Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards Programme

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We are proud to be associated with The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2011

www.stonestheprinters.co.uk Since 1826

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F i n a n c i a l

Contents

Contents A Welcome

10 Macmillan Raffle

21 Nominees Pub or Bar

5 from Alain Desenclos

12 About our Sponsors

22 Nominees Rest of Europe

7 from Miele

14 Contributors to the Awards

23 Nominees Express

8 from Visit Oxfordshire

16 Guest Presenters

25 Behind the Scenes

8 from Oxford Castle

18 Nominees British

28 The Awards Trophies

9 from In Oxford Magazine

19 Nominees Rest of the World

29 The Actors

9 from Malmaison

20 Nominees Asian

30 About The In Oxford Group

Timetable 6pm: 7pm: 7.30pm: 8.40pm: 9pm:

Drinks and canapés in the A Wing Call for dinner!

Welcome by host followed by dinner Brief address followed by break Awards commence

10pm: 10.15pm: 10.30pm: 11pm:

Speech from Awards Sponsor, Miele Lights down for Illuminate Conclusion of Awards Evening ends

A Special ‘Thank You’ Without the support of the following, tonight wouldn’t have been possible: Awards Sponsor Zoe Naylor of Miele, Dominic Worsley of Miele.

All at Miele who have helped towards tonight.

Sponsors Edward Saad at FN Foods; Alison Butler of The Brakspear Brewing Company at Wychwood Brewery; Mike Graham & Jo Evans at Bean Bags; Pranay Parmar and Gemma Drewett of JACK fm; Kieran Lynch of Oxford Event Hire; Martin Matthews and Steve Boodell of Blueprint Imaging; Chris Clinkard, Abi and Sam of Beautiful Chair Covers; Lisa Goode and Steve Palmer of Stones; Visit Oxfordshire.

Committee & Reviewers Committee Chairman Alain Desenclos.

Committee Members: Susi Golding, David Gambier, Donald Sloan, Mark Taylor, Daren Bowyer, Jacquie Bugeja, Julie Archer, Mark Ritchie.

Photography by: Jessica Howell and Studio 8 www.studio-8.co.uk Printed by Stones www.stonestheprinters.co.uk

All Restaurant Reviewers Oxford Castle: Trevor Osborne, Jean-Pierre Morilleau, Sarah Mayhew and Sophie Egleton.

Malmaison: Mark McSorley, Russel Heeley, John Ryan, Suzy Bramfitt, Suzanne Porter and all the staff at Malmaison.

In Oxford Group staff: Rob Scotcher, Keith Simpson, Colin, Sue and Debbie Rosser, Zoe Kemp, Emma-Louise Pritchard, Anne Kamphausen, Holly Lyford, Lorna Dodson, Hannah Howell, Paige Walford.

Guest Presenters: Jeremy Mogford, Jo Thoenes, Martin Keown, Trevor Osborne, Robert Cook, Sir John Madejski, Felicity Lusk, Sally Dicketts, Raymond Blanc.

All Restaurants: All restaurants who entered the Awards and those that thoughts about entering – maybe next year?!

All material for the Restaurant Awards was created by Keith Simpson and Rob Scotcher of Blink Designs, part of The In Oxford Group.

To contact the organisers of the Awards regarding plans for 2012 please call 01865 74 22 11 or visit www.inoxford.com or email richard@inoxford.com

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Suppliers: James Selkirk-Hay of CAV; Ben Wild of New Folium Marquees; Chris Hyde and Ian Smith of Rycotewood Furniture Centre at OCVC; Kenny Moore of PresstoPrint; Tom Jacobs of The Oxford Entertainers & Illuminate; Theo Sloot of The Oxford Wine Company ; Steve Hartley of SAE; Orchestra of St Johns; Kevin Toms of Guylian.

Photographers: Brooke Wiseman, Clark Wiseman, Adam Flynn and Barbara Benkova of Studio 8. Also Jess Howell.

And also to the following: Pembroke College; Andrew Creese; Reya El-Salahi; Sarah Airey; Steve Hay and his friends from The Oxford Actors Network; Julian and Stella of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Not forgetting everyone who has purchased a ticket or tickets and/or donated a raffle prize.

And finally, a huge thank you to Tina Rosser of TERA Events for all of your incredible help and support.

BLINK D E S I G N

&

P R I N T

Like what you see?

Studio 8 and independent photographer, Jess Howell, visited the majority of our nominees and restaurants who entered the Awards to capture a moment which reflected the establishment. Selected pictures are available to purchase at www.studio-8.com, but if you can’t find what you want, please call Studio 8 on 01865 842525 and Clark, Brooke or Adam will be pleased to help you, or email jesshowell@hotmail.co.uk.

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A Welcome from the Committee Chairman It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural In Oxford & Oxfordshire Magazine Restaurant Awards. I am personally very excited about the Awards. We are in very capable hands and I have no doubt that tonight’s event will be very special indeed.

I have a great committee, from a wide range of backgrounds, and also some great reviewers who have helped me review the restaurants for the past few months.

All I can ask you all to do tonight is to support every winner, every nominee and everyone who has entered the Awards. From tomorrow, we start to work towards 2012 and I hope I can count on your support to help promote what we hope will become a permanent fixture in Oxfordshire’s social calendar.

Good luck to everyone tonight.

Alain Desenclos, Committee Chairman How the Awards work Every restaurant, pub, café and fast food outlet in Oxfordshire was invited to enter the Awards back in January. Each establishment that entered was visited by an independent reviewer who did not reveal their identity until asking for the bill.

T H E I N OX F O R D M AG A Z I N E

RESTAURANT

AWARDS

Each reviewer submitted their review to the committee who then decided on the nominated restaurants in each category and, shortly after, their winner, second and third.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH VISIT OXFORDSHIRE

The Public Vote Award has been, as the name implies, open to the general public, not restricted to Oxfordshire. Promoted via www.inoxford.com which welcomes over 1,000 unique visitors A DAY, votes have been coming from all four corners of Great Britain and all over the world. In total, almost 10,000 votes have been cast. The winner is simply the establishment with the most votes, with duplicate votes taken out.

The winner of The Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year has been decided on by the committee taking into account a number of key factors and will not necessarily be a category winner. It could be a restaurant which has performed well in the review and secured a healthy number of public votes.

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German quality, style and expertise.

Oxfordshire address.

If you’re looking to buy a domestic appliance or planning a new kitchen, visit the Miele Experience Centre in Abingdon.

Try out our entire range and experience the quality and style that epitomises Miele.

And as well as great product advice we also run cookery demonstrations and courses to help you get the most out of your Miele or learn new culinary skills.

For more information or to book an appointment please call 0845 365 6610 or visit www.miele.co.uk/showrooms Experience Centre Abingdon, Fairacres, Marcham Road, Abingdon OX14 1TW

Win a Miele Steam Oven www.miele.co.uk/draw

FOREVER BETTER

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A Welcome from the Event Sponsor When we were approached by The In Oxford Group to sponsor the Awards, we felt this gave us the perfect opportunity to profile Miele alongside Oxfordshire’s excellent restaurants. We also felt it would enable us to reinforce that, whilst we are an international company, our local community is vital to us, and the Awards would provide us with the ideal platform to cement our bond with Oxfordshire.

Miele was founded in 1899 by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann and has always been a family-owned, family-run company, now in its fourth generation. Since the beginning, the Miele motto has been ‘Immer Besser’ or ‘Forever Better’ and this philosophy is still reflected in the legendary quality, longevity and perfect results achieved when using our products.

With this philosophy in mind, the Restaurant Awards provide an excellent fit for us as we are equally passionate about best-in-class food experiences. Miele’s cooking appliances make it easier to create the finest foods from the best ingredients, and provide the ultimate cooking experience in your kitchen at home. We encourage people to come and learn more about Miele and test all of our products before they make a purchase, and in the UK our purpose built Experience Centre is located here in Oxfordshire, in Abingdon.

We look forward to seeing these Awards grow and hopefully stimulate healthy competition between Oxfordshire’s restaurants and that is why we have made a commitment to support the Awards for two years. We wish all those who have entered the very best of luck this year, next year and in the future for what we know will become a regular fixture in Oxfordshire’s social calendar.

Please continue to support the Awards and Oxfordshire’s restaurants.

With the very best to all nominated restaurants.

Dominic Worsley, Marketing Director, Miele

IMMER

BESSER 7

A Welcome from Visit Oxfordshire Visit Oxfordshire is pleased to be working in association with In Oxford Magazine for the 2011 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards, which give profile to the range and quality of restaurants across the county.

As a visitor, one of the abiding souvenirs of a break away is often the memory of a fantastic meal in a great location, whether that’s a quick lunch, a meal in a pub with friends and family or a romantic dinner in a candlelit restaurant, all of which can be found in Oxfordshire.

At Visit Oxfordshire we look forward to many more years of the Restaurant Awards raising awareness of the great restaurants we have in Oxfordshire.

Susi Golding, Director, Visit Oxfordshire

A Welcome from Oxford Castle This is a special night for Oxford Castle. Having recently celebrated our 5th Birthday, nights like tonight are perfect for Oxford Castle to showcase itself as a maturing and multi-faceted venue for all.

Whether it’s a quiet meal or an open air film, our Royal Geographic exhibition or one of our incredibly successful events which are growing year on year, Oxford Castle is rapidly earning itself a reputation for fun, interest and excitement.

We hope you enjoy your evening tonight and make sure you come back – there’s always something to look forward to!

Jean-Pierre Morilleau General Manager, Oxford Castle 8

A Welcome from In Oxford Magazine When so much hard work has gone into a night like tonight, it’s hard to single out individuals for special praise. We have tried to cover everyone on page 3 - sincere apologies for any oversights.

The Awards were first discussed during a conversation between my father, Colin, and I on our way to watch my son Edward play rugby in Malvern last October. Ed lost the game, but the Awards were born - thanks to Dad for keeping us on track ever since.

My biggest ‘thankyou’ goes to my wife, Tina, who’s diligence and sheer hard work have been the single biggest reason why we are all, fingers crossed, having a fabulous evening. Thankyou Tina.

Have a memorable night and if you think we can do better, please let us know how. We are always keen to improve.

Richard Rosser, Managing Director, The In Oxford Group

A Welcome from the Host Talk about a baptism of fire! When I joined the team here back in May, little did I know that in the handover ‘item 7’ would be so huge! However, this is why we enjoy what we do, after all, what’s the difference between a table for two and a table for three hundred!

Head Chef, Russell Heeley, and his team are up for the challenge.

We’ve planned for every aspect of tonight and we are looking forward to a night to remember. A special thanks to the team behind tonight’s event, without them this would not have been possible - John Ryan, Suzanne Port, Suzie Bramfitt and, of course, Chef Russell.

Finally I wish you all a memorable evening, if you need anything, just ask!

Mark McSorley, General Manager, Malmaison, Oxford 9

Raffle

Tonight’s Raffle Macmillan Cancer Support are going to be selling tickets for tonight’s raffle – see prizes below.

Macmillan representatives will be around all evening to assist with your ticket purchase. The winning ticket numbers will be listed and circulated prior to the Awards being presented this evening.

About Macmillan One in three of us will get cancer. It’s the toughest fight most of us will ever face. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you need a team of people in your corner supporting you every step of the way. That’s who we are.

We are the nurses and therapists helping you through treatment. The experts at the other end of the phone.

The advisers telling you which benefits you’re entitled to. The volunteers giving you a hand with the everyday things. The campaigners improving cancer care. The community supporting you online, any time. The fundraisers who make it all possible.

When the time is right, you can do something to help. We can all be part of the team. We are Macmillan Cancer Support.

The organisers would like to extend their thanks to everyone who generously donated a prize to this evening’s raffle.

Oxford Castle Food & Wine Festival Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September Celebrity Chef Raymond Blanc and Wine Connoisseur Susy Atkins will open Oxford Castle Food & Wine Festival 2011.

Food, wine and fun are the key ingredients to this fabulous, free, family festival!

Live cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, childrens cooking activities, a large Food and Wine market, farmyard animal petting, plus lots of treats, tasters, and total indulgence!

FREE entry

www.oxfordcastle.com

twitter.com/theoxfordcastle

facebook.com/OxfordCastle

EAT - DRINK - ENJOY WWW.OXFORDCASTLE.COM - OXFORD CASTLE, NEW ROAD, OXFORD, OX1 1AY

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Sponsors

Miele - AWARDS SPONSOR Miele GB was established in 1963 when Karl Heinz Wedekind was entrusted by Rudolf Miele to set up a sales and marketing subsidiary in Great Britain. Originally operating with a small staff from offices in Great Portland Street, the company moved to larger premises in Acton in 1972 and, in 1981, to its current purpose-built offices in Abingdon.

IMMER

BESSER

FN Foods - sponsor Rest of Europe category The FN Foods 3P’s: P- People P- Passion P- Products FN Foods is a family run business which started with one van, one man and a lot of enthusiasm three years ago with a family background covering 35 years in the catering industry. In January 2011, FN moved into a brand new warehouse with over 1000 sq ft, state-of-the-art systems and the latest specification fridges. Many of FN Foods’ suppliers are local farmers in Oxfordshire.

Brakspear - sponsor Pub or Bar category Following the closure of the Brakspear Brewery in Henley on Thames in 2002, Wychwood was committed to bringing the brewing of Brakspear back to Oxfordshire. After a £1 Million redevelopment of the Wychwood Brewery site, the Brewery now incorporates a separate brewhouse and fermenting room. Much of the original Brakspear equipment from Henley was used, including the famous ‘Double Drop’ fermenting system used to brew Brakspear beers since 1774.

Blueprint - sponsor Rest of the World category Blueprint Imaging offers a comprehensive range of exhibition graphics, display services and photographic printing. Our full in-house facilities enable us to offer anything from desktop displays, to fully installed exhibitions.

Based in Witney, our reliable and competitive service makes us first choice for all your exhibition, display and signage requirements.

JACK fm - sponsor of the Public Vote 106JACKfm and glide fm1079 are Oxfordshire’s only 100% local radio stations, broadcasting 24 hours a day from our Woodstock Rd studios.

JACKfm targets adults over 35 whilst glide fm targets females under 30.

In less than 4 years the stations have become the UK’s most awarded local radio stations, receiving over 25 industry national and international accolades.

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Sponsors

Bean Bags - sponsor of British category At Bean Bags we have a unique relationship with our coffee roasters, enabling us to supply ethically-sourced, sustainably-produced, bespoke coffees to suit our customers’ individual needs. We also supply and service coffee machines. Locally-based, our customers across the region benefit from our excellent product knowledge and high standards of customer service. Going the extra mile to ensure high customer satisfaction is all part of the Bean Bags service.

Oxford Event Hire - Equipment sponsor Oxford Event Hire was established in 2000 to provide catering equipment for a wealth of events. With a vast quantity of stock, we provide everything required for any function, including; tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, fridges, freezers, BBQs and hog roasters – even chocolate fountains, popcorn and candy floss machines! Oxford Event Hire have developed a first class reputation for its products, service and reliability, and pride themselves on customer service.

Beautiful Chair Covers - sponsor Express Beautiful Chair Cover Hire was an idea that has been 6 years in the making. Whilst owning a small linen hire business, founder Chris Clinkard noticed how many brides were spending lots of time and money on decorating their chosen wedding venue.

With this years high profile Royal Weddings, the team at Beautiful Chair Covers have noticed a big upsurge in the demand for their services.

Stones - Programme sponsor Established 1826 in Banbury Oxfordshire, Stones the Printers have a long and distinguished history in the printing industry and remain firmly in front today operating an extensive and sophisticated sheet-fed plant servicing many market sectors 24 hours a day 7 days a week. With our unique blend of client service experience, leading edge technology and award winning quality, we offer an exciting approach from a trusted team. www.stonestheprinters.co.uk

B4 - sponsor Asian category B4 Magazine was launched five years ago to give Oxfordshire’s businesses the opportunity to showcase themselves to a wide audience of business decision makers. With a 140 page magazine, 350 website members and quarterly events at prestigious locations attracting in excess of 200 local businesses, B4 is the business network that everyone is talking about.

B4 is Oxfordshire’s business platform, on line, in print and face to face.

To find out more, visit www.b4-business.com.

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Contributors

Studio 8 Studio 8, an exciting creative hub in the heart of Oxfordshire. This well known and respected photographic business of 8 years boasts an enviable track record and repeat client base to match.

Renowned for photography, Studio 8 continues to reinvent itself in line with client needs, now offering a full mix of creative services including photography, hd video, design and print management.

City Audio Visual City Audio Visual is a professional and specialist provider of audio visual equipment. We provide for all live events, conference and presentation needs, and we also specialise in the installation of Board Rooms, Training Rooms and Lecture Theatres.

New Folium New Folium Marquees produce beautiful covered spaces for any event throughout Oxfordshire and the home counties.

Marquees allow the flexibility to create the interior you want within the surroundings you choose. By listening to our clients and working closely with them, we are able to realise their ideas whilst making the most of their budget.

Guylian The romantic history of Guylian, the world’s favourite Belgian chocolates, began in the late 1950’s with the marriage of Guy and Liliane. The couple combined their names to form Guy-lian and developed Guylian’s signature hazelnut praline recipe. Ever since, Guylian’s iconic seashells have been loved throughout the world.

Based in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, today Guylian is sold in over 100 countries. See www.guylian.co.uk.

The Oxford Wine Company Named Best Independent Retailer and Wholesaler in the UK 2011 by Harpers Magazine, The Oxford Wine Company is a well known multi award winning independent wine merchant. We focus on quality and value for money and have an extensive list of more than 1500 products and a large number of highly trained staff, 5 of whom hold the WSET Diploma, the industry’s top qualification excepting the extremely rare Master of Wine, which one of our sales team is sitting at the moment.

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Guest Presenters

An Introduction To Our Guest Presenters this evening We would like to thank our Guest Presenters this evening for supporting this year’s inaugural Awards ceremony. Spanning a wide range of backgrounds, please see more details about each of them below.

Jeremy Mogford Jeremy Mogford has been part of the fabric of Oxford since 1976. He is founder of Browns Restaurants and Maison Blanc, and currently owns the Old Parsonage Hotel, the Old Bank Hotel, Quod Brasserie and Gee's Restaurant. He plays an active role with local affairs as Chairman of the High Street Association and ROX (promoting Oxford Business) and campaigns for a reduction in the number of buses in the historic part of our city.

Jo Thoenes Jo has been broadcasting, loving and living Oxfordshire life for the past decade, and is thrilled to be associated with In Oxford Magazine’s inaugural awards.

For the past three years as BBC Radio Oxford’s afternoon presenter, she has discovered all manner of extraordinary stories, and this year has introduced a hugely popular food and drink theme to proceedings each Friday. ‘The county is bursting with incredible culinary talents and producers. It seemed only natural to reflect the passion Oxfordshire has for good food – whether that is cooking at home or eating out at the abundance of pubs and restaurants on offer.’

Raymond Blanc OBE Born in Besançon, France, in 1949, Raymond Blanc is acknowledged as one of the finest chefs in the world, despite never having been formally trained.

He opened his first UK restaurant at the age of 28, ‘Les Quat’Saisons’ in Oxford, and within just one year the restaurant had reached Michelin Star status.

In 1984 he fulfilled a personal vision, creating the hotel and restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons which is now synonymous with all that is finest in dining and hospitality. Le Manoir is the only hotel restaurant to have achieved and maintained two Michelin Status for 27 years.

Robert B. Cook Robert is a graduate of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and in 2007 received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to the hotel industry. Prior to rejoining Malmaison as Chief Executive Officer, eight years ago Robert spent three years in Monte Carlo as Managing Director of Columbus and Dakota Hotel Group. Robert enjoys outdoor pursuits, particularly golf, and is a keen runner and walker where he raises funds for the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation supporting Maggies Care Centres.

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Guest Presenters Sir John Madejski Sir John is Chairman and Director of 18 companies worldwide. His most highprofile position is as Chairman of Reading Football Club. He is Chairman of BGP Group, one of the largest web offset printing companies in Europe. Sir John is also Chairman of the Clearview Traffic Group; owns the Royal Palm Hotel in the Galapagos Islands, and is Chairman of Sackville Properties Ltd. A well-known philanthropist, in 2009 Sir John was knighted for charitable services, the highest accolade in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours. He is a significant benefactor to the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

Felicity Lusk Felicity Lusk is the first woman Head of Abingdon School in its 755 year history and the first to lead a boys' day/boarding public school in the UK. She has wide interests in the community and serves on a number of boards. A Kiwi living abroad, she much enjoys travel and eating the local cuisine and recently returned from cycling in Cambodia and Vietnam where she ate fried scorpion.

Felicity commented about the Awards. “These awards are a positive opportunity for restauranteurs and a source of inspiration. Raising the profile of Oxfordshire's restaurants can only improve the area's international reputation.”

Martin Keown In an illustrious footballing career, Martin Keown played 801 First Class matches – including 43 for England - and won the double (FA Cup and Premiership) twice with Arsenal in 1998 and 2002. He was also an influential member of the unbeaten Arsenal team in 2004. On his retirement in 2005, Martin spent a year in a mentoring role - training and working with Arsenal first team players. In 2008 he successfully completed his A Licence coaching course, the culmination of three years’ commitment. Martin started working in the media in 2007 and is now a much sought-after football analyst on television and radio.

Sally Dicketts Sally held senior posts in secondary schools in Wales and London, before moving into a management post at Hackney College. In 1988 she joined the senior management team at Milton Keynes College and in October 2003 she became the first Principal of Oxford & Cherwell Valley College. She is involved in work with Academy schools and UTCs. Sally is a member of the City & Guilds Learning and Assessment Policy Committee. Sally is a Board Member of AiME and AoC, Chairs the Women’s Leadership Network, and is a member of the Oxfordshire Management Club.

Trevor Osborne Trevor Osborne began his development activities at the age of 21 years after leaving Local Government in 1965. Initially small scale residential and commercial developments led to the formation of Speyhawk in 1973. Trevor’s development activity is now conducted through The Trevor Osborne Property Group Limited, itself formed in 1973, and embraces mixed-use, commercial, leisure and residential projects, often in historic buildings, as well as property investment.

Trevor served as a Commissioner of the Royal Fine Art Commission as well as being Chairman of the Urban Villages Forum.

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Nominees Sponsors

British Nominees Congratluations to the following restaurants who have been nominated in the British category.

Brookes Restaurant, part of the Oxford Brookes University, has won awards for its modern, spacious design. They offer 2 or 3 course menus at affordable prices. Customer comment: ‘Brookes Restaurant is of the Highest Quality in everything they do.’

Web: http://restaurant.business.brookes.ac.uk/

Malmaison is located in the Oxford Castle, converted from the old prison to this high quality boutique hotel, proud of their locally sourced British classics. Customer comment: ‘Fantastic food great service - an all round wonderful experience.’

Web: www.malmaison.com

The Feathered Nest in the picturesque village of Nether Westcote is a country pub, restaurant and inn offering modern British cooking and locally sourced ingredients including homegrown herbs and veg.

Customer comment: ‘Wonderful ambience, delicious food, helpful, friendly staff. Good wines, beautiful view over the valley - a perfect choice.’ Web: www.thefeatherednestinn.co.uk

The Leatherne Bottel in Goring-on-Thames offers a tranquil riverside setting, fabulous food and an impressive wine list. The warm log fire or summer terrace make it perfect all year round. Customer comment: ‘Our first visit was delightful and we’ve been back regularly ever since.’

The Leatherne Bottel

Web: www.leathernebottel.co.uk

The Bell at Hampton Poyle is a very popular pub, restaurant and boutique hotel. They have an ‘open kitchen’, exciting for visitors which helps to create a memorable experience. Customer comment: ‘Food not only excellent but never disappointing, in lovely surroundings with charming and flexible staff who never hurry diners. Top marks.’

Web: www.thebellathamptonpoyle.co.uk 18

The Bell at Hampton Poyle

Nominees

Rest of the World Nominees Congratluations to the following restaurants who have been nominated in the Rest of World category.

Brasserie Blanc on Walton Street is a place to relax with simple, high quality French food. It aims to be a part of the community where regulars have fun with particularly good food.

Customer comment: ‘One of Oxford’s best restaurants by far.’

Web: www.brasserieblanc.com

Gee’s, located on Banbury Road, is an impressive design which creates a comfortable, contemporary restaurant. Gee’s is renowned for their fresh, original seafood and meat dishes. Customer comment: ‘Gee’s always feel like a special occasion’ Web: www.gees-restaurant.co.uk

Al Salam, on Park End Street, appeals to all with their interesting and fun Lebanese menu which, once experienced, you are sure to return.

Customer comment: ‘I would recommend this restaurant to friends and family alike.’

Web: www.alsalamoxford.co.uk

The Red Lion on Gloucester Street has recently been refurbished to create a premium dining experience. They take pride in their top quality British menu in their new and stylish venue. Customer comment: ‘I was delighted to see a full and varied lunch and dinner menu lovingly described by the bar staff.’

Web: www.redlionoxford.co.uk

Cibo!, based in the heart of Summertown, Oxford, is an Italian and Pizzeria, proud of their own live yeast for their pizza and original pasta recipe. Customer comment: ‘Yummy food, yummy managers, especially Antony.’

Web: www.ilovecibo.co.uk 19

cibo!

Nominees

Asian Nominees Congratluations to the following restaurants who have been nominated in the Asian category.

Cockadoo invites you to enjoy sophisticated fine dining in a luxurious yet relaxed environment, with a wide range of dishes perfect for intimate couples or large parties. Customer comment: ‘The food was amazing, the staff were very attentive, polite and helpful when asking about food tolerances. Good variety of food.’

Web: www.cockadoo.co.uk

Majliss Indian restaurant, on Cowley Road, is a must try, superior quality restaurant. It is known for a ‘spectacular menu’, offering the finest, colourful cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Customer comment: ‘Beautiful food and excellent service. Worth every penny. Keep it up Majliss.’

Web: www.majliss.co.uk

My Sichuan on Gloucester Green aims to provide the finest Chinese Sichuan food by top class chefs from prestigious restaurants and the best hospitality in Oxford. Customer comment: ‘This place is GREAT! It is all about the flavours from Sichuan.’

My Sichuan 正宗川菜馆

Web: www.mysichuan.co.uk

Spice Lounge on Banbury Road is a contemporary Indian restaurant take away. The emphasis is on organic and creative dishes and ethnic Indian recipes. Customer comment: ‘Spice Lounge always makes you feel like you are an old friend when you visit even if it is the first time!

Also the food is second to none!’

Web: www.spiceloungeoxford.co.uk

Jaan, in Woodstock, is immensely popular with the locals and has earned an excellent reputation. With first class food, it is a ‘feel-good’ experience. Customer comment: ‘Fantastic food and fantastic service’

Spice Lounge Contemporary Indian Cuisine

Jaan

INDIAN Restaurant

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Nominees

Pub or Bar Nominees Congratluations to the following restaurants who have been nominated in the Pub or Bar category.

The Bat & Ball in Cuddesdon is surrounded by Oxfordshire countryside. The building itself is impressive and creates a cosy village feel. Their emphasis is on quality, freshness and value for money. Customer comment: ‘Relaxed, beautiful surroundings, sound and decently priced grub, good beer, affable staff... what's not to like?’

Web: www.batball.co.uk

The Fishes, near Botley Road, is a Victorian building set in 3 acres of wooded grounds with idyllic views to enjoy picnic baskets, barbeques or Sunday lunches. Customer comment: ‘The Fishes is by far the best restaurant in Oxford! Absolutely love it!’

Web: www.fishesoxford.co.uk

The Perch, a 17th century thatched inn is located in Binsey, providing the perfect retreat from the city to enjoy locally supplied French cuisine of a high quality. Customer comment: ‘The Perch, ultimately, is the product of a team who love their pub and a customer base which shares the same sentiment. The service can only be described as meticulous and immaculate.’ Web: www.the-perch.co.uk

The Unicorn Inn is situated in the attractive village of Deddington, in a grade II listed building. There is a light, fresh approach with a Scandinavian influenced bar menu. Customer comment: ‘What a lovely inn!’

Web: www.theunicorninn.com

The Blue Boar, situated in the picturesque village of Longworth, is a traditional English pub. They offer lunch and dinner menus as well as a selection of pizzas, all homely and delicious. Customer comment: Constant top quality service from the front of house staff, the food is always wonderfully prepared, fresh and delicious. Many praises for the Chef and his team.’ Web: www.blueboarlongworth.co.uk 21

Blue Boar

Nominees

Rest of Europe Nominees Congratluations to the following restaurants who have been nominated in the Rest of Europe category.

Al Andalus, situated on vibrant Little Clarendon Street is renowned for their fruity Tapas and wide array of delicious tapas and paella.

Customer comment: ‘A rustic and authentic Spanish experience with excellent food!’

Web: www.tapasoxford.co.uk

Jamie’s Italian on George Street is all about brilliant, simple rustic Italian food in a relaxed environment with both local and Italian sourced ingredients. Customer comment: ‘Jamie's Italian Oxford is amazing; lovely staff, great food, great atmosphere. Perfect for lunch or dinner!’

Web: www.jamieoliver.com/italian/oxford

Pierre Victoire, on Little Clarendon Street, provides an informal and relaxed French dining experience. It hosts authentic, traditional French dishes such as duck confit and escargot. Customer comment: ‘Superb restaurant, excellent food and good value for money. Nothing is ever too much trouble.’

Web: www.pierrevictoire.co.uk

Quod is centrally located on the High Street, surrounded by the famous colleges. Quod prides itself on serving unpretentious, robust and heartwarming Mediterranean cuisine. They also host live jazz every Sunday evening. Customer comment: ‘Very good and quick service, food is delicious -always hot and fresh.’

Web: www.quod.co.uk

Rigoletto, in Middleton Stoney, hosts ladies’ nights, Italian celebrations and an impressive wine list. The belief here is to serve great Italian food with no pretence. Customer comment: ‘Lovely food in a charming setting.’

Web: www.rigolettorestaurant.co.uk 22

Rigoletto

Nominees

Express Nominees Congratluations to the following restaurants who have been nominated in the Express category.

Mission Burrito located on St Margaret’s Street boasts primarily their famous burritos but also a range of classic Mexican dishes, also with online ordering. Customer comment: ‘The Mission Burrito is so good it haunts my dreams! Please open a branch in Cambridge!’

Web: www.missionburrito.co.uk

Coffee Republic on New Inn Hall Street is for true coffee lovers. Their beans are roasted in Milan for that authentic Italian taste alongside delicious, freshly prepared food. Customer comment: ‘The best coffee in town.’

Web: www.coffeerepublic.co.uk

Noodle Nation on Gloucester Green, is a family owned and run noodle bar, inspired by Hong Kong. The meals are served in record time using traditional searing wok stir fry. Customer comment: ‘Service is tremendous! Love the speed and how friendly the staff work. Always feel welcome. Keep it up guys!!!!’

Web: www.noodlebar.net

Next Years Awards The 2012 In Oxford Magazine Restaurant Awards We have already begun to prepare for next year’s event and look forward to hearing from restaurants and potential suppliers and sponsors about getting involved.

The application form for next year’s Awards is already on-line at www.inoxford.com. There is no charge to enter the Awards in 2012, so what have you got to lose?

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Behind the Scenes Thinking Behind the Awards We want you to leave tonight’s Awards thinking that we have done a great job. If you have any ideas which you think can help make the event bigger and better in future years, then please let us know. Here are a few ways we like to think we’ve gone the extra mile, with, of course, the help of our fantastic supporters.

Photography Studio 8, The In Oxford Group’s preferred photographers, were joined by local photographer, Jessica Howell, to capture an image which reflected most of the restaurants who were nominated and a selection of others who entered. The results are stunning and can be seen in the programme and on the marquee walls.

See page 4 to get your very own copy of the final pictures. Thanks to Brooke, Clark, Adam and Jess.

Trophies To read more about tonight’s trophies, see page 28 and below about the company behind the designs.

The National School of Furniture at the Rycotewood Furniture Centre. OCVC. The Rycotewood Furniture Centre is situated at the Oxford and Cherwell Valley College (OCVC) City Campus. We have offered furniture training since the 1938 and our facilities include professionally equipped workshops, design studios and ICT facilities.

Our students regularly win many National awards and gain employment within the industry. Students can benefit through gaining sponsorships and placements within the industry. If you enjoy furniture crafts and are interested in learning a new skill, please visit www.nationalschooloffurniture.com or www.ocvc.ac.uk

Meet the ‘residents’ If you have bumped into a prisoner tonight, don’t be alarmed. Acted out by The Oxford Actors Network, we hope you have been engaged in some ‘inside’ gossip tonight. We hear they’re running a book on the Awards so place your bets - just don’t let Mr Mackay catch you! See page 29 for more about the actors.

Tonight’s Winners Music Tonight's Awards ceremony Winner’s music was produced by Marc Rose, Audio Supervisor at SAE Institute Oxford, headquarters for the largest worldwide private creative media college - where students can study for a degree BA/BSc in Audio Production, Digital Film Making and Web Development. www.oxford.sae.edu

OSJ An oboe quartet from the Orchestra of St John’s play the Oboe Quartet by Mozart and music by Holst, Francaix, Scott Joplin, Schubert and Dochnanyi.

Oxford Entertainers Illuminate 'Illuminate! is a young and energetic team showcasing an exciting, new performing art. The show itself is a lights display, choreographed to music and was launched earlier this year by The Oxford Entertainers, who work in and around the Oxfordshire area performing and teaching circus skills at a variety of events. So far Illuminate! have performed at weddings, open days and a number of private functions. The lights show is performed in the dark and incorporates modern effects and music with elements of traditional Maori dance. Please note the performance includes flashing lights. Enjoy the show!'

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Behind the Scenes

The Committee Susi Golding

Julie Archer

Visit Oxfordshire

Meet Oxfordshire

“The Awards are a way for restaurants across Oxfordshire to become better known, and for the county to raise it's profile as a great destination.”

“There are so many fabulous restaurants and bars/pubs offering such a wide variety of foods in Oxfordshire - tonight will prove that.”

Jacquie Bugeja

Donald Sloan

Oxfordshire Registration Service

Oxford Brookes

“I’ve loved every minute of being involved in these Awards and know tonight will be a great success.

What a great night for Oxfordshire!”

“The Awards are an incredibly positive addition to an already vibarant restaurant scene in Oxfordshire.”

Daren Bowyer

David Gambier

Pembroke College

Great Experience Travel

“These Awards are going to raise the game!”

“The Awards will really help restaurants across the county to focus on the quality of service that they provide on an everyday basis.”

Mark Ritchie

Mark Taylor Darbys “The Awards will encourage restaurants to ensure that their standards do not slip … even once.”

“These Awards will raise the standards of restaurants across Oxfordshire.”

Thank you to all of our Reviewers Alain Desenclos Lotte Duncan Dan Channer Emma Gascoigne Harry Carrier Ian Wenman Jacquie Bugeja

James White Jo Willet John Hobart John O'Brien Julie Archer Lesley Cowley OBE Maggie Bradley

Mark Ritchie Mark Taylor Paddy Gregan Richard Venables Sandie Schofield Sarah Mayhew Sarah Wiseman

Susi Golding Tom Parnell Tracey Jefferies Alison Haill Anna Hobson Richard Gorst Daren Bowyer Sally Dicketts

Thanks to Pembroke College Daren Bowyer and his colleagues at Pembroke extended their excellent hospitality to the committee during their frequent Awards meetings. We are very grateful to Pembroke for their generosity.

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Behind the Scenes The Awards Presenter - Reya El-Salahi Reya El-Salahi is a BBC radio and television broadcaster, writer and journalist, originally from Oxford. Starting her career as a model and actor, she has fronted national campaigns, and appeared in various popular television dramas including Midsomer Murders and Lewis.

“Growing up in Oxford, and coming from a family where good food was always very much appreciated, I’m thrilled to be involved with an event celebrating the great variety and quality of dining experiences available in our city.

It’s about time the restaurants of Oxfordshire got the recognition they deserve.”

Donald Sloan Head of the Oxford School of Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University, Donald is also Chair and co-founder of Oxford Gastronomica, the university’s specialist centre for the study of food, drink and culture. He teaches and publishes in the field of gastronomy, and has particular expertise in foodrelated consumer behaviour and social influences on culinary taste. He is a past recipient of the Martin Radcliffe Fellowship in Gastronomy, funded by the Savoy Educational Trust, and he sits on the Board of the Jane Grigson Trust.

Through Oxford Gastronomica, Oxford Brookes University offers a Master of Arts in Food, Drink and Culture, in association with the Burgundy School of Business; it holds one of the world’s most significant libraries of culinary texts; and hosts a wide range of public events relating to food and drink issues.

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Behind the Scenes

The Awards Trophies Design statement from Ian Smith, artist in residence at Rycotewood Furniture Centre, OCVC, Oxford Designing trophies for restaurant awards is quite different to the type of work than I normally undertake.

From the outset I wanted the trophies to have some significance to restaurants and food but to retain the individuality of each one. Each trophy uses a mixture of different woods, reflecting the idea that food is made up from many different ingredients. The general design of three separate elements plays with the many threes that appear in dining, such as knife, fork and spoon or a three course meal.

Each trophy has been made by hand, as the best food is, and uses only reclaimed or sustainable wood to ensure ecological credentials are met, again another link between the materials I use and modern food that is more ecologically farmed. Hopefully these pieces will have more significance than general...(see below)

trophies and I wish the recipients the best of luck in the future.

Ian Smith is Craftsman in Residence at Rycotewood Furniture Centre, Oxford and Cherwell Valley College and runs his own furniture company, Exemplar Furniture. To see more of his work visit www.exemplarfurniture.com.

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Actors

The Actors Steve Hay

Alex Babic

Steve Hay, who has appeared in Quiz Night at the Britannia, The Pillbox, Luka, The Oracle and Ultimate Force, plays Archie Brown. Archie was a regular guest of the penal system from an early age, after turning to crime in order to provide (televisions and trainers) for his five siblings. With a sharp tongue and a short fuse, he finds it difficult to stay out of trouble.

Alex has worked in feature film, TV, radio, theatre and stand up comedy and also works extensively as a voice over artist.

Alex Babic plays Brian Janner.

Brian has been in and out of prison most of his life.

Most of his offences revolve around assault and he has a quick temper. He has no family except a daughter that visits him every christmas.

Cymon Snow

Thomas Bewley

On being made redundant, Cymon turned to acting, a dream of his since youth. After studying at the Birmimgham School of Acting, he has enjoyed playing roles both in theatre and on film. Cymon plays William Spencer. A businessman, William is doing time for driving while under the influence. He refuses to accept he has a drink problem, stating that 'everyone likes a couple of bevvies at lunchtime, don't they?'

After a lifetime's involvement in drama, Thomas turned professional five years ago: film roles have included the notorious Aleister Crowley, while his most successful stage role has been Aigner in the oneman play Siberia. Thomas plays Julian Morrish who was a solicitor for many years. But one day forgery was discovered and now he is paying the price.

Imran Mirza

Richard Ward

Imran has been involved in stage and film for several years, notably Murmuring Judges, 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, the lead in new short film, Insha'allah, and also impro comedy. Imran plays Kinza Shan. After losing his wife, job and property, Kinza became involved in a lucrative drug-deal. He was betrayed by a 'friend' and now has plenty of time to plan his revenge.

Theatre includes We The People, Twelfth Night and adaptations of BBC comedy shows. Film and TV includes Midsomer Murders and Blue Peter. Richard plays prison warder Alexander (Sandy) Mackay was born in Paisley to a mining family and after serving as a drill sergeant in the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders became a prison warder at Shotts before transferring to Slade nineteen years ago.

Gerard Robinson

The Oxford Actors Network was established, after a series of meetings between Gerard Robinson, Steve Hay and Kerry Steed, in 2004, to bring together members of the acting profession in the Oxford region in order to provide a mutual support network and focus for theatrical activities in the area. OAN is self-funding and provides workshops and career development opportunities for its members and links to local actors for producers and directors. www.yetaco.plus.com/oan

Following training, Gerard formed a small company with Eastenders writer/actor Rio Fanning & Karen Ford. Stage roles include Don Quixote (Last Knight in la Mancha). Gerard Robinson plays John Crowthrone (aka 'JC') It would be easy to mistake 'JC' as the prison chaplain but several bigamous marriages to middle aged widows finally caught up with him.

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The In Oxford Group Event Organisers By day we’re a publishing company and hopefully after a great night tonight you’ll be impressed with our newly acquired event skills! Publishing is what we do best, not forgetting our faire share of design. If you would like to find our more about how we can help you, from featuring in our publications to help with a new brochure, just get in touch - call 01865 742211 and we’d be delighted to see how we can help.

See below more about what we do.

In Oxford & Oxfordshire Magazine Nearly 10 Years & Counting!

It’s hard to believe that almost 10 years ago we started publishing In Oxford Magazine and just look at how it’s grown! Frequently a strapping 100 page monthly magazine, with 15,000 copies circulated through, predominantly, Oxford City Centre, it’s now the Number One What’s On Magazine in Oxfordshire, endorsed as the Official What’s On Guide of Visit Oxfordshire.

www.inoxford.com Over 1,000 Unique Visitors A Day! Ranked on Google as 1st for What’s On in Oxford and Oxfordshire, Events in Oxfordshire and 1st or home page ranking for loads of key searches relating to Kids, Cinema, Events, Restaurants.....the list goes on!

Packed full of listings and reviews which have appeared in In Oxford & Oxfordshire Magazine, this is the website that gets the traffic and keeps it coming!

Oxfordshire Restaurant Guide Oxfordshire’s Leading Restaurant Guide for 11 Years Mailed out with In Oxford Magazine as a high quality ‘must keep’ guide to Oxfordshire’s restaurants, this Guide features all of Oxfordshire’s top restaurants and, after we’ve unearthed a few more tonight, some new additions in 2012.

Also the Official Restaurant Guide of Visit Oxfordshire, featuring on their excellent website as an electronic magazine.

Vouch Great Deals with Vouch Replacing SOX, Vouch is our discount scheme where we sell the public great vouchers for restaurants, hotels, gyms, health & beauty treatments, shops etc...... The great thing with Vouch is that we’ll be automatically donating a % of the voucher proceeds to The Oxfordshire Community Foundation giving great local causes a real boost. Log on to www.inoxford.com for existing deals - but look out for more with Vouch!

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The Oxford Map What a Lovely Map! It’s so nice - we love the map we affectionately call ‘Jack’s Map’. Jack Noel toiled over his Mac for months to come up with this fun design of Oxford City Centre which finds its way into many University delegate packs alongside its big brother, The Best in Oxford, below. Folds out to A2 and folds down to D/L - perfect for your bag or briefcase. Space is restricted - it’s one publication that when the space is sold, it’s sold!

Best In Oxford & Oxfordshire Handy Guide to All That’s Great About Oxfordshire With in depth listings covering attractions, colleges, restaurants, shops, galleries, hotels and, well, everything you need to know about our beautiful county, The Best in Oxford is retailed through City Centre outlets and, as with The Oxford Map, is enclosed in visiting delegate packs - so there are copies of this handy little chap all over the world!

Comes out in April every year.

B4 Magazine Oxfordshire’s Leading Business Magazine Or at least we think so! Mailed to 3,000 business decision makers in Oxfordshire on a quarterly basis, B4 is establishing itself a reputation for connecting businesses in Oxfordshire through the magazine, a great website (see below), and first class events held in high profile locations such as Blenheim Palace, here at Malmaison, Rhodes House, Miele Experience Centre and Williams F1. Launching in Berkshire in 2012.

www.b4-business.com Number One for Business On-Line in Oxfordshire With over 350 members able to upload latest press releases, event details and much more, the B4 website is becoming the platform to make sure your business is seen on. Upload video, give profile to key contacts in your business and get connected with Oxfordshire’s business community. New site launching soon with even more functionality - how can you afford not to be involved?

Blink Design & Print Yes We Event Design and Print Stuff Too! With some great clients, most notably Oxford Castle who have us (well, actually it’s Keith) to thank for their great print and website designs, don’t forget to think of us if you’re planning a new website or need a fresh look. We like to think we’re competitive when it comes to design and print.... and reliable! So give us a try. We did do this lovely programme after all so you know what we’re capable of!

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