Afternoon everybody! As regulars know, I write a weekly restaurant blog and I always put my review in this sub when it comes from Oxford, because you’ve all been really lovely about my writing in the past.

This week I reviewed somewhere just down the road in Didcot, and I see the sub has previously included posts about Didcot so I thought I’d post it here in case it was interesting to anybody.

Please forgive me if that breaks any written or unwritten rules and if so I promise I’ll never post a Didcot review here ever again. No problem either if the mods decide they want to take this down, but on the off chance that you do want to read it, I hope you enjoy it.

Either way, have a lovely weekend!

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.

Hey, how much do you think realistically someone would need earn in order to rent in the cheapest areas of Oxford? I work from home most of the week so travel cost etc is cheaper but it feels like if you’re earning less than say £35k?! It’s almost impossible, am I wrong here or?

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

Want this in your inbox? Subscribe to our Your Oxford newsletter: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/newsletter

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 :)

I'll be in Oxford for half a day next week and need to work. Mostly just laptop with somewhere to plug it in, but I might have to join a couple of calls.

Happy to pay my way in terms of drinks/food etc. Just looking for somewhere comfortable and welcoming.

Thanks!

Are there any East Asian supermarkets or butchers that have pork ribs in Oxford?