Thursday 12th February 2026

Lifestyle

The case for doing nothing (on holiday)

My best memories of gallivanting around Europe were of parks. They were found in the tranquility of self-reflection as I enjoyed the serenity of nature, clutching my too-expensive coffee and watching the ducks swim about in the river as the cold winter wind whipped the fallen leaves off the ground beside me.

Why you shouldn’t finish your reading list

On being accepted into Oxford, everyone warned me about the reading lists. “You’ll be reading eight hours a day,” they said. At the time, it sounded almost romantic.

Kilts, Ceilidhs and Calling: Inside the World of Oxford Reeling

It's Thursday night in New College's Long Room, and several dozen students are desperately trying to master The Plough Speed, which, for the uninitiated, is a mind boggling routine of side-steps, spins and shuffles.

Moving cities, keeping home

l've moved cities enough times to know that leaving is never just about packing boxes. After spending eighteen years in London, I found myself applying to a number of different cities, including Oxford, for university.

A Public Health Emergency

"The first step to alleviating this issue is acknowledging that it exists."

The Anatomy of Portioning

The problem of portion sizing facing our national nutrition

Restaurant Review: Pan Pan

A restaurant where Korean food can finally garner the acclaim it deserves.

Recipe: Scallops with Celeriac Purée, Chorizo Oil, Fennel and Grapefruit

This recipe serves 1 and takes approximately 90 minutes to prepare

Crossing continents

How to build your academic career halfway around the world

‘New year, new me’: why it’s time to ditch new year’s resolutions

Only 8% of us actually stick to our New Year's resolutions

The omnipresence of Christmas in the UK, from someone who didn’t celebrate it

Maybe because I didn’t grow up with Christmas, and find little personal reason to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The decline of Wonderland: festive fun or Christmas consumerism?

"Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has become a behemoth, logistically impossible and perhaps overhyped extortionate vehicle of money wasting and consumerism."

Nothing beats a traditional German Christmas market

As any Christmas enthusiast can testify, no two Christmas markets are the same

“Ugly Delicious” explores the twisted perceptions of Eastern cuisines in the West

Why do most of us associate French food with sophisticated candle-lit date nights and Chinese, Indian or Mexican food with greasy takeaways?

Ten reasons you should try Veganuary

The food we eat seems to be all the talk in the media. From William Sitwell’s comments on veganism to the establishment of World Vegan...

Varsity Ski Trip: a downhill slope?

There is nothing like finishing term and starting the Christmas festivities than getting stuffed onto a musty old coach for twenty-something hours

Recipe: Mull with OJ, spice and all things nice

Georgina MacRae shares her tips for the perfect Christmas mull

Restaurant Review: Jee Saheb

The traditional restaurant sticks to the classics from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan

Making myself at home

"When you're here for most of the year, making this city your true home is a feat that seems impossible."

Restaurant Review: Zheng

This Chinese-Malaysian in Jericho didn't live up to expectations

How to beat the fifth week blues

Brownies, smoothies and good-old chicken nuggets: this is your guide

‘I just try to see the world clearly’: An Interview with Louis Theroux

Louis Theroux speaks to Abby Ridsdill-Smith about politics, popularity, and participating in a sensual eating party

Brexit, lunch and dinner

A post Brexit trade deal with the US will have huge impacts on our food

Gin and tonic’s history might leave you with a bitter taste

Colonialism, empire and disease: this tasty tipple has an interesting story

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