Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Lifestyle

Reflections on the perils of overthinking

here is a lot to be said for blind positivity. On a good day, I’m a manifester, a big believer in my ability to speak things into existence. During my English A-Level, I had complete confidence that the crystals hidden in my bra would provide enough luck to snag me an A*. Today, I put great faith in words, relying on the same ‘I can do it’ that gets Olympic athletes across the finish line, to help me through difficult situations.

The fourth year: Oxford after your year abroad

I’m now in my fourth year, and as such, must grapple with the reality of my Oxford days drawing to a close. Granted, this is something that every student must contend with, and I watched on as most of my friends bade a fond farewell to this city where our friendships began when they graduated last summer. Yet there is something about the fourth year that I’m certain makes the final year even more strange: a sense of something already lost, of living in a moment that has already passed.

An evening at Pierre Victoire: French bistro dining at its best

Pierre Victoire has been here on Little Clarendon Street for decades – one of...

Being Cupid isn’t easy: What I learned from a term of running Cherpse

Now, having exhausted myself with these relentless pursuits, the job has been passed on to a new bright-eyed Cupid, and in my retirement I’ve become fondly reflective, and decided to curate my insights into this list: 

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.'

Our Uni Rooms: A window into the soul?

My Uni room certainly provides a window into my soul. The ground floor room resembles a goldfish tank from the outside. Neighbours can peer...

RadGlam: The Vogue of Oxford Libraries

It’s a sunny Monday morning. You’ve woken up early enough to shower, get dressed, and head to the RadCam to tackle the mountain of...

Sectioned: One Year On

On 25th February 2022, I was detained under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983. I had entered a psychotic episode which had...

Divorce and Décor: how interior space manifests internal worlds

Children of divorced parents with shared custody develop an attitude to their physical surroundings that is rooted in acute awareness - a heightened perception...

‘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."

Magical Friendships

Phoebe Walls discuses how platonic love might form the most fulfilling relationships of your life.. Falling in love focuses on romantic relationships. We chase the...

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.

Sex and The Spires

Roses are red, violets are blue … Valentine’s is dead and romance is too... I like to consider myself an activist and so I’ve joined...

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.

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