Round & About Magazine

Author: Liz Nicholls

  • Star Q&A: Gardeners’ World star, Adam Frost

    Star Q&A: Gardeners’ World star, Adam Frost

    Liz Nicholls

    Round & About Editor, Liz Nicholls, chats to Gardeners’ World star Adam Frost about pets, plants and passions ahead of his extended spring speaking tour.

    Q. Hello Adam! You and I always seem to chat in gloomy winter: how are you this time around?

    “Good, thank you! We’re just back from Thailand and Vietnam, which was incredible. It was really special spending time with the family – proper time.”

    Q. Your UK speaking tour has been extended – that must feel good?

    “It does. I honestly wasn’t expecting it, but I love getting out there, meeting people, hearing their stories.”

    Q. Life at home sounds busy – how many pets are we on now?

    “We’ve added another dog! My daughter got another Labrador, Buster, so we now have Raven and Buster… plus cats. Ash the cat is still very much in charge, though. He keeps the others in line with the occasional whack, to remind them who owns the place.”

    Q. You’ve always said you’re a cat man as well as a dog lover…

    “I love them all, honestly. Animals bring so much joy and grounding, don’t they? Ash the cat especially has impeccable timing – if there’s a camera around, he knows exactly how to find it.”

    Q. Your book, ‘For the Love of Plants’, celebrates joy over perfection. Is that where gardening is heading?

    “I really think so. I don’t like talking about ‘trends’, but what’s gaining traction is the idea of backing off a bit. Leaving seed heads, not tidying everything away – it’s better for nature.

    “Gardens don’t need to be perfect to be beautiful… I mean, having said that, it’s still an ongoing conversation in this house because, unlike me, Mrs Frost is a bit of a control freak, you know. So we just work our way to find a balance as every couple does.”

    Q. You describe yourself as an ‘old romantic fool’. What does romance look like in a garden?

    “It’s about how a space feels. Gardens are deeply personal. They’re for family, cooking, for sitting, being. It’s not just how something looks – it’s the atmosphere, the emotion.”

    Q. You even link parts of the garden to music, including Louis Armstrong, Mumford & Sons and more…

    “Music captures moments. A lyric, a mood, a feeling – and suddenly that becomes a planting idea. Bruce Springsteen’s song Secret Garden says it all really.”

    Q. You’ve gardened all over the world – Japan in a monsoon must have been the hardest?

    “It’s fascinating rather than challenging. Plants are plants, wherever you are – it’s the people that make it special. Working alongside local growers and teams is always the richest part.”

    Q. What advice would you give to beginner gardeners feeling overwhelmed?

    “Gardening is for everyone. Start small. Grow herbs in a pot. Test your soil and watch where the sun goes to help you start, and have a go. Once you nurture your first plant, you’re hooked.”

    Q. What would improve life the most?

    “A switch to slow time down. Time speeds up far too quickly as you get older. We all need to stop, breathe… and smell the roses.”

    For more information or to book tickets, visit fane.co.uk/adam-frost

  • Help the hedgehogs! And other wildlife 

    Help the hedgehogs! And other wildlife 

    Liz Nicholls

    Rhiannon Young, Wild Oxfordshire’s nature recovery engagement officer, offers some tips 

    Heading into the cold winter months, we need to be even more considerate to our local bees than usual. In winter, honeybee queens remain in their hives with the exception of particularly sunny days. Bumblebee queens may also emerge from hibernation if prompted to by mild weather. Solitary bees will leave their nests once ready to mate. When bees do emerge during winter, they need to have access to nectar, or they risk dying of starvation. In order to help these pollinators survive the winter, we recommend you plant winter bloomers in your garden. These include single flowered Hellebores (the open face gives great access to pollen and nectar!), Crocuses (make sure to plant them in an area with lots of light so they fully open), Snowdrops and Aconites. Ivy also works well as a late nectar source as well as shelter from any harsh conditions. If gardening isn’t your thing, you can make natural spaces bee friendly by creating twig and leaf piles (which can be as easy as not raking your garden when fallen leaves drop!) and caring for wayward queen bumblebees by either carefully relocating them to flowers or offering her a 1:1 sugar and water solution.  

    Tips for looking after our hedgehogs this winter  

    • Always move your burn piles before you light them as hedgehogs and frogs often use them to sleep in. This is, after-all, how hedgehogs were once upon a time cooked to be eaten! Thankfully it is now illegal to eat this endangered species. 
    • If you find a sick or injured hedgehog, or one that’s up and about during the middle of the day, call either Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue centre on 07549322464 or Tiggywinkle’s wildlife hospital on 01844 292292.  
    • Leave some areas untouched! Messy log piles, long grass and fallen leaves are great for hibernating hedgehogs. Please leave a wild area in your garden so our hedgehogs can hibernate in peace – nice and cosy and safe. 
    • Put out a shallow dish of water or make sure your ponds are easy to get out of for hedgehogs, so they have water to drink. Sometimes hedgehogs come out of hibernation to eat and drink, especially in warmer weather, so even at this time of year, putting out water can help.  

    To find out more about Hedgehogs head over to the Wild Oxfordshire website at www.wildoxfordshire.org.uk and have a look in guidance for mammals. 

  • Easy Ryder

    Easy Ryder

    Liz Nicholls

    Liz Nicholls enjoys a chinwag with Shaun Ryder ahead of Black Grape’s UK tour to mark the 30th anniversary of the album It’s Great When You’re Straight…Yeah

    Q. Hiya Shaun! How are you? “Really good, ta, just back from Amsterdam; we did two nights at the Paradiso. Watching old people dancing off their t*ts is really funny… It’s even more fun than being on stage, haha!” 

    Q. Does it feel like 30 years since Black Grape’s debut album? “Where does the time go? Mad. People often ask if I miss the old days and all that, and, well… no! It was great back then, mega, but I’m enjoying now just as much. The sex and drugs have gone and we’ve just got the rock and roll. With us two old f***ers!” 

    Q. What’s your first memory of music? “My mam and dad was kids, really, when they had me, so I had cool parents. My dad was banned from buying records so on birthdays, I got them! But really they were presents for him, and I just got to hear them and have ‘em. I got the first Rolling Stones, Beatles For Sale, Bob Dylan. I used to draw big d**ks and t**s all over the covers… I wish I still had’ em!” 

    Q. What was school like for you? “S***e! I was always in trouble: I used to rob all the sweets out the teacher’s desk; my mam was not happy when she found out I was the famous ‘toffee thief’! Secondary school was worse. I now know I don’t just have simple ADHD, I have proper learning difficulties. I left at 15 to work: no one minded! I learnt nothing. But my brain retains info that means I can win a pub quiz.”  

    Q. How does it feel to be called a national treasure? “Well, it’s better than being called a c****head, know what I mean!? But I don’t deserve that title. I met Fatima Whitbread, when we was in South Africa: now she is a proper national treasure… I’ve just been lucky!” 

    Q. Have you ever been starstruck? “Yeah! When I met Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Mick Jagger in the ’90s in Los Angeles. And he kept asking us to play the Black Grape album.”  

    Q. How’s Bez? Do you ever row!? “He’s great. We just landed straight from the Netherlands last night to film Gogglebox. It’s good fun as we get to have a proper chinwag! Well, we have plenty of… discussions! How Channel 4 find enough bits that are usable for telly is beyond me. Because, put it this way, we’re not very PC, haha! We get on great and it’s just a pleasure having, like, 40 years working together in this f***ing great world that is our music!” 

    Q. Who would be your dream collab? “We love collaborating, like we did with Gorillas and Russell Watson. With the next one, I don’t want it to sound like the past, but the future. There’s something exciting in the pipeline but I’ll probably get in proper f***ing trouble if I tell you! Every day, you know, there’s always something coming in. We’re doing a new Mondays album, starting in October, and I’ll be in the studio next in about two weeks’ time. It’s a joy to share skills and ideas and keep it fresh!” 

    Book your Black Grape tickets at crosstown concerts.seetickets.com/tour/black-grape 

  • Young performers shine on stage  

    Young performers shine on stage  

    Liz Nicholls

    Young performers from PQA Abingdon take to the West End stage in an action-adventure stage show 

    Eighty young performers from the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) in Abingdon took to the stage at London’s iconic His Majesty’s Theatre on the 23rd June weekend to perform the stage show, Across the Line.  

    The show is part of an ambitious series of 26 West End performances, featuring around 5,200 young people from across PQA’s nationwide network. Each performance brings together three academies, and PQA Abingdon performed alongside PQA Dartford and PQA Darlington. 

    Written by Will Brenton (best known for The Tweenies, Melody, and Coronation Street), Across the Line is a bold, contemporary action-adventure stage show that draws inspiration from popular modern-day shows such as ‘Stranger Things’. 

    Jenna Hones, Principal of PQA Abingdon said, “This was PQA Abingdon’s debut performance in the West End and myself and the team are beyond proud of every student. They put all their hearts into the rehearsals over the last few months and it was amazing to see them shine like the stars they are on the stage at His Majesty’s Theatre.” 

    A standout feature of Across the Line is its use of puppetry. In collaboration with Little Angel Theatre, PQA launched the No Strings Attached project, where the students gained hands-on experience with professional puppetry techniques. This initiative helped young performers develop dexterity, imagination and the technical understanding required to bring puppet characters to life on stage. 

    Over 22 weeks of rehearsals, the young cast worked intensively on vocal technique, dance and movement, character development, stagecraft, ensemble work and performance confidence. 

    Young performer, Katie, commented, “I was so excited about performing with all my friends and had the best experience of my life starring on a West End stage, playing the role of Dink.” 

    Individuals also developed vital life skills such as communication, teamwork, concentration, coordination, and resilience, all while enjoying the unforgettable experience of performing in a professional theatre environment. 

    Made up of a team of industry professional teachers including Jenna Hones, Katherine Peacop, and Kia Lawrence, PQA is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for young people to discover themselves whilst learning the latest techniques in performing arts. Performing arts isn’t just about singing and dancing, there are also opportunities for all young people to explore comedy, story writing, TV and filmmaking. 

    If you’re interested in booking your child a free taster session at your nearest PQA academy, please visit the PQA website at https://www.pqacademy.com/academies/abingdon/.  

  • HARE has community roots 

    HARE has community roots 

    Liz Nicholls

    Brothers James & George Talbot are founders of HARE which has gender-neutral salons in Eynsham, Witney & Woodstock and has been shortlisted for four leading industry awards…

    Everyone deserves good hair days! And brothers George & James Talbot go to great lengths to help this goal as well as being rooted in the community…  

    “We’re a family of talented pros who love to create, share and care by supporting local charities and clubs,” says James. “From fresh fades to funky fringes, we offer gender-fair pricing in a walk-in, relaxed environment. But it’s about more than just great hair! We offer NVQ training and focus on wellbeing, community and personal development. We believe in growing people, not just hairdressers. Giving back is at the heart of what we do.” 

    HARE has raised more than £15k for local charities, and sponsors Witney Rugby Angels. The studios have wowed industry judges with their talents as well as their green credentials, fair pricing, inclusive welcome and vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free range of products. 

    James, 38, has more than 15 years’ experience in hairdressing and barbering. He loves life in Witney, having settled here after spells in London, Brighton and Australia. When he’s not tending tresses you’ll find him helping with Buttercross Theatre productions and practising martial arts at Taphouse MMA. “It keeps me grounded, focused, and energised,” he says. “Life’s been quite the journey, and I’ve worn a few different hats along the way. But my real passions are HARE, sports, fashion, and helping others. Recently, I spent some time in Mexico, building a Muay Thai programme at the Tulum orphanage, which was an amazing experience.” 

    George, 34, lives in Woodstock with his wife, two children and springer spaniel Russell who loves walks in the neighbouring Blenheim palace grounds. He’s also a member of Taphouse MMA and his local tennis club. 

    West Oxfordshire is home to more than its fair share of indies. “I’m a big fan of Edge Café in Witney for great vibes and coffee,” says James. “I love supporting small, independent businesses that are doing great things. There’s a real sense of community here. The Woodstock Arms is another go-to, with great food and atmosphere.” 

    “If I could make one wish, it would be for people to genuinely care about one another,” says George. “A world where people act with compassion, even when there’s nothing in it for them, would be a much better place to live…” “And I’d love to see a shift in the education system, especially in the West,” adds James. “I struggled with traditional auditory learning. We need more hands-on education that focuses on real-world, functional skills. Let kids explore trades, crafts, entrepreneurship, and learn by doing, not just sitting in a classroom. 

    “Looking ahead, we’re excited to explore new locations, franchise opportunities, and even plans for a HARE training school to keep expanding our vision. Watch this space!” 

  • Vicky McClure on Day Fever! 

    Vicky McClure on Day Fever! 

    Liz Nicholls

    Life’s too short to save the dancing for after dark! Vicky McClure tells us how she & her husband, and Jon McClure of reverend & the Makers came up with the idea of Day Fever which comes to Oxford’s O2 Academy on 6th September 

    If you ever thought clubbing was just for the under-25s stumbling home at 3am, think again. Day Fever, the unstoppable daytime disco dreamt up by actor Vicky McClure, her husband Jonny Owen, and pals including Jon McClure of Reverend & The Makers, is flipping the nightlife script, one sunlit dancefloor at a time. 

    Born from a WhatsApp chat and now heading to 24 towns and cities in September, Day Fever brings affordable, joy-filled clubbing into the daylight hours. “The first one sold out in two seconds,” Vicky beams. “We did Nottingham, then Sheffield, then Merthyr and Cardiff and it just flew from there.” 

    It all started with a simple idea. “Jonny just said, ‘Have you ever seen those bars in town during the day? They’re rammed!’” laughs Jon. “We were like, come on then, let’s do it and it went nuts.” 

    Now, this feel-good phenomenon sees people of all ages, literally from their 20s to their 70s, letting loose on packed dancefloors. “We’ve had Jonny’s mum sneak in a bottle of gin and stash it in a bush outside in Cardiff,” Jon jokes. “That’s the vibe! Bit of mischief, loads of laughs, and not a bit of trouble.” 

    And it’s that warmth, spontaneity, and inclusiveness that keeps people coming back. 

    Vicky’s voice lifts when she talks about the kind of people turning up to dance: “It’s mothers and daughters, friends reconnecting, people on chemo, people grieving. These are your nurses, your cleaners, your teachers. These are the people keeping the world spinning and now they’ve got somewhere to let go and feel joy.” 

    One story that’s stayed with her is a woman who had barely seen her friends or family unless it was for a wedding or a funeral. “Now she’s got a new frock every month, and she’s out at Day Fever. She goes shopping Friday night, gets her hair done, and makes a proper event of it. That’s magic, isn’t it?” 

    Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword here, it’s baked into the experience. “We’ve had people in wheelchairs come up on stage, and the crowd goes wild. It’s electric. We want it to be accessible to everyone,” says Vicky, visibly moved. “It makes your hairs stand on end.” 

    While you might catch a familiar face on the decks, Jonny, Vicky, or even Jon’s wife Laura, most Day Fever events are led by local DJs. “We’ve been really selective,” Vicky explains. “They know their crowd; they know what their people want to hear. And they’re smashing it.” 

    And yes, music is taken very seriously. “There’s a loose structure,” Jon explains. “Bit of Northern Soul to kick off, disco, 80s bangers, 90s dance, a singalong, maybe some indie…but we always have Whitney. If Vicky’s there, it’s the law.” 

    Vicky grins, “Hits across the generations, that’s the key. We’ve done themed nights, even Christmas clubs. And we’ll ask, ‘Do you want more Christmas songs?’ and they’re like ‘nah, just give us the hits!’” She laughs. “You just get a feel for it.” 

    Regional pride plays a part too. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis, Nottingham’s got its favourites, and we make sure to tap into that local energy,” says Vicky. “It’s about community, about people being together.” 

    With so many entertainment options pricing people out, Day Fever deliberately keeps things cheap. Vicky says. “We’ve always wanted it to be affordable. A night out can be £100 easy. We didn’t want this to be that.” 

    Jon adds, “Jonny said from day one it’s for ordinary people. Families, people with kids. We’re not here to rip people off.” 

    Venues love it too. “We shut up shop at 8pm,” Vicky explains, “they do a quick turnaround and run their usual night from 10. They’re making great takings and reaching a new crowd. It’s been a game changer for loads of clubs.” 

    If Day Fever feels like a family party, that’s because… it kind of is. “Jonny and I are married, Jon’s wife DJs, his brother Chris and childhood friend Jamie are involved. Even Jonny’s daughter Katie’s behind the decks,” Vicky laughs. “It’s one big gang, and when people come through the doors, they’re part of it too.” 

    It’s not uncommon to see Vicky herself dancing on stage with partygoers, selfies flying and smiles everywhere. “When people realise we’re just there to have fun too, that we’re not up on a pedestal, they really get into it,” she says. “And I mean, come on, when do you get to go clubbing with your mum?!” 

    With festivals like Splendour and Reverend & The Makers’ 20th anniversary show in Sheffield this summer, things are scaling up—but slowly. “We’ve had offers to take it abroad, but we’re being really careful,” Vicky says. “It’s only 18 months old, it feels like a decade, but we want to make sure we look after what we’ve built.” 

    They’ve even announced their own Day Fever festival at Nottingham’s Arboretum on the 23rd August. “We’ve got loads of ideas,” she teases. “But for now, we’re just enjoying this moment. It’s simple, and it works.” 

    Even with their busy schedules, Vicky filming Trigger Point, Jon touring Australia, both say they miss it when they’re away. “Sounds a bit daft,” Jon chuckles, “but Day Fever cheers me up. You leave feeling lighter.” 

    And that’s the magic, really. Day Fever isn’t just a disco, it’s a dose of pure happiness. 

  • Turning deliveries green 

    Turning deliveries green 

    Liz Nicholls

    Image: Darcica team reveals new 18T electric truck for Oxfordshire – left to right – Tim O’Gara, Rhys Davidge and Anthony Tattersall

    Oxfordshire business championing zero-emissions pallet deliveries 

    Oxfordshire-based Darcica Logistics, a member of Palletways UK’s express palletised freight network, continues to expand its promise of zero-emission pallet deliveries and collections around Oxfordshire, having integrated the new DAF XB 18 tonne electric truck into its operations.  

    Designed and produced by Leyland Trucks, the zero-emission truck with a 16-pallet body size, has a driving range of up to 300km (186 miles) and will be used by Darcica for zero-emission pallet deliveries, supporting Darcica’s net zero journey and Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ).  

    Darcica, a family-run and owned business, is committed to reducing emissions, waste, water and energy. It has already replaced its diesel vans with electric vans introduced electric forklift trucks in its depots and added a fully electric 3.5-tonne truck primarily for its Oxford city centre deliveries.  

    Darcica owner, Anthony Tattersall comments: “We’re excited to add the new DAF XB truck to our fleet, it’s fully branded and even has a Darcica registration number EV25 DAR which will be easy to spot around Oxfordshire! We estimate the truck will save 10 tonnes CO2 a year and expands our service to urban and regional customers with sustainable deliveries.”  

    Darcica is one of over 120 independent transport providers that are part of the Palletways UK network. They benefit from shared expertise and resources from within the group to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. The Palletways Group, renowned for its industry-leading IT developments and operational systems, comprises 450+ depots and 20 hub operations, through which it provides collection and distribution services across 24 European countries, including the UK.  

    Find out more – Darcica Logistics

  • Mucky Weekender festival’s bassiest bash yet! 

    Mucky Weekender festival’s bassiest bash yet! 

    Liz Nicholls

    DJ Yoda, Fabio + Grooverider, Jaguar Skills, Dave Rodigan & more will star at magical Mucky Weekender in Micheldever, 11th-13th September 

    Mucky Weekender is returning to Micheldever & this year it’s bigger, bolder, and bassier than ever! 

    This year’s festival, headlined by our cover stars Fabio + Grooverider, launches with a massive Thursday night opening party, and trust us, you’re going to want to get there early. What started in 2019 as a homegrown dream by Dub Pistols frontman and all-around legend Barry Ashworth, has grown into one of the UK’s most beloved boutique festivals; intimate, immersive, and utterly infectious. 

    Set in the lush, 28-acre wonderland of Vicarage Farm, our fave Mucky Weekender is back for its fourth year at its spiritual home. With a 5,000-capacity crowd, six creatively themed stages, and a “no sponsors, no suits” vibe, it’s as grassroots as festivals come, made by music lovers, for music lovers. 

    2025’s festivities get under way with a Thursday night blow-out that could pass as a full festival in its own right. Headlining the opening bash is none other than David Rodigan, the iconic reggae and dancehall DJ known for crowd-hyping mic skills and legendary dubplates. Phil Hartnoll of Orbital will also be spinning euphoric electronic beats, as well as the genre-hopping wizardry of DJ Yoda. 

    Expect a dubwise masterclass from the charismatic Gardna, pure fire from rising soul powerhouse Eva Lazarus, and a set from the genre-blending innovator Don Letts, who helped birth the punk-reggae crossover. Add to that Jaguar Skills with his cut-and-paste genius, and The Allergies DJ serving up fat slices of funk and soul, and you’ve got one hell of a curtain-raiser. 

    But Mucky’s not just about bangers and basslines. It’s about community, creativity, and cutting loose with people who love music as much as you do. Whether go come solo or in a crew, this is the kind of festival where you’ll leave with new mates. Think of it as a boutique rave-family reunion — minus the weird uncle. 

    Festival-goers will once again get the chance to dress to impress with 2025’s fancy dress theme: Dead Famous. Whether you’re resurrecting Bowie, Prince, or a disco-diva version of Shakespeare, it’s your time to bring a legend to life. Dress up and you could bag a coveted Golden Ticket to the Dead Famous After Party hosted by Barry Ashworth and the Dub Pistols. 

    Mucky Weekender also wears its heart on its sleeve, working closely with Tonic Music for Mental Health to support positive mental health in the music scene. From wellbeing spaces to a line-up packed with returning artists who just can’t get enough of the Mucky magic, it’s a festival with a conscience — and  
    a killer soundtrack. 

    So if you’re after an unforgettable weekend of genre-spanning beats, creative freedom, and good vibes only, book your tickets now! 

  • Aces of bass Fabio + Grooverider

    Aces of bass Fabio + Grooverider

    Liz Nicholls

    Liz Nicholls chats to the godfathers of drum n bass Fabio + Grooverider who headline Stowaway Festival, 15th to 17th August & star at Mucky Weekender in Hampshire, 11th to 13th September

    Q. Hello! What should I call you? “Fab & Groove is fine that’s what we call each other!”

    Q. What’s your first memory of music? “F: “Well, I would have been just walking, so two or three, a toddler… My parents and their friends were having a party and somehow I’d got out of my bed all the way downstairs to join them. Everyone was dancing, to classic reggae on the stereo (Ken Boothe, Max Romeo, Bob Marley etc). I started doing a little dance and they all stopped; they were looking at me dancing, laughing and clapping! It’s one of my first memories of getting attention…. and I loved it! My mum was really pi$$ed off how I’d managed to get down there but still…”

    Q. Can we talk about the heady days of the 1990s and the music scene? No internet! No phones! No sub genres, just a big melting pot…

    “F: Yeah… and the 1980s, too, that came before. It really was different time. There was Thatcher in power, a lot of punk, a lot of protest. London was… more of a wasteland, more lawless. Big bits of London had empty spaces, warehouses, where there’s all sorts of office blocks and s*** now. It was all about areas too – if I went up the road to Streatham that was a big deal! You were supposed to stay in your own ends. The sound systems were mad. And gatherings were all sorted on the phone!” 

    “GR: No one cared about labels or music genres, you just felt something new was on the way… The 1990s were just a continuation of this! And the birth of clubs. Heaven was the first superclub, really, first one we went to. About 1,000 people in a night, underground, the sound systems! What you have to remember is that, in the early days of electronic music, there was a backlash, for sure. There was fear, genuine worry that the soul would be lost from music. It was considered ‘robot music’! You get the same fears now with AI; that technology is doing the job of someone creative. And we do have some robot music today, to some extent, haha!”

    Q. I’ve read that you saw Paul Oakenfold DJing at Spectrum and it changed your world…

    “Well, it’s worth saying that there was quite a story of us even getting into Spectrum! The doormen were like ‘nah’. We just kind of stood outside for hours hoping somebody would notice us and say ‘oh we know them – they can come in with us’ cos we didn’t really have the money. But that didn’t happen unfortunately. In the end I think the door staff took pity on us and let us in for the last half hour.”

    “G: I remember the lasers! The lights and the volume – and that smell! It was like a rubbery smell which we found out later was amyl nitrate, poppers. It completely blew our minds. You had DJs before but not like like he was. He was the one DJing in front of them all, performing and everyone was looking at him. I’d never seen people going mental to the music like that. We were used to club where people weren’t even that drunk, and this was another level.”

    Q. Take us back to that Sliding Doors moment, the afters for Danny Rampling’s Shoom at Mendoza’s It was 2am and you were about to zip off home as Groove had work and you thought no one was coming…

    “G: Yeah I kept falling asleep at work, haha – in fact they had to get rid of me in the end. We wanted to leave but we stayed on… and the rest is history!”  

    Q. Can we take a moment to honour your friendship?! I feel that marriages are celebrated, anniversary parties & whatnot, but long friendships need to be celebrated too! Almost 34 years! Do you ever argue?

    “Nah never. We’re from the same place, we’ve got similar world views. When we first started out we decided to put together a set of unwritten rules that we’d never break – sort of moral guidelines. So we have no reason to argue. To be honest it’s only when people have massively different views that you get trouble. We’re both from similar backgrounds, we respect each other and enjoy what we do! What would we argue about?! ”

    Q. You’re at Mucky & Stowaway aren’t you? What’s your best festival memory, either as a punter or as a DJ?

    “F: We’ve played so many festivals over the years that it’s sometimes hard to remember. To be honest we don’t go to many as a punter to be honest! I’ve been invited to a kind of classic soul/R&B event in a few weeks’ time – I really love that music. Knowing me I will most likely bail on the day though!”

    Q. .Your shows with the Outlook Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall have been a hit! Did the young yous think this would happen?

    “F&G: No. I never thought we’d even be allowed in, let alone to perform there! People like us, they weren’t ever feel they could be welcome there. That’s not a race thing, it’s more of a rich/ poor thing. But here we are, and it’s been incredible

    Q. If you could make one wish for music, what would it be?

    “I’d probably get the Nineties back, so young people today could experience a bit of it… But… I don’t want to sound like the old man in the room who’s down on everything new! After all, it was the same for us – our parents hated punk. Now sometimes I listen to the odd bit of new music and I think ‘arghhh it’s just a noise!’, haha! But that’s how electronic music and punk music sounded to our old mans! But anyway, I’ll say it: I feel like some of the fun has gone out of music. The kids now, it’s not as free as it used to be. But the good news is, raving is happening, somewhere, every weekend! Four or five years ago, we thought clubbing might not come back. It was social distancing, you can’t have people all together. I’m so pleased it’s recovered. Every weekend there’s a rave somewhere, and if you happen to be at that rave, it might change your life…”

    Fabio & Grooverider and The Outlook Orchestra will headline Stowaway festival near Stowe on 15th August, which will also star the Wailers, a Jungle DJ set & more; visit stowawayfestival.co.uk

    They will also join Groove Armada, David Rodigan, Leftfield, Norman Jay MBE, Dub Pistols & many more at Mucky Weekender in Micheldever in September: Visit mucky-weekender.co.uk

  • Summer fun at The Fishes in Oxford

    Summer fun at The Fishes in Oxford

    Liz Nicholls

    There’s so much to enjoy at The Fishes Oxford including a garden party this weekend (21st June) & a fresh new menu thanks to chef & author Gemma Ogston, perfect for al fresco fun!

    Summertiiiime, and the living is… well it’s been far from easy lately! What with exam stress (dear. God.), mounting bills, health hiccups & other mojo-draining mishaps June has taken its toll. (Just me?! Sorry – whinge over!)

    I can heartily recommend a visit – any time of day or night – to The Fishes Oxford for a vibe top-up. If you love an al fresco pit stop (and who doesn’t?!), you must know The Fishes, part of the Peach Pubs group. Situated in the impossibly pretty village of North Hinksey, OX2 0NA.

    Just as summer started to peek out, I happily checked in to enjoy a meal in the huge pub garden. A whimsical wonderland of weeping willows, with a huge fairylit tipi to boot. I was lured in (well, I’m a regular!) by the rainbow lasagne, part of the fresh new menu from Brighton-based Gemma Ogston, the founder of Gem’s Wholesome Kitchen.

    About Gemma Ogston

    Gemma, who is a chef, recipe developer, and writer, is an ambassador for Fareshare UK and Young Minds UK, as well as the author of two Amazon bestsellers: The Self-Care Cookbook (2019) and The Healing Cookbook (2023). She also has a third book in in the works. Her rainbow lasagne is indeed a layered beauty which packs a great pesto punch, proves that going meat-free need not leave you feeling deprived.

    The Fishes Oxford chef & author Gemma Ogston

    But the ever-changing menu is a treat for all summer-lovers, making the most of the abundant produce right here on our doorstep – my French foodie pal & I also loved the asparagus with Hollandaise & poached egg, and the Fishes Fish Bowl – a beautiful bowl of monkfish, prawns, mussels, moules & more, with fries! Special mention must go to the puds, too! I am still aching to go back for another golden delicious tarte tatin oozing with a generous globe of vanilla ice cream.

    The Fishes’ Pub Club

    If all this sounds a bit belt-busting and/ or wallet-busting, fret not! From Monday to Wednesday, The Fishes’ Pub Club offers a brilliant excuse to dine out midweek. For just £25, you can tuck into two hearty main courses! From slow-cooked beef and ale pie to a zingy Tom Yum rice noodle salad. Or enjoy a classic steak burger with all the trimmings.

    Fizz Friday adds some sparkle to the end of the week. Between 3pm & 7pm, when you buy one bottle of fizz (Prosecco, Crémant, or even Piper-Heidsieck), you’ll get the second bottle on the house. Perfect for easing into the weekend, especially when paired with the kitchen’s tempting fish specials.
    The super-friendly Fishes team also serve breakfast 9.30-11am on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. And this is top-notch fare, from buttermilk pancakes with crispy bacon and maple syrup to a full English or eggs Benedict, The Fishes delivers both flavour and quality with flair. The pub has unusually extensive and clear gluten- and dairy-free menus. Younger diners are also treated with the same respect as adults.

    The Fishes Oxford

    There are some sizzling summer events, too, including:

    • Saturday, 21st June: The Summer Garden Party, 1-6pm. Enjoy BBQ delights, oysters, live music, and a choice of refreshing tipples including Pimm’s, Lucky Saint and Piper-Heidsieck.
    • Sunday, 13th July: Enjoy the Wimbledon Final in the garden. With strawberries, Pimm’s buckets, tennis on the lawn, and the final live on the big screen.
    • Saturday, 30th August: Tuck into a Brazilian Barbecue with sous chef Ene. They will serve bold flavours and vibrant dishes. Walk-ins welcome and bookings recommended.

    We love our hospitality heroes for catering to our every whim & mealtime. See you there!

    www.fishesoxford.co.uk

    Find out what else is on near you on our Activities & Events in Oxfordshire page.