new look and lots and lots of great reviews. Thanks to Rob, Lorna and Keith for your hard work on the new look and all of our contributing reviewers. Take a look inside the magazine and whilst we still have loads of great listings and display advertisements, we are also giving our Seal of Approval to up to 250 great Oxfordshire businesses this year through our new style reviews – take a look at the full Top 250 list so far on page 8. A firm Living In Oxford favourite, Browns, grace our first Living In cover and it’s Happy 40th Birthday this year to them and Happy 135th Birthday to Blackwell’s who are also featured. Enjoy 2014 and enjoy the new magazine.
Richard Rosser Editor, Living In Oxford Magazine
Contents
Oxfordshire Events
10
Oxfordshire Accommodation
36
Oxfordshire Attractions
16
Oxford City Centre Map
44
Oxfordshire Kids
Oxfordshire Theatre
Oxfordshire Cinema Oxfordshire Music
Oxfordshire Art & Antiques Oxfordshire Education
12 22 24 26 32 34
The Living In Oxford Team
Richard Rosser
Maddy Barber
Sue Rosser
Rob Scotcher
Editor
Credit Control
Talk to us!
Vouch
Designer
Oxfordshire Shopping County Map
46
Oxfordshire Restaurants
Oxfordshire Health & Beauty Oxfordshire Sports
Oxfordshire Services
Keith Simpson
Daria Montella
Senior Designer
Social Media
Tina Rosser
Colin Rosser
Events Director
Chairman
40
48 66 67 74
Edward Rosser Admin Support
Lorna Dodson
Operations Director
Fb: facebook.com/inoxford Tw: twitter.com/inoxford Email: info@inoxford.com Advertising: If you’d like to advertise with Living In Oxford Magazine or any of its sister publications please call Richard on 01865 742211 or email enquiries@designs-on.co.uk Subscriptions: If you have difficulty obtaining your copy of Living In Oxford we can mail you a copy each month at £25.00 per annum. Please call us on 01865 742211 or Email us: admin@inoxford.com Stocking In Oxford Magazine, Distribution Services: To find out about receiving copies of Living In Oxford Magazine or becoming an outlet, please call Richard on 01865 742211 or Email: admin@inoxford.com Contact: In Oxford Magazine, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford OX3 0BT Tel: 01865 742211 Fax: 01865 741391 Email: admin@inoxford.com Photography: Blink Marketing, Design and Print. Contact 01865 742211 for your photographic requirements. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate and correct in every way, the publishers cannot be held responsible or liable for any inaccuracies or errors within the publication. Information reproduced from this publication is permitted with the express permission of the publisher and the advertiser, where relevant. All information is correct at time of going to press.
Reviews in this issue of Living In Oxford...
Browns Bar & Restaurant
04
"it is fitting that our first front cover image of our new Living In Oxford Magazine features a favourite of not just ours but thousands of Oxfordshire residents and visitors to our fantastic city."
Thames Valley Orienteering Club
14
Can you think while you run? If you like running and maps, then orienteering might just be your ideal sport. “Orienteering really is a sport for all”, says Mike Shires from TVOC.”
Iffley Blue
58
“Although outside the day was grey, inside there was a suffusion of light, pouring in through the 4 expansive skylights, creating an almost summery feel in the dining room.”
Oxford Castle Quarter
20
Blackwell’s
42
Orchestra of St John’s
30
La Cucina
60
Yeti
64
Malmaison Bare UK
62 68
H.I.M
70
Excel Dry Cleaners
76
Willow and Pea Photography
80
Tao
Breckon & Breckon Savvy
72 78 82
The Meal
King Prawn Cocktail with fresh Seeded Wholemeal Bread & Butter £4.00, Chicken Liver & Brandy Parfait with a Rhubarb & Tomato Chutney and toasted cinnamon brioche £4.00, Browns Roast Beef £15 the quintessential choice on a Sunday served with a red wine jus, Chocolate Marquise a Rich Mousse for the chocoholics £4.00
2014 Approved
Six Good Points
✓ Friendly staff who will always make you feel welcome
✓ The kids always say yes to Browns because of the memories ✓ Generous portions….you’ll never leave Browns hungry
✓ Great atmosphere and diversity of occasions all around you ✓ The Chocolate Marquise…very naughty, but incredibly nice! ✓ A pint of Peroni …. it’s like the Olympic torch!
4
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Restaurant Review:
Browns
Bar & Brasserie
Reviewed by Richard Rosser
12th November 2013
On a busy Sunday afternoon, I took the family to Browns in St Giles, a firm favourite of ours. Having grown up in Oxford, I remember the wooden bowl salads, the exciting buzz and, could I ever forget, the stunningly attractive waitresses. Time moves on and Browns has played host to some memorable occasions. The kids, now 16 and 13, have celebrated various birthdays at Browns, including Ed’s 10th when two of his best friends accompanied Ed in the giggles for most of the night, Abi’s 7th dressed as a princess sat on her grandfather’s knee amongst other wonderful memories. More recently the B4 Bike Ride from Edinburgh to Oxford, which took in Browns in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds and Nottingham, ended up in Browns Oxford to celebrate completing the 428 mile trip. And this year, at the 2013 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards, Regional Manager Gavin Smith and GM Simon Stonehouse collected an Award to recognise Browns 40th birthday (pictured). So it is fitting that our first front cover image of our new Living In Oxford Magazine features a favourite of not just ours but thousands of Oxfordshire residents and visitors to our fantastic city. Whenever I step inside Browns I know I’m in good hands. Familiar faces meet you and show you to your table, knowledge of the dishes is second to none and you can always guarantee that the exciting buzz I referred to earlier is still there. Young couples, ladies having tea, children celebrating birthdays and even an 85 year old celebrating his birthday with family and friends (the balloons gave it away!) perfectly demonstrated that Browns hasn’t lost its universal appeal. The menu at Browns is diverse. With featured dishes each day of the week like Monday’s Slow Cooked Ribs, Iberico Black Pig and Apple burger on Tuesday, Duck Confit on Wednesday, Lobster Thursday, Friday’s Posh Surf and Turf and a fabulous selection of roasts that we all enjoyed, there’s something for everyone, every day of the week. In addition to these great dishes the chefs produce daily specials to reflect seasonality and their passion for food. Throughout the day Browns is as reliable as it was when I was an 8 year old back in the 1970’s and it’s no wonder the locals and tourists keep coming back. But look out for some changes in 2014 with a new ‘Best of British’ theme coming to the menu to give us even more reasons to return…… not that we need one!
5-11 Woodstock Rd, Oxford OX2 6HA Tel: 01865 511995 Web:www.browns-restaurants.co.uk www.inoxford.com
5
2014 Approved
Your guide to your City Our New Approved Reviews For the past 12 years In Oxford Magazine has been bringing your great listings and reviews, but from January 2014 the new Living In Oxford will bring you even more. Each month our team of official reviewers will be reviewing some of the best restaurants, hotels, shops, events, attractions and local services and these will all be included in our Living In Top 250 (all consumer facing businesses).
Look Out for our Seal of Approval
Each of the establishments reviewed will receive an attractive framed certificate of their review to display in their premises and a sticker for the front door (where possible!). We will constantly be promoting this group through the magazine, website and social media.
Our Top 250 We’re still working towards our Top250 as you can see on the next page. If you would like to be included or would like to suggest that your favourite Oxfordshire business is included, why not get in touch or pass them our number! Follow us on Twitter #livinoxtop250
CALL 01865 742211 TODAY
6
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
MEET SOME OF THE LIVING IN REVIEWERS Dan Channer
Managing Director, Finders Keepers Dan lives and works in Summertown. Weekend restaurant excursions tend to involve cleaning up after his young daughters. Without the kids, his favourite cuisines are Indian and Thai. Dan also aspires to become a real ale bore although currently pub visits are disappointingly infrequent.
Top 250: Old Parsonage
..........................................................................................................................................................
Matt Wright
Freelance Writer, Noble Word As a person… glass half-full (though it doesn't stay that way for long if it's a good red), food-lover (balanced by exercise-endurer), with literary aspirations (even if it's only a newspaper column).
Top 250: Kazbar ..........................................................................................................................................................
Richard Rosser
Managing Director, The In Oxford Group Lives in Yarnton with wife Tina and two children, Ed (16) and Abi (13). Has reviewed a number of Oxfordshire’s restaurants and hotels with the family and has too many favourites to pick one out, plus it possibly wouldn’t be good for business!
Top 250: I couldn’t possibly say!
..........................................................................................................................................................
Julie Mutton Owner, Bare UK
Julie specialises in professional aesthetic treatments such as IPL hair removal & the latest natural and exceptional skin treatments. Julie has many happy and loyal clients. When not in her salon in central Oxford, Julie loves to travel. She also spent 10 years living in London and eating out has always been a big part of her life. She loves to try new places and new food.
Top 250: Blackwell’s Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
7
APPROVED REVIEWS FOR THE TOP 250 SO FAR... Accommodation
....................................................................... • Hawkwell House • Hope House • The Feathers • The Old Bank • The Oxford Hotel • The Vanbrugh
Art
....................................................................... • Antiques on High • Sarah Wiseman Gallery • Modern Art Oxford
Attractions
....................................................................... • Blenheim Palace • City Sightseeing • Cotswold Wildlife Park & Garden • Crocodiles of the World • Didcot Railway Centre • Oxford Castle • Oxford Castle Unlocked • Oxford Town Hall • Science Oxford • Wychwood Brewery • West Oxfordshire District Council
Cafe
....................................................................... • Café Loco • Java & Co.
Charity
....................................................................... • Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research
8
Events
....................................................................... • Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards • Business in Oxford 2014, City & County
Golf
....................................................................... • Frilford Heath Golf Club • Studley Wood Golf Club • Magnolia Park
Health & Beauty
....................................................................... • Bare UK • HIM • Randolph Spa • TAO • Funacion RealMadrid • Monica Franke Osteopath • Spirit Health Club • TLA Fitness • Yoga Venue • Zumba Fitness
Kids
....................................................................... • Stagecoach Oxford • The Bushcraft Company
Leisure
....................................................................... • Thames Valley Orienteering Club • Wayne Bullock • Willow and Pea
READ THE REVIEWS @ INOXFORD.COM
#livinoxtop250 Music
....................................................................... • City of Oxford Orchestra • Creation Theatre • Jacqueline Du Pre Music Building • Music at Oxford • Oxford Philomusica • Orchestra of St John's
Nightlife
....................................................................... • Angels • The Duke of Cambridge • The House
Restaurants
....................................................................... • 4500 Miles From Delhi • Aziz • Browns • Café Aloha • Cafe Coco • Fallowfields • Gatineau • Gee's Restaurant & Bar • Gurkha Village • Iffley Blue • Jee Saheb • Kazbar • La Cucina • Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons • Majliss Restaurant • Malikas • Malmaison • Old Parsonage • Oxford Blue • Pierre Victoire • Quod • Randolph Restaurant • Rosemary Restaurant • Saffron • Spice Lounge • The Bear & Ragged Staff
• The Beetle & Wedge Boathouse • The Big Bang • The Broadface • The Chequers • The Cherwell Boat House • The Jericho Tavern • The Oxford Hotel • The Red Lion • The Rose • The Snooty Mehmaan • The Tree Iffley • The Trout • Turl Street Kitchen • The Turf Tavern • Yeti
Services
....................................................................... • Breckon & Breckon • City Audio Visual • Excel Dry Cleaners • Great Experience Travel • Isis Creative Framing Ltd • London Oxford Airport • Robert Stanley • Savvy • The Lady Nuffield Home • Strutt & Parker
Shopping
....................................................................... • Aston & James • Bang & Olufsen • Bicester Village • Blackwell's • Casa Rose Boudoir • Oxford University Shop • Sanders of Oxford
Theatre
....................................................................... • Oxford Shakespeare • The North Wall
GET APPROVED TODAY 01865 742211
9
Oxfordshire Events Blenheim Palace
Woodstock Oxfordshire OX20 1PP. T: 01993 810 530. Web: www.blenheimpalace.com
Winter walks Wrap up warm and take in the beautiful winter scenery within the spectacular landscaped parkland of Blenheim Palace.
Jazz Sundays at Blenheim Palace Due to popular demand Jazz Sundays have returned! Brighten up your weekends in the darker months and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and smooth melodious live jazz music in the Oxfordshire Pantry. A selection of delicious food options will be available including, breakfast paninis, warming porridge, pastries and fresh tea and coffee as well as the Sunday newspapers for your convenience. For dates and info please see the website: www.blenheimpalace.com
‘Great Estate at War – Land, Sea and Air’
15th February – 21st April: To celebrate the centenary year Blenheim Palace will open with a fascinating and interactive WWI exhibition ‘A Great Estate at War – Land, Sea and Air’ exploring the stories behind the family members and workers on the Blenheim Estate. The exhibition will be held in the recently renovated Gallery Room in the Stables Courtyard. See more info about this exhibition on the website: www.blenheimpalace.com
Science Oxford
Oxford Centre for Innovation, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1BY. T: 01865 810000. Web: www.scienceoxford.com
Explore Space!
Thursday 20th February: Join the Science Oxford team for a whistle-stop tour of our Solar System! We’ll be looking at planets, moons, stars and the differences between them with some clued up experts. Learn why we have day and night, and find out how old you are in Martian years. And there will be plenty of time before and after the show to try the hands-on exhibits. This family science show is out of this world! Suitable for ages 8+. Shows at 11am and 2pm. Book at www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk or call 01608 642350.
Millets Farm Centre
Kingston Road, Frilford, Nr Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5HB. Tel: 01865 392200. Web: www.milletsfarmcentre.com Free entry and car parking.
New Years Day Skate & Bacon Roll
Wednesday 1st January: Blow away the cobwebs of last year and skate into the new year with style. Join us on new years day for skating followed by a bacon roll with a tea of coffee included- Children also have the option of apple or orange juice. Regular ice skating tickets are also available without the bacon roll option. New Years Day Skate + Bacon Roll Ticket £10.00
Thames Valley Orienteering Club
University Parks, Parks Road, central Oxford, OX1 3PL. Email: publicity@tvoc.org.uk. Web: www.tvoc.org.uk
Try orienteering at University Parks
Saturday 11th January: Run, jog or even walk, this is an exciting introduction to orienteering, organised by Thames Valley Orienteering Club. There will be a choice of courses for runners, families and newcomers of all ages and abilities. Come along any time between 10am and midday. Cost: £5 adults / £2 under 21s.
Want more detailed information about events in Oxford? Just visit inoxford.com Your Guide To The City 10
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Oxford Inspires
15-16 Broad Street Oxford OX1 3AS. Tel: 01865 252885. Web: www.oxfordinspires.org Oxford Inspires is working with Visit Oxfordshire to promote the many wonderful events, shows, exhibitions and festivals that take place across the county. Info: www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.org/whats-on
Great Medical Discoveries Exhibition
Throughout January: From Roger Bacon's conception of science as the experimental and inductive study of nature in the 13th century to Dorothy Hodgkin's discovery of the structure of penicillin during World War II, Oxford has been responsible for some of the world's most important medical discoveries. Visitors will be able to view a unique display of treasures which uncover Oxford's role in some of the most significant discoveries in medical history. Web: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson
Surviving Tsunami Exhibition
Throughout January: This exhibitions presents visual material from a volunteer-led project in Japan to salvage and conserve historic photograph collections after two museums and a library in Japan were destroyed in the 2011 tsunami. A team of more than sixty volunteers continues with the work of drying, cleaning, digitising and documenting over 65,000 photographs, many of which record life in the Tohoku region over the last century. Web: www.prm.ox.ac.uk
London Soloists Ensemble
Sunday 19th January: Renowned soloists and chamber-music players John Lenehan, Lorraine McAslan, Sarah-Jane Bradley and Karine Georgian offer a compelling mix of much-loved masterly piano quartets by Mozart, Walton and Brahms. Web: www.oxfordchambermusic.org Venue: Hollywell Music Room
EAT - DRINK - ENJOY WWW.OXFORDCASTLEQUARTER.COM - OXFORD CASTLE QUARTER, OXFORD, OX1 1AY
www.inoxford.com
11
Oxfordshire Kids Cornerstone
Kingston Road, Frilford, Nr Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5HB. Tel: 01865 392200. Web: www.milletsfarmcentre.com Free entry and car parking.
Suitcase Stories
Sunday 2nd February: This show is all about a suitcase and all the stories it can tell from its journeys around the world. Its owner is a very well travelled lady and portrays the story for us - tales of all the things she’s seen and people she’s met. Fishermen and fairies, feasts and beasts, from Yorkshire to Poland and on to India. Tickets: £8, £6 (concs) Ages 4-8 and adults
Jacqueline du Pré Music Building St Hilda's College, Cowley Place, Oxford, OX4 1DY. Tel: 01865 286660. Web: www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/jdp
Jdp Cushion Concerts
Sunday 12th January: Rozzy and Mr Cello present the Harp. Our regular Cushion Concerts on Sundays introduce children and their families to how different instruments make music. These informal concerts last 45 minutes and are led by Rozzy, with Mr Cello. Bring your own cushions! Secure your places by booking in advance. Times: 10am & 11am for under 5s, 12p
Science Oxford
Oxford Centre for Innovation, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1BY. T: 01865 810000. Web: www.scienceoxford.com
The Jack and The Beanstalk Science Show
Friday 3rd January: Fee-fi-fo-fum! We’re going on a Jack and the Beanstalk science adventure! There’ll be flashes, bangs and exciting experiments in this interactive family science show, as we explore the science behind one of our favourite fairy tales. Ages 5-11. Cost: £5 per person / £16 group (up to 5 people) / RSC Members Free. Venue: West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Road, Oxford
Pegasus Theatre
Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RE. Tel: 01865 812150. Booking: 01865 812150. Web: www.pegasustheatre.org.uk
Open House
Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th February: Pegasus hosts a vibrant range of activities from community groups across Oxford. Here you can try out everything from knitting to street dance. We’ll be open all weekend offering tours of our building, taster and drop-in workshops. Everyone is welcome. Come and join the fun! Free entry.
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Oxford
Tel: Maya Sprigg 01869 278600. Web: www.stagecoach.co.uk/oxford Email: oxford@stagecoach.co.uk We provide quality part-time training in the performing arts for children aged 4-18yrs. Our aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes in Oxford, stretching young imaginations and building confidence. We provide the right combination of learning and performing, with opportunities for all ages. Open every weekend during term time and workshops during the school holidays, come join the fun!
Create Holiday Club at Oxford Montessori Schools
Tel: 01865 358210. Web: www.oxfordmontessori.co.uk/create Email: create@oxfordmontessori.co.uk For children aged 3 to 16. Create Club is different from traditional activity holiday camps. Active, great fun and full of adventure and the emphasis is on creative activities - arts, crafts, drama, dance, singing, music, sports and bushcraft and getting kids into the countryside. It’s educative too with special ‘history alive’ days during most holidays. Also Create staff are trained and qualified teachers. It’s a good mix and gives things a professionalism appreciated by many parents. Joining us for Create is also a great way to learn more about our Montessori schools, the nursery, primary and even senior school environments on offer.
12
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
www.inoxford.com
13
Forthcoming local events:
Saturday 11th January - University Parks, central Oxford Saturday 15th February - Shotover Country Park, Oxford Saturday 15th March - Wendover Woods, near Aylesbury Saturday 12th April - Brill Common, east of Oxford Saturday 10th May - Wittenham Clumps, near Didcot 14
2014 Approved
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Activity Article:
Thames Valley Orienteering Club Can you think while you run? If you like running and maps, then orienteering might just be your ideal sport. Thames Valley Orienteering Club (TVOC) is the local club for Oxfordshire and holds regular events in the woods and parks around the county, with a variety of courses at each event, suitable for all ages and abilities. So, what exactly is orienteering? It’s a challenging adventure sport which provides a healthy mix of physical activity and mental decision making, and no map reading skills are necessary for newcomers. Often called “cunning running”, it’s a perfect activity for families and children and it’s also great for adults and runners wanting to shape up or try something new. TVOC is currently holding a series of events around Oxford, supported by Living In Oxford. The next event is at University Parks in central Oxford, on Saturday 11 January. This is followed by an event at Shotover Country Park on Saturday 15 February. At each event, there will be several courses to choose from, with coaches on hand to provide advice. When you’ve chosen your course, you’ll receive a special orienteering map and this shows a series of checkpoints. The challenge is to visit these in order, as quickly as you can, choosing your route between each one. At each checkpoint you’ll find a marker flag and electronic unit, which you’ll need to register with a small electronic timing chip. When you finish, your timing chip will be downloaded and you’ll receive a print out of your times. “Orienteering really is a sport for all”, says Mike Shires from TVOC. “Our events attract keen runners as well as recreational joggers and families. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to have a run while the children tackle a junior course.” TVOC is Clubmark accredited and has around 200 members from Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley. The club organises around 25 events a year, ranging from local events for 100 competitors to others with 1,000 runners. Club member Blanka Collis, 30, from Oxford said, “It’s a good way of keeping fit and for me it is also more interesting than just jogging. It is an extra mental challenge. Sometimes people think it’s like treasure hunting. They say: ‘I did that at school once-upon-a-time’ but it’s a running sport for all the family.” Most events are entry on the day, so just come to the registration tent between 10am and 11.30am. Whatever your fitness level and whether you want to run, walk or jog, or have a go as family or as an individual, TVOC will be pleased to welcome you. For more details visit www.tvoc.org.uk or email Mike at publicity@tvoc.org.uk Web: www.tvoc.org.uk www.inoxford.com
15
Oxfordshire Attractions City Sightseeing Bus Tours
Oxford Railway Station, Park End Street, OX1 1HS. Tel: 01865 790522. Web: www.citysightseeingoxford.com
Our award winning one hour tour takes you on a fascinating journey around both the famous University colleges and the historic buildings of the city itself. Hop on and off at any of our nineteen bus stops around the town. All buses have live guides or recorded commentary in up to thirteen languages. Tours operate all day every day except Christmas/Boxing and New years day. Tickets valid on Red and Green Buses.
Oxford Castle Quarter
43 Oxford Castle, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1AY. Tel: 01865 20165. Web: www.oxfordcastle.com Oxford's oldest new quarter, once home to the infamous Oxford Prison and now home to an exciting hub of restaurants and the gorgeous Malmaison Boutique Hotel. The Castle also has an exciting visitor attraction 'Oxford Castle Unlocked,' where the secrets of the castle have been unlocked. For art lovers there is the O3 Gallery, with exhibitions all year round.
Carfax Tower
Junction of St Aldates and High Street, Oxford OX1 4AZ. Tel: 01865 792653. Open: 10.00 to 3pm. Admission: £2.20, Children £1.10.
In 1818 St Martin’s church was rebuilt complete with tower. However, the church, apart from its tower, was demolished in 1896. The tower is all that remains today. Two ‘quarter boys’ who hit the bells at every quarter hour adorn the east facade of the church clock. Climb up 99 steps to get a sweeping view of Oxford’s spires. Open 10am-3pm, Admission £2.30, Children £1.20.
St Michael at the North Gate Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3EY. Tel: 01865 240940. Web: www.smng.org.uk
St Michael at the North Gate is the oldest Church Tower in Oxford and is definitely worth a visit! There’s also a treasury of silver and bronze dating back to the 1600s and you can also see a copy of the church accounts dating back hundreds of years. Open: 10.30am-5pm (10.30am-4pm in Winter). Admission: Adults and Concessions £2.50, Students £2.00, Children £1.30, Family ticket £7.00
Tourist Information Centre
15-16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS.Tel: 01865 252200. Email: tic@oxford.gov.uk Web: www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com The Tourist information Centre staff provide an extensive range of services to help make your stay enjoyable and memorable. We offer a wide range of guides, maps, souvenirs and local produce. We also can guide you to the best Oxfordshire has to offer. We are also the home of Official Guided Walking Tours, the best way to explore Oxford on foot. See in store or get in contact with us by Tel: 01865 252037 Email: wtours@oxford.gov.uk
Modern Art Oxford
30 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP. Tel: 01865 722733. Web: www.modernartoxford.org.uk Founded in 1965, Modern Art Oxford is the South East's leading Gallery for the presentation of modern and contemporary visual art. Our programme includes exhibitions by artists from all over the world. Funded primarily by Arts Council England, all of our exhibitions are free for visitors. You can also relax in our café, purchase unique gifts in the shop, and participate in our vibrant events programme which includes talks, discussions, contemporary music and film nights.
Cherwell Boathouse - Punting
Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST (1 mile from the town centre). Tel: 01865 515978. Web: www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk Enjoy the quintessential Oxford experience punting on the River Cherwell. With over 70 hand built punts, boats and canoes. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in a beautiful tranquil environment on the river.
16
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
University Church of St. Mary the Virgin High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ. Tel: 01865 279111. Web: www.university-church.ox.ac.uk
St Mary's is situated at the historic heart of the City and University of Oxford. Thought to be the oldest university building in the world, the Tower was built in 1280, and the University’s reference library was added in 1320. It is worth the climb of 124 steps to make it to the top to enjoy fine uninterrupted views across Oxford and the surrounding countryside. Open: 9am to 5pm (July and August 9am-6pm). Tower Admission: Adult £3, Children (under 16) £2.50.
Didcot Railway Centre
Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NJ. Tel: 01235 817200. Web: www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Home of the Great Western Society and its unique collection of Great Western Railway steam engines, coaches, wagons, buildings and small relics and a recreation of Brunel's broad gauge railway.
Buscot Park & The Faringdon Collection Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 8BU. Tel: 01367 240932. (Information Line). Web: www.buscotpark.com
Family home of Lord Faringdon, who looks after the property on behalf of the National Trust, together with the family collection of pictures, furniture, ceramics and objets d'art, known as the Faringdon Collection. Includes Burne-Jones's famous series, The legend of the Briar Rose.The enchanting gardens contain the spectacular Water Garden designed by Harold Peto in 1904 for the first Lord Faringdon. See website for more details www.buscotpark.com
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens Burford, Oxford OX18 4JP. Tel: 01993 823006. Web: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Closer to Wildlife! Enjoy a relaxing day out in beautiful surrounding at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, with over 260 animal species in 160 acres of spacious Parkland. Stroll up our New Giraffe Walkway and get eye-to-eye with these amazing creatures. Picnic whilst watching Rhinos and Zebras grazing outside the Manor House. Ride on the railway around the Park or climb into the tree house in the adventure playground. There’s something for the whole family. The Park is wheelchair and pushchair friendly! A great value for money day out. Open daily from 10am.
Millets Farm Centre
Kingston Road, Frilford, Nr Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5HB. Tel: 01865 392200. Web: www.milletsfarmcentre.com With lots to see and do, including Farm Shop selling farm produced food, Garden Centre, Restaurants, Farm Zoo, Children’s Play Area, Woodland Walk and lots of seasonal events. A great day out for ALL the family. Open: 7 days a week. Free entry and free car parking.
Crocodiles of the World
31 Crawley Mill, Dry Lane Crawley, Witney, OX29 9TJ. Tel: 01993 706990. Web: www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk We're the UK's only crocodile zoo with over 80 crocodiles and 12 different species. We're open weekly on Sundays between 9.00am and 4.30pm. We also have guided tours running every Saturday afternoon and other selected days, and are open for group visits and private tours.
Wychwood Brewery
Eagle Maltings, The Crofts, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 4DP. Tel: 01993 890 800. Web: www.wychwood.co.uk Hand-crafted fine beers and organic ales from the famous Oxfordshire brewer. Wychwood Brewery is an English brewery founded by Paddy Glenny in 1983, and located in the town of Witney, Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. It is owned by Refresh UK, a subsidiary of Marstons plc.
www.inoxford.com
17
18
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Attraction Article:
2014 at Britain’s Greatest Palace Whether you are looking for a day full of fun family entertainment, special events or an experience infused with history and the great outdoors, Blenheim Palace has it all. Home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a World Heritage site and is famed as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Steeped in history the magnificent Palace is a true masterpiece of 18th Century Baroque architecture with stunning portraits, tapestries and exquisite collections. Enjoy a number of fascinating tours and exhibitions, including free guided tours of the Palace State Rooms. Surrounded with over 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown parkland and beautiful Formal Gardens. Take in the beautiful scenery within the spectacular landscaped parkland, where an unrivalled combination of unspoilt natural beauty and history awaits you. Follow one of the many walk routes through the park and along the lake where you will encounter various historical monuments, also keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife including wild geese, swans and deer. The Formal Gardens are the jewels in the crown. A collection of majestic gardens commissioned by the 9th Duke, their beauty is exemplified in the serene Water Terraces, Rose Garden, the Secret Garden and The Duke’s Italian Garden. Ride the miniature train to The Pleasure Gardens, a dedicated family area that offers a giant hedge maze, butterfly house, adventure playground, Children’s shop and ‘Pottering About’ Studio. The year ahead is filled with a calendar full of fun and exciting events for everyone to enjoy, with highlight events including the opening exhibition ‘A Great Estate at War – Land, Sea and Air’, Easter Weekend Entertainment with children’s characters Peppa Pig and George, May Bank Holiday Jousting Tournament, Blenheim Palace Flower Show, CLA Game Fair and so much more. Buy one day, get 12 months free, so you can keep coming back to explore all that there is on offer throughout 2014! For further information visit www.blenheimpalace.com or call 0800 849 6500 Woodstock Oxfordshire OX20 1PP Tel: 01993 810 530 Web: www.blenheimpalace.com www.inoxford.com
19
Extra info
Oxford Castle Unlocked Opening Times: 10am to 4.20pm – Booking is recommended
Dining at Oxford Castle: La Tasca, Pizza Express, The Big Bang, The Living Room, Malmaison, The Swan & Castle, 1855, Café 1071, Prezzo
2014 Approved
Five Good Points
✓ Beautiful setting, sensitively preserved
✓ Safe and enclosed for kids - no roads to cross ✓ Great views from the top of the tower
✓ Everything all in one place - food, drink, attractions
✓ Interactive guided tours - informative and fun Suggestions
20
Tie-in for a reduction on the parking charges? Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Attraction Article:
Oxford Castle Quarter
Reviewed by Matt Wright
15th November 2013
“What is it with the weather system here at Oxford Castle?” I wondered to myself. After an Indian Summer which had seen the beach come to the Market Square, we were now due an Arctic Winter, with 2ft of snow promised by the weekend. On second thoughts though, that wouldn't sound quite so far-fetched... were it not for the fact that this particular snowfall was coming complete with its own contingent of elves. That’s Oxford Castle all over though - surprising, innovative, and diverse. From Shakespeare in the Summer, to Ghost Tours at Halloween, to the pingpong tables sprinkled around at random (sorry, whiff-whaff tables for the local intelligentsia), this is a space that refuses to be pigeon-holed. Which is ironic, as for much of its life, Oxford Castle has been just that - a place of confinement and of uniformity. For a person such as myself, who loves information and trivia, the prison tour was fascinating (fact: wardens were named 'screws' after a Victorian punishment wheel), with a traditional museum exhibition floor, containing grisly stories (such as the Catholic bookseller in Henry VIII's reign, who had to cut off his own ears) and macabre mementos (the original gallows, last used in 1952). For the more visual, there are character actors who accompany tour groups around the prison, ranging from Norman knights, to Georgian highwaymen, to Victorian prison wardens. I met with Michael, the 6ft 4” Castle Manager (no, not a character actor - the real deal), who explained to me how important it was to engage the visitors, both old and young alike. “We get a lot of foreign visitors, and a lot of school children - they really respond to a more visual experience. The character actors help bring the whole experience to life - each has their own style, and recreates prison life as it was in their day.” As I follow Michael up the narrow stone staircase to the top of St George’s Tower (fact: always spiraling anti-clockwise, so defenders would have their sword arm free), he tells me of his plans for the prison in 2014, without pausing for breath, and whilst ducking adroitly under the tiny doorways (fact: not because people were tiny back in those days, but to retain heat… I think I’d better stop with the facts now, before I start to bore everyone). Feeling rather parched, we headed over to Cafe 1071 for coffee & cake. I walked back through the Quarters, admiring the hustle and bustle of activity, before pausing for a quick browse around the O3 Art Gallery. I did sneak a final quick peek behind me, looking for signs of the impending Snow Factory, but it seemed that, for now, Elvish had left the building. 44-46 New Rd, Oxford OX1 1AY Tel: 01865 260666 Web: www.oxfordcastlequarter.com www.inoxford.com
21
Oxfordshire Theatre Oxford Playhouse
Oxford Playhouse 11 - 12 Beaumont Street Oxford OX1 2LW. Box Office: 01865 305305. Web: www.oxfordplayhouse.com
ART: Transformation
Tuesday 14th January: Concerned by her grand-father’s limited outlook on life, a grand-daughter resolves to transform his perceptions.Plus the winner and runner-up from the ART 2013 Playwriting competition on the theme ‘Retreats’. Time: 19:30 Tickets: £8 (£6)
Punt & Dennis: Ploughing On Regardless
Thursday 16th January: It’s mid-winter. The roads are icy. Everyone has a cold. The boiler has broken down again and the gas bill is due. The AA are busy advising comedians “not to tour the country unless it is absolutely essential”. Despite all this, Punt and Dennis are ploughing on regardless. Time: 20:00 Tickets: £20 (£18)
Twelfth Night
Tuesday 21st - Saturday 25th January: Two worlds collide in this explosive take on Shakespeare’s lyrical Twelfth Night, originally commissioned for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Complete Works Festival. Olivia’s melancholic, puritanical household clashes head-on with Sir Toby’s insatiable appetite for drunken debauchery. Orsino’s relentless pursuit of Olivia and Malvolio’s extraordinary transformation typify the madness of love in Illyria: land of make-believe and illusion. For times and ticket prices see the website.
Cornerstone Arts Centre
25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE. Booking: 01235 515144. Web: www.cornerstone-arts.org
Eric and Little Ern
Saturday 25th January: This really is top class theatre, vividly bringing back warm memories of a bygone era through recreating some of the finest moments of Eric and Ernie’s television and stage performances, whilst also being right up to the minute with new material created by the performers. If you loved Morecambe when it came here in 2009, then you must come to this. Tickets: £17.50, (£16) Time: 8pm
The North Wall Arts Centre
South Parade, Oxford, OX2 7JN. Booking: 01865 319450. Web: www.thenorthwall.org
366 Days of Kindness
Thursday 23rd January: In response to the riots of August 2011, Bernadette Russell committed to be kind to a stranger every single day for a year. This multi-media show tells the heartbreaking, surprising and challenging stories of that year, which began with burning buildings and ended with the flame of the Olympic torch. Tickets: £13 (£11) + fees. Box office: 01865 319450 Time: 8pm
The Old Fire Station
40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ. Tel: 01865 263980. Web: www.oldfirestation.org.uk
The Poetry of Madness
Saturday 25th January: Opposing the ‘tyranny of the sane’, performance poets Mark Gwynne-Jones, Sam Berkson and Zena Edwards explore reasons behind the current epidemic of mental illness with innovative performance. Fusing art, science and personal experience, this show will educate, stimulate and inspire new ideas about an issue that affects us all. Age: 13+ Tickets: £11, £8 Concessions. www.ticketsoxford.com 01865 305305. Time: 7.45pm (Doors 7.30pm).
22
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Fallowfields Restaurant is located only 20 minutes from Oxford. This elegant country house is a small, independently owned, providing fine British dining. Head Chef Matt Weedon and his team use wonderful fresh produce, much of it grown or reared on its own farm. The restaurant faces south, overlooking a croquet lawn, and offers the perfect ambience at any time of day to enjoy a relaxing, peaceful and unrushed lunch or dinner. In the summer months, food and drinks can be taken on the terrace, with its uninterrupted view of the Ridgeway. The well-stocked bar, offers plenty of variety with a wide range of single malt whiskeys, five different gins and locally brewed bottled beer and ten different wines by the glass.
Open Mon-Sun noon- 2.30pm, 7pm-10pm
Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, OX13 5BH stay@fallowfields.com www.fallowfields.com Tel: 01865 820416
Oxfordshire Cinema January Film Releases Select highlights of films on in Oxford and Oxfordshire over this month. Please see inoxford.com for more details and trailers. Tweet us what you think of this months releases @inoxford
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" is based on South African President Nelson Mandela's autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President and working to rebuild the country's once segregated society. Idris Elba stars as Nelson Mandela with Justin Chadwick directing.
The Wolf of Wall Street The Wolf of Wall Street is based on Jordan Belfort's best-selling memoir. The film chronicles Belfort’s dramatic rise and fall on Wall Street, along with his hard-partying lifestyle and tumultuous personal life, which included drug and alcohol addiction. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Matthew Mc Conaughey.
Grudge Match Billy "The Kid" McDonnen and Henry "Razor" Sharp, whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight. Each had scored a victory against the other during their heyday, but in 1983, on the eve of their decisive third match, Razor suddenly announced his retirement, effectively delivering a knock-out punch to both their careers. Thirty years later, boxing promoter Dante Slate Jr., seeing big dollar signs, makes them an offer they can't refuse: to re-enter the ring and settle the score once and for all.
Out of the Furnace Russell Baze has a rough life: he works a dead-end blue collar job at the local steel mill by day, and cares for his terminally ill father by night. When Russell's brother Rodney returns home from serving time in Iraq, he gets lured into one of the most ruthless crime rings in the Northeast and mysteriously disappears. The police fail to crack the case, so - with nothing left to lose - Russell takes matters into his own hands, putting his life on the line to seek justice for his brother.
Didcot Film Club: Forbidden Planet
Wednesday 29th January: Forbidden Planet, Director: Fred M. Wilcox 1956 Is a 1956 science fiction film directed by Fred M. Wilcox, a screenplay by Cyril Hume, and starring Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, and Leslie Nielsen. A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet's colony only to find two survivors and a deadly secret that one of them has. Tickets are £5 each with mebership and seats are unallocated. Time: 8pm Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE. Booking: 01235 515144. Web: www.cornerstone-arts.org.
24
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Oxfordshire Music Oxford Philomusica
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Egrove Park, Oxford OX1 5NY. Tel: 01865 305 305. Web: www.oxfordphil.com E-mail: info@oxfordphil.com
Chamber Series
Sunday 26th January: Ravel Violin Sonata No. 2 in G major, Chausson Poème, Op. 25, Franck Violin Sonata in A major. Saint-Saëns arr. Ysaÿe, ValseCaprice. Natalia Lomeiko - violin. Olga Sitkovetsky - piano. Concertmaster Natalia Lomeiko presents a stunning selection of works for violin and piano that will showcase her technical mastery and captivating musicianship. Ravel’s colourful sonata, with its blues-infused second movement, will open this recital that also features an arrangement of Chausson’s enchanting Poème, Franck’s transcendent Sonata in A and the dazzling showpiece, Valse-Caprice. TS Eliot Theatre, Merton College, 3pm (entrance through Rose Lane) Tickets £20 (includes interval tea and biscuits)
The Old Fire Station
40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ. Tel: 01865 263980. Web: www.oldfirestation.org.uk
The Listening Room
Sunday 26th January: Every month The Listening Room presents two to three emerging bands/artists from the local music scene and further afield, creating a platform to build connections between audiences, performers, and the wider community. Hear an ecclectic range of musicians play in a professional and intimate space and make more of your Sundays! Age: 16+ Tickets: £10/£7 www.ticketsoxford.com 01865 305305. Time: 7.30pm (doors 7pm)
City Of Oxford Orchestra
Tel: 01865 744457. Web: www.cityofoxfordorchestra.co.uk E-mail: info@cityofoxfordorchestra.co.uk
Viennese New Year Concert
Saturday 18th January: The City of Oxford Orchestra will once again banish those post-Christmas blues with their exciting Viennese New Year concert. In the first half, virtuoso flautist Graham Mayger and superb harpist Lucy Wakeford perform Mozart's ever-popular Flute and Harp Concerto. In the second half Stephen Bell will whirl the orchestra and audience to Vienna with an eclectic mixture of Strauss favourites, and the amazing Soprano Pamela Hay will add her own special musical magic and charm to the proceedings. Not to be Missed! Venue: Sheldonian Theatre Time: 8pm Tickets: £10 - £31
Oxford Coffee Concerts
One of the top ten things to do in the UK (Observer) Nominated for the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards 2012. Every Sunday Morning at 11:15am. In the Wonderful Holywell Music Room ( Oldest Concert Hall in Europe) Coffee Served before and after the concert at the Kings Arms and Vaults Cafe.
Oxford Coffee Concerts 5 January: Heath String Quartet Oliver Heath - violin Cerys Jones - violin Gary Pomeroy - viola Christopher Murray – cello Mozart String Quartet in D major K575, Tippett String Quartet no.4 12 January: Tom Poster (piano) Mozart Adagio in B minor. Beethoven Sonata in D major op.28 “Pastorale” Transcriptions of songs by Schumann and Gershwin 26 January: Carducci String Quartet Matthew Denton Violin Michelle Fleming Violin Eoin Schmidt-Martin Viola Emma Denton Cello Mozart String Quartet K428 Bartok String Quartet no.4 2 February: Grace Mo (piano) Chopin Ballade 2 & 4 Liszt Sonnet del Petrarch no. 123 Scriabin Two Poems Op.32 Ravel Gaspard de la nuit £11 adults, £10 full time students, senior citizens and under 16s Free admission to children ages 5 -10 accompanied by an adult (under 5s not permitted entry) Tickets Available at the door or from Oxford Playhouse Tel: 01865 305305 Web: www.coffeeconcerts.com
Want more detailed information about Musical events in Oxford? Just visit inoxford.com Your Guide To The City 26
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Oxfordshire Music Jacqueline du Pré Music Building St Hilda's College, Cowley Place, Oxford, OX4 1DY. Tel: 01865 286660. Web: www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/jdp
Jdp Piano Series Nick Van Bloss
Saturday 18th January: BACH Goldberg Variations. The Goldberg Variations are well known, so why hear them again? Because you’ve not heard them played like this! Described as ‘fresh...sublime poetry [and] playfulness’ (The Times) Van Bloss’s recording of the Goldberg Variations has met with rapturous reviews – similar to those which greeted Glenn Gould’s legendary recordings of the same piece. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear the Goldberg Variations live from an extraordinary pianist. Time: 8pm Tickets: £25 gallery/ £20 stalls/ £5 students
Jdp M@sh Series – John Cage ‘Circus On’
Friday 24th and Saturday 25th January: The notions of chance and indeterminacy were essential to much of John Cage’s output, and they are particularly vital for his music-theatre piece ‘Circus On’. Instead of a traditional musical score, Cage provided a set of instructions on how any book may be adapted for ensemble – leaving decisions on the subject, duration, and scoring of the piece to the performers involved. James Joyce’s playful and mysterious Finnegans Wake is the chosen text for these two performances, which promise to be provocative, bewildering, and compelling events. Time: 8pm Tickets: £5 on the door
Orchestra of St John’s Email: orchestra@osj.org.uk Web: www.osj.org.uk
The OSJ Proms at the Ashmolean 2014
Tuesday 21st January: Ives - Unanswered Question conducted by Sam Poppleton. Copland - Quiet City Wagner - Siegfried Idyll - Wesendonck Lieder Soprano Kezia Bienek.
Faculty of Music of Oxford University
St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1DB. Tel: 01865 276133. Web: www.music.ox.ac.uk/events
Research Colloquium with Katy Hamilton
Tuesday 21st January: Katy Hamilton (Royal College of Music, London) ‘In a small circle of friends’: Brahms’ Vocal Quartets and making music at home’. The Colloquium is followed by discussion and a drinks reception. Students, staff and general public are warmly encouraged to attend. Admission: Free – open to all, Time: 5.15pm, Venue: Denis Arnold Hall, Faculty of Music
Woodwind Chamber Music Masterclass with John Orford
Monday 27th January: John Orford, British classical bassoonist and Principal Bassoon of Oxford Philomusica, will lead a Woodwind Chamber Music Masterclass. Admission: Free – open to all, Time: 2-4pm, Venue: Denis Arnold Hall, Faculty of Music
Tuesday 28th January: Sarah Hill (Cardiff University)
Tuesday 28th January: ‘Sounding Digital: Technological and Aesthetic Change in Electroacoustic Music and Sound Art’. The Colloquium is followed by discussion and a drinks reception. Students, staff and general public are warmly encouraged to attend. Admission: Free – open to all, Time: 5.15pm, Venue: Denis Arnold Hall, Faculty of Music
Seminar in Medieval and Renaissance Music
Thursday 30th January: ‘The cardinals' music. Visual and other evidence for music and musicmaking in late thirteenth-century Rome’ by Julian Gardner (University of Warwick). The speaker’s presentation is followed by a full hour of discussion during which wine is served. Admission: Free – open to all, Time: 5pm, Venue: Wharton Room, All Souls College
28
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Oxford Philomusica Saturday 25 January, Sheldonian Theatre, 7.30pm
BACH Complete Brandenburgs The Soloists of Oxford Philomusica 01865 980 980 www.oxfordphil.com
Viennese New Year Concert Saturday 18th January 8pm SHELDONIAN THEATRE
MOZART
The Marriage of Figaro
STRAUSS
Oxford’s Professional Orchestra
Waltzes, Polkas & Marches
MOZART
Concerto for Flute and Harp Stephen Bell Conductor Graham Mayger Flute Lucy Wakeford Harp Pamela Hay Soprano
Tickets £10 - £31 01865 744457 / 305305
PIANO SERIES
M@SH SERIES
NICK VAN BLOSS Goldberg Variations 18 January, 8pm
CAGE: CIRCUS ON 24, 25 January, 8pm
BERNARD D’ASCOLI Chopin, Fauré, Liszt 31 January, 8pm
M@SH MARTHON 01 February, 7pm
CUSHION CONCERTS THE HARP 12 January 10am, 11am, 12pm
St Hilda’s College, Cowley Place, Oxford, OX4 1DY Tickets: Oxford Playhouse 01865 305 305 www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/jdp www.inoxford.com
29
Upcoming Concerts
Music for Autism January 17, 2014 Strathmore School, Richmond
2014
January 24, 2014 Priors Court School, Thatcham
Approved
January 28, 2014 Hill House School, Boldre
February 4, 2014 Kennel Lane School, Ascot
February 12, 2014 Jigsaw School, Dunsfold, Surrey
March 7, 2014 Freemantles School, Woking 30
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Music Review:
Orchestra of St John's
Reviewed by Matt Wright
8th December 2013
’Twas a very cultural weekend for the blonde and I. After a recital of Handel’s Messiah the previous evening at The University Church of St Mary’s, we turned up at a very different venue on Sunday for The Orchestra of St John’s ‘OSJ’ Proms Concert. The Atrium at The Ashmolean couldn’t be more different to the dark gothic interior of St Mary’s, with its bright white walls, clean lines, and Malcolm Morley’s paintings of hyper-realism hanging in the foyer. Feeling the need to spread our new-found artistic interests around, we persuaded a couple of neighbours to join us, cultural heavyweights from Wallingford, who knew their Stravinsky from their Strongbow. There is something mesmeric for me about Latin choral music. Maybe it’s because (unless you are a classical scholar of course), singing in a foreign language forces you to concentrate upon the sound, rather than the words themselves. Hence, Victoria’s ‘Ave Maria’ soared and swooped, unencumbered by literal translation, whilst Bruchner’s ‘Virga Jesse’, with its Alleljua chorus (no, not a spelling mistake, I’m now suddenly writing in Latin as well…) resonated throughout the space. Les Grands Fromages, sitting to my left, were beatific, only breaking their concentration to scribble something in the margins of my programme, such as “totally absorbing sound”, and “beautifully connected harmonies.” The acoustics in The Atrium were superb. It was like being in the sound booth of a top-end stereo showroom; the high-end notes of the sopranos were crystal-clear, the mid-range was rich, almost unctuous, and the rumbling baritone base line was so low, there was more than a hint of menace contained therein. Actually, there is scientific fact behind this - a classical music study in 2003 into infrasound (lower than 20MHz - the normal ‘limit’ of human hearing) demonstrated that it can inspire “feelings of fear and awe in humans”. As the last note died down, and the room fell quiet for a moment before the outbreak of applause, I’d say the latter was true, and echoing the words of Grieg’s ‘Ave Maris Stella’; Semper collaetemur - We may always rejoice together.
Web: www.osj.org.uk www.inoxford.com
31
Oxfordshire Art & Antiques Rachel Ducker Wire Sculpture Tel: 01865 311418. M: 07855 751756. Web: www.rachelducker.co.uk
Rachel specialises in sculptured wire figures concentrating on the expressive & emotional dynamics of human nature. Handcrafted from annealed steel wire, galvanised & black. Coloured enamelled copper wire hair. From 30cm to lifesize. Price determined by size and complexity of the piece. Please call to find out more about viewing Rachel’s work.
University of Oxford Shop 106 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BW. Tel: 01865 247414. Web: www.oushop.com
Watercolour, Acrylic, Photography and Prints of views around the City. Artists displayed include Valerie Petts, Ken Messer, David Langford, John Bastin and many more. On sale year round, commissions accepted.
Kieran Stiles Art Studios
Folly Bridge, Oxford. Tel: 07967 075367. Web: www.artcoursesoxford.com E-mail: kieran@artcoursesoxford.com A range of beginner and advanced courses in painting, printmaking and life drawing with a professional artist and experienced, qualified teacher. Midweek and weekend tuition in a friendly atmosphere. Group sessions, all day workshops and individual tutorials. Exhibition space available. All in the inspiring setting of Folly Bridge, Oxford.
Modern Art Oxford
30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP. Tel: 01865 722 733. Web: www.modernartoxford.org.uk
2014 in the Blink of an Eye
Thursday 30th January: Will Gompertz In conversation. Join Will Gompertz, BBC Arts Editor, in conversation with Paul Hobson, Modern Art Oxford’s Director about the gallery’s 2014 programme themes and highlights. Tickets: £4 (£3) Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Modern Artists Gallery
High St.Whitchurch on Thames, Oxon, RG8 7EX. Tel: 0118 984 5893. Web: www.modernartistsgallery.com
Paintings and Sculpture
Christmas Season and throughout January 2014: Paintings and Sculpture. OwnArt Purchasing Scheme now available via mail order. Image: Mark Hall, Jumping the Gun, Bronze, 6 x 4ins.
Gallery at the Old Fire Station
40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ. Tel: 01865 263980. Web: www.oldfirestation.org.uk
Axis
Saturday 18th January - Saturday 8th February: Axis is an architectural investigation of the Old Fire Station gallery, exploring the relationship between architectural volume and sculptural space. Two new works physically delineate the gallery; one ‘axis’ dividing the floor space, while the second maps the gallery’s height, acting as an anomalous plinth, an architectural pillar or a totemic sculpture. Entry: FREE
32
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Sanders of Oxford Rare Prints & Maps
Contemporary Printmakers Exhibition 16th - 31st January This January Sanders presents an exhibition of bright and bold contemporary prints. Featuring stunning graphic printed works by John Dilnot, Chase & Wonder, James Brown and Mashka among others. All of whom hold the craft of printmaking close to their hearts and employ visual techniques that have been used in print for centuries. Online sale We are offering 15% off online purchases throughout January. See website for full details. 104 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BW. Tel: 01865 242590. E-mail: info@sandersofoxford.com. Web: www.sandersofoxford.com. Open: Mon to Sat 10am-6pm. Admission: FREE.
Christ Church Picture Gallery The Florentine Innocenti: Vincenzo Borghini and the artists of the Foundling Hospital in Florence Until 24th February 2014
Opening Times December - May (closed Tuesdays) Mon, Wed - Sat: 10.30am - 1pm & 2 - 4.30pm Sun: 2 - 4.30pm Christ Church, Oxford. Entrance Via Oriel Square. Admission: £3/£2 Tel: 01865 276172 www.chch.ox.ac.uk/gallery
OXFORD’S ANTIQUES & CRAFT CENTRE Choose from a wide range of Antiques, Jewellery, Collectables & Books plus original works by local Craftspeople and Artists. Antiques on High, 85 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BG. Tel:01865-251075. Open: Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am - 5pm.
www.antiquesonhigh.co.uk
Alison Pullen January 2014 www.wisegal.com 40/41 South Parade, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7JL. Tel: 01865 515123.
www.inoxford.com
33
Oxfordshire Education EF International Language Centre
Pullens Lane, OX3 0DT, Headington, Oxford. Tel: +44 (0) 1865 759 660. www.ef.co.uk – Facebook: EF Oxford – Twitter: @efoxford EF International Language centres, is a Modern campus with disabled friendly facilities. Situated in the prestigious area, Pullens Lane in Oxford. We offer English courses and University preparation to students from more than 50 countries. Our courses are flexible in length to suit you, from 2 weeks to 52 weeks a year. Our EF Efektatm learning system is widely known to be the most effective way to learn. You are guaranteed to learn faster with our experienced teachers, the latest language technology and interaction with the local culture plus we will help you prepare for and take official language proficiency exams for example, IELTS and Cambridge ESOL, being also an examination centre for the Cambridge exams. EF offers you a complete study experience, including free-time activities and excursions. We arrange accommodation, meals, visa guidance, medical insurance and anything else you can think of, so you are able to just focus on learning and enjoying your course and exciting experience.”
The Lake School of English Oxford
14 Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JQ. Tel: +44 (0) 1865 724312. Email: carmel@englishinoxford.com Web: www.englishinoxford.com In the centre of Oxford, the Lake School of English offers a professional, dynamic approach to teaching and a supportive environment for learning with intensive courses delivered by well-qualified and experienced teachers. Our students enjoy personal attention, inclusive social activities, comfortable accommodation and lovely self-study facilities. The Lake School is British Council accredited, a Centre of Excellence 2010 - 2012, and a member of Quality English.
College of International Education Bocardo House, 24B St Michael’s Street, Oxford OX1 2EB. Tel: 01865 202238. Web: www.cie-oxford.com
The College of International Education (CIE) is a small college, located in the centre of Oxford, opposite the famous Oxford Union. We offer English Language, Academic, Foundation Year and Pre-Boarding courses. Tuition is in small classes (max 8), given by dedicated and well-qualified teachers.
Our Lady’s Abingdon
Radley Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3PS. Tel: 01235 524658. Web: www.olab.org.uk Our Lady's Abingdon has a committed approach to partnership between school, pupil and parents. We offer opportunities to enjoy success in a range of different areas.
Eckersley Oxford
14 Friars Entry, Oxford OX1 2BZ. Tel: 01865 721268. Web: www.eckersley.co.uk Over 50 years teaching English to foreign students in the centre of Oxford, with experienced and qualified teachers. Our long tradition combines with a 21st century approach and state-of-the-art facilities, including interactive whiteboards, a digital language laboratory and of course wireless access from just about anywhere in the School.
Want more detailed information about Education? Just visit inoxford.com Your Guide To The City 34
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
www.inoxford.com
35
Oxfordshire Accommodation Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LN. Tel: 01865 256400. Web: www.macdonald-hotels.co.uk/randolph Oxford's leading hotel - The AA Five star Macdonald Randolph - is situated in the heart of the city opposite the world famous Ashmolean Museum. Built in 1864 and recently refurbished, the hotel offers each guest the highest level of comfort and service in a traditional and welcoming environment. The location makes the Macdonald Randolph Hotel an ideal base for exploring the historic sights of Oxford or the thriving shopping centre just two minutes walk away.
The Manor Hotel
The Manor at Weston-on-the-Green, Oxfordshire, OX25 3QL. Tel: 1869 350621. www.themanorweston.com The Manor at Weston-on-the-Green nestles in the heart of the Cotswolds. Proud of its 900-year-old history, the Manor is today a country house hotel, opening its doors to guests who seek a truly relaxed escape, with fine food, fine wine and beautiful, fascinating surroundings.We invite you to treat our hotel as your home: we do not stand on ceremony here. Explore our house and gardens, take a dip in the pool or a walk in the grounds. Our doors are open and we invite you in. Welcome to the Manor at Weston-on-the-Green.
River Hotel
Botley Road, Oxford, OX2 0AA. Tel: (01865) 243475. Guests: 249756. Fax: 724306. Web: www.riverhotel.co.uk Email: reception@riverhotel.co.uk • Excellent City location by River Thames, originally an 1870’s Masterbuilder’s home, College owned property, On ‘Thames walk’ at Osney bridge. Lawn to riverbank. Residents bar. • 20 bedrooms with own bathroom, direct dial telephone, hot beverage tray, T.V. clock radio, hairdryer, free WiFi on site. • Car park/CCTV on site - free for residents. Sat Nav via Mill st. OX2 0AJ. 1 mile to A34 ring road west at Seacourt on A420. • 24-hour access for registered residents. Closedown by midnight. Airport arrival late check-in request only if pre-arranged. Daytime left luggage/car parking service available after 11am check-out. • VisitBritain ** Metro Hotel grading, breakfast service only. “Large enough to be comfortable, small enough to be friendly”
YHA
2a Botley Rd, Oxford OX2 0AB. Tel: 01865 727275. Web: www.yha.org.uk The best value budget accommodation in town. Centrally located with en-suite rooms, breakfast buffet, bar and Great British menu, YHA Oxford redefines what you can expect from a hostel. We offer 24 hr access, internet access, luggage store and private rooms all 5 minutes walk from the city centre.
The Beetle and Wedge
Ferry Lane Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxfordshire OX10 9JF. Tel: 01491 651381. Web: www.beetleandwedge.co.uk Set on the banks of the River Thames immortalised in 'The Wind in the Willows' and Jerome K Jerome's chronicled escapades of his friends' visits in 'Three Men in a Boat', the Boathouse Restaurant emphasis is on quality of food, wines and service. The older part of our beautiful old beamed Boathouse offers our famous open charcoal grill where delicacies are created before your very eyes. Join us and enjoy the tranquillity and peace of a beautiful riverside setting for relaxed dining.
Burlington House Hotel
374 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7PP. Tel: 01865 513 513. Web: www.burlington-hotel-oxford.co.uk Nestling in leafy Oxford, a short bus ride away from the bustling City Centre, Burlington House offers high quality and peaceful luxury bed & breakfast accommodation to Oxford’s many visitors. Burlington Guest House has been consistently awarded the highest accommodation rating and is now Five Stars Highly Commended under the new AA scheme. Burlington House has been recommended by both the Which? Guide to Good Hotels and its sister publication, the Which? Guide to Good Bed & Breakfasts.
36
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Royal Oxford Hotel
Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1HR. Tel: 01865 248432. Web: www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk The Royal Oxford Hotel is a Non Smoking Property located 2 minutes walk to the bus and train stations and offers: * Air conditioned bedrooms * Free wireless network throughout the hotel * Spacious and well appointed accommodation * Complementary water and selection of fresh fruit in all bedrooms * Tourist Information Within easy reach of the train station and the centre of Oxford.
Hawkwell House
Church Way, Iffley Village, Oxford, OX4 4DZ. Tel: 01865 749988. Web: www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk If you are looking for a hotel near Oxford or a wedding venue in Oxfordshire, there are few better-placed than Hawkwell House Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms in Iffley Village. The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has something for everyone, including beautiful English villages, a wealth of National Trust stately homes and gardens, and for children, the Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens.
Malmaison
3 New Rd, Oxford OX1 1AY. Tel: 0844 693 0659. Web: www.malmaison.com/locations/oxford Tired of doing hard time in run-of-the-mill hotels? Well, this time you're going to the slammer in style, at the former gaol now known as Malmaison Oxford. You're not going to be behind bars though: you're going to be sipping the coolest cocktails in the free world at MALBAR. And don't worry about doing porridge. Mal Brasserie serves an eclectic mix of classic dishes with a twist, from freshly caught fish to the famous Mal Burger.
Hope House Woodstock
14 Oxford Street, Woodstock, Oxford, OX20 1TS. Tel: 01993 815990. Web: www.hopehousewoodstock.co.uk Three spacious suites (60-80sqm) have all been meticulously restored and magnificently furnished. Within 500 metres of our front door are 14 eateries. Some fine AA two rosette restaurants, lively brasseries and gastro pubs. No shortage of culinary options for your stay at Hope House. There are also 15 public houses within walking distance!
Old Bank Hotel
92 - 94 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BJ. Tel: 01865 799 599. Web: www.oldbank-hotel.co.uk The independently owned Old Bank, situated on Oxford’s High Street, is a breathtaking statement in design and arguably one of the best locations in Oxford. Awarded the Best City Hotel 2011 by the Good Hotel Guide, it is surrounded by the famous colleges of Merton, All Souls, Christ Church and University and is directly opposite the Bodleian library and Radcliffe Camera.
Old Parsonage
1 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 6NN. Tel: 01865 310210. Web: www.oldparsonage-hotel.co.uk The independently owned Old Parsonage Hotel, situated in St Giles, dates back to the 1660. The restaurant & bar with their Russian red walls is the perfect place for an informal lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Afternoon tea at the Old Parsonage is a very English affair to be enjoyed at this time of year on our sheltered terrace.
Vanburgh House Hotel
20-24 St Michael’s Street, Oxford, OX1 2EB. Tel: 01865 244 622. Web: www.vanbrughhousehotel.co.uk Vanbrugh House Hotel gives a unique guest experience. With 22 individual bedrooms and suites of contemporary design, it offers comfort and style. Featuring English hand crafted furniture, eclectic fixtures and fittings, whilst being set in an historic building. There are echoes of the hotels own 18th century heritage in the combination of highly-polished service and homeliness. To stay in Vanbrugh House is to live in the heart of Oxford past and present.
www.inoxford.com
37
Oxfordshire Accommodation The Feathers Hotel
Market Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1SX. Tel: 01993 812 291. Web: www.feathers.co.uk The Feathers Hotel is an inviting country retreat that combines historic charm with a fun personality. Named Oxfordshire’s Restaurant of the Year 2012, it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of gin (167 varieties). “The Gin Experience” menu is £75 per person for seven courses.
Conifers Guest House
116 The Slade, Headington Oxford OX3 7DX. Tel: 01865 763055. Web: www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk A 4 star Guest Accomodation located in Headington area of Oxford, Conifers offers en-suite bedrooms with free Wi- Fi internet access, flat screen multichannel TV’s and free parking.
Fallowfields Country House Hotel Faringdon Rd, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5BH. Tel: 01865 820416. Web: www.fallowfields.com
Fallowfields is one of the leading boutique hotels in Oxfordshire. Our fine dining restaurant is outstanding. Guests come here for wonderful food, bedrooms and calm, tranquil surroundings. “Boutique hotels in Oxfordshire don’t get much better than this”
Want more detailed information about where to stay? Just visit inoxford.com Your Guide To The City 38
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Oxfordshire Shopping Shop at the Old Fire Station Gloucester Green, Oxford, OX1 2AQ. Web: www.oldfirestation.org.uk
Drawing in creative talent from across the UK, with a particular focus on the ‘home grown’ artists of Oxfordshire and the South East, the Shop sells original prints and illustrations, jewellery, accessories, cards zines and more… All lovingly designed and crafted by a selection of outstanding designer-makers and artists.
University of Oxford Shop 106 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BW. Tel: 01865 247414. Web: www.oushop.com
The University of Oxford Shop is wholly owned by the University and offers a fantastic range of clothing, gifts and stationery for visitors and local residents alike. All of the profits are given back to the University, making a valuable contribution to the work and teaching of this world-famous establishment.
Blackwell’s
51 Broad St, Oxford, OX1 3BQ. Web: www.blackwell.co.uk we have been serving the needs of book-lovers since 1879. Our booksellers are passionate about the books that we sell and there is nothing that we enjoy more than making a perfect recommendation to a customer. For those of you who do not know the shop we trade across four floors, including the cavernous Norrington Room basement, and you will find new and secondhand books on every subject under the sun.
Bicester Village
50 Pingle Dr, Bicester OX26 6WD. Tel: 01869 366266. Web: www.bicestervillage.com Discover a relaxed shopping haven in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, where spacious boutiques showcase the world's leading fashion and lifestyle brands. Quality, attention to detail and five-star service are hallmarks of the Bicester Village shopping experience.
Want to see more of Oxfords great shops? Just visit inoxford.com Your Guide To The City 40
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
42
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Shopping Article:
Blackwell’s Since 1879
January 1st 2014 marks a very important milestone in the history of Blackwell's for it will be 135 years to the day since Benjamin Henry Blackwell first opened the doors of his shop to the public of Oxford. The shop was situated at 50 Broad Street and only 12 feet square meaning, at times, the proprietor would actually have to step onto the street to allow customers to browse! The shop was taken over by 'The Gaffer', Sir Basil Blackwell after the death of Benjamin in 1924 and continued to be expanded for another 60 years under his guidance. In 1956 Basil was knighted and remains the only bookseller to ever have received a knighthood. During these years, notable figures to have worked with Basil include the wife of Graham Greene, Dorothy L Sayers who became his personal assistant and a new author who Basil took a punt on with a poem entitled 'Goblin's feet' called J R R Tolkien. 1966 saw the opening of the prestigious Norrington Room which extends below trinity college, boasts three miles of shelving and was merited in The Guinness Book of Records as the largest single room selling books. The shop is still owned by the Blackwell family, currently under the watchful gaze of Julian 'Toby' Blackwell. It has now expanded to include numbers 48 - 51 Broad Street, with 'The White Horse' pub nestled between the newly opened Music shop and the main entrance. There are 4 floors of books covering all subjects and over 70 members of staff ranging from employees who are heading into retirement after starting their career here at the tender age of 18, to Saturday workers who may have stumbled upon an advertisement for part-time work and have now been bitten by the bookselling bug and are seriously thinking that a life in this bookshop may just be their calling. Blackwell's entered the world of E-Reading in 2012 by striking a deal with Barnes and Noble to sell the Nook. It also runs a world class events programme and has during it's history hosted signings with Muhammad Ali, David Attenborough and most recently Donna Tartt. The shop is rapidly keeping up with the ever changing demands of the book buying public, it is developing it's website to compete with online bookselling and in the words of a very recent visitor to the store, Ben Okri, 'Success will never confuse or scatter the spirit but will make you fly higher into the good sunlight' Here's to another 135 years basking in the good sunlight!
51 Broad St, Oxford, OX1 3BQ Tel: 01865 792792 Web: www.blackwell.co.uk www.inoxford.com
43
3
6
6
5
2 2
1 6
Oxford City Centre Map Accommodation
1 2 3 4 5 6
Randolph Hotel River Hotel Burlington House Hotel Old Bank Hotel Vanburgh House Hotel Malmaison 1
44
Attractions 1 2 3 4 5 6
Oxford Castle Quarter Carfax Tower St Michael at the North Gate Modern Art Oxford Uni Church of St. Mary the Virgin The Ashmolean Museum
Blackwell’s
2
City Sightseeing Stops
Restaurants 1 2 3 4 5 6
Shanghai 30’s 4500 Miles From Delhi Browns Quod Brasserie & Bar Iffley Blue The Red Lion
3
1 2
1
3 5
4
4
2
4
5 1
7
8
4
2
3
5 6
1
County Map 1 2 3 4
Didcot Railway Centre Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens Wychwood Brewery Crocodiles of the World
46
5 6 7 8
Buscot Park & The Faringdon Collection Millets Farm Centre Bicester Village Blenheim Palace
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE 2013/14 SEASON 16 DAYS OF RACING ACTION
BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE
‘THE PANORAMIC RESTAURANT’
EXCLUSIVE HOSPITALITY WITH LIMITED AVAILABILITY
BOOK ONLINE TODAY WWW.CHELTENHAM.CO.UK
Oxfordshire Restaurants Asian
Shanghai 30’s
82 St. Aldates, Oxford OX1 1RA. Tel: 01865 242230. Web: www.shanghai30s.com Situated in this 15th century building, Shanghai 30's cuisine is based on the both classic and contemporary dishes of Shanghai and the surrounding areas. Shanghai 30’s is the perfect place for a romantic meal or a private function in Oxford city centre.
Rice Box
178 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1UE. Tel: 01865 202138. Web: www.riceboxrestaurant.co.uk Located perfectly in amongst the hustle and bustle of Cowley Road, Rice Box is the place to go to if you want quick service, delicious food and a welcoming smile. Rice Box has a wide selection of dishes, including Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese and Thai.
4500 Miles From Delhi
40-41 Parkend Street, Oxford, OX1 1JD. Tel: 01865 244 922. Web: www.4500miles.co.uk Not just another 'up market' Indian restaurant, quite literally 4500 Miles from Delhi, the restaurant offers diners an ingenious fusion of Asian herbs, spices, fresh meat and vegetables. We have created a place that is relaxing and comfortable.
Gurkha Village
174 Oxford Road OX5 1EA Kidlington. Tel: 01865 378180 / 01865 608572. Web: www.gurkhavillagekidlington.co.uk Gurkha Village is the modern Nepalese Restaurant and Bar with picturesque enclosed beer garden. Our Restaurant is fully fledged dining and drinking institution with first class reputation for gastronomy and hospitality. Our talented chefs mainly use locally sourced fresh quality ingredients to create a memorable authentic Nepalese and Indian food.
Jee Saheb
15 North Parade Avenue, Oxford, OX2 6LX. Tel: (01865) 513773. Web: www.jeesaheb.co.uk With our restaurant we have created an ambience that will make you feel relaxed and welcomed. Our key aim is to use fresh produce and source it from local suppliers where possible. We offer no fuss, just classic Asian cuisine. You can enjoy our food in a main dining room, with a party of friends in our function room with a capacity of 28, or in our garden.
Tree Hotel in Iffley
63 Church Way, Iffley Village, OX4 4EY. Tel: 01865 775974. Web: www.treehotel.co.uk. The Award-winning Annora Restaurant is a charming pub restaurant with specialist European and Indian head chefs, championing wonderful food from around the world using the freshest ingredients, with excellent service and a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Malikas
218 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1UQ. Tel: 01865 723 029. Web: www.malikasrestaurant.co.uk In the middle of the buzzing area of Cowley Road, you will find Malikas, which guarantees a superior Indian cuisine experience! Modern decor, which seats 70, but still the atmosphere is cozy and relaxing.
48
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Oxfordshire Restaurants Rosemary
81 London Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9AA. Tel: 01865 765 999. Web: www.rosemaryrestaurant.net At Rosemary Restaurant, we are committed to bring you the best of PanAsian cuisine. We offer a variety of Asian menu from traditional to fusion style including Japanese,Thai and Chinese.With a passion for creativity and fresh, unique tastes. We are committed to create a fun place where you can celebrate with great food and top-notch service at a reasonable price.
Yeti Nepalese Restaurant
237 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1XG. Tel: 01865 295959. Web: www.yetinepalese.co.uk Yeti is your local dine out culinary venue in Oxford, where you will have fantastic atmosphere and great food. We endeavour to offer wide and varied choices of the best Nepalese cuisines as well as classic Indian dishes. Traditional cuisines created in a contemporary manner with emphasis on healthy eating. Winner of the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2013 Asian Category.
Contemporary The Broad Face
30-32 Bridge St, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 3HR. Tel: 01235 537775. Web: www.thebroadface.co.uk Recently refurbished to a high standard in the heart of Abingdon, The Broad Face serves freshly prepared, seasonal food using local produce, cooked to order. First class cuisine and an excellent selection of wines. Make sure you visit what is widely regarded as one of Oxfordshire’s finest restaurants.
Oxford Blue
32 Marston Street, Oxford, OX4 1JU. Tel: 01865 460215. Web: www.theoxfordblue.com We have just finished renovating this delightful building into a stylish pub offering an exciting food paired to beers and wines dining concept. Mark Bradbury has created an eclectic menu of authentic dishes using the very best of local and seasonal ingredients. Chris Murray has matched some really interesting beers and wines to go with the food to make it easier for you to choose.
Quod Brasserie & Bar
92-94 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BN. Tel: 01865 202505. Web: www.quod.co.uk On Oxford’s famous High, Quod Brasserie with its terrace and bar forms the hub of The Old Bank Hotel. There is a huge outdoor terrace, and parking is not a problem. Open all day for breakfast, the famously good value two course set lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, this stylish, busy, bustling brasserie serves simply designed, unpretentious, robust food.
Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LN. Tel: 01865 256410. Web: www.macdonald-hotels.co.uk/randolph The restaurant at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel has recently just won its second AA rosette for its cuisine and features contemporary menus in an unrivalled setting with fabulous views of the city. If a more relaxed atmosphere is desired for a quiet drink then the Morse Bar provides a peaceful environment in which you can relax and unwind in after a busy day.
Cherwell Boathouse
Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6ST. Tel: 01865 552746. Web: www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk Beautifully located by the river Cherwell. Fine food and renowned wine list (2010 Fine Wine list of the Year) Open lunch and dinner 7 days a week Marquee and terrace available for private hire. Week day lunch menu available 2 courses from £13.50. Al fresco dining available.
50
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Enjoy up to 3 Months FREE
Golf Membership at Magnolia Park Join us as a Member in December, January or February and enjoy FREE golf until March 2014 You can enjoy up to 3 MONTHS FREE on any full membership package!
nn Join now as a full member for 2014 and you can play golf for FREE from the time you sign up until 28th February 2014. nn Your full membership period then starts from March 1st 2014 to 28th February 2015 nn This offer is available to new members only and the membership fee must be paid in full at the time of joining. *See our website for our terms & conditions of the offer and details of our membership packages.
Membership Packages Single 7 day £ 995 Joint 7 day £ 1,795 Single 5 day £ 725 Intermediate £ 525 Family (2 adults & 1 Junior) £ 2,050 Academy £210 Junior £155 Call us Now to Apply on
01844 239700 or Apply Online at magnoliapark.co.uk/memberships
www.magnoliapark.co.uk Magnolia Park Golf & Country Club, Arncott Road, Boarstall, Bucks. HP18 9XX. T: 01844 239700 E: info@magnoliapark.co.uk
Oxfordshire Restaurants Fallowfields Hotel & Restaurant
Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Oxfordshire, OX13 5BH. Tel: 01865 820 416. Web: www.fallowfields.com The restaurant at Fallowfields is renowned for serving excellent food prepared using only the finest fresh produce. Our Head Chef, Matt Weedon last year was number 45 in the Sunday Times top 100'Restaurants Awards and, previously gained a Michelin star at Glrnnap Castle and Lords of the Manor. Seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs are grown in the hotel’s kitchen gardens and orchards and whenever possible meat and poultry is sourced from our own farm. The restaurant faces south to overlook the hotel’s croquet lawn and offers the perfect ambience.
Browns Bar & Brasserie
5-11 Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 6HA. Tel: 01865 511995. Web: www.browns-restaurants Browns in Oxford was the second of this famous group of restaurants to open in 1976. Standing proudly, and rightfully so, being one of the finest restaurants Oxfordshire has to offer, Browns cannot go unnoticed. Stylish branded awnings line the front of the restaurant while a tall stretch of windows beneath entices and invites walkers by to get a glimpse and taste of what Browns has to offer.
Iffley Blue
Church Way, Iffley Village, Oxford, OX4 4DZ. Tel: 01865 749988. Web: www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk Situated just a couple of miles from the centre of Oxford, Iffley Blue is the new restaurant at Hawkwell House Hotel in the beautiful village of Iffley. There is an open style kitchen featuring a wood burning oven, as well as new furniture throughout. The emphasis is on delivering regularly changing seasonal menus with local provenance – as well as exceptional value.
The Feathers
Market Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1SX. Tel: 01993 812291. Web: www.feathers.co.uk Eating and drinking is at the heart of The Feathers experience. The awardwinning Restaurant serves the best of modern English cuisine and locally sourced ingredients – light and fresh in summer, rich and robust in winter. A more informal Bar is open all day for coffee, lunch, cream tea and supper.
The Evenlode
Old Witney Road, Eynsham, Witney, Oxford OX29 4PS. Tel: 01865 882878. Web: www.theevenlode.co.uk/ The Evenlode is a newly refurbished restaurant in the heart of Oxfordshire that caters for both couples and larger groups. There is ample parking and the bar is family friendly. We are a privately owned business, offering a wide range of drinks and food at affordable prices.
Traditional The Trout
195 Godstow Road, Wolvercote, Oxford OX2 8PN. Tel: 01865 302071. Web: www.thetroutoxford.co.uk The Trout Inn, Lower Wolvercote, is genuinely part of the rich tapestry that is Oxford life. Famous a long time before it was immortalised in Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse novels, it has been wonderfully restored - You really should book now!
Gee’s Restaurant & Bar
61 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6PE. Tel: 01865 553540. Web: www.gees-restaurant.co.uk. Gee's, the Oxford restaurant where locals and visitors meet for lunch, dinner, or drinks, brings together simplicity, generosity and hospitality. We serve traditional British food in comfortable, contemporary surroundings. Gee's is a modern bistro offering diners value for money, satisfying seasonal food and a great choice of wines by the glass and carafe.
52
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
The Chequers at Burcot
Abingdon Road, Burcot, Oxon. OX14 3DP. Tel: 01865-407771. Web: www.thechequers-burcot.co.uk. A roaring fire and friendly staff welcome you to The Chequers and along with the opulent décor it is a perfect blend of contemporary and classic styles with a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The 400 year old Chequers at Burcot standing just off the A415 about 5 miles south of Oxford has come a long way since multi-award-winning chef Steven Sanderson first took the reins in 2006.
The Beetle and Wedge
Ferry Lane Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxfordshire OX10 9JF. Tel: 01491 651381. Web: www.beetleandwedge.co.uk The Restaurant offers a warm and friendly atmosphere and a magical combination of fabulous food, an idyllic location and great service - our mission is to ensure your time with us is as enjoyable as possible. Families are important to us at The Beetle & Wedge Boathouse and children are always welcome, we can adapt our menus to suit most tastes and provide highchairs where necessary. If you have any special requirements please contact us.
The Big Bang
42 Oxford Castle Quarter, Oxford, OX1 1AY. Tel: 01865 249 413. Web: www.thebigbangrestaurants.co.uk The Big Bang is the true gastronomic experience of Great Britain; classic favourites done with a bit of style. We source almost everything from within 20 miles of the city and in doing so, we allow you to taste the authentic flavours of Oxford, not a chain restaurant version of it. We also throw in the best of our art, of local live music, all served up in the prettiest corner of town, the Oxford Castle Quarter.
The Old Parsonage
1 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6NN. Tel: 01865 292305. Web: www.oldparsonage-hotel.co.uk Our philosophy at The Parsonage is simple: to serve the very best of British food using the very best produce to create superb traditional dishes. Our classic British menu includes seasonal food that will appeal to everyone, from roast partridge with bread sauce to scampi and chips with sauce gribiche, smoked haddock with buttered jersey royals and poached eggs and treacle tart. It is classic British fare prepared with skill and care using the finest ingredients.
The Red Lion
The Red Lion 14 Gloucester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BN. Tel: 01865 726 255. Web: www.redlionoxford.co.uk Our menu changes with the seasons and is modern British, comfortably interwoven with some Mediterranean influences. It ranges from traditional favourites such as fish and chips and steaks to freshly made pizzas and pastas with the chef’s daily specials showcasing the finest market fresh ingredients. There’s something for everyone and for all occasions too.
The Blacks Head Bletchington
The Green, Bletchington, OX5 3DA. Tel: 01869 350315. Web: www.blackshead.com
The Blacks Head pub is a late 18th century public house full of charm and character. Here at the Blacks Head our cullinary focus is on locally sourced, freshly prepared produce. Our Fish and Chips are coated in our popular Ramsbury Flintknapper Bitter. Our Childrens Menu is carefully thought out combining choice and health and our chicken nuggets are made to order from freshly cut chicken breast. For younger diners we have a range of Organic Baby Food.
www.inoxford.com
53
Oxfordshire Restaurants Cafe
Modern Art Oxford Café Bar
30 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP. Tel: 01865 722733. Web: www.modernartoxford.org.uk/about-us/cafe-and-bar/ Modern Art Oxford’s new Café Bar has been designed to perk you up whatever the time of day. Our coffee is supplied and selected by the Monmouth Coffee Company and our wine list compiled by the Oxford Wine Company. We stock a range of local brews including our very own beer Plot 16, grown on our allotment in Rose Hill. Our changing seasonal menu and relaxing atmosphere make an ideal place to meet.
Cafe Loco
The Old Palace, 85/87 St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1RA. Tel: 01865 200959. Web: www.goingloco.com Just two minutes walk from Carfax Tower is Cafe Loco, with such delights as stunning coffee, sumptuous Eggs Benedict, Full English, homemade Specials, Scones, Teacakes and Full Afternoon Tea, it’s a wonder you haven’t been! Introducing NEW business lunch delivery service. For details info@goingloco.com.
Crisis Skylight Cafe 40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ. Tel: 01865 263 972.
The Oxford Skylight Café is open to the public daily from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. It serves freshly ground coffees, teas and cakes as well as a range of home cooked food prepared from fresh, local produce. There are daily specials (including a vegetarian option) a range of sandwiches, hot pannini's, baked potatoes, fresh salads and the famous fireman's breakfast served all day!
Greens Cafe
50 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LU. Tel: 01865 316 878. Web:www.greenscafe.co.uk At Greens everything is freshly made and we use Organic, Free Range and Fairtrade produce. We cater for everyone’s taste including vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free foods. Greens Cafe has a friendly relaxed atmosphere with lots of seating available upstairs with free Wi-Fi also available.
Café Aloha
11 The Square, West Way Shopping Centre, Botley, Oxford, OX2 9LH. Tel: 01865 792696. Web: www.cafealoha.co.uk Traditional and stylish décor provides a mixture of a sophisticated ambience combined with the fantastic food and friendly staff, makes for an eating experience.
Café Coco
23 Cowley Rd, Oxford, OX4 1HP. Tel: 01865 200232. Web: www.cafe-coco.co.uk Winner Observer Food Awards “Best for kids” in the Southeast. Café Coco has been winning awards and gaining notices for the past sixteen years. it is renowned for sharp yet friendly service, interesting music and a great atmosphere. Considered the finest cappocino in Oxford. Superb pizzas, fresh fish daily, smoothies, mint presse, brownies and banoffee pie.
Gastropub
The White Hart
Main Road, Fyfield, Abingdon, Oxon, OX13 5LW. Tel: 01865 390 585. Web: www.whitehart-fyfield.com Where you can enjoy award-winning food, fine wines and local real ales, under the soaring eaves of of a 15th Century Chantry House. The White Hart has held two rosettes for culinary excellence for 4 years running but is still somewhere you can stop and have a pint of real ale after a hard days work.
54
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Majliss is run by veteran restauranteurs from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. The decor is stunning and contemporary, and the food delicious. Lively and great for groups, but perfect for romantic nights out as well. Take advantage of our takeaway service, too.
110 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JE Tel: 01865 726728 Web: www.majliss.co.uk
www.inoxford.com
55
Oxfordshire Restaurants French
Pierre Victoire
9 Little Clarendon St, Oxford OX1 2HP. Tel: 01865 316616. Web: www.pierrevictoire.co.uk Enjoy our authentically cooked, traditional dishes in an informal environment at reasonable prices, the way the French do… Choose from a variety of fixed price menus, which we change with the seasons, focusing on local, fresh produce! We offer a 3 course lunch or early Pre Theatre supper for £9.90 and an evening 3 course Prix Fixe for £19.90! We love parties whether its Christenings, Birthdays,Graduations or even Retirements, offer an incredible £18.50 menu, and can cater for groups up to 60 ...! Rustic and friendly, with lots of candles, providing great food, value and service!
Spanish
Al-Andalus
10 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford OX1 2HP. Tel: 01865 516688. Web: www.tapasoxford.co.uk Situated on vibrant, centrally located Little Clarendon Street, Al-Andalus is a stylish and bustling Spanish tapas bar. Independently - owned, it serves delicious, freshly- prepared and authentic Spanish tapas dishes. Open: Mon to Thur 12am-3pm & 5pm till late, Fri-Sun 12pm till late.
Kazbar
25-27 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1HP. Tel: 01865 202920. Web: www.kazbar.co.uk “One of the best tapas bars in Britain” The Observer. “ The range of high quality tapas should be enough to suit most tastes” The Guardian. “Chilled, cheerful, unique.”The Independant. The Kazbar is a tantalizing café-bar with a Moroccan interior, serving Spanish and North African cuisine.
Italian
La Cucina
39-40 St. Clements, Oxford, OX4 1AB. Tel: 01865 793811. Web: www.lacucinaoxford.co.uk The open kitchen allows customers to see chefs at work, tossing pizza and preparing daily specials from 11am - 10.30pm. The menu changes seasonally and caters for all - families and those looking for an authentic italian dining experience in relaxed surroundings. Open front in Summer months.
Nightlife Angels
Little Clarendon Street, Oxford. OX1 2HS. Tel: 01865 544244. Web: www.angelsbar.co.uk Step into Angels and journey through cocktail history. Choose between the first vintage mixes or new trends perfected in the Angels laboratry, all carefully crafted by our expert bartenders.
Patisserie Gatineau
209 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford. OX2 7HQ. Tel: 01865 311 779. Web: www.gatineau.uk.com Situated in the upmarket Summertown area of Oxford, Gatineau patisserie offers the finest artisan produce in the French/ European patisserie and boulangerie tradition: premium cakes, pastries, savouries and bread - all made with the highest quality ingredients, creative flair, taste combinations and attention to detail.
56
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
www.inoxford.com
57
The Meal
Starter: Crab starter £5.50 Main: Pork loin main course £10.95 Dessert: Chocolate brownie dessert £5.50 Drinks: 1 large glass Dry River Chardonnay £6.50 1 large glass Monte Haro Rioja £7.50.
2014 Approved
Five Good Points
✓ Entrance from outside, impressive sign, easy navigation
✓ Very nice quality, dishes, cutlery and glasswear
✓ Beautiful light coming through conservatory roof ✓ Nice menus conveying the Iffley Blue theme ✓ Fantastic Wines
Suggestions 58
One waiter throughout your meal Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Restaurant Review:
Iffley Blue The new kid on the block
Reviewed by Matt Wright
12th November 2013
I half-expected to see Michel Roux standing sternly in his whites, as we rounded the corner. However, the burnished steel sign proclaimed not Masterchef HQ, but the newly-opened Iffley Blue restaurant. Although outside the day was as grey as Monsieur Roux's steely stare, inside there was a suffusion of light, pouring in through the 4 expansive skylights, creating an almost summery feel in the dining room. The blue, hard-backed menus and the luxuriously wide, porcelain-white dishes echoed the feeling of quality that permeated throughout this extensive re-fit of Hawkwell's showcase restaurant. We perused the Sunday Specials menu whilst nibbling on home-made foccacia, fresh from the new wood-burning oven, gleaming over in the corner. Being a Grimsby-boy, and therefore possessing half the DNA of a halibut, I opted for the potted crab starter, resolving to adopt my sternest Mr Roux demeanour, and treat this meal like the finals of Masterchef. My dining companion (the Blonde), was inclined to be less judgemental, having pronounced herself 'starving', although she then went through her usual dithering act, deciding upon every one of the starters ("but they all sound so nice"), before ending up with her very first choice, the Parma Ham salad. Having duly noted the freshness of the crab meat in my notebook (I was taking this Masterchef lark seriously), I gave in to my carbicidal tendencies, and opted for pork loin next. The Blonde, meanwhile, true to form, chose everything before eventually ending up with her first choice, the Roast Beef Special. At this point, my inscrutable judging face gave way, as I tasted one of the nicest red wines I'd had in a very long time, a Monte Haro Rioja. The wine list had been thoughtfully created by The Oxford Wine Company, and checking on their website to avail myself of a bottle or two, I was informed that their sister wine, Crianza, was once Ernest Hemingway's favourite tipple! Desserts and coffee passed by in an agreeable blur of brulĂŠes and brownies, as I pondered which persona I should adopt - the inscrutable Roux, or the roguish Hemingway? The wind whipping through the trees and the open fire next door made my mind up for me - another glass of Ernest's favourite along with Sunday Papers... well, for whom the bell tolls. Church Way, Iffley Village, Oxford, OX4 4DZ Tel: 01865 749988 Web: www.iffleyblue.co.uk www.inoxford.com
59
The Meal
Bruschetta al pomodoro e basilico £4.25, Bocconcini £2.95, Pizza 'Maestro Beppe" £8.25, Risotto di zucca, scamorza affumicata £9.95, Penne Bolognese £7.95.
2014 Approved
Five Good Points
✓ Amazing atmosphere
✓ Lovely Italian products available for purchase ✓ Great for a Birthday treat
✓ Possibly the best Pizza in Oxford? ✓ Nice selection of wines Suggestions
60
Parking is a nightmare, not La Cucina’s fault! Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Restaurant Review:
La Cucina Traditional Italian
Reviewed by Julie Mutton
12th November 2013
We took our daughter along to La Cucina for her fourth birthday early evening midweek. The restaurant was yet to fill up but it had a certain buzzy vibe already. As you walk into the restaurant the bar area is in front of you with a very happy member of staff there ready to greet you. La Cucina is a sizable restaurant with an open kitchen at the back, which I always find comforting. The kitchen front looked vibrant, decorated in a stunning array of fresh colourful vegetables, the sort that you hope are going to be part of your meal! The menu is extensive and suits all tastes and ages with a good selection of Italian wines. We shared our starters – a very delicious & juicy bruschetta. Along with a selection of ‘Bocconcini’ where you can chose snippets of antipasti at £2.95 a dish. We chose tuna stuffed chillies and marinated aubergine both full of flavour. For mains the birthday girl enjoyed a Penne Bolognese, a very excitable four year old was suddenly very quiet – a good sign. I told the waitress that I was torn between two dishes so she combined the two to great effect and I had the Risotto di zucca, scamorza affumicata (La Cucina risotto, pumpkin, smoked mozzarella cheese and toasted pine nuts) with a bespoke drizzle of truffle oil (as the other dish I was deliberating had truffle oil on – a favourite of mine). Phil had a Pizza ‘Maestro Beppe’ a perfectly cooked thin and crispy offering bursting with flavour, we all know this because we all pinched a slice! Desert was a dramatic serenade for the birthday girl, lights went out, and birthday music came on much to her delight with a little candle in her ice cream to blow out (we had done the cake thing at her party the previous weekend before you wonder!). For me Torta di ricotta (Italian cheesecake) with a glass of Italian Rose was the perfect finish to a lovely and fun meal. As we left the restaurant was almost full – always testament to a good place I believe, especially on a Tuesday! I also hear that one of the staff Patrick had won apprentice of the year at The Oxford Restaurant awards – so well done to him. A lively family run Italian restaurant with good food and a great atmosphere, this was our first visit but definitely will not be our last. 39 - 40 St Clements, Oxford, OX4 1AB Tel: 01865 793811 Web: www.lacucinaoxford.co.uk www.inoxford.com/reviews/laccucina.html www.inoxford.com
61
The Meal
£8.50 "Fritto Mixto" tempura of squid & tiger prawns, £7.50 Chicken liver parfait with brioche, £20.95 Steak frites, £14.50 Smoked haddock fishcake & poached egg, £13.50 (250ml) Aussie Chardonnay - Botham Merril Willis (£40 bottle).
2014 Approved
Five Good Points
✓ Exterior Striking, in keeping with prison theme
✓ Bar Extensively & impressively stocked
✓ Decor Elegant black granite bar & stone-scuffed walls ✓ Food Well presented & substantial portions
✓ Extensive wine list, all available in small, medium, carafe, bottle sizes
Suggestions 62
Bit chilly sitting at the bar
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Restaurant Review:
The Great Malmaison
Reviewed by Matt Wright
12th November 2013
The literal French translation is ‘Bad House’, so presumably it was destiny that drew Malmaison to open up in a converted prison, 10 years ago or so. However, after descending the ‘naughty steps’ to the brasserie, it is clear that to be detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure here, would be no hardship at all. The lavishly-stocked bar boasts just about every conceivable spirit under the sun (including a couple I’m still trying to forget from my Uni days), draught & bottled beers, and about 40 wines, all available by the glass, the carafe, or the bottle. Enough to start a proper riot. It was Friday lunchtime, and the Silver Vixen and I sat perched at the black granite counter, surveying the layout. The main dining room traces the original prison walkway, the doors dotting either side have been removed, and the cells knocked through to create two expansive side rooms. The effect is intimate, with soft-scuffed walls contrasting against dark ceilings, and sensitive up-lighting softening the industrial lines. Following this observation, the Silver Vixen glares at me, and asks me to clarify that I mean architectural lines rather than those of the facial variety, and sensing a few years in solitary, I quickly agree. We move onto the menu and order. The starters were beautifully presented - my chicken parfait came with the brioche wrapped in its own linen napkin, keeping it snug and warm, whilst the Vixen’s ‘fritto mixto’ was a zinging tempura of squid and prawns, similarly guaranteed to keep out the November chill. Our respective mains of steak frites and smoked haddock fishcakes were both deemed to be excellent - my meat was cooked medium rare, exactly as requested, a particular beef of mine (pardon the pun) after recent timing issues in other establishments, whilst the Vixen’s hollandaise sauce complemented, rather than overwhelmed, her fishcakes. Desserts were initially refused, then relented, and devoured - pear crumble and sticky toffee pudding were both sent down immediately, with no time off for good behaviour. We lingered over our wine, an Australian chardonnay, which we deemed too good to be usurped by coffee. It seemed quite ironic that just over 100 years ago, next door in D-wing, Oxford had been ruthlessly exporting undesirables out to Australia, and now in return, it was lovingly reimporting the products of their labour…..sometimes prison can be a great reformer Bonnemaison ! 3 New Rd, Oxford OX1 1AY Tel: 084469 30659 Web: www.malmaison.com www.inoxford.com
63
The Meal
Duck Chhoyala - £3.75, Chicken Momo - £3.75, Vegetable Momo - £3.75, Chicken Timur - £7.75, Khasi Jhol - £8.75
2014 Approved
Five Good Points ✓ Ginger chai
✓ The Duck Chhoyala
✓ Prem and Kabita welcoming
✓ Ghurkha beer ✓ Relaxed vibe Suggestions
64
Vegetable Momos were a bit heavy Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Restaurant Review:
Yeti Nepalese cuisine
Reviewed by Dan Channer
12th December 2013
What is distinctive about Nepalese food? That was the question on my mind as I entered the door of the Yeti Restaurant half way down the Cowley Road on a cold November night. I knew little about the cuisine of Nepal, a country defined by glorious mountains but also a country struggling to match the innovation and GDP growth of India, its dominant neighbour. As the Bald One and I settled into comfy red seats, calm atmosphere and low lighting, we soon realised there is more to Nepalese food than dahl baht. This staple dish is probably Nepal’s most famous dish, comprising rice, lentils and potatoes, and is the main fuel of the trekking community who attack the trails in Spring and Autumn. The menu was so long that we had to take a time out, conduct a professional tasting of the Ghurkha lager (verdict: delicious) and then we capitulated and ordered everything which the delightful co-owner Kabita suggested. First up were vegetable and chicken momos. The growth of the egalitarian Ping Pong chain is testament to the growing popularity of steamed dumplings and the momos were delicious. If the vegetable version was functional, the chicken momos had just the right amount of spice without being too old-school heavy. We also ordered duck chhoyala, our favourite experience of the evening. This is a bit like ‘pulled pork’ but with duck, reduced balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon and spring onions. Apparently it’s the kind of dish you would serve in Nepal if you wanted to impress your guests and the Bald One and I almost came to blows over the last mouthful. Kabita’s recommendations served us well with the main courses. The Chicken Timur tops the Chef’s Specials list and the blend of mustard and Himalayan black pepper makes it very accessible without being bland. You cannot visit an Asian sub-continent restaurant without a bit of cumin and Khasi Jhol duly delivered with lamb marinated in cumin and coriander. Clean plates all round. To finish we had traditional Nepali ginger tea which was superb. The ginger drowns out the cardamom which often overpowers normal chai and we left wondering if we could concoct a ‘ginger chai’ recipe to take over the world, or maybe that was the Ghurkha talking. The owner Prem and his wife Kabita set the Yeti up two years ago. They have developed a community of regular customers who appreciate the subtle difference from Indian cuisine. Good food, fairly priced and with hosts that care about your welfare – pay the Yeti a visit.
237 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1XG Tel: 01865 295959 Web: www.yetinepalese.co.uk www.inoxford.com
65
Oxfordshire Health & Beauty Monica Franke Osteopathy & Pilates Tel: 07970 119721. E-mail: mfranke.osteo@googlemail.com Web: www.monicafranke.com www.frankeosteopathy.tumblr.com
With clinics in Bletchingdon, Abingdon and central Oxford, Monica Franke offers expertise in general osteopathy, sports osteopathy and Pilates, emphasising high standards of communication, diagnosis and treatment. She is recently joined by two associates, Ben Ousey and Angela Power who also offer particular areas of expertise, including sports injuries, cranial osteopathy and mom’s and babies. Franke Osteopathy practitioners enjoy helping people to understand the origin of their aches and strains, and helping them to more pain-free function.
Bare UK
Boars Hill, Oxford, with private parking. Tel: 07773 764817. Web: www.bareuk.co.uk Have you got unwanted hair, leaving you feeling distressed? Well you don’t need to panic any longer, here at Bare UK we specialise in the revolutionary hair reduction method ‘Intense Pulse Light’, a form of laser treatment, designed to remove unwanted hair, so you can now say goodbye to waxing, and hello to smooth skin. After a few treatments with our high grade IPL system you will begin to notice a difference. So visit us at Bare UK today and get rid of those unwanted hairs. Visit www.bareuk.co.uk for further information, or to find out about other treatments.
Diamond House - Dental Practice 199 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7AR. Tel: 01865 559521. Web: www.diamondhouse.co.uk
It is our aim to provide the highest quality of Dental Care in a relaxed and friendly environment, with the most up to date methods and equipment available. The safety and comfort of our patients is always our primary concern.
TAO Beauty Salon
1st floor, Above The Globe Newsmarket, 99 St Aldates OX1 1BT. Tel: 01865 249347. Web: www.taobeautyoxford.co.uk Established in 1968, Tao offers a wide range of beauty treatments including Dermalogica, St Tropez Airport, Jessica Nail Care, Microdermabrasion, Non Surgical face lifts, and much more. Open: Monday to Saturday.
Spirit Health Club
Woodstock Rd, Oxford OX2 8JD. Tel: 01865 888444. Web: www.spirithealthclubs.co.uk Feel comfortable and at ease here with a great, social atmosphere and friendly staff as committed to your long term goals as you are. Whether it’s fitness, relaxation or wellbeing, we’ll help you find your true Spirit. See more on our website www.spirithealthclubs.co.uk
The Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit
Movement Science Group Oxford Brookes University Gipsy Lane, Headington Oxford, OX3 0BP. Tel: 01865 483839.
The Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation (CLEAR) Unit is a specialist fitness studio designed exclusively for people recovering from illness or who have mobility issues. It is run by experienced clinical exercise scientists at Oxford Brookes University and is a non-profit making unit supported by the University and charitable donations.
YogaVenue
2 Avenue Lane, Oxford, OX4 1YF. Tel: 01865 245 754. Web: www.yogavenue.co.uk We are Oxford’s only purpose built yoga studio offering classes in Hot Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga, situated at the beginning of Cowley Road. YogaVenue was created to provide a dedicated space for students to study and enjoy their Yoga practice. All our classes aim to enhance conscious living and greater fulfilment in life through the practice of Yoga. Qualified and experienced teachers and welcoming staff will support students during their classes and time at YogaVenue.
66
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Oxfordshire Sports Oxford University Rugby Football Club Jackdaw Lane, Iffley Road, Oxford OX4 1SR. Tel: 01865 432000. Web: www.ourfc.org.uk Wed 22nd Jan
Blues v RAF
Wed 29th Jan
Blues v Army
Wed 26th Feb
Blues v Penguins
Wed 19th Feb Fri 14th Mar
Blues v Crawshays
Blues v London Welsh
19:15
(A)
19:15
(A)
19:15
(H)
19:15
(H)
19:15
(A)
All matches take place at the Iffley Road Stadium. For further details please visit our website, www.ourfc.org or email ourfc@sport.ox.ac.uk or call 01865 432000
Oxford United Football Club
The Kassam Stadium, Grenoble Road, Oxford OX4 4XP. Tel: 01865 337533. Web: www.oufc.co.uk Wed 1st Jan
Oxford United v Newport County
Sat 11th Jan
Oxford United v Portsmouth
Sat 4th Jan
Sat 18th Jan
Sat 25th Jan
Tue 28th Jan
Oxford United v Bury
15:00
(A)
15:00
(A) (H)
Oxford United v Wycombe
15:00 15:00
(A)
15:00
(H)
Oxford United v Exeter
19:45
(A)
Oxford United v Torquay
Get Behind The U’s! Save money by booking your tickets before the day of the game.
www.inoxford.com
67
Testimonial
The IPL technology works brilliantly in the hands of a competent professional, and Julie is an absolute perfectionist, both in terms of the astonishing results and in terms of safety. This is one very happy and satisfied customer! - Donna, Oxford
2014 Approved
For more testimonials, please see the website.
Six Good Points
✓ Julie makes you feel very comfortable
✓ Barely any pain
✓ Knowledgeable about process
✓ Very successful treatment, it actually works ✓ Good value for money ✓ Conveniently Located 68
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Health & Beauty Review:
Bare UK
Feel Confident, look Amazing!
Reviewed by Cathryn Clarke
12th December 2013
Bare is the place you want to go to for all your IPL hair removal needs. Julie is extremely professional and always gives you a warm welcome. She makes you feel at ease, prepares you well for the treatment and has excellent attention to detail. She runs through the process with you, answers any questions you have and checks to see how things have been going since the last treatment. I've had the IPL treatment and was shocked by how successful it is. It really is as good as it claims to be. The treatment room is calm and relaxing. Based in the centre of Oxford, it’s located in St Aldates, which is really convenient for parking and enjoying one of the many great cafes Oxford has to offer. Within a few sessions, I was already noticing a real difference. Not only was the regrowth slower, I could already identify a few bald patches. I can now go at least a week without shaving, and it won’t be long before I won’t have to worry about doing it at all. The IPL treatment at Bare offers great value for money as once your series of treatments are over, you’ll probably never have to worry about hair removal again. And there are some great packages available as well as regular special offers that make IPL affordable for everyone. I had waxing done for a number of years now so having IPL was much more comfortable. With waxing, you get the heat from the wax, the pain from having the hair ripped out and then the afterburn of the whole experience. With IPL, the whole procedure is much less painful. When the laser hits the hair, you’ll feel a short sting, but after that, there’s nothing. No afterburn, no stinging for the rest of the day, no throbbing. The whole process is much less painful than waxing and has a much better effect. I can definitely recommend Julie and her work at Bare UK. She provides an outstanding and excellent service. I would return to Bare for different treatments in the future.
99 St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1BT Tel: 01865 930339 Web: www.bareuk.co.uk www.inoxford.com
69
Services
Wet Cut from £12.50, Student Cut from £11, Wash Cut and Finish from £15, Restyle from £16.50, Child’s Trim (Under 12) £9.50, Beard Trim £4.50, Clipper Cut £10, Colour (by appointment only) from £32.00, Longer Hair from £14.
2014 Approved
Five Good Points
✓ The girls are very talented and deliver great results ✓ Always a warm welcome
✓ Conveniently located with parking close by
✓ The team at H.I.M. relax you and ensure you are the focus ✓ If you want to talk and have a bit of banter then join in
Watch Out! 70
Alison and Amie are both expecting so don’t mention babies – you’ll never get out! Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Health & Beauty Review:
H.I.M Hair & Image for Men
Reviewed by Richard Rosser
12th December 2013
Although mine isn’t the most challenging head of hair to style in the county, Alison Laudat and her team have been my personal choice for the past eight years. Is it really eight years? Wow, where does the time go. Alison set H.I.M. up in March 2006 and has established H.I.M. as a popular choice with students and residents of Oxford. Located in St Clements, a short walk from Cowley and the City Centre, H.I.M. is perfect in many ways. Cutting my hair isn’t necessarily a test, but my 16 year old son is now a big fan and his hair is his pride and joy. So for Ed to say that his hair cut is ‘safe’ tells me that Alison, Amie and the team are doing something right. The proof’s in the pudding as I have often popped my head in to see a queue of people (including middle aged businessmen, students and even tourists) waiting to be served and told Alison ‘I’ll be back later’. The team are young and friendly with many years experience in the trade. Alison explains, “We focus on our clients as individuals and deliver a high quality service at a reasonable price. New customers are always welome. “It’s hard to believe that the business has been going for 8 years now and we now have 4 members of staff – myself and 3 other girls. We offer student discount incentives as well as a loyalty card, which offers as much as £3 off their 4th cut. The schemes are running well and the student discounts have been very successful. “Customers like the relaxed atmosphere at H.I.M. Also we listen to them, and give them exactly what they what, not what we think they want. I’d say we pride ourselves on that, we really do listen to them. We’re happy to offer advice too! “I’ve always been eager to work. I’ve now got 16 years of hairdressing experience, so when the opportunity came up to start my own hairdressers I felt I was ready to do it, I’d learnt enough. I’m really happy with the shop’s progress and growth so far. Hopefully in the future, I’ll be able to open another shop, maybe in the next 5 years or so, but it’s just a question of staff and the right location coming up.” If you have more technical enquiries, pop in to talk to Alison and she can also talk you through the colouring services that H.I.M. offer. With a range of styling products from FUDGE©, make H.I.M. your next stop for a great haircut. 66 St Clement's St, Oxford OX4 1AH Tel: 01865 249740 Web: www.himoxford.co.uk www.inoxford.com
71
Salon Opening Hours
Mon 9.00am 5.30pm Tues 9.00am 5.30pm Wed 9.00am 5.30pm Thu 9.00am 7.30pm Fri 9.00am 5.30pm Sat 9.00am 3.00pm
2014 Approved
Treatments include
• Dermalogica Facials • Silhouette Dermalift & Dermafusion Facials • Electrolysis & Epil-Pro • Manicures & Pedicures • Universal Contour Wrap • St.Tropez Airport Tanning • Body Massage and more
About
The TAO Clinic was established in Oxford in 1968. Now renamed the TAO Beauty Salon, it's a privately owned and busy beauty centre in Oxford with a friendly team of qualified beauty therapists. We welcome both women & men at the salon and offer a wide range of beauty treatments, whether you visit us in your lunch hour or indulge in a longer pampering session. 72
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Health & Beauty Review:
TAO Beauty Salon
Reviewed by Yvonne Jehenson
4th December 2013
I visited the TAO Salon yesterday, 4th December 2013. I cannot tell you just how satisfied I am with the salon. Salons come and go, but there was a special ambience about this one, and about its personnel. The Receptionists were welcoming, professional, and eager to help. Cathy, my facial masseuse, was excellent. She respected my need for relaxation and silence after a hectic week, yet softly explained each phase of the treatment she was applying. She was truly a delight. As I said to her then, and I reiterate today, she has a “gentle but firm touch�. She left me to relax while the mask took its course and the soft music lulled me into a much-needed Nirvana of thought-less relaxation. In the interim, she prepared a little packet of samples that I could use to reinforce which products she had used on me during the treatment. I certainly intend to return to the TAO Beauty Salon, and on a Tuesday, if possible, when I can once more have Cathy. Products and Beauty Salons abound. It is the calibre and professionalism of the people who represent each salon that makes the difference. I applaud TAO Salon on having such personnel from the moment the client approaches the Reception Desk to the actual treatment that is received. Testimonials:
"I have been coming to the TAO Beauty Salon for treatments for at least 25 years, and can not recommend them more highly. They are professional, efficient and discreet, and give me confidence that they have great knowledge and expertise in all the treatments they offer." - Rosie Dent
"I have been visiting TAO clinics since I was 18 and at college. I am now 65. The staff are efficient, effective and friendly. I have never felt that they are in a rush even though they have a schedule to cover. I have never been disappointed by any of the treatments I have received and have never felt under pressure to re-book. On the odd occasion that life or work has got in the way and I needed to reschedule it was no big deal, the receptionist just sorted it. The clinic provides a wide range of services and I have yet to sample them all. So if you're looking for beauty treatments, massage, electrolysis etc. try TAO first. I am sure you won't be disappointed." - Michelle Robbins
99 St Aldate's Oxford OX1 1BT Tel: 01865 249347 Web: www.taobeautyoxford.co.uk www.inoxford.com
73
Oxfordshire Services Photography
Willow and Pea Portraits
6 Park Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1SP. Tel: 01993 358725. Web: www.willowandpea.co.uk Willow and Pea Portraits creates lifestyle and wedding imagery based from our charming family orientated studio nestled in the heart of Woodstock, Oxfordshire. With our patience, experience and expertise we ensure that each and every client has a personal story capturing the impromptu moments and natural expressions throughout your shoot.
Care Home
The Lady Nuffield Home
165 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7AW. Tel: 01865 888500. Web: www.ladynuffieldhome.co.uk A small residential care home for the older person, conveniently situated in Summertown. Close to shops, local medical centres and on the main bus route.
Audio & Visual
City Audio Visual
Unit 19, Kingsmeadow, Ferry Hinksey Rd, Oxford OX2 0DP. Tel: 01865 722800. Web: www.cityav.co.uk Oxford’s leading specialists in audio visual hire, sales, installation and live event support. From Projector hire and AV Support to installation of a bespoke audio visual presentation system, we pride ourselves in offering a quality driven professional service with a personal touch.
Male Hairdressing H.I.M
66 St.Clements, Oxford, OX4 1AH. Tel: 01865 249 740. Web: www.himoxford.co.uk H.I.M is all about quality hairdressing in a relaxed and friendly environment. The H.I.M team is young and friendly with many years experince in the trade. We focus on our clients as individuals and deliver a high quality service at a reasonable price. New customers are always welcome in the H.I.M salon which provides a modern setting and a friendly atmosphere.
Framing
Isis Creative Framing
269 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7LL. Tel: 01865 366660. Web: www.struttandparker.com A stylish modern office, located in a prominent location on the Banbury Road to the north of the city. As a multi-disciplined office, we have an outstanding team of property professionals able to deal with matters as diverse as the sale of an Oxford town house to the re-organisation of a rural estate or the planning and development of a new settlement.
Construction Savvy
253 London Road Headington Oxford OX3 9EH. Tel: 01865 920020. Web: www.group-savvy.co.uk A stylish modern office, located in a prominent location on the Banbury Road to the north of the city. As a multi-disciplined office, we have an outstanding team of property professionals able to deal with matters as diverse as the sale of an Oxford town house to the re-organisation of a rural estate or the planning and development of a new settlement.
74
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Excel Dry Cleaners 274 Banbury Road, Oxford. Tel: 01865 511773. Oxford’s specialist Dry Cleaners, experts in cleaning all delicate items including silks to wedding dresses. Full repair and alteration service.
All our work is covered by the NICEIC 6 year insurance backed warranty
01793 526003 07766 238814 info@cs-elec.co.uk www.cs-elec.co.uk
t m e w
Property
Breckon & Breckon
274 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 7DY. Tel: 01865 310300. Web: www.breckon.co.uk An independent firm of Estate Agents est. in 1947 operating from a network of six offices in Oxfordshire offering properties for sale or for rent. We are property professionals with many years of experience in the local market.
Strutt & Parker
269 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7LL. Tel: 01865 366660. Web: www.struttandparker.com A stylish modern office, located in a prominent location on the Banbury Road to the north of the city. As a multi-disciplined office, we have an outstanding team of property professionals able to deal with matters as diverse as the sale of an Oxford town house to the re-organisation of a rural estate or the planning and development of a new settlement.
www.inoxford.com
75
Services
Full time tailoress can help you with repairs and alterations. Corporate customers welcome – Rachel is happy to visit to discuss your requirements. Collection and delivery service – call Rachel to ask for more details and she will be pleased to help. Curtains, uniforms, wedding dresses, gowns, robes, shirts, suits, skirts and trousers – they clean the lot!
2014 Approved
Six Good Points
✓ Team are focused on giving customers a first class service
✓ Based in Summertown, there’s ample parking near the shop ✓ Rachel is a familiar face with a can do attitude
✓ Collection service – great for those who hate ironing
✓ Rachel works for some of the best, and we mean the best!
✓ Rachel loves her Mini and her horses, where does she get the time! 76
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Services Review:
Excel Dry Cleaners First Class Service
Reviewed by Richard Rosser
8th December 2013
We’ve been using Excel for years. Previous owner, John Warburton, was always engaging and courteous, providing a service second to none. And now Rachel Boyes, who took over the business three years ago has taken over from where John left off having joined the business in Summertown seventeen years ago. But Rachel hasn’t stood still. She’s itching to expand and after a great 2013 which saw the new collections business really take off and some great new corporate accounts come on board, Rachel is setting her sights even higher this year. “We bought a van last year and the collections business has gone really well. We have picked up some lovely contracts and I can only see the collections side of the business going from strength to strength. We all lead such busy lives that they don’t have time to do everything, so anything that saves time has to be a bonus and that’s where we step in. It’s a service which my clients have been requesting for some time, and it made sense to launch in 2013, with fantastic effect.” Surprisingly, Rachel doesn’t charge for the collections service…she’s even the van driver! “I get involved in everything and I’m more than happy to do the collections / deliveries. We do have a minimum order level but if I can help a loyal customer who has difficulty making it in to the shop, I’ll make a special trip. Rachel is someone who, from personal experience, clearly cares about the service she provides her clients. She’s a hard worker, artisan like, demanding the best of herself and her dedicated team. “It’s a physically demanding job and it’s not for everyone. My team are wonderful and I simply couldn’t do it without them. We’ve built up an excellent reputation as we have been here so long. There are lots of familiar faces coming in to the shop every day and it’s really nice to see so many loyal customers coming back, time and again.” With clients ranging from students to young professionals, uniforms from local hotels to leading businesses in the county, it’s not difficult to see why so many people put their trust in Excel. “I sometimes wonder where they all come from. We have people bringing in 16 shirts at a time, curtains, suits, wedding dresses, you name it we clean it!” Expansion? Rachel would love to. “Watch this space!” she says as we conclude our chat…. and if anyone can make a success of it, this hardworking young lady deserves it as much as anyone else. 274 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 7DY Tel: 01865 511773 Web: www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk www.inoxford.com
Excel Dry Cleaners 77
Testimonials
‘You are a superb worker and you have been a great help over the years’
‘What a great team – the buzz reminds me of a trading room floor’
2014 Approved
‘Good work! All too often we’re quick to criticise but not to praise’ ‘
Always went the extra mile and good communication’ ‘Very knowledgeable, confident and sold in three weeks – brilliant!’ Oxford (High Street) - 01865 244735 - Sales Oxford (Beaumont Street) - 01865 201111 - Letting Summertown - 01865 310300 - Sales Headington - 01865 750200 - Sales / 01865763999 - Letting Woodstock - 01993 811881 - Sales / 01993 810100 - Letting Witney - 01993 776775 - Sales / 01993 899972 - Letting Oxford Apartments - 01865 558999 - Sales 78
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Services Article:
Breckon & Breckon
Reviewed by Richard Rosser
12th December 2013
Breckon & Breckon are one of the county’s leading independent Estate and Lettings Agents. With public facing offices in Central Oxford (Beaumont Street and the High Street), Woodstock, Summertown, Headington and Witney, having recently celebrated their 65th anniversary, Breckon & Breckon are also one of the most established. Director Greg Barnes welcomed me to the Headington office to tell me more about the business. As reviews go, I suppose I should have bought or rented a house, but, I hope Living In Oxford readers will forgive me on this occasion! The economic downturn saw certain sectors pull down the blinds and head for cover, particularly in the property sector. But it marked the start of a rapid phase of expansion for Breckon & Breckon, culminating in the opening of the Headington office in 2011, explains Greg. “We’ve drawn strength from a difficult position. We could have easily said, ‘right, that’s it, we’ll shelter until the economy picks up’ but I honestly think that we’d have slipped back considerably. The forecast for the economy in 2011 didn’t exactly fill you with confidence, but we’re in great shape and now seeing the benefits of our expansion which we hope to continue in 2014 with a new area targeted for our seventh office. “We know we have a trusted brand, an excellent reputation and a track record which speaks for itself. But it’s today that counts and the challenges are consistently being met by our fantastic staff. We currently have a team of just over 40 professional and hard-working individuals with an impressive combined experience of over 400 years! We are seen as a good company to work for, a fact that is echoed by the number of applications we receive every year from agents currently working for our competitors. Trust in the brand from their customers and trust in staff have certainly been key factors in reinforcing Breckon & Breckon’s already strong position. It would be easy in a firm like Breckon & Breckon for the key directors to sit back and not get involved in the day to day minutiae of running the firm. But that’s not the case as Greg illustrates. “We’re all very hands on. We’ve all been doing business for a long time in Oxfordshire and have developed our own networks which are great for recommendations and referrals. “We continually have to review how we keep ahead of the game. From a marketing perspective we are the only firm in Oxfordshire to have employed our own professional photographer (Can Sengunes). And we’re very active in the local community, supporting school fetes and other events like the Bury Knowle Park Film Festival and even supporting great charities like CLIC Sargent and Macmillan by cycling from Edinburgh to Blenheim Palace which I did last year.” So if you’re moving or need to rent, make sure you get in touch with Breckon & Breckon, Oxfordshire’s leading independent agents.
Web: www.breckon.co.uk www.inoxford.com
79
Services
W&P create natural, inspirational portraits, in the studio or at your favourite location. Each image in your collection is carefully edited and enhanced. Choose from beautiful storybooks, frames, digital products or contemporary canvasses. Weddings by Alexandrea – ensure someone special captures your big day
2014 Approved
Six Good Points
✓ Alexandrea is a mum herself so knows how to get the best out of kids ✓ The studio is charming and in a beautiful location ✓ Unbelievably great shots (300 in our case)
✓ Alexandrea is 100% relaxed – take the dog, take the teenagers! ✓ Great ideas – Alexandrea knows what to do to make you smile
✓ Fun! You go to the dentist twice a year so why not Willow & Pea? 80
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Services Review:
Willow and Pea Photography
Reviewed by Richard Rosser
8th December 2013
Here’s a challenge. Take one 16 year old boy who’d much rather be anywhere but a photography studio, one studio, one other person, two parents and a camera. Oh, and I mustn’t forget one 13 year old sister with whom the 16 year old boy has a love hate relationship. Now, first off you have to get the 16 year old boy to run around and then throw his arms around one of his parents whilst the photographer takes pics. You then have to get him to lie down whilst his sister lies alongside, making sure that the 16 year old boy is smiling throughout as if he is enjoying himself AND has his arm around his sister. Now if you’d given anyone else that task I’d have said their chances of success were about as likely as winning that elusive Euromillions jackpot (one day Rodney, one day). But Willow & Pea’s owner, Alexandrea TaylorWatts, I have every confidence, could take a picture of a wild lion tickling a mouse. The ‘why are we here?’ moans soon gave way to 16 year old boy posing for pics on his own whilst the younger sister was soon in on the act, the self confessed leader of the ‘selfie’ movement never shy to lend her blossoming visage to the nearest I-Phone, Blackberry or Canon. I can’t endorse a better way for a family to have an hour of bonding fun. Alexandrea knew which buttons to push, engaging in ‘getting to know you’ conversation with each of the kids to put them at easy and ensure she got the look to make the pictures fab. By being relaxed about everything and anything, Alexandrea is the real star of the show. Before the shoot we met for a quick pep talk in Alexandrea’s study / office area next door to the studio at her beautiful premises in Woodstock (just next door to The Oxfordshire Museum, a stone’s throw from the gates of Blenheim Palace). Examples of Willow & Pea’s incredible work filled the walls, resting in canvas form on the floor and in wonderful small photo brochures that Alexandrea had put together for previous clients. With the dog in on the act, it was one of the most enjoyable hours we have had as a family and returning to view the fruits of the shoot a few days later underlined just how unforgettable an experience it was. Make sure you round up the family, by hook or by crook, and experience Willow & Pea.
6 Park Street, Woodstock, OX20 1SP Tel: 01993 358725 Web: www.willowandpeaportraits.co.uk www.inoxford.com
81
Testimonials
Mid Counties Co-Operative "We recommend Savvy Services without Reservation"
Oxford Castle "Savvy have Consideration for our Customers, are smartly dressed and highly trained Operatives"
2014 Approved
Malmaison Hotels "We trust and rely on Savvy and have no hesitation when recommending their services"
Mole & Chicken "The Overall planning and thought process was the making of the project"
The Mole Inn "Savvy have been diligent, Commercial and above all honest."
82
Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford
Services Article:
Savvy
Maintenance & Renovations
Reviewed by Matt Wright
8th December 2013
'Honest' & 'professional' are probably the two most over-used words in the building trade, as anybody who's ever personally engaged a 'Delboy' builder will probably testify to their peril. However, when you're dealing with listed buildings, and large multi-million pound projects, these two qualities are an absolute pre-requisite, along with others such as 'technical excellence', 'collaboration', and 'attention to detail'. So it was that I sat down with Steve Dunn, General Manager at Savvy's, based up in Headington, to reflect upon the year gone by, and to chat about the year ahead. "We're aiming to double our turnover in 2014 to over ÂŁ4m...." [Sheesh, and I'd thought this was just a family-run business !],"....and we have some really exciting new projects - for example, converting a listed chapel at Studley Priory into a library - as well as our on-going construction and maintenance work." Presumably though, this puts you far beyond the reaches of ordinary householders ? "It's true we don't get involved in small building works, largely because we're VAT-registered though, and can be undercut on that basis. However, for any renovation works involving listed buildings, we are ideal, since we have a wealth of experience and extensive contacts that come from dealing with that particular, exacting market." So how is Savvy's organised ? "We have two complementary divisions Maintenance, run by Dave Dunn, an electrical engineer by trade, and Construction, run by John Pert, a Chartered Surveyor - which makes sense when you think about it." So how does Savvy's operate on a day-to-day basis ? "Every job has a project manager, who is accountable - that means, there is a single point of contact, and any issues get sorted out right away. This is especially important for listed building work, which involves a lot of bureaucracy, and hence a great deal of patience !" With all this in mind, is listed building work worth the hassle ? "When we were engaged by Jesus College, we had to bid against larger building firms, and be interviewed for the project, so appointments such as these, are a real indication of our quality. We were chosen because of our experience in dealing with The Heritage Building Trust, our in-house expertise, and the fact that we stick mainly to the Oxfordshire area, which enables us to manage each job personally." I glanced at my watch - my time was up now, and Steve had already told me he was finishing off renovations on his house that very day, and so had 'a few things' to do. I'd have been frantic myself, but he wasn't stressed at all - I guess that's one big advantage of owning a specialist construction & renovation company ! 253 London Road Headington Oxford OX3 9EH Tel: 01865 920020 Web: www.group-savvy.co.uk www.inoxford.com
83
@RSOpticians
Expert Eyecare, Latest Eyewear
50
ÂŁ
OFF
designer frames with Nikon Lenses
01235 520849
www.robertstanley.co.uk
Pop in to one of our stores to see our collection 84
Headington / Abingdon / Thame / Wallingford / Wantage health centre Visit the no.1 site for What’s On in Oxford