Have a great weekend!

What are you up to this weekend? I'm off to Bath with my girlfriends and I'm psyched about 

this weather! If you're in Oxford this weekend and looking for somewhere to soak up all the beautiful sunshine, check out The Isis Farmhouse -  It's one of my faves. Hope you have a good one, and stay cool!

Feel like a leisurely stroll or ride along the Thames this weekend? I hope so, because The Isis can only be reached by bike, boat or foot! It's worth the effort, I promise.

Hidden in the fields between Donnington Bridge and Iffley Lock, this characterful riverside pub is about as wholesome as it gets and boasts a huge riverfront garden, (great for the kids), a nice, simple menu, (around 4-5 dishes per day) and a super relaxed vibe. On the downside, there are no baby changing facilities and the service is a bit slow at times, but with a setting like this you won't be in a hurry to leave. 

Tip: Be sure to call or check the website before setting off as opening hours vary depending on the time of year and remember to take some CASH! (no cards accepted). Bonus: Vegetarian friendly. Highlight: The Isis' cream teas and homemade cakes.

The Isis Farmhouse, Haystacks Corner, The Towing Path, Iffley Lock, Oxford OX4 4EL

Food served: 12.30-2.30 & 6.30-8.30pm. Phone: 01865 243854 

Frank Cooper's Vintage 'Oxford' Marmalade

'Behind every great man is a great woman' and Frank Cooper was no exception. His wife, Sarah Jane Cooper, made the first batch of Cooper's marmalade in her High Street kitchen in 1874. She was the first in Oxford to bottle and market her homemade marmalade commercially and 'Cooper's Marmalade' debuted in the family owned grocery store (on High Street) with great success. 

A favourite amongst Oxford University's dons and undergrads, Cooper’s Oxford Marmalade became an essential part of college breakfasts and demand followed Oxford men far and wide - Even the Queen is said to enjoy Frank Cooper's at breakfast! (The company holds a Royal Warrant).

Fancy Facts 
1 Did you know that a  jar of Frank Cooper's marmalade went all the way to Antarctica with Captain Robert Falcon Scott? It was found, many years later, buried in the ice! 2 A jar of Frank Cooper's marmalade can be seen down the rabbit hole in the original 'Illustrated Alice in Wonderland.' 3 The Jam Factory, on Park End Street, (Frank Cooper's original marmalade factory) is now home to an uber-cool restaurant, gallery and bar. 4 There's an 'Oxfordshire Blue Plaque' at 83 High Street, commemorating Sarah Cooper's achievements. 

Frank Cooper's Marmalade is now owned by Premier Foods and continues to be sold to this day.

I'd LOVE to hear from anyone who's tried it. Personally, Vegemite's my favourite. 

What's your favourite spread?

Oxford Guide: Child friendly cafes

No matter how strong the craving, walking into an unfamiliar cafe with a baby or toddler in tow can often spell disaster. Whether it's a mum who needs to breast feed, a toddler in need of a high chair or a teeny tiny squawker, the thought of it all can sometimes seem so hard that you'd rather stay at home. However, once you've discovered a few places with all the right ingredients, I hope you'll feel differently. Here are a few of my favorites:

 Maison Blanc (St Giles). One sniff in Raymond Blanc's authentic French Boulangerie and Pâtisserie and you'll be hooked. Go on, treat yourself, you know you desrve it! (Tip: avoid visiting during the early morning rush. Service is slow at the best of times and a disaster for tetchy tots.)

Summertown Wine Cafe (Summertown). This is SO much more than a wine bar. Venture inside during daylight hours and you will be very pleasantly surprised! Bonus: You'll find the SWC nestled amongst some of my favorite stores in Oxford. (Designer fashion + vintage interiors + art gallery + wine bar = heaven). Tip: JoJo Maman Bébé & M&S on Banbury Rd also provide excellent baby changing facilities.  

Queens Bakery on Windmill Rd (Headington), is cheap as chips and has stacks of cute cakes made especially for kids. My friend Kate, (who's a mother of three), assures me that she can push her side by side buggy through the door with ease and never worries about taking up too much space. The interior is a little dated, but when you can get a decent coffee, three little treats for your munchkins and change from 5 quid, who cares?!

Modern Art Oxford (City Centre). The Missing Bean and Zappi's are my favorites for coffee, but Modern Art Oxford ain't bad. Accessed via St Ebbe's Street, MAO offers a fantastic family friendly cafe, complete with free Wi-Fi, daily newspapers, highchairs and baby changing facilities. Admission to the gallery is free and there are even free art activities every Saturday between 1-3pm. (Tip: The basement is great for nursing mums). 

The Barefoot Books - Storyteller's Cafe (Summertown). Three words: Coolest place ever!  

(Tip: Check out Barefoot Books website for a calendar of daily events). 

G&D's Ice Cream Cafe (Cowley). I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! As far as babies and toddlers are concerned, this place is the bomb. There's loads of room for buggies, a del- icious selection of bagels and brownies, and baby changing facilities for mums AND dads. Order a coffee if you must, but can you really resist G&D's famous 'Oxford Blue'? (Tip: If you need a highchair, just ask - they're hidden behind the counter). 

The Jam Factory (City Centre). Paddington Bear would have loved this place, but Frank Cooper’s famous Marmalade Factory is no more. Today it is home to a spacious, uber-cool restaurant, gallery, cafe and bar. As you can see from the photo, it is VERY family friendly. Bonus: All the cakes are home-baked by the owner's mum! (mmmmm)

Ashmolean Dining Room (City Centre). Sound formal? Don't worry, it's a piece of cake. Speaking of which, next time you and your little one/s are visiting the Ashmolean, plan your trip around after- noon tea, served daily (except Mondays) between 3-6pm on the roof top terrace. (Tip: The lift is tiny, so it's a bit tricky with buggies, but my friend Zoe assures me it is perfectly doable!)

There's also another cafe in the basement. It's busier and noisier than The Dining Room, but as I am sure you are aware, this is not necessarily a bad thing! Bonus: Kiddy meals, high chairs and baby changing facilities are available at both cafes and entry to the museum is free. 

That's all for now my poppets. Where do you and your little ones love to hang out? Come on, spill, who makes the best babychino in town?

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Looking for somewhere to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in Oxford this weekend?  

Here's a very brief list of what's going on where: 

Oxfringe Jubilee Weekend Oxford Castle, Sunday 3rd June, 12 - 5.30 pm  

The Jubilee East Oxford Street Party Magdalen Road, Sunday 3rd June, 12 – 6pm

Jericho Jubilee Street Fair Canal & Cardigan Street, Monday 4th June, 12 – 6pm

For further details and a full list of events, check out the Oxford City Guide. 

A joyful proclamation of queenly support - by Twisted Twee

In keeping with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations this weekend I thought I'd share a few 

of my favourite British treats... What do you love most about being an expat in Britain? I'm certainly feeling the love for the Queen this weekend; bring on the four-day weekend!

Jubilee sandwich cake - A twist on the classic Victoria Sponge.

The Victoria Sponge

If you're planning a Jubilee themed party this weekend, how could you resist this cheeky twist on 
the classic Victoria sponge? Whilst traditionally speaking, a Victoria Sponge would never be iced 
or decorated like the one pictured here, I'm sure Queen Victoria would let it slide just this once... Sponge cake was her favourite after all.  

A typical Victoria sponge consists of raspberry jam and whipped cream sandwiched 
between two sponge cakes, finished with a light sprinkling of icing sugar.

Pimm's - the quintessential summer tipple.

Pimm's

This classic British beverage is almost as much a tradition as the cup of tea, and during the summer months, the British down it by the gallon. Those of you who read my post entitled, 'It's Pimm's O'clock' way back in March, will also know that I am quite partial to Pimm's advertising campaign. It's oh so refreshing and fabulously fruity; take a look for yourself. 

Elderflower Pressé

Another of my new found favourites is elderflower cordial. Mix this with some soda water, fresh lime and lemon juice and a little bit of mint and you'll have an elderflower pressé. The Old Parsonage on Banbury Rd also make a delicious cocktail called an 'Elderflower Collins', which I highly recommend.
 

Scones

There's nothing quite like a homemade scone fresh from the oven, but mastering this simple tea-time treat is harder than seems. I'm told that the secret to a perfect scone is all in the butter, (which should always be at room temperature and rubbed quickly into the flour), but mine always pale in comparison to my Nan's. Topped with jam and cream, (which is always clotted in the UK), Ruby's scones were always crisp and golden on the outside and delicately light inside - Scrummy scone perfection. (A British blend of scrumptious and yummy).

Clotted Cream

Thick, rich and indulgent with the consistency of soft butter, this sweet yellow cream is an essential ingredient to all cream teas and is traditionally made in Devon and Cornwall. It has a very high fat content, (at least 55-65 %, which in the United States would be Classified as butter) and is often topped with a deep yellow crust. Truth be told, I prefer double whipped cream with my scones, but these sorts of opinions are best kept to oneself when taking tea in Britain.

Summer Pudding recipe from Peyton & Byrne - British Baking

Summer Pudding

I still can't quite get my head around why all desserts are called 'puddings' in the UK, but at least this one fits the bill. Summer pudding is deliciously moist and made of sliced white bread, (preferably stale), which is layered in a deep bowl and then packed with juicy summer berries. It's much easier than it looks! You just leave it to soak overnight and then turn it out onto a plate before serving.

Cuppa tea time

Nothing is considered as quintessentially English as a good old cup of tea and I fear the whole nation would come to a stand still without it. Each year the average person consumes 2.5kgs of the stuff, contributing to Britain's long running title as the largest per-capita tea consumer in the world. With all the 'tea breaks' going round I'm not in the least bit surprised!

Everyone has an opinion on how to make a ‘proper’ cup of tea, but I've never taken this as anything more than a bit of British banter. Boy was I wrong. Preparing tea in this country is a very serious matter! Did you know that scientists recently discovered 'that the key to the best tasting brew is to let it sit for six minutes?' I had to laugh. (Telegraph, Sat 02 June 2012).

Cream Tea at The Randolph Hotel

The Randolph Hotel is one of Oxford's finest and stands proud in the heart of town. Although it is most widely recognised as the watering hole of Colin Dexter's famous detective, Inspector Morse, this 5-star hotel has much to offer. Not only have its luxurious rooms played host to a long list of celebrities, it boasts an award winning restaurant, sensuous spa and an afternoon tea to remember. 

Tea is served daily in the Drawing Room and comes with elegance and charm a plenty. On Saturdays, you'll even find a pianist accompanying an orchestra of tinkling teaspoons. Whilst proper tea etiquette states that when stirring tea, "you must be careful not to clink your spoon against the cup."  I think there are far more pressing matters, like which to spread first - the jam or the cream? 

On the menu you'll find three options for afternoon tea, but if you are feeling extravagant, I highly recommend the Randolph's Celebration Tea - It is Christmas after all. 

Cream Tea £12.25 per person, Afternoon Tea £18.90 per person, Celebration Tea £29.00 per person.    

Propose a toast with a glass of chilled Moet and Chandon NV Champagne and kick off the festive season with a selection of sandwiches and delicately crafted cakes. It's then time to undo your top button and prepare for the pièce de résistance - Homemade scones with preserves and clotted cream along with a freshly brewed pot of the all-important tea! 

Treat someone you love to a tea to remember! 

Vouchers can be purchased on the hotel's website and may be used as full or part 
payment against anything from a luxurious feature room to a relaxing day at the spa.

The Randolph Hotel Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LN

Jeeves & Jericho's 'Oxford Brew'

In the lead up to Christmas I thought it would be fun to feature a number of 'Oxford' inspired gifts and I couldn't think of a better place to start. The Jolly Good Tea Company is not only based in Oxford, its house blend pays homage to it and for this reason, Jeeves & Jericho's 'Oxford Brew' goes straight to the top of the list. (It's just like an English Breakfast, but packed with a little more punch). 

Whilst Jeeves & Jericho take tea making very seriously, their approach is anything but. Included in their extensive range of loose-leaf teas are blends such as ‘First Flush, ‘The Earl of Grey’, ‘Smokey Russian Caravan’ and ‘Gunpowder.’  Each tea comes packed in its very own collectable tea tin with a personality to match. Jeeves & Jericho also stock a number of branded tea accessories including these adorable tea-cosies, handmade by their very own team of grannies. 

To order your Christmas gifts or perhaps a little something for yourself, 

visit Jeeves and Jericho - The Jolly Good Tea Company.

Oxford Brew £28.00, Turquoise Infuser Pot £22.00, Tea Cosy £28.00, 2 Cup Tea Ball Infuser £3.25

Zappi's Bike Cafe

Good coffee is hard to find...especially when it's hidden in a bike store! Named after ex-pro cyclist, Flavio Zappi, and hidden above Bike Zone in St. Michael's Street, it's no wonder cyclists have been trying to keep it secret. Zappi's Bike Cafe serves the best coffee in Oxford!  

It certainly hasn't taken locals long to sniff out a good coffee. I visited Zappi’s twice on the weekend and both times it was packed to the rafters, quite literally. Located at the back of the upstairs showroom, the café is decorated with all sorts of cycling memorabilia hanging from the walls and rafters. If you can squeeze yourself in-between all the buzzing Lycra-clad bodies, you’ll be in for a treat. The two guys who run this place (both named Dan!) are serious about their caffeine.   

Not only is the coffee excellent, Zappi’s also serves a selection of loose-leaf teas supplied from local company, Jeeves & Jericho. There are also lots of great lunchtime eats and a couple of treats for breaky, but you'll find it hard to resist the large selection of homemade cakes. All I can say is I’m glad the Lycra uniform is not compulsory! 

Zappi’s Cycling Club, (run by Flavio himself) uses Zappi's cafe as its base. Organised rides depart from the here three times a week and all cyclists are welcome, from triathletes to sportive riders and road racers. For everything you need to know about buying a bike and cycling in Oxford check out The Oxford Fresher's guide to 'Buying a Bicycle.'

 Zappi's Bike Cafe 28 -32 St. Michael's St, Oxford, OX1 2EB

Oxford Blue Cheese

This local beauty has been around since 1995 and has had great success in its short life. Now world famous, Oxford Blue won 'Best Export Blue' at the British Cheese Awards in 2002 and certainly lives up to expectations.

For true foodies amongst you, my description simply won't do it justice... According to the World Encyclopedia of Cheese, ' Oxford Blue Cheese is a luscious creamy blue with distinct but not strong blue flavour. Aromatic and spicy, it has a hint of dark chocolate and white wine, with tarragon on the finish.' Summed up in one word, delicious!

Oxford Blue is great served simply with bread and crackers, or melted on pasta and grilled meats. It pairs well with Cab Savs, Rieslings and Port and is a great way to jazz up bitter green salads. Here's a yummy recipe I found for a Waldorf Salad with Oxford Blue dressing at The British Larder.

Oxford Blue Cheese is available at the following locations (to name a few):

The Oxford Undercover Market Market St, Oxford.

The Woodstock Rd Delicatessen 15 Woodstock Rd, Oxford

Gluttons Delicatessen 110 Walton Rd, Jericho

Taylors of Oxford 31 St Giles, Oxford & 239 Banbury Rd, Summertown

Manos Cafe & Deli

Just arrived? Still jet-lagged? Don’t feel like cooking? My guess is you’re after something cheap, quick and tasty to take away. Here are a few suggestions…

Manos will always bring back fond memories, not only for its food but because it is where we had our first meal in Oxford. Fresh off the plane and completely jet lagged we stumbled across Manos in our haze and were very pleasantly surprised. We’d been warned that the food in the UK left a lot to be desired - which we’ve discovered is totally untrue of course, (if you know where to go). So take yourself down to Walton Street in Jericho…..the food at Manos is great!

The food is always fresh, great value and made by Manos himself.

Manos Café & Deli 105 Walton St, Jericho.

Mamma Mia Pizzeria

Mamma Mia is a great little Italian offering incredible value for money. You'll find a selection of antipasti, salads, pasta and desserts on the menu but for me, the stone baked pizzas are the highlight. At half the price of what you’d pay at the likes of Domino’s you really can’t go wrong! There are lots to choose from, but my favorite is the ‘San Fernando’.  

Mamma Mia Pizzerias can be found in both Jericho and Summertown and provide a traditional, laid-back atmosphere perfect for family dining. The service is always efficient, friendly and particularly accommodating when it comes to children - 'kiddy' sized meals are never a problem.  Those dining in Summertown can even watch the chef preparing their meal through the window at the back of the restaurant.

Booking is recommended (particularly on the weekends) as it gets packed from as early as 6:30pm. However if you’re in Summertown and you can’t get a table, this needn’t ruin your plans. Order take-away and head across to the Summertown Wine Café and grab a drink while you wait. They’ll be happy for you to bring your pizza across when it’s ready too! 

Mamma Mia Pizzeria 8 South Parade Summertown &102 Walton Street Jericho

Angrid Thai Canteen

Best authentic Thai in Oxford

Located directly opposite Odeon cinema in Gloucester Green, Angrid Thai is the perfect place to grab a quick bite before the movies or pick up take-away on your way home from a hard days shopping. 

I’ll admit the garish orange exterior is a little off putting and the interior seems to have sprung itself out of an IKEA catalogue but if you are serious about your Thai, this is the place to go. House specialties include chicken noodle soup and green curry but my favorite is the pad thai chicken.

Angrid faces fierce competition from her rivals, in particular Chiang Mai (which is another dining experience all together) but in my opinion Angrid is better, cheaper, and faster than all of them - for that I'll forgive the tacky flashing lights any day!

Angrid Thai Canteen Gloucester Green, Oxford.

10% student discount with ID card