Food & Drink
Discover the latest news and stories about food, drink, restaurants, bars, and culinary events in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
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When the Chef leaves: What The Swan Inn’s closure reveals about the fragility of modern gastropubs
The closure of The Swan Inn in Islip highlights the challenges facing chef-led gastropubs across Britain and raises important questions about whether hospitality businesses built around individual talent can survive when their defining figure moves on.
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Award-Winning Oxfordshire pub The Swan Inn in Islip up for sale at £545k after closure
The Swan Inn in Islip, an award-winning Oxfordshire gastropub recognised in the Michelin Guide and for its AA rosettes, has closed following the departure of its head chef and is now on the market.
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From simple bakes to showstopping feasts, celebrate Easter with time-tested recipes
Celebrate Easter with these recipe ideas, including lightly-spiced homemade Hot Cross Buns for brunch, a classic Lamb Roast for dinner or an incredibly decadent Carrot Cake for afternoon tea.
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Zizzi launches Quattro Pomodoro Candy Floss Pizza for spring
Zizzi has unveiled the the Quattro Pomodoro Candy Floss Pizza featuring a rich Italian tomato base, topped with a unique tomato-flavoured candy floss that melts into a sweet glaze that coats the pizza.
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Heavenly Desserts introduces Japanese-inspired seasonal trio for spring and summer
Heavenly Desserts has unveiled a limited seasonal trio inspired by Japanese flavours, combining honey toast, matcha and mango in a spring menu designed to reflect lighter indulgence and changing consumer preferences.
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Missing Bean opens new café in Charlbury Oxfordshire
Missing Bean has expanded into Charlbury with a new café offering speciality coffee, fresh pastries and community events, as the Oxfordshire business continues to grow its local presence while maintaining its focus on ethical sourcing and sustainability.
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Zizzi launches new spring-summer menu with 15+ dishes and limited-time 30% offer
Zizzi has launched a spring-summer menu featuring more than 15 new dishes, seasonal ingredients and tropical desserts, alongside a limited-time 30% food offer.
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Swiss-born Bear St. Bakery to make UK debut at Bicester Village
Swiss bakery Bear St. Bakery will open its first UK site at Bicester Village this March, bringing cult cookies, speciality drinks and signature hot chocolate to Oxfordshire.
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Dishoom’s Permit Room launches new menu across all locations
Dishoom’s Permit Room has unveiled a brand-new menu featuring bar snacks, sharing grills, classic curries and cocktails inspired by Bombay’s historic permit rooms.
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Taylors opens flagship gourmet Deli & Café at Oxford North Innovation District
Taylors has launched its flagship café at Oxford North, offering £1.00 hot drinks to mark the opening. The 80-seater venue at The Red Hall becomes the company’s ninth Oxford location, strengthening the district’s growing retail and community offering.
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Crazy Bear launches interactive pub quiz night with a twist
The Crazy Bear in Stadhampton is launching a new interactive cocktail quiz night featuring music, art and theatrical flair, alongside expanded midweek dining offers.
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Heavenly Desserts Oxford to launch ‘Heaven at Home’ milk cake trays
Heavenly Desserts Oxford will launch new ‘Heaven at Home’ Milk Cake Trays on 10 March 2026. The take-home celebration range marks the brand’s first retail step, bringing its signature luxury dessert experience into customers’ homes.
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New Crazy Bear Head Chef Andrei Voicu aims to celebrate British food and farming
Andrei Voicu becomes head chef at the Crazy Bear in Stadhampton, bringing Michelin-star experience and a passion for celebrating British food, seasonal produce and charcoal cooking inspired by Gordon Ramsay.
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An evening to remember as Dish + Tell – Tastemakers launches with Justin Tsang at Bicester Village
Dish + Tell – Tastemakers kicked off at Shan Shui in Bicester Village with Justin Tsang’s eight-course sharing supper, combining vibrant flavours, personal stories, and a memorable lifestyle experience.
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Our favourite sweet and savoury pancake recipes for Pancake Day 2026
From a foolproof classic recipe to an indulgent American-style stack and vegan options, discover our favourite pancake recipes for Pancake Day and make your Shrove Tuesday truly delicious.
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All the Oxfordshire restaurants in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2026
We’ve picked out all the Oxfordshire restaurants in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2025 to give you the inside track on some of the best places to eat in the county.