SURPRISE news: Sonya Kidney, right, the new head chef of the recently opened Nicholsons Yurt Cafe in North Aston has already departed her post.

She has been replaced by Marian Puscasu who has introduced his own menu since he’s taken over. Go to www.nicholsonsgb.com/the-yurt-cafe

Mariella Bliss, Oxford’s fabulous Italian chef, is now expanding her catering classes, by popping up at Honesty Cookery School near Newbury and the Lechlade-based Dancing Trousers Cookery School.

Go to www.mariellabliss.co.uk

Les Pique-niques have been introduced by PAUL on Oxford’s High Street from Tuesday, just in time for the summer season. Featuring a superb selection of traditional artisan sandwiches using freshly-baked breads made to time-honoured recipes, new seasonal salads and an indulgent pâtisserie selection; the new takeaway picnic creates the perfect bespoke picnic.

Priced at £20 to serve two or £38 for four, each individual picnic is made to order and contains an array of authentic French favourites. Simply choose your PAUL sandwich, quiche or salad, a bag of PAUL handcooked crisps, a slice of tart or a large macaron, plus a soft drink such as cherry lemonade and peach iced tea, and receive a ‘Sac á Pique-nique’ – a smart and re-usable cool bag that also includes a disposable chequered paper tablecloth.

Choose from a wide range of sandwiches including: the Sandwich Boeuf, Saumon Fume or a Vegan Sandwich. Go to www.paul-uk.com

Snaptrip.com has uncovered the UK’s top destinations for foodies Oxfordshire, just missing out on the top five counties.

Amongst the newest hotspots to receive the recognition, The Wild Rabbit in Oxfordshire was named as a favourite foodie destinations for mini-breaking Brits to add to their itinerary.

In terms of top foodie festivals, Oxfordshire boasted two in the top eight – Wilderness coming in at number three and The Big Feastival at number six.

Carluccio’s is also embracing the al fresco season as its picnics.

Each picnic is priced at £45 with a kid’s version at £10 and can be ordered as little as four hours in advance – perfect for those typically-British days when the weather turns in the blink of an eye. Order from your local Carluccio’s – then simply pick it up. Oxford Jericho, 1-2 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX1 2HP. Call 01865 514 468 or go to carluccios.com/picnics