Edible Jubilee

KICKING off at the Rickety Press in Cranham Street, Jericho, there is a BBQ throughout the day, accompanied by a live swing band, as well as food served from the kitchen during the day and evening.

Andy, the head chef, has designed a Jubilee-themed menu for the evening service. Booking is recommended. See thericketypress.com or call 01865 424581.

lA Spanish slant to the weekend can be had at La Tasca at Oxford Castle by injecting some Spanish flair into traditional afternoon tea, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. Swapping classic egg sandwiches for Tortilla Española, and cream scones for its traditional and deliciously tasting Churros, La Tasca is intertwining Spanish culture with a tradition loved by Brits nationwide, throughout June. For more information visit latascakitchen.co.uk lThe Royal Oak on Woodstock Road has launched its Best Of British menu for the Jubilee weekend with dishes fit for a queen including; seasonal asparagus with goats cheese & mint dip, Coronation chicken, fish & chips and a royally good Eton mess. The fixed price menu includes three courses for £15 or two courses for £12. Call 01865 310187.

lThe Fishes in North Hinksey is celebrating in style with two days of Diamond Celebrations in the garden on Sunday and Monday with live music, garden games, a crown-making competition for the kids (crafts supplied) with a prize of a family meal for six at the Fishes, plus a BBQ, afternoon tea, Prosecco and Pimms for all. As if that wasn’t enough, on the Tuesday there’s a Fishes Fish and Chip Tuesday for everyone who’s had enough of BBQ’s and garden parties by then. See fishesoxford.co.uk or call 01865 249796.

lThe Abingdon Arms in Beckley is having a Jubilee Jamboree tomorrow night to kick start the weekend with live music, a raffle, a glass of fizz and a two-course meal, all for £15, with profits going to the village hall. The menu includes oven-baked chicken with chorizo and borlotti beans, served with rice and side salad followed by summer berry pudding. Tickets are available on 01865 351311.

lThe Star in Stanton St John is having a right royal knees up from Sunday to Tuesday. Sunday boasts a Jubilee special band evening and BBQ accompanied by the “Stanton Stars” featuring the friendly landlord and Jamie from Breeze.

On Monday there’s a roast special, so if you missed out on your Sunday lunch dig in here, and then on Tuesday a Diamond Jubilee lunch. Go to thestarstanton.co.uk for more details.

lFor those of you who want to make the most of the weather, Carluccio’s has got it all in hand. Pop into Bicester Village and pick up a picnic hamper to celebrate the best of Italy in Britain.

Each hamper is £45, serves two, and is packed full of regional Italian dishes, freshly made and presented in a reusable cool-bag. Little ones enjoy their own individual picnics for £10. Just pre-order 24 hours in advance or pick up the ‘chef’s choice’ last minute option, available on the day. Go to carluccios.com lCOOK in Summertown is following suit with an entire Jubilee range of frozen ready-meals at their Banbury Road branch. So if you’re planning a big Jubilee bash and don’t want to cook, then cheat!

Try the galette range: Roasted Beetroot, Feta & Mint, Asparagus, Pesto & Regato Cheese, and Kiln-Roasted Salmon or opt for al fresco dishes such as Coronation Chicken, Smoked Salmon Terrine, Ham Hock. Pea and Mint Filo or Chorizo and Lentil Salad, for the best party in town.

lThe Rusty Bicycle is holding a beer festival in the rusty garden from tomorrow until Tuesday in conjunction with the Magdalen Road street party, as well as providing a BBQ with a jazz and swing band. Call 01865 204842.

lOr just hotfoot it off to Bignell Park Hotel in Chesterton and get them to cook it all for you at their Jubilee BBQ on Monday. For details see bignellparkhotel.co.uk lAs per Thatch tradition of Royal events, it will be having a Jubilee party in the bar and garden. There’s a £50 Thatch gift voucher and bottle of bubbles for the guest with the best hat, as well as live music from the Grapevine Blues and Pimms, followed by a BBQ in the evening. Call Thame 01844 214340 for more details.

lHotel du Vin & Bistro Henley-on-Thames has got a great Jubilee package for anyone wanting to sneak off over the Bank Holiday. A room at the riverside converted brewery, breakfast, and a three-course a la carte dinner with a bottle of champagne costs £189. Call 01491 848400 or see hotelduvin.com lThe Fleece in Witney has a long weekend of festivities planned. On Sunday it’s The Big Lunch from 4pm – BBQ, Marquee, Jubilee Cocktails and from 8pm a real old school disco going on till late. Then on Monday it’s a Family Day on the green with children games, British classics, scones and jam, a family quiz and prizes.

If you’ve got any energy left, on Tuesday it’s the Big Brunch – Bucks Fizz and more family fun on the green, or in the pub, depending on the weather!

lIf you’re planning a banquet don’t forget to include pieminister’s Lovely Jubilee pie, inset – made with free range British chicken in a delicately curried Coronation-style sauce laced with mango chutney, sweetcorn and coconut. Perfect for street parties and available at its Covered Market branch, or at pieminister.co.uk lThe Trout at Tadpole Bridge is hosting a Diamond Jubilee Afternoon Tea from Friday to Sunday.

Traditional afternoon tea will be served between 3pm and 5pm, tiaras and bling are optional but will be acknowledged with a curtsey, and the menu includes traditional scones, cream and jam, finger sandwiches and cake. Top it off with a glass of pink sparkle (children will receive a non alcoholic Jubilee Cocktail). £10 per person, £5 per child. Call 01367 870382.

lThe Big Lunch on Sunday aims to bring the community together at Oxford Castle – Unlocked by hosting a ‘Big Jubilee Lunch’ in the Castleyard and extending the invitation to the city’s residents. Bring along a picnic blanket and some food to share between 12pm and 3pm and enjoy an afternoon of free family friendly entertainment.

Special lunch hampers will be available from Café 1071 in the Castleyard.

lWith the great British street party in mind, Maison Blanc in St Giles has taken inspiration from traditional British puddings to create a ‘Fabulously British’ range of patisseries for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, including treacle tart, sticky toffee pudding, Bakewell tart, strawberry tart, and scones.

lBlenheim Palace is hosting three days of celebrations including a splendid ‘Afternoon Tea’ this weekend.

The special Jubilee Afternoon Tea will be served in true English Garden Party buffet-style from an elegant bamboo marquee, priced from £19. And what better way to celebrate this truly British day than to relax on the South Lawn at Blenheim Palace on Monday and watch the fabulous Bunbury’s Celebrity Charity Cricket Match versus Blenheim Park Cricket Club?

Delicious Jubilee Afternoon Teas will be served from a tented area on the South Lawn whilst you relax and enjoy the sound of leather on willow, and enjoy the Swindon Pegasus Brass band playing noon to 2pm and 4pm to 4.30pm.Or try out the new Champagne Bar, refreshed menus in the Water Terraces Café, and freshly prepared picnic hampers which can be pre-ordered. Book on 01993 813874.

lYO! Sushi on George Street is giving its royal seal of approval, with the launch of a self-consciously kitsch collectible, limited-edition commemorative plate and a ‘diamond’-encrusted Red Fruit Charlotte dessert – made from sponge, summer berries, candied raspberry crumbs, vanilla mousse, red fruit jelly, pistachios and topped with edible sugar diamonds and pearls.

Washed down with a glass of fizz, lunch hours have never been this luxe. See yosushi.com lAt the Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, royal commentator Robert Jobson will join diners at a special lunch.

The ‘godfather’ of royal reporting, he will look back on the past 60 years of the Queen’s extraordinary life and her role as Head of the Commonwealth.

The lunch includes a Laurent-Perrier Champagne reception with canapés, three courses with accompanying wines, coffee and petits fours, plus a complimentary signed copy of Queen & Commonwealth. Tickets cost £185 per person, call 01844 277484.