* Lots of top foodie goss for you. The Living Room Bar and Restaurant, one of Oxford’s best, high gloss party destinations is closing on Tuesday for good and being replaced by The Slug & Lettuce. So this will be The Living Room’s last weekend.

Manager Camilla Hickman came back from holidays to find out the premises would be reopening on May 20 in its new re-incarnation. Both chains are owned by the same company since a takeover last year. A new management team will replace the existing staff there.

The Living Room has been open in Oxford since the Oxford Castle redevelopment eight years ago.

Oxford had a Slug & Lettuce in George Street but it closed seven years ago and has since been replaced by The Four Candles.

* I spent Saturday carousing with the best of them at Cafe Coco in Cowley Road, which has reopened with a new menu which includes some fantastic tasting steaks and burgers as well as its legendary pizzas. The cocktails are top notch and some new staff mean this place is rocking once again. It had been open only at weekends while the new changes were put in place but is now back on the map and holding its own once again. See cafecoco.co.uk or call 01865 200232.

* Fancy a burger at 6am today? Atomic Burger in Cowley Road will be open on May Morning for early risers and all-night party animals alike. See atomicburger.co.uk or call 01865 790855.

* The Oxfordshire Chilli Festival is running on August 16 in Abingdon. There will be an array of chilli artisans from all over the country, such as Hot Haedz, Grim Reaper and Twisted Seven sauces.

There will also be the Oxfordshire heat of the UK Chilli Cook Off Association’s annual chilli contest. The winner not only receives £200 and ultimate bragging rights, but the chance to cook their chilli at the finals at the Upton Cheyney Chilli Festival. Should they win that, it’s off to Las Vegas to cook their dish in the international finals! Chilli expert, stuntman and chilli celebrity Darth Naga will be hosting the chilli-eating competition.

There will also be live music and performances from Flaming Rose, a vintage style fire-breathing performer, the face of the festival.

The launch party kicks off on May 9 at the Crown and Thistle with all sorts of chilli hi-jinks and a special appearance from Nigel from Dodgy, with lots of other gigs and events planned throughout the summer, including a special recital from Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer on July 11, with all profits going to charity – The British Heart Foundation and local cause Leah’s Wish.

Organisers are also currently making prototypes for the festival sauce, the winner being the one that receives the most votes from people trying them at the launch party. See oxfordshirechillifestival.co.uk

* Osteria Great Tew has opened, running on a Friday and Saturday night when village shop Sweetpeas mutates into a wonderful pizzeria, run by Alessandro and his wife Charmaine. The shop is transformed into a lively night time venue serving delicious food in an atmosphere of gingham tablecloths, candlelight and carafes of Italian house wine.

It is essential to book. The number is 07565 944462 Friday and Saturday 6–9pm.