Foodie News - JANUARY

As a new regular feature, I'll be rounding up the local food goss and restaurant news. While I'm kept pretty up to date on all the goings on, I'm bound to miss something, so I need as many little birdies tweeting in my ear as possible.

If you know of any Oxordshire restaurants closing/opening/re-launcing/etc, then please do get in touch and hook me up with the details.

So, after a year packed full of exciting (and not so exciting) launches, how will 2014 stack up? Judging by recent happenings, pretty damned exciting!

While 2013 saw the likes of Oli's Thai, Jacobs Inn, Pomegranate, Itsu, Bamboo, 1885, Taberu, Anchor Inn, Route 66 and Sushi Corner launching - along with a spate of supper clubs - 2014 is waiting to smack the sushi out of last year's efforts:

• Cleaver have just opened where Fire & Stone once stood, on George Street. Serving up a simply designed menu of Burgers, Chicken and Ribs. I'm yet to try them yet, but on-line reviews of their other sites are mostly ok, with scores averaging 3.5/5 on Tripadvisor. Check back on Sunday, when I'll be publishing a guest review of Cleaver, by fellow local Foodie Beccalaureate

• The Jacobs & Field boys embark on their third Oxford venture - Jacobs Chop House - while also extending their existing Headington cafe. Replacing Cafe Noir, also in Headington, the latest edition to the Jacobs brand will sit less than a quarter of a mile from their first-born, but will be serving up "grilled & roasted British meats, fish and veggies" according to their Facebook page

• Hot off the press, The Oxford Kitchen opened their doors a few days ago, in a Summertown building that previously housed Florio Bar & Kitchen. Florio's having had a great reputation among, well, some people I know, Oxford Kitchen may have big boots to fill; but judging by the new menu, they won't struggle! "The restaurant’s Executive Chef and Head Chef bring a wealth of experience in Michelin Star Dining including Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, L'Ortolan and The Nut Tree, Murcot" VERY. EXCITED.  I'm planning an #OxTweatUp there next month, so if you're keen, follow the conversation on Twitter. 

• I can't talk about food news without discussing The Chester, on Chester Street in East Oxford. We've been waiting, literally, with bated breath for the grand unveiling. With a food and hospitality pedigree to be envied, the Chester is owned by Drew Brammer (former Oxfork manager) and Fraser Nicholson (Rusty Bicycle owner), and will be run by Beccy Webb (previous manageress of Port Mahon) and Hamzah Taynaz (Port Mahon's ex chef). For those who miss the famous steak platter, the opening date seriously can't come soon enough!

• The Black Boy's Chris Grantham and Abigail Rose have just announced their takeover of Berkshire based pub, The Compton Inn. What to expect? "beautiful rooms, wonderful walks, log fires, large selection of real ales, wine, cocktails and, of course, lovely food". Sold! Doors are open and fire is lit, so see you all there.

• With it's refurbishment well under way, The Old Parsonage aim to be back open in March, with additional bedrooms and a library. It sounds like the main restaurant/bar will remain mostly untouched, but they do plan on adding yet more to their lovely afternoon tea offering, with a new, dedicated pastry section.

• For all you lovers of Turl Street Kitchen, be prepared for some excitement coming your way. Their next venture - Turl Street Pantry - looks set to go ahead this year. With TSP intending to replace the old Barclays bank opposite the existing TSK, with a "bakery and speciality tea & coffee shop" bringing "handmade, artisan bread back into the heart of the city"

• And finally... one to watch out for, Bulrush Restaurant, all going well, will be another new addition to Cowley Road sometime this Spring. Expect modern British cuisine, made up of foraged foods and seasonal produce - watch this space for more details...

So, new year, new places to eat it seems - and there are plenty of them. Enjoy!

Foodie x