Rumour has it that not only are the Jacobs Inn/Woodstock Arms boys opening up a butchers in Woodstock, but that Barefoot Bakery in Jericho has taken on the lease of one of the town's old antique shops. Cakes and chops all round then!

The Blue Boar pub in Chipping Norton has been refurbished to showcase its original charm, and is now serving a seasonal menu of British classics accompanied by local brews on tap.

Acquired by Young’s last year, the pub has since been restored to its 16th century glory where you can enjoy a newly decorated bar choose a cosy window seat in The Orangery or sink into a velvet wing-back chair by the fire. Private dining is available in the coaching inn’s former stables, complete with lofty ceilings, exposed wooden beams and a hay-loft mezzanine.

Brunch dishes include bubble and squeak with a rich fried duck egg; crushed avocado with poached hen’s eggs on crunchy sourdough toast; or a classic sausage sandwich with plenty of brown sauce. Come lunchtime, light bites of game terrine with blackberry and apple chutney on sourdough toast; or Guinness rarebit with toasted soldiers are sure to hit the spot. Sarnies come doorstep style and filled with the likes of Isle of Mull cheddar and chutney, or fish fingers with tartare sauce.

More substantial mains include a comforting lamb shank shepherd’s pie with autumnal greens; honey-glazed ham hock with triple cooked chips and a perfectly poached egg and even the pub’s namesake will be making a menu appearance in the form of wild boar and sage sausages with creamed mash, crispy shallots and a rich gravy.

Follow with chocolate and orange bread and butter pudding or a comforting baked clotted cream rice pudding.

The Blue Boar, 1 Goddards Lane, Chipping Norton OX7 5NP. 01608 643108, www.blueboarpub.co.uk

The Pantry, Oxfordshire’s moveable feast of seasonal food and regional produce, has made a new home in Bicester by settling at The Proper Food and Drinks Shed for the winter months.

Previously based in the village of Newton Purcell, the new outpost for the roving food market will continue to offer a range of fresh produce also used at its noted neighbour, The Muddy Duck pub in Hethe. Sourced from the local farming community, artisan foodies and small batch makers, The Pantry will be brimming with larder staples such as breads and bakes, deli and dairy and in response to customer feedback some of the best value meat in town from Oxford butcher, Aldens.

Roxy Klein at The Pantry comments: “We’re always trying our best to offer an alternative to the supermarkets, going back to personable, good old fashioned customer service and making good food accessible for all to enjoy. We support local farmers and suppliers, whilst offering a complete fresh shop offer keeping us competitive against the ‘big boys’. Food should all be about the flavour and, by drawing on our network of small producers, it means that everything we sell packs a massive punch to the palate.”