* Luke Champion, current manager at Jacobs Inn in Wolvercote, is taking over his parents pub, The Hollybush in Witney, in February. He will be writing all about it in The Guide in the next few weeks. We are expecting great things.

* Whether your intentions for the month are saintly or wicked, The Royal Oak in Woodstock Road, bottom, is offering a January deal of a main meal and a drink for just £10.

Choose from mains such as a 6oz West Country cheese burger with fries, a spinach and lentil burger with houmous, served with fries, wild salmon fish cakes, lemon crème fraiche and mixed salad or roasted red pepper and goats cheese tart with micro herbs and radishes, accompanied by drinks, which include drinks such as a pint of Doombar, a 175ml glass of Sandbox Cabernet Sauvignon, a pint of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi or lemonade or a bottle of Orchard Pig apple juice.

Offer valid January 5-31 not including Sundays.

See theroyaloakoxford.co.uk

* Sophie Grigson is running a fantastic series of children’s cookery classes on Saturdays in January from 11am–12.30pm. They include Great Eggspectations this Saturday; Pirate Party Ahoy! on Saturday, January 17; Teatime in Narnia on Saturday, January 24; and Just William’s Picnic Saturday, January 31.

See sophiescookeryschool.com

* Have you been to new patisserie Paul’s on Oxford’s High Street? January’s the best time, because to celebrate Epiphany they are rolling out a classic French dessert, Galette des Rois, above, until the end of January Also known as the King’s Tart, friends, family and colleagues alike come together to share this crisp and golden sweet cake, traditionally said to ‘draw the kings’ to the Epiphany.

The delicately made puff pastry is filled with silky smooth frangipane, and includes a small ceramic charm. Whoever finds the ceramic surprise is honoured King or Queen for the day.

See paul-uk.com

* Award-winning Cognac writer Michelle Brachet is presenting her first ‘Evening with Cognac Frapin’ at Fallowfields, Southmoor, below, on Friday, January 30, with a five-course tasting menu each paired with a House of Frapin cognac.

Call 01865 820 416 or see fallowfields.com

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