Reviews

Monday’s are normally busy days in the office, but I afforded myself a rare day off in view of my rather exhausting day the day after running my second London Marathon. I wasn’t going to turn down GM Michael Grange’s kind offer of a post Marathon massage in the Randolph’s impressive spa, so at 2pm, Tina and I arrived for our first of two treatments, a deep and soothing massage and a chilled glass of champagne.

The spa at Macdonald Randolph Hotel is dimly lit throughout, smells wonderful and is, embarrassments aside, intoxicatingly relaxing. My massage was perfect with ailing limbs soothed and memories of marathons and a stressful week preparing for a large event ebbing away in equal measure. Bob Geldof wouldn’t have written anything disparaging about Mondays had he experienced my Monday at the Randolph and we hadn’t even got going.

Following the massage and facial (I was told I looked hours younger!), and Tina’s “Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow” treatment, we made our way to our luxurious room overlooking Beaumont Street and all that effort expended in the spa had given us both an appetite for some tea and cake and our second glass of champagne! How very English and how perfectly relaxing. Tea at the Randolph couldn’t have been more appropriate and set us up wonderfully for dinner in the recently opened Acanthus Restaurant.

Following extensive renovation, Acanthus and the new Cartoon Bar have added a superb extra dimension to Oxford’s leading hotel. With direct access to the restaurant and bar from the road (and no need to go through the hotel reception), the dynamics of what was considered a hotel restaurant only have now changed for the better. The Cartoon Bar is a great destination for a light lunch and a glass of fizz or a chilled glass of wine after work. Decorated to the highest spec, the bar is a massively positive addition to the Randolph and Oxford.

But we were there for dinner and a quick nose around the new restaurant layout. Retaining many features of the original restaurant, Acanthus builds on these with excellent new aspects such as the chef’s table with a window into the stunning new kitchen and a cozy dining area adjacent to the chef’s table.

The food was in keeping with the excellence we had experience so far. The new menu is diverse yet containing many favourites to satisfy all tastes. Not only that but it’s incredible value for money. The service was also impeccable and we managed to enjoy a few more glasses of champagne and chilled white wine to accompany our meals.

If you’d told me I was going out to drink a blueberry cocktail and water throughout a meal, I’d have probably said ‘thanks but no thanks’. If you’d tried to convince me by adding I would be eating crackers with burnt aubergine, I think you know what my response would have been.

Most people would give up after being turned down once, let alone twice. But let’s presume you’re persistent. Offer me sheep’s curd, a pile of leaves and burnt cauliflower and I’d have already been down the road….in the opposite direction. But these and other incredible creations are at the heart of GAF’s menu in unassuming Magdalen Road, Cowley.

Our engaging host George talked Tina and I through each and every course that was presented to us and each time our level of amazement went up a notch. Not only were the dishes beautifully presented by Executive Chef, Anthony Pitcher, they unlocked taste buds we didn’t know we had.

As a finale we were treated to Raspberry Posset, which George explained, refreshingly, was evolved as something of a mistake, “Chef dropped some burnt mustard seeds into the mix and it worked.” By George it worked! It was amazing. Incredible textures and bubble gum pink.

To accompany coffee, horseradish and chocolate doesn’t sound great, but not only was it tasty, it was also a masterpiece in its construction. Feather light, beautiful in composition and just enough to round off a perfect meal.

Thank you to Anthony, Drew and George and all of your colleagues. These guys deserve success so make sure you get down to GAF and experience something special.

In the heart of Didcot, famous for its train station and industrialised power station lies a celebration of the golden age in train travel the Didcot Railway Centre.

20 acres of awe inspiring mechanics gleaming with over five generations of history. Entering through the modern Didcot Parkway station I use a vintage rotary telephone alerting my arrival, instantly igniting my love for forgotten classics. I proceed to be warmly welcomed by Anne, a volunteer for the centre who is passionate and knowledgeable about the trains which she calls her ‘babies’. The centre is an incredible contrast of man-made constructions including locomotives, carriages, wagons and woodland surrounding a picnic area where visitors snack on packed lunches watching trains surge past.

Left to wander blissfully anywhere and everywhere, visitors get to access all areas to make their visit truly unforgettable. Notable sights along the journey include the only working coal stage in the UK; where coal is stored before being gravity fed into waiting empty tenders, the original 1932 built engine shed housing locomotives, some of which date back to the 19th century, and the ‘Locomotive Workshops’ where you can climb into the caboose and imagine being a conductor for the afternoon.

Starting your personal tour experience at the turntable, you can leisurely stroll and visit the main demonstration line. On steam days you can board the working train and travel along one of the centre’s running lines, and make your way to the GWR museum and archive to view antique models, toy trains, old uniforms, signals, posters and pictures. Continue on to the carriage shed housing over 40 carriages and admire the ornate paintings on older carriages. End your journey around this magnificent centre at the refreshment room serving delicious food before heading to the bookstall and gift shop for delightful mementos of your trip to the centre.

Personally, I came to the Railway Centre to further my curiosity about how far trains have progressed throughout history. The contrast as you leave the modern trains behind and dive head first into steam built engines is engaging and fascinating. The centre is entertaining for children, teenagers and adults with plenty to do for all. I will be returning to the centre to enjoy their many events such as the Gala’s, Heritage Diesel Days, Teddy Bears’ Picnic and the Steam Days. The calendar for 2015 is bursting with fantastic days out at the Didcot Railway Centre, so head to Didcot and start your own experience.

Six Good Points:
✓ The passionate volunteers
✓ The strange feeling of walking across the tracks safely
✓ The freedom to explore
✓ Seeing the old Royal Mail trains
✓ Journeying through the ages

Oxford’s High Street houses many treasures, but none more than Sanders, a quaint and unusual print shop steeped in history much like the rest of the beautiful city of Oxford.

Upon entering the medieval building dating back to the 16th Century, I am blown away with the surprising size of not only the space, but also of the collection of rare prints and stunning maps. I am greeted by passionate and knowledgeable staff, and feel comfortable exploring at my own pace knowing that they are ready to help source prints of particular interest if need be. There are very few general print shops left in the UK, however those of us living in, or visiting Oxford have the privilege to see first-hand one of the largest print sellers in Britain, and the only one of its kind outside of London still trading.

Everything about Sanders ignites a passion for history, from the outstanding building with its creaky wooden floorboards to the vast stock of more than 30,000 antique items some dating back to the 16th Century. This gem of a shop carries something for everyone, from caricatures, portraits, and maritime prints to maps, mezzotints and sporting images all in stunning condition, perfect for gifts, art work, educational references and collections.

Many presume that fine art print is admired only by the older generation; however Sanders are bringing their creative flair into modern times by adding contemporary pieces which are bold and fun, including prints sourced from Oxford printmakers such as Joseph Winkelman and Ben Pritchard with spectacular aquatints, etchings, and linocuts, all unique in their own way. If vibrant colours are of interest, Sanders has a wide selection of contemporary graphic prints including alphabet illustrations, satires and glass fronted box sculptures displaying three-dimensional imagery, by John Dilnot.

As I wander further around the quirky range of items, the increasingly popular selection of 18th, 19th and early 20th Century Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints catch my eye. Not only are they amazingly graphical pieces, but Sanders is one of the only galleries selling these masterpieces outside of the capital. The artwork is delicate and opulent in shades of vibrant reds, calming blues and luscious greens. The prints illustrate beautiful blooming flowers, traditional Asian landscapes and elegant geishas, all definitely worth viewing to admire their fine details. It’s not an easy task to describe such a unique shop; you truly do have to visit to see its appeal. So, head to Sanders this summer and you will find the treasures you have always been searching for.

Further Information

Rare prints and maps, engravings, 20th Century etchings and views of Oxford the famous University city. This shop may appear small but it holds a vast collection of treasures!

Six things I loved:
✓ The vast range of prints available
✓ The interesting history of Sanders and the building
✓ The passionate members of staff
✓ The magic lantern glasses showing 3D images of Oxford
✓ The traveller friendly atmosphere
✓ Hearing about the oldest print from 1570!

If you have the possibility to visit Oxford you have to do the City Sightseeing Bus Tour.

During this tour you can see a lot of important monuments and famous places in Oxford.

Moreover you can listen to information with the earphones which are provided together with the bus ticket. You can choose between 11 languages so that everyone is able to follow and enjoy the explanations.

Thanks to the tickets which are valid for 24 hours or 48 hours you are able to stop wherever you want. You can get off and on at every bus stops along the route and visit the different colleges and museums.

The bus has 20 bus stops which allows you to easily visit a lot of great places. You can combine your bus ticket with other city attractions like the Christ Church College with the Harry Potter Dining Room and make a real day of it.

The bus has many seats below which are covered, so having a great view doesn’t rely on having great weather which we all know can be a problem in England!

It is a very interesting tour which is not only recommendable to children but also to adults and it permits to see Oxford in a historical way. Even people who have lived in Oxford for a long time can gain a new perspective and have a lovely day out with these tours.

If you are thinking of visiting Oxford, or if you are already here, the City Sightseeing bus tours are an obligation.