Oxfordshire's foodie news

  • It’s amazing to think, but Browns Restaurant is 40 years old and is celebrating with a huge party in Oxford and the launch of a 40th anniversary book.

Founded in 1973, the very first restaurant opened in Brighton. Today it has 27 locations across the country. It is celebrating its achievement with the publication of a volume entitled 40 Years In The Making and an exclusive party at its branch in Woodstock Road on Wednesday from 6-9pm.

There will be cocktail making sessions, food matching demos from Browns’ experts, plus a jazz band to mark the special year.

Starting in the 1970s, the book charts the changing times over the past four decades alongside dinner party secrets, accompanying cocktails and much loved recipes from Browns’ celebrated team of expert chefs and mixologists. It is available to buy on Amazon priced £10.

If you would like to attend the party and sample all the fun, food and drinks from the past four decades visit browns-restaurants.co.uk

  • Millets Farm Foodies Evenings are proving a huge success. Launched in 2011, they are run by experts within each field and tonight the business is holding three events within the farm shop.

The first is a Butchery Masterclass where Millet’s butchers will show you how to cut, joint and trim carcusses of pork and lamb on a butcher’s block. Second is Fruits of the Sea – an advanced course from expert fishmonger Dave Pizzey teaching you how to take your fishy skills to the next level. Last is Bread & Quiche. This masterclass consists of two halves: prove and bake two different types of bread with Russ the baker and create your own quiche to collect once baked.

These events will run from 6.30-8pm and cost £7.50 per person. Light refreshments will be served throughout the evening and the farm shop will remain open after the displays.

Tickets can be bought online or from the Farm Shop and pre-booking is essential as places are limited to 25 for each evening display. See milletsfarmcentre.com/ events.

  • How about this for a night out: Fanny & Johnnie Cradock Cook The Great American Songbook is coming to Shillingford Bridge Hotel in Wallingford, next Thursday.

Fanny and Johnnie Cradock, played by actors Kate McNab and John Telfer, cook up a storm in this hugely popular dinner theatre show. Diners enjoy a two-course meal a la Cradock, featuring Fanny’s signature ‘prawn cocktail’ dish and a classic chicken dish, hilariously demonstrated by Fanny before it’s served, with a bit of help from the audience and regular bursts of song assisted by Johnnie at the piano. Tickets cost £29.50 per person to include show and two-course dinner (vegetarian options available). Go to showofstrength.org.uk.

  • Don’t forget the Fallowfields Beer And Food Matching Dinner tonight at 7pm where head brewer Matthias Sjöberg from Compass Brewery and Fallowfields chef Matt Weedon, have joined forces to host an amazing evening with a specially-created tasting menu. Matt’s dishes are designed to match the locally brewed beers from the brewery, based in Carterton.

A different glass of beer will accompany each of the seven courses with an introduction from Matthias. The price of the evening is £75 per person. To book, contact Michelle on 01865 820416 or email stay@fallowfields.com