* Our Guide columnist Shaun Dickens at The Boathouse in Henley, who had to close for six weeks due to flooding, has found a creative way of keeping his business afloat by relocating to a paddle steamer called the New Orleans.

The New Orleans is a large and luxurious passenger vessel with tall twin smoke stacks and paddle wheel. As space is limited in the kitchen there is a reduced set menu and tasting menu to allow Sean to continue building his reputation as one of the finest new chefs on the circuit.

Shaun and his team will be opening on the New Orleans which is moored in front of the restaurant from today for a month. Opening lunchtime 12-2.30pm Thursday to Sunday and dinner Thursday to Saturday 6.30pm-9.30pm. See shaundickens.co.uk

We’ll be reviewing soon.

* Next up is Gerry Pantanella who has moved on from Rigolettos in Middleton Stoney and opened another traditional Italian, Canalettos, outside Bicester in Kingswood with a menu that warms the cockles of your heart. See canalettorestaurant.com

A review is also to follow.

* In the centre of Bicester there’s another new boy in town, on the site of the former Six Bells Pub. Piccolo Amore, which means ‘little love’, has been opened by Mr Mauro Braiotta from Calabria in Italy who has spent a life in catering and decided to finally branch out on his own. He had been looking for the right site for years and jumped at the chance of opening up on Church Street. The listed building was a tricky one to navigate with the planners, but everything is now up and running and he opened up last week.

Alongside partner and brother-in-law Jaun Louro, and chefs straight from Italy, Piccolo Amore looks set to be a roaring success in a town crying out for good independent restaurants. The menu focuses on Calabrasian food specialities including a flambeed pizza, beef steak, swordfish and fresh pasta. Piccolo Amore, 7 Church Street, Bicester 01869 389069.

* A new Cookery Day is running at Heyford House in Lower Heyford on March 13 when Sonya Brooke Little will be hosting a pastry workshop from 10am until 3.30pm.

Lunch and refreshments are included and Paul Barlow Heal from Cotswold Baking will also be demonstrating some patisserie work. Cost £85. Book on 01608 642843 Heyford House is now also up and running as a B&B.

* On a more eco-friendly note, The Old Swan & Minster Mill, in Minster Lovell near Witney, has made a significant green energy commitment by commissioning “fish friendly” technology, the Archimedes Screw, to improve fish spawning grounds in the mile of the River Windrush running through its grounds. The new fish pass was chosen for its low impact on the river's ecosystem and its efficient energy production. For further details visit oldswanandminstermill.com