Sunday, March 9, 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: 

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."

Oxford’s café scene – The definitive guide

You can never grow bored of the endless variety of spots for work, food, catch-ups, and of course, great coffee.

Salsas del Sol — Will Pouget shines with latest Oxford endeavour

"Now, Salsas del Sol is the Mediterranean spin on Pouget’s good-value slow food revolution."

Hervé Gatineau — more Summertown, more European authenticity

"I did of course also have to grab a baguette to-go, a trip to a boulangerie feels worthless otherwise."

Recipe – Pasta alla Norma

"Typical of Sicily the dish is balanced and uses the finest seasonal produce."

Fasting and Feasting: food as the love language of the Arab world

"Whether fasting or feasting, the togetherness is what’s important."

San Francisco – not just start-ups and juice bars

"Here, you can buy crab cocktails and shellfish straight off the boats themselves and of course indulge in that long-honoured tradition of clam chowder served in giant sourdough bowl."

“I don’t read the news”

"The compulsive need to stay up to date with current affairs at the expense of my mental health (and personal hygiene) led me to reassess the way I inform myself."

New menu new me? Turtle Bay brings fresh flavours to tried and tested formula

"The Caribbean chain now seems to have truly turned its focus onto the food alongside its brilliant drinks offering with increased plant-based and fresh-tasting options."

Vac days out – A foodie’s guide to Camden

"I tried 15 of Camden’s most popular stalls in one day to bring you the definitive list of the places to go and the dishes to order at the home of London street food."

Roasting Plant and the fresh coffee revolution

"The technology that at first appears more at home in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory than a café."

From Sunday paellas to avant-garde tapas at El Rincón

"Juan puts his own spin on all the reliable classics just as any Spaniard worth his salt does."

Romulo – Forever at the forefront of Filipino cuisine

"Romulo has made its name as the place where Filipinos from across the city come for their home cooking in the hands of the family."

Wilding Oxford – Wine before food

'There are other great restaurants and there are other good wine bars but the pairing of both of those elements here makes a location for all occasions.'

Bbuona – Italia a Oxford

'Really though, that espresso wouldn’t be complete without a Bbuona cannolo.'

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