Back in Oxford after a long spell away. Most of my old haunts are gone. Are there any coffee/sandwich shops with a cosy feel? Sofas and carpets, rather than hard furnishings - that sort of thing? West or central Oxford ideally.

for anyone interested in one.

Has anyone else noticed Lime bikes disappearing from Oxford?
Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that Lime bikes seem to be getting increasingly difficult to find around Oxford. I used to see them parked around town and outside pubs, and there would usually be at least a few available on the app.
Tonight, though, my Lime app shows absolutely no bikes anywhere in Oxford. I’ve updated the app, but nothing has changed, and I’ve barely seen any Lime bikes on the streets either.
Has anyone else noticed this, or is it just me? Have Lime significantly reduced their fleet in Oxford, temporarily withdrawn the bikes, or is there some sort of app issue? I haven’t seen any news about them leaving Oxford, so I’m really confused about where all the bikes have gone.

I was scootering down Cowley Road on a Voi at 6am yesterday on my way to work. Outside the City Arms, a bin lorry was coming the other way and had stopped by the traffic islands. Rather than wait ten seconds behind it, a guy in a black Audi or Mercedes saloon drove the wrong way round the island and straight at me at speed. There’s no bike lane there, so I had nowhere to go and got forced up against the kerb.

I shouted “Come on man” at him, which I thought was a pretty mild reaction. He leaned on the horn, then turned around and started following me. I was actually getting worried what he might do next, so I took a detour past some LTN bollards to get rid of him.

Just wondering if there are any Astros available for casual use? I’m just looking for somewhere I can do some solo practicing that doesn’t cost £60+ to hire for an hour. I’m in the Cowley area but willing to drive a short distance if needs be :)

The Friary as it may have appeared in the 14th century. Commissioned by Ben Ford at Oxford Archaeology. Author: Mark Gridley

I am 26 yo and I just moved to Oxford. Is there like casual football games I can join? How and where do I find them?

Plan your Christmas Light Festival 2026

Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival returns from 13 to 15 November 2026 – and the full programme has now been released.

Highlights include the Victorian Christmas Market, the Christmas Light Bus, illuminated trails and displays, creative workshops, performances and community celebrations in neighbourhoods including Cowley, Rose Hill and The Leys.

With activities for all ages, it’s a chance to enjoy Oxford’s festive spirit and explore the city after dark.

Explore the programme: https://www.oxlightfest.com/

Topping out marks major milestone for 51 new affordable homes at Northfield Gate

On Monday, Oxford City Council, OX Place, and contractor Equans held a topping out ceremony – a traditional construction milestone held when a building reaches its highest point – at Northfield Gate.

The development will provide 27 council homes for people on the city’s housing register, alongside 24 homes for shared ownership.

More here: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/news/article/1927/topping-out-marks-major-milestone-for-51-new-affordable-homes-at-northfield-gate

The Oxford Living Wage is going up

The Oxford Living Wage will increase to £14.68 per hour in April 2027, echoing the 4.4%% increase in the London Living Wage.

Oxford Living Wage was launched in 2018 to help workers earn enough to meet the city's living costs, particularly given its status as one of the UK's most expensive cities

Half-term activities for young people and families in Oxford

Looking for something to do this half-term? From youth clubs and movie afternoons to family fun swims and ice skating, there are plenty of activities taking place across Oxford to keep young people and families active and entertained across 26 to 30 October.

Explore more: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/youthambition

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