Westgate Oxford: New Epic Bar

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Flight Club – the lively fairground inspired bar and Social Darts experience is coming to Oxford and is set to open doors on 22nd November, just in time for the festive season!

Promising to deliver a one-of-a-kind social experience to Oxford, Flight Club is designed to bring groups of friends together for an unforgettable time. Situated on the roof terrace level of the Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford locals can look forward to a stunning bar with a lively atmosphere, craft cocktails, and delicious sharing dishes. Expect unexpected, ridiculous joy every time.

Flight Club Oxford will offer semi-private oches (Social Darts playing areas) around a spectacular bar, along with plenty of seating options and two beautiful terraces. Its blend of delicious food and drink, stylish interiors, vibrant DJ sets, and energetic vibe makes this new addition to Oxford’s bar scene the perfect destination for creating memorable moments with friends.

Darts revolutionised

Flight Club’s highly popular Social Darts experience has completely transformed the traditional game, bringing darts into the 21st century with fun, fast-paced multiplayer games that anyone can enjoy.

First-time visitors to Flight Club should leave any preconceived notions about darts behind. This modernised version of the game has undergone a high-tech upgrade. Cameras track and automatically score each dart, eliminating the need for manual arithmetic. Live action replays are displayed on-screen during the session, and afterward, shareable stories of the best memories are sent directly to players’ phones.

Perfect for groups of friends, Flight Club redefines the traditional two-player game. Social darts, Flight Club’s enhanced version, allows up to 12 people to gather around an oche. For larger groups, corporate events, or Christmas parties, multiple oches can be linked to host up to 250 players in epic tournaments led by an expert Gamesmaster.

There are six immersive and fast-paced games to choose from. One game, ‘Demolition’, start players with 180 points, with the goal of reaching zero by taking turns throwing darts. Unlike traditional darts, no double is required to win, making it easier for newcomers. In the game ‘Killer’, players must hit their assigned number three times to become a “killer”. Once they achieve killer status, they aim to hit other players’ numbers to knock them out, with the last person standing declared the winner.

Small plates, sharing pizzas and spectacular cocktails

The food menu at Flight Club Oxford will include crowd-pleasing dishes ideal for sharing and eating mid-throw. Sourdough pizza paddles, juicy burgers and loaded fries are just some of the treats on offer.

If you’re a cocktail aficionado, you’ll be in good hands, with plenty of options to choose from, including signature cocktails, classics with a twist, cocktail slushies – perfect for balmy summer evenings – and sharing trophy cocktails served in a show-stopping trophy cup – the best way to toast the Social Darts champions.

Bottomless brunch with a twist

Not forgetting everyone’s favourite weekend pastime, Flight Club Oxford will also offer a bottomless brunch you won’t want to miss. Plenty of booze, great food, and an all-round epic time. Tickets for the two-hour brunch session cost from £30pp and include 60 minutes of gameplay at the oche, a bottle of prosecco per person and all the pizza you can eat. Party vibes are guaranteed as the resident DJ blasts the tunes throughout the day.

The setting: all the fun of the fairground

Flight Club Oxford will be decked out in Flight Club’s signature style, combining the fun of the fairground with Victorian nods and all the best bits of a traditional British pub. Think fairground-style signage and lighting that blinks in time to the music, panelling, bold prints, and subtle nods to Oxford’s history throughout.

There are treasures and trinkets in every corner to surprise and delight, including clocks and barometers of varying sizes on the walls, fun adaptations to Victorian portraits, reclaimed antique furniture pieces and a fairground carousel horse.

Booking enquiries: https://flightclubdarts.com/location-oxford

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Six By Nico Istanbul-inspired menu

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From 23rd September to 13th October diners can enjoy the latest menu at Six by Nico Oxford, that will transport them to the hustle and bustle of Istanbul

Six by Nico, renowned for its innovative dining experience and ever-changing tasting menus, has announced its next destination menu, promising a true feast for food enthusiasts across the country. This time, Six by Nico invites diners seeking adventure to journey through the spice-laden streets of Istanbul and savour the rich, aromatic dishes inspired by the Turkish city’s iconic bazaars.

The Istanbul experience will be available from 23rd September to 13th October, offering diners a culinary journey where ancient traditions meet bold, modern flavours. This menu is designed to amaze, celebrating the richness of Turkish cuisine and embracing the culture at every turn. Diners will be transported to bustling bazaars and the vibrant streets of this captivating Turkish destination.

The menu includes the following:

Course One – Memories of Mikla
Cucumber & Barbecue Lettuce Gaspacho, Lemon Verbena & Lor Cheese

Course Two – Chef Ahmet’s Pida
Grilled Chicken Shish Pida, Sesame Flat Bread, Rose Harissa & Sumac

Course Three – Kibe
Toasted Bulgar & Aged Beef, Smoked Black Garlic Ketchup & Cep Mushroom

Course Four – Fishing on Galata Köprüsü
Seabass, White Bean, Fennel Jam, Preserved Lemon, Smoked Almond Foam

Course Five – Adana Lamb Kebap
Cumin Belly Pressé, Ancient Grains Pilaf & Sweet Roasted Tomato

For an additional £7, food enthusiasts can add on Golden Peyniri, Crispy Filo, Lor Cheese, Acili Same Chutney to their fifth course.

Course Six – Spiced Date Cake
Candy Walnut, Caramelised Pear & Sour Yogurt Sorbet

For £50, guests will be able to enjoy a taste of Istanbul, with a matching wine pairing from £38.

This tasting menu is a culinary journey through the heart of Istanbul, drawing deep inspiration from Turkey’s rich and diverse food traditions. It masterfully combines authentic Turkish flavours with modern techniques, paying homage to classic dishes while introducing contemporary twists. From the refreshing notes of gazpacho to the hearty essence of lamb kebap, each course reflects the vibrant and varied culinary heritage of Istanbul. This menu captures the essence of Turkish cuisine – bold, aromatic, and deeply rooted in regional traditions – while presenting it in a way that is both innovative and sophisticated.

Andrew Temple, Chief Creative Officer, commented on the new menu: “We’re excited to transport diners to the vibrant streets of Istanbul and bring authentic yet bold flavours from Southeastern Europe to cities around the UK and Ireland.”

Six by Nico caters to all dietary requirements, offering a full vegetarian menu for each new menu concept. Plus, customers can swap courses from the meat menu to the veggie alternative, if they wish.

For bookings of the Istanbul menu, visit the website Istanbul – Oxford – Six By Nico

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Friday 13th is lucky for some!

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Cadbury World counters cursed calendar date with free entry for all those celebrating their birthday on Friday 13th September

No such thing as bad luck at Cadbury World! The Bournville attraction is celebrating ‘unlucky’ birthdays by gifting a free-entry offer to all those with birthdays on Friday 13th September 2024.

For guests whose birthday falls on Friday 13th September – it’s their lucky day! In defiance of superstitions, those with a birthday on 13th September can celebrate with a day that’s choc-full of fun. To change their fortunes, all guests will need to do is bring a valid proof of ID to the reception team on the day, and they will be granted a free entry ticket for a brilliant Bournville birthday, filled with chocolatey fun.

Speaking about Friday 13th September at Cadbury World, Gerrard Baldwin, General Manager at Cadbury World said ‘What could be unlucky about free chocolatey fun?! We can’t wait to welcome guests to celebrate their Friday 13th birthdays with us here at Cadbury World, Bournville. There’s so much on offer here for all the family and we look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate a choc-tastic birthday with us.”

Guests can enjoy a variety of chocolatey activities while at Cadbury World. Jump aboard the new Cadbury Chocolate Quest ride and zap up the ingredients needed to make a Cadbury Dairy Milk, get creative and doodle with chocolate in the newly refurbished Have A Go zone. Guests can even meet their favourite iconic Cadbury characters including Freddo, Caramel Bunny, Mr Cadbury’s Parrot and Bertie Basset.

For more information about the conditions of entry, please visit https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/policies/terms-conditions/

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Hospice charity brings back Sustainable September

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Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care announces the return of its Sustainable September campaign. The month-long event is back for its second year, bigger and better than before.

The charity is encouraging people in Bucks to participate in the challenge, whereby people wear one item of clothing or an accessory from a charity shop every day throughout the month of September.

Rennie Grove Peace will be sending out a weekly email newsletter with styling tips and tricks from personal stylist and founder of Luxe Leopard Lifestyle, Alex Standley (Alex Standley Personal Stylist St Albans (@luxeleopardlifestyle)). Each newsletter will feature a theme to inspire participants with their outfits for that week. Those taking part are asked to simply tag Rennie Grove Peace) on Instagram or Facebook and use #RGPSustSept. There will be a prize draw at the end of the month that will include anyone who has uploaded a photo and tagged the charity during the 30-day campaign.

In the same month, the Rennie Grove Peace Beaconsfield ReLoved Boutique, which stocks high-end and designer pre-loved items, will host its annual fashion show fundraising evening. The hugely successful event has already sold out for the second year running and will be hosted by Bucks-based personal stylist Emma Lou (Emma Lou Stylist (@emloustylist)).

Rennie Grove Peace currently has 33 high street shops, with 13 across Bucks which stock high-quality, preloved clothes, accessories and homeware. The charity also has an online presence via its eBay shop.

Rennie Grove Peace charity shops raise vital income to fund its services which support patients in Bucks with life-limiting illnesses. Items donated to the charity have previously included brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Mulberry and Christian Dior.

Deborah Gould, Director of Retail & Trading at Rennie Grove Peace, says:

“We’re delighted to be bringing Sustainable September back as an even bigger and better event in its second year. Second-hand fashion continues to grow in popularity and this challenge is a great way for us to showcase how pre-loved clothing can be part of your everyday routine.

“People who took part last year told us they enjoyed the challenge of creating different outfits throughout the month. We’re encouraging people to head down to their local Rennie Grove Peace shop to see what they can find. Whether it’s a whole outfit, one piece or an accessory, there’s something for everybody in our shops and the fun comes in how you mix and match items throughout the month!”

To find out more and register to receive the weekly email newsletter with styling tips and tricks for Sustainable September visit here.

To find your local Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care charity shop visit here.

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Dawn French Brand New Live Show

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Dawn French, the Queen of British comedy, returns to the stage this autumn with a brand new solo show, ‘Dawn French Is A Huge Twat‘.

Dawn will tour the UK from 15th September, opening at Peterborough’s New Theatre and then perform a further 19 shows across the country until 16th October. Tickets for all shows are on sale now from https://dawnfrenchontour.com/

The award-winning actor, best-selling novelist and all-round very funny lady is here to tell us more:

“This show is so named because unfortunately, it’s horribly accurate. There have been far too many times I have made stupid mistakes or misunderstood something vital or jumped the gun in a spectacular display of twattery. I thought I might tell some of these buttock clenching embarrassing stories to give the audience a peek behind the scenes of my work life…

Roll up! Book early to see the telly vicar lady be a total twat on stage, live in front of your very eyes. And ears.”

Get tickets now Dawn French Brand New Live Show UK Tour

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NOW that’s nostalgia with musical magic

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Nina Wadia to star in NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and with special guest star, Sinitta

Nina Wadia will star as Gemma in the world premiere of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, opening at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Friday 6th September before embarking on a major UK and Ireland tour. The brand-new British musical is written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.

Click to read Q&A with Craig Revel Horwood.

Joining Nina will be NOW icon, Sinitta.

Nina said: “I grew up listening to the NOW tapes so for me being a part of this musical is like going home. When I read the script I immediately fell in love with the characters and Pippa’s story. I can’t wait to get started on my first ever musical and to see you all there.”

Sinitta said: “The most exciting thing about being involved in this project is the music. Dust off your spandex, crimp your hair and I’ll see you there.”

Get ready to relive the playlist of your life by celebrating 40 years of the iconic and chart-topping compilations brand NOW That’s What I Call Music, which has sold an estimated 200 million copies worldwide. This fun-filled evening is bursting with hits from Whitney Houston, Wham! Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet and so many more.

It’s Birmingham, 1989. Two school friends, Gemma and April, are busy with very important business – planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley. Cut to Birmingham 2009 and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives – the school reunion. Drama, old flames and receding hairlines come together as friends reunite and everything from the past starts to slot into place. The biggest question is: what was with all that hairspray?

Don’t miss this nostalgic evening bursting with 1980s hits. Tickets on sale at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office

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10 Must Try Cafes in Oxford 2024

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These cafes and coffee shops offer a diverse range of experiences, from historical and opulent settings to cosy, intimate spots, making Oxford a great destination for coffee lovers.

Tired of drinking underwhelming coffee? This guide brings you the best coffee hot spots & cafes around Oxford. So, if you’re making plans to visit Oxford any time soon, make sure to add these to your to-do list.

1. The Missing Bean

A favourite for students, this café is renowned for its Antipodean-style coffee and lively ambiance. The Missing Bean is perfect for a quick takeaway or a cosy sit-in.

2. Society Café

Situated on St. Michael’s Street, this café features a wide selection of espresso and filter coffee options, sourced from premier coffee farms and roasters. It’s a favourite for its spacious interior and co-working-friendly atmosphere.

3. Jericho Coffee Traders

Known for it’s micro-roastery, Jericho Coffee Traders offers tailored coffee blends and pop-up locations around the city. It’s a must visit for coffee lovers.

4. GAIL’s Bakery

Besides great coffee, GAIL’s offers an array of freshly baked goods, making it a perfect spot for breakfast or a casual coffee break.

5. The Handle Bar Café and Kitchen

Situated above a bike shop, this café is renowned for its atmosphere and delicious toasted banana bread. It also offers extended hours for evening hours.

6. The Grand Café

Located on the site of England’s oldest coffee house, The Grand Café is more famous for its tea and opulent decor, offering a unique historical experience.

7. Colombia Coffee Roasters

Located in the Covered Market, this café specialises in single-origin coffee from Colombia, complemented by tasty baked goods.

8. The Ashmolean Café

Located in the Ashmolean Museum, this rooftop café offers stunning views alongside a solid coffee and tea selection, with profits supporting the museum.

9. The Edge Eatery

Located in Witney, Oxfordshire, this café receives a huge amount of praise for its delicious brunch & speciality coffee offerings.

10. Gatineau

Gatineau offers a range of artisanal fresh breads, viennoiserie, cakes, savouries, biscuits and chocolates.

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Cowley road eatery launches breakfast menu

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An Oxford restaurant is launching a new South Indian breakfast menu as it continues to expand its offerings after a successful launch earlier this year.

On Saturday, Dosa Darlings, located on Cowley Road, served traditional South Indian breakfast options from its brand new menu for the first time.

The restaurant will continue to offer breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 12 noon going forward. The menu features breakfast dosas, including Masala Dosa, Ghee Dosa, and Egg Dosa, alongside Idly, a savoury rice cake, and Pongal, a dish made of rice and lentils. Also on the menu is an Uttapam, a thicker type of dosa served with toppings, a Chennai Omelette, and Egg Podimas.

Breakfast goers at Dosa Darlings will also be able to order from a selection of breads, such as Poori Masala or Stuffed Paratha, as well as Goodness Bowls including overnight oats and Kesari, and a variety of hot drinks, smoothies, and fresh juices of the day.

Michael Raphel, owner of Dosa Darlings, which recently also extended its opening hours to seven days a week, said: “South Indian breakfast is truly delicious and we’re very excited to give the people of Oxford the chance to enjoy it and perhaps sample some dishes for the first time.

“We’ve been embraced by the community and are delighted that the success of Dosa Darlings is continuing.”

The breakfast menu launch comes just a few months after the restaurant first opened its doors in February. In June, the business opened a new alfresco dining area. Dosa Darlings, part of the JM Socials restaurant group, offers guests a flavourful adventure that seamlessly marries authentic Kerala cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Its eclectic main menu offers everything from traditional curries and biryani dishes to authentic Indian desserts such as Rasmalai, Halwa, and Pongal. The main highlight is the dosa, with flavour combinations including masala, dates and almond, and even blue cheese and truffle. The cocktail list is also diverse, featuring signature drinks like the Old Fashioned Connoisseur (whisky, galliano, brown cacao, the bitter truth wood, aged in coffee barrels), the Spice Me Up (Earl Grey tea, cinnamon, star anise, lemon zest, orange zest infused tequila, clarified using milk punch technique), and the Eternal Secret (gin, malibu, homemade curry leaf syrup, lemon, coconut soda). Additionally, there are delicious mocktails, including the Mirchi Madness (pineapple juice, fresh red chillies, lemon and coconut syrup).

To encourage customers to try a South Indian breakfast this summer, Dosa Darlings is offering guests a 25% discount of breakfast throughout July. To make a booking, email hey@dosadarlings.com or call 01865 602040. For more information on Dosa Darlings, visit Dosa Darling.

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Paul Clerehugh’s Goosebury Crumble

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Crooked Billet’s Paul Clerehugh shares his Gooseberry Crumble recipe with Round & About readers

Watch Paul Clerehurgh talk about the recipe on our podcast, Spotlight: The Diary for the South East OUT NOW on YouTube.

Gooseberry Crumble – serves 6

Ingredients:
• 200g Plain flour
• 125g Unsalted butter
• 75g Caster sugar
• 500g Gooseberries
• 100ml Elderflower cordial

Method:
• Pre-heat your oven to 190 degrees. Put the flour in a mixing bowl & add small cubes of fridge cold butter. With your fingers, rub the flour & butter together until the mix resembles breadcrumbs. Tip the caster sugar in and stir through.
• Top & tail each gooseberry & put them into a baking dish, drizzle over the elderflower cordial & roll the gooseberries around in the cordial so that they all have an elderflower coating.
• Evenly sprinkle the crumble mix over the gooseberries
* For best results, don’t flatten & push the mixture down
• Bake for 40 minutes in the pre-heated oven. It is ready when the crumble topping is golden brown & the gooseberries are completely soft & tender.

Crooked Billet. Newlands lane. Stoke Row – Henley-on-Thames RG9 5PU

www.thecrookedbillet.co.uk

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The Talbot supports local charities

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Partnerships with charities Oakleaf and Eikon aim to raise mental health awareness and support those in need

The Talbot, a premier hotel in Ripley owned by Bespoke Hotels, is partnering with local charities Oakleaf and Eikon in 2024 to support the mental health of young people and adults in Surrey.

Oakleaf is a mental health charity based in Guildford that supports clients aged 16+ who are managing their mental health. The charity’s mission is to foster confidence and reduce social isolation through a wide range of wellbeing activities and support groups, work-related training and employment guidance, and counselling. Oakleaf also acts as a social enterprise, selling gardening services to the public – the funds of which are fed straight back to the charity.

Eikon supports children and young people in Surrey who are struggling with poor emotional wellbeing and mental health for whatever reason, giving them the skills to respond positively to life’s challenges and thrive. Their focus is on prevention or helping early on, before a concern becomes a crisis.

Arvind Azad, Hotel Manager at The Talbot, is excited about the collaboration: “I have spent some time getting to learn and know more about both Eikon and Oakleaf and the work they do to support young people and adults in Surrey. I, along with my team here at The Talbot, am delighted and keen to get involved to be able to support both charities this year.” 

Jen Clay, Head of Fundraising and Engagement at Oakleaf, said: “We are thrilled to be supported by The Talbot in 2024. Together, we aim for the partnership to create a positive impact, ensuring more people in Surrey who need mental health and wellbeing support, receive it.”

Becky Hughes, Grants and Corporate Partnerships Manager at Eikon, said “It is so encouraging to see the community coming alongside local charities in this way. This partnership will help raise awareness of the mental health crisis, as well as raising vital funds to enable Eikon and Oakleaf to provide support to children and adults in Surrey.”

The Talbot has set up online fundraising pages for Oakleaf and Eikon, viewable here.

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