Fallowfields - Oxforshire

I've eaten in some odd and empty places before, but none so odd and empty as Fallowfields. 

A country house/farm to the south of Oxford, the semi-permanant marque in the garden suggests the restaurant is aiming to take more from serving weddings than from day-trip punters. The food itself was fine, apart from a sickly rich gravy on the main and an overly complicated pudding. The location, however, was a cavernous room with only three tables filled, where Andrew Bocelli wailed quietly on a continuous loop and a mere whisper could be heard by all.

Once the boss came to dine with some minions, the attention of the waiting staffs evaporated and we had to retrieve the bill ourselves. Couple that with the sight of two kitchen staff (God I hope not the chef) walking past the window fag in mouth, and any enjoyment was plucked clean from the experience.

The beer was a single saving grace. A pint from Compass Brewery (I missed which one), the quality of which Fallowfields could learn from.

Oxjam Oxford Takeover 2012 - Oxford

Even though the standard quiz night still seems popular, many pubs and bars are trying novel ways of enticing punters through the door. On Saturday 13th October, the Oxjam Oxford Takeover saw four venues in Oxford host an extensive list of local bands. A charitable event, but for each venue Oxjam brings a larger than usual crowd and the potential to gain some new 'regulars'.

The top floor of the Turl Street Kitchen - another charitable project at the north end of the quintessentially-Oxford Turl Street - is a private function space and makes for an intimate music venue. The ground floor bar set-out like a living room is open day and night, serving coffee to Mac browsing students who then return for something stronger later on. A large selection of whiskey is on offer and there are a couple of ales on tap, including their own Turl Street Stout (4.3%) and Rebellion IPA (3.7%). A good place to visit out of term time.

Next on the list was Modern Art Oxford - tucked down a small side street to the side of the Westgate Shopping Centre. A lively cafe which doubles as a bar, it's much better to visit during the summer months when the covered outdoor space ('The Yard') is set with tables and chairs. They serve beer from local brewers Compass Brewery and The Cotswold Brewing Company. The former offered up Baltic Night Stout (4.8%); a pleasant beer considering that craft stouts are often too strong in flavour. Possibly not one I would have chosen for a basement gig, but then for once I wasn't buying.