Food and Drink

The owners of the Golden Ball in Lower Assendon, Henley-born Head Chef Ben Watson and his wife Priya, who oversees front of house, learned their respective crafts working at prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants.

I’m always wary of being reductive when it comes to Father’s Day (or Mother’s Day, for that matter) but surely a backyard barbie is peak summer ‘dad’ and the Tracklements Father’s Day Gift Box will be received with great pleasure by any foodie father or epicurean uncle.

In its 250-year history, Oxford’s Covered Market has had a rich and varied heritage. Now, in 2024, it has morphed into something of a foodie hot spot and social centre.

I was lucky enough to be invited down with a friend to experience a ‘food safari’ and was only too happy to accept the offer, with gusto.

Chef Nico Simeone has brought his concept for affordable tasting menus to Oxford.

For our Foodie issue we return to The Bull Charlbury which – since its relaunch under the ownership of Phil Winser and James Garner – has been busy scooping up both awards, including a Bib Gourmand in from Michelin, and pretty much unilateral rave reviews.

Oxford residents, businesses, government councillors and eminent local institutions are up in arms - trying to save the Oxford Artisan Distillery, TOAD, from closure.

As summer arrives, the Cornish shores around St Ives come alive with swarms of mackerel. This sustainable catch, sourced from Celtic Fish & Game who use traditional bait and lines, makes for a delightful summer BBQ dish when paired with a floral elderflower brine and a sweet apple & elderflower jelly. If you can't find fresh elderflowers, a high-quality cordial works just as well.