* Carluccio’s will be opening in a few weeks time in the old Strada site on Little Clarendon Street with its usual caffe/deli scenario, having been searching for a suitable site since leaving the Old Castle site in 2010. They will be writing a start-up column for us in a few week’s time.

* Another new kid on the block is Loungers, ‘bastions of casual dining and drinking in our neighbourhood cafe/bars’, is coming to Witney. Think family-friendly, cool laid back American-style food with lots of burgers, pulled pork, stacked pancakes, dogs and cinnamon French toast. Little people are well catered for with their very own kids’ menu. Sounds like heaven.

Como Lounge opens at 35 Market Square after a £500,000 investment.

Kieron Butcher, operations manager, said: “Witney is the perfect site for our Lounge concept. There’s already a thriving and vibrant community and we’re really looking forward to playing our part in the foodie scene here.”

See thelounges.co.uk

* The Abingdon Arms in Beckley, an old favourite of mine, has been taken over by a family from Bicester. Steve and Samantha Vaughan are running the pub while their chef son Will, who comes straight from the Red Lion in Evenley, near Brackley, will be running the kitchen.

This picturesque village pub aims to serve great pub food without veering into the gastro market, and to turn it back into the hub of the community. Review to follow soon.

Call 01865 351311.

* There’s been a couple of last minute changes to The Oxfordshire Chilli Festival on August 16 in Abingdon. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nigel from Dodgy is no longer headlining the festival and the music bill is now being topped by Mark Morriss of the Bluetones. Also playing at the festival are Tom Hingley (ex Inspiral Carpets) and his band, Mo Evans (son of the fantastic Sam Brown and grandson of Joe Brown).

There are belly dancers and entertainment for the whole family in addition to the already amazing array of Chilli artisans from all over the country, including HotHeadz, Grim Reaper, The Wiltshire Chilli Farm, The Bath Pig, Mushemi fire and The Chillees to name but a few.

The Oxfordshire heat of the UK Chilli cook off is also happening on the day – a chance for ultimate bragging rights, a £200 prize and a place in the final (with a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas).

Also, no chilli festival would be complete without a chilli eating competition – and celebrity chilli head Darth Naga is bringing his funhouse of pain to compere the event.

The festival is in the Market Place during the day and continues on into the evening at the Crown & Thistle in Abingdon.

* There’s loads going on at The Restaurant at Witney Lakes Resort. Tonight’s foodie special is a real meaty treat: roast Gressingham duck breast, confit leg, English plum tatin and anise jus for £18 which includes a glass of Chilean Pinot Noir.

While booking you could also consider the following: a new summer lunch and dinner menu available Monday-Saturday, filled with local seasonal ingredients and new recipes from head chef Owen Little and live music from Gus de la Querra on Friday, August 29, with a three-course menu for just £25 per person.

Or, on Friday October 3, a seven-course gastronomic tour of France including a seven-glass wine flight. It is open to all but members pay £59.99, non-members £69.99

To book call 01993 893012 or 01993 893003.

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