Friday, May 23, 2025

Food

Flash in the Pan Pan: Street-food style Asian tapas

On quiet St Clements Street, a warm glow welcomes guests from behind an unobtrusive facade – Pan Pan restaurant promises a casual and comfortable dining experience.  

Take Cover: A review of Sartorelli’s

Being handed a pager fills me with panic; I can’t help feeling a bit...

The definitive ranking of (most) Oxford matcha

Matcha, rich in antioxidants and caffeinated, is my go-to when I don’t want anything espresso. Yet not every store in Oxford sells it – I have been a victim of many bad matcha lattes over the years. Here’s a ranking of the matcha lattes I’ve had in Oxford.

Bbuona – Italia a Oxford

'Really though, that espresso wouldn’t be complete without a Bbuona cannolo.'

Just Lokma — Oxford’s Turkish dessert location

'All in all, Just Lokma is yet another exciting and interesting addition to international stores and offerings on Cowley Road.'

Pompette — Relaxed, refined, and perfectly French

'Come expecting warmth, authenticity, and a good time. Leave feeling stuffed, satisfied, and delighted.'

The Rose — Afternoon tea on Oxford High Street

'The focus on local suppliers is mightily impressive, as is the sheer amount of cooking and baking that goes on in the kitchen downstairs.'

Gusto — A fascinating new Italian inside the old Mitre pub

'The Gusto team here really have done the old Mitre justice.'

‘Korean Lunch Tray’ and superstar chefs come to Oxford

'An obligatory Collin the Caterpillar and a bag of Percy Pigs were far too sweet for the Korean taste buds though!'

Feeding my friends

Food, or feeding people, is often cited as a “love language”.

Review: The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant

Cherwell had the privilege of enjoying a lunch at this conservatory-esque restaurant a few weeks ago.

Italiamo: Oxford’s Italian outpost

"There is a simple reason that people continue to visit despite the queues and waits — quality."

Review: Chickpea

"Great value, good vibes, and stunning flavours. Quite frankly, what more could you want?"

In defense of Buckfast

"A bottle of Buckfast deep, even an atheist can find God."

The Tribe Thali — An Indian lunch staple in Oxford

What Tribe is now offering up on Cowley Road with their Thali is a brilliantly unique Indian experience that you can’t get anywhere else in Oxford.

Valentine’s Day in Oxford: $$$ Edition

"Valentine’s Day is just around the corner."

The Secret Knoopologist 2:  Make it a mocha

The standard mocha is offered at 54% but if you ask me, you are best going for a much darker option.

Table d’Alix: Toujours parfait

The other main course we had was one of the true showstoppers and undoubtedly one of my favourite dishes of the year so far.

Whoops I did it again – Big Mamma’s latest opening, Jacuzzi, brings its famed glitz, glamour and gorgeous food to Kensington High Street

The food at Jacuzzi is stunning but make no mistake, the experience of dining in a remarkable environment with such attentive and knowledgeable service is what makes the whole thing so special.

The Secret Knoopologist: 1

Our new column to give behind-the-scenes insights and recommendations from Knoops: Oxford's favourite hot chocolate store.

Review: Eastgate Brasserie — A hotel restaurant finding itself

The seabass was my standout from the evening. Served on a bed of lentils and chorizo, the flavour combinations are ideal and executed to perfection.

Oxford Date Nights

A perennial head-scratcher: where should I take my date out for a nice dinner?

Euro supermarket and the comfort of finding authentic ingredients from home

One faithful day during a stroll through Cowley, I stumbled upon a shop with my flag

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