Openings & Closings
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ comes to life at Cliveden
Cliveden will host The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Trail from 10 May to 29 June 2025, to offer families an interactive journey through Eric Carle’s beloved story. The trail will feature illustrated signs, QR codes, augmented reality, games, and brass rubbing stations, bringing the caterpillar’s transformation to life.
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Leys Pools unveils exciting new Active Zone for families
Leys Pools and Leisure Centre is launching its new Active Zone on 05 April, offering an exciting space for children and families. The zone includes a Soft Play area for kids under 12, featuring slides, sensory elements, and an Oxford-themed design.
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Botley’s new skatepark nears completion, a game-changer for local skaters
Botley’s new skatepark is nearing completion and is set to open by mid-March. Replacing the iconic Botley Bowl, it features the UK’s first blended bowl, a street section, and a mini ramp, designed for all skill levels.
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KIBOU Oxford launches stunning Japanese afternoon tea
KIBOU Oxford introduces a stunning Japanese-inspired afternoon tea, featuring a beautifully presented three-tiered stand with sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese sweets.
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Carrdus School to close in 2025 due to financial pressures
The impending closure has been attributed to increasing financial pressures, including the mid-academic year introduction of VAT on independent school fees, the loss of charitable business rates relief, and rising employers’ national insurance contributions.
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Oxfordshire restaurant The Sparsholt set to close before Christmas
The Sparsholt, a pub and restaurant nestled in the tiny Oxfordshire hamlet of Sparsholt near Wantage, is set to close its doors permanently just days before Christmas.
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Premium kitchen specialist Harvey Jones opens Bicester Village showroom
The 1,200 sq ft space features the heritage craftsmanship that Harvey Jones is known for, with high ceilings perfect for tall cabinetry, a pet parlour and a walk-in glass-walled pantry. Four large kitchens are displayed, including the Harvey Jones Original, Arbor, Hampton and the brand-new Slim Shaker.
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The Bat and Ball promises a modern take on the classic pub experience when it opens
The Bat and Ball will capture the traditional pub experience while offering an elevated menu of classic pub bangers that focuses on seasonality, sustainability, and affordability from Head Chef Rick Owens.
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A first look at Flight Club Oxford as it opens just in time for the festive season
With a gorgeous bar, 11 semi-private oche playing areas, two terraces and space for 250 people to party, Flight Club Oxford has officially opened its doors to the public, just in time for Christmas merriment to commence.
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Oxford’s St Aldate’s Post Office faces closure amid national restructuring plans
St Aldate’s Post Office faces closure as part of the Post Office’s plans to close or transfer 115 of its Crown branches, potentially affecting around 1,000 jobs, as part of a broader transformation initiative.
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Iconic furniture retailer, Heal’s is set to open its Bicester store
Located on the Bicester Avenue site, owned by Blue Diamond Garden Centres, the outlet will bring a selection of Heal’s best-selling pieces and most popular brands to Bicester for the first time, at reduced prices.
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Proposals to redevelop Oxford’s Odeon Cinema site into premium Wilde Aparthotel approved
Oxford City Council has approved proposals by Marick Real Estate to redevelop the site of the Odeon Cinema on 38-40 George Street into a premium aparthotel to be operated by Dublin-based operator Staycity Group, under its premium Wilde brand.
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The Bat and Ball in Cuddesdon set to open in November
The Bat and Ball, a charming country pub with rooms, is set to open in Cuddesdon in November. This will be the second opening from owner Ben Moss, who successfully took over 15th-century pub The Lamb Inn in 2022.
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Dishoom Permit Room Oxford announces its opening date
Situated on New Inn Hall Street, one of Oxford’s most historic locations, this all-day bar-café brings the charm of Bombay’s iconic permit rooms to the city, with local collaborations and music to set the perfect backdrop.
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Jeremy Clarkson opens his Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog
Situated in Burford, 12 miles south of the Diddly Squat Farm, which has become a household name thanks to Clarkson’s hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm, the pub in a picturesque countryside setting is the latest addition to his growing rural enterprise.
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Victors Restaurant & Bar in Oxford unveils its not-so-secret “Secret Rooftop” pop-up
Perched on the top floor of the Westgate Shopping Centre, The Secret Rooftop is now open for drinks, dining, afternoon tea, and bottomless brunch and can be hired for exclusive use.