* The Fleece on Church Green in Witney has re-opened its doors following a complete refurbishment.

Rebecca Jones, general manager, said: “We wanted to make our guests feel at home, and that was our inspiration in redecorating. We decided to emphasise The Fleece’s classic Cotswolds character, to make the pub even more comfy.”

A young Oxfordshire blacksmith was commissioned to make the hanging bracket for the pub’s new sign of a friendly-faced woolly ram, which local schoolchildren are being given the chance to name, in a competition to mark the pub’s re-opening.

As well as the new look, The Fleece is also now taking reservations for its new summer menu of British ingredients created by head chef Michael Halbert. To book, or simply to check out the new look, see fleecewitney.co.uk or call 01933 892270.

* Inspired by the historical ‘Baron’s Treat’ when Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild invited local children to enjoy a tea party in the gardens of Waddesdon Manor, The Feast is putting on a day of fun-packed entertainment and culinary delight on June 21-22.

New for 2015, the North Front of the Manor will be transformed with elaborately decorated tables, where visitors can take a seat and enjoy a picnic or sample some of the food on offer from one of 50 artisan food and wine stalls. Performances will play out around them throughout The Feast.

Root Camp is offering cookery workshops for 14-21 year olds with the help of celebrity chefs Oliver Rowe on the Saturday and Valentine Warner on Sunday. Places are limited so booking in advance is recommended.

See waddesdon.org.uk

* Emily Watkins, chef proprietor at The Kingham Plough near Chipping Norton, is delighted to have been awarded a Two Star rating by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).

She said: “Working in a sustainable way has long been important to us here at the Kingham Plough and we are proud to have had our efforts recognised.

“It comes naturally to us to source local produce, which has been sustainably grown or raised, and we have thoroughly enjoyed the process of ensuring our business operates in a sustainable way. “ The Kingham Plough will work closely with the SRA over the next year as it bids to earn Three Stars – the highest rating.

See thekinghamplough.co.uk or call 01608 658327.