Thursday 22nd January 2026

Lifestyle

In defence of the default order: The Alternative Tuck Shop

There is no place in Oxford that my muscle memory takes me to more reliably than the Alternative Tuck Shop. This happens regardless of my state – still half-asleep, perhaps slightly hungover, or already late for class.

Why you don’t need a “winter arc”

This winter, social media encourages us to embark on the journey of the "winter arc": a self-optimisation quest which leaves little room for hibernation.

The ick factor

Not all icks are created equal, and of course, they shouldn't be treated as such. Either way, they undeniably speak volumes about the person you're with.

Discovering neurodivergence: late diagnosis at Oxford

I always knew I was a bit of a peculiar child. But I was deeply surprised when a friend seeking a diagnosis herself suggested that I might be autistic.

Embarking on the year abroad

"Navigating job applications, and the nightmare that is obtaining a Visa post-Brexit all whilst juggling the notorious Oxford workload, proved a stressful time."

Why do we drink?

Some drink for good reasons. This might be a tipple after a hard day, or a few drinks and a dance every so often...

Broken Eggs – A love letter to Spanish Tortilla

"Broken Eggs is just the kind of reason I love the food industry - put simply, it is a love letter to a favourite dish in restaurant form."

The Rejection Letter

"I’m also worried that I’m simply not interesting enough to care deeply about anything, and that means that I won’t succeed."

Bakery, posted — The brands hoping on the home-baked delivery trend

"I think the hype train has still got a way to go."

The art of being silly

"...Give yourself license to do something stupidly silly and sillily stupid while you’re still here."

Gees – Mediterranean dishes at a British price point

"The creaminess of the cheese complements the punchy beets and blood orange perfectly and the balance of flavours is bang on."

How can we make the most of Oxford’s eight-week frenzy?

"We have found ourselves in a place where we are surrounded by tradition and glamour, yet we have no time to enjoy it."

Alcoholism at Oxford University: A Perspective

"Alcohol nearly ruined my life. For many years to come, I think, I’ll still be grappling with its consequences."

Barefoot Bakery — Cakes, bakes, and great values

"What makes it even more special though is the ethos behind it and every single dish on offer."

Temptations Dessert Lounge – Everything sweet, all at once?

"Cookie dough is my weak spot in these kinds of places and Temptations’ options are seemingly endless."

LB’s — Summertown’s one-of-a-kind Lebanese deli

"Summertown’s options are ever growing, but through all of that, it is clear why LB’s has remained a staple."

Mambo Italiano — Carlotta comes to Marylebone

"I will never cease to be amazed by that consistently remarkable ability to reinvent."

Burnout BBQ — Brisket, wings and hot rods

"This is undoubtedly the place to go in Oxford for an authentically fun evening of American food."

Devil-DHD

"Yes, there’s the whole fun-loving “I’m quirky” side to ADHD, but behind the veil of hyperactivity there’s also a lot of despondency and pain."

Why I was ready for Ramadan to end

"Ramadan is not only a physical struggle, but also a spiritual one."

George Street Social — Brunching, but at what price?

"Moving onto the lunch menu, the items here are high quality but also much higher cost."

Cocomelt — Syrian chocolate cafés come to London

"Chocolate is just about my favourite thing in the world and, if you are the same, Cocomelt is one of those places that simply needs to be ticked off your bucket list."

A Beginner’s Guide to Being Single

"I’m going to remind myself of all of the reasons that I am lucky to not be in a relationship at this point in my life."

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