• It’s all go at The Rickety Press, judging by the noise coming from the former printing works where extensive renovations are under way. Manager of the superb Jericho restaurant/pub, Fred Samengo-Turner, said work was being carried out to replace the glass roof and renovate the patio area so the dining/bar areas blend, making for a lighter and more modern look. Anyone who’s eaten there will know this is one of Oxford’s finest restaurants and will be relieved to hear that, although currently closed during the day, The Rickety Press will be open every evening and weekend during August, only closing entirely for the first week of September so that the kitchens can be overhauled. We can’t wait to see the transformation!

 

  • Meanwhile, we’re making an evening date to tuck into chef Andrew Holland’s delicious cuisine (the Thai green curry with macademia nuts is to die for). Itsu is the latest chain to jostle for position in Cornmarket. Currently under wraps, the healthy food shop/restaurant is due to open in September. Originating from the early pioneers of Pret, Itsu is dedicated to skinny but delicious food. It will boast 62 dishes – all light, green and good for you. So expect bright salads, loads of crunchy vegetables, hot and nutritious brown rice, noodles, light soups, low-carb bentos, fresh sushi, pots, skinny salad sandwiches, mayonnaise-free sauces and zero-fat frozen yoghurt.

With 39 shops nationwide, Oxford looks set to be the 40th, offering us a more healthy option than the current trend of Cornmarket pasties and burgers, so they are most very welcome.

  • Have you tried The Killingworth Castle’s food nights on the second Tuesday of every month? Award-winning chef Andrew Lipp has created a fantastic line-up, each one showcasing a lip-smacking foodie genre giving Andrew the chance to really show off his culinary skills. His three-course menus cost £26 per head and themes vary, such as Tuesday night’s Italian night or the upcoming French night in September, the Fish night (October) and Game night (coming up in November).

 

  • Italian night on Tuesday features starters such as burrata cheese with vegetable antipasti and focaccia, tomato risotto with pesto and mascarpone and mains of roast fillet of plaice with rocket, fennel and anchovy sauce. Expect desserts like pistachio ice cream cannelloni or cherries and peach and amaretto tart.

 

  • Oli’s Thai is opening in two weeks on Magdalen Street, between Cowley and Iffley Roads, where the couscous restaurant used to be. The Thai cafe and shop aims to serve quick fresh Thai food and will only increase the status of this area of Oxford as a foodie-haven.

With The Chester Arms also opening soon and the Magdalen Arms, Rusty Bicycle and Oxford Blue on their doorstep as well as Oxfork, you won’t want to leave this part of town.

  • A reader has alerted us to the opening of a new Greek/Turkish restaurant on Church Green in Witney – The Meze Lounge. Apparently it has some great dishes on offer: from the mixed meze starter for four to some tasty chicken and lamb main courses. It’s been open for two weeks now and is doing a roaring trade. Review to follow. Booking is recommended on 01993 359826.