* There's big news at the Harcourt Arms in Jericho, just down from the Rickety Press, which has a new landlord in the form of Alasdair Burn. And he has big plans afoot.
Having taken over a month ago you can enjoy the classic Jericho pub and its current fare of pork pies and olives.
However, in a few months’, when the new kitchen has gone in, a proper menu will commence.
Alasdair, 38, has lived in Oxford for the past eight years and worked at the Old Parsonage before moving to the Crazy Bear group, working as a general manager at the Southampton, Beaconsfield and London branches, before jacking it all in to run The Harcourt Arms.
“I’ve been looking for the right site for two or three years now,” he said. “Then The Harcourt came up. When I walked in I knew it was the right place. It was quite run down, but we’ve got a great beer garden and I’m really positive about its future.”
* Fawlty Towers The Dining Experience is coming to The Beacon in Wantage on Saturday, June 14, complete with a three-course ‘70s inspired meal where you will be waited upon by Basil, Sybil and Manuel, pictured!
The internationally acclaimed show, where only a third is scripted, means anything can happen as the audience takes a seat in the Fawlty Towers style restaurant. This is fully immersive, highly improvised and site-specific comedy theatre at its best, featuring all the best gags and shambolic service. Just don’t mention the war!
To buy tickets, or for more information, see beaconwantage.co.uk
* Gin cocktails and canapés on the terrace has a certain ring to it don’t you think? So why not enjoy the gin tasting at Fallowfields on Saturday, June 28.
Prices are £23 per person, and each cocktail will come with a recipe card to take away for you to recreate the experience at home and amaze your friends and family. Guests can also enjoy a demonstration of how to mix some amazing cocktails from the select range of small batched distilled gins, each with its own distinctive blend of botanicals.
To book, call Michelle on 01865 820416 or email stay@fallowfields.com
* Two Oxford restaurants have signed up to the World Oceans Day being held on Sunday, June 8.
The event raises awareness and funds to protect vulnerable marine species and habitats, combat illegal ‘pirate’ fishing and promote sustainable fisheries.
Fishers Restaurant in St Clement’s and Turl Street Kitchen in central Oxford will add an opt-out £1 donation onto every bill, or offer a sustainable seafood dish with a £1 donation included in the menu price.
Funds raised will support EJF’s Oceans Campaign in West Africa which empowers coastal communities to combat illegal fishing.
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