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Cotswolds rival to Jeremy Clarkson’s pub opens in fully booked weekend

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Nigel Bailey and his wife Rachael, who live in Brize Norton, became the new owners of the former Horse and Radish in Burford, Minister Lovell earlier this year.

The Minster Lovell tavern was on the market for £850,000 last summer although that fell to £650,000 late in 2025.

Now, the pub has reopened under the name The Fire Sprite Pub and Grill, with the owners it describing as ‘rooted in the Cotswolds, inspired by Texas’.

Rachel Minton-Bailey, spent time in Texas as a child, and was inspired by the abundant fireflies in the state, saying her grandmother would call them ‘Fire Sprites’.

Meanwhile, she says her husband has always dreamt of owning a pub.

The new owners promise ‘slow-smoked meats, hearty pub classics, and flame-grilled favorites are served in a welcoming setting where families, friends, walkers, and locals can gather together’.

The pub, which was fully booked during its opening weekend, also has Shepherds huts for visitors to stay overnight in.

Mr Bailey confirmed that they would give the pub a new name and said it would be based on English literature.

Boasting 2.092 acres of Cotswolds views, the pub is less than two miles away from Jeremey Clarkson’s boozer The Farmer’s Dog in Asthall.

READ MORE: Villagers hold picnic protest over Bicester MOD asylum centre plans

Horse and Radish in Burford Road, Minster LovellHorse and Radish in Burford Road, Minster Lovell (Image: Savills)

Mr Bailey said he expects the upgraded Horse and Radish to complement the former Top Gear man’s boozer as well as The White Hart in Burford.

The pub has already drawn attention for the owners use of AI in creating the new sign and for the complete renovation of the historic building.

It dates back more than 100 years to 1871 when it was first mentioned in The Census with the name New Inn.

Over the years the New Inn had several transfers of ownership with tenancies lasting on average two years.

It continued to be called the New Inn into the 21st century and then it reopened in May 2006 after a major refurbishment which included an extra single storey being built to the pub at the rear and side. 

In 2013 the Inn was renamed The Dovecote before being rebranded again as The Horse and Radish.

The pub comes with planning permission for eight shepherd’s huts in the adjacent wild paddock, granted in 2022 and – according to the Land Registry – it was last sold for £465,000 in September 2017. 

Inside the pub is a three-section trading area with multiple entrances, a raised bar section with 22 seats leading to three sets of customer toilets, a central bar-servery section split either side of a feature fireplace and a larger dining area suitable for 46 people at the back.





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Thames Valley policeman asked woman to perform sex act on night patrol

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Former police constable Robbie Wilson, who quit during the investigation into his behaviour, also massaged her shoulder, then touched her breast under her clothing.

He asked her to perform oral sex and, after she refused, placed her hand on his erect penis in a police car, it was said at the hearing that took place late last month.

During that night shift in July 2024, the pair had a conversation about her tattoo and she showed the former officer a picture of it.

During the hearing, the woman, referred to as PC A, latterly confirmed she also sent a picture of herself in lingerie.

She stated the former officer then asked her if she had any naked photos, which made her “feel uncomfortable” and she said “no”.

It was at that point that Mr Wilson moved his hand ‘unexpectedly’ under her clothing and caressed her left breast, the panel heard.

He is then alleged to have told the anonymous cop that “he had a hard on for her” before leaning in for a kiss.

She turned her head away and said she was not going to kiss him.

The misconduct hearing then heard PC A describe how Mr Wilson made a sexual request to her.

PC A felt uncomfortable by this, but said no and “laughed it off”.

“She stated he then told her to shut her eyes, and he placed her hand on his erect penis, stating that he had a ‘hard on’ and was asking her to touch it,” the panel heard.

“PC A stated she felt what was happening was wrong, she was shocked and pulled his hand away and placed it on the steering wheel.”

On a separate incident during Covid patrols in 2021, while crewed with ‘PC B’, Mr Wilson asked “how would you feel if I touched your leg” and moved his hand up and down his own thigh.

Later, he pulled into a rural layby and told her it was her “last chance to get in the back seat”, which the panel agreed could only sensibly be understood as an invitation to sexual activity in the back of the police car.

Mr Wilson maintained that his behaviour was always consensual between him and the respective parties.

He had applied unsuccessfully for the hearing to be held in private or with anonymity. He also failed to attend the misconduct hearing.

Robbie Wilson, who joined Thames Valley Police in May 2020, would have been sacked over gross misconduct had he not resigned, the panel concluded.

Thames Valley Police has also initiated the process of adding him to the College of Policing barred list.

After the hearing, deputy chief constable Ben Snuggs said: “The public rightly expects the highest standards from Thames Valley Police, and we have zero tolerance for misogynistic or sexist behaviour.

“We are committed to identifying and removing those who fall short of these standards, as shown by the action taken through our misconduct processes.

“We also provide training to all officers and staff so they understand the standards and behaviours expected of them, and encourage people to speak up if they witness inappropriate conduct.

“While the overwhelming majority of our officers and staff conduct themselves professionally and respectfully, there is no place for behaviour that undermines the trust and confidence of the communities we serve.”





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How to keep my dog safe around open water – 9 steps to take

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The Dogs Trust has launched a national campaign called ‘If in Doubt, Keep Your Dog Out’ to highlight the risks, including hidden currents, pollution, and other hazards.

The charity hopes the campaign will prevent avoidable harm to both dogs and their owners.

Data from the RNLI reveals there were 308 dog-related water incidents across the UK between 2021 and 2025—more than one per week on average.

One-third of these incidents happened during the summer, when more people and pets are near canals, rivers and lakes.

Owen Sharp, chief executive at Dogs Trust, said: “One preventable water incident is one too many.

“We know these figures don’t tell the whole story, but every rescue is a reminder that calm-looking water isn’t always safe.

“Taking a few moments to assess the risks could save your dog’s life—and your own.”

How to keep my dog safe around open water

The Dogs Trust has created a Water Safety Checklist to help owners spot hazards before letting their dogs enter open water.

Before letting your dog into open water, Dogs Trust urges owners to check:

  • Water quality – is it clear, clean and free from pollution?
  • Current strength – is the water calm or fast-flowing?
  • Exit points – can your dog easily get in and out?
  • Presence of algae – look out for green scum or blooms.
  • Water temperature – is the water likely to be cold?
  • Presence of other wildlife – are there animals that may react to your dog?
  • Nearby warning signs – follow any local advice.
  • Depth – is it suitable for your dog’s size and swimming ability?
  • Surroundings – any steep banks, slippery surfaces or loose rocks?

The majority of water incidents involved dogs entering the water and needing help, people entering the water to rescue them, and accidents caused by hidden dangers below the surface.

August 2025 recorded the highest number of water-related human fatalities, according to the Water Incident Database (WAID).

The Dogs Trust survey of 2,000 dog owners found that 74% felt confident in judging water safety for their pets.

However, only 35% realised that no type of open water can be considered entirely safe.

Worryingly, 80% of owners said they would go into the water to rescue their dog if it got into difficulty—despite the serious personal risk.

The ‘If in Doubt, Keep Your Dog Out’ campaign urges owners to stop, check and think before allowing their dog near open water.

It also warns against assuming that water is safe just because it appears calm.


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The campaign is part of a wider effort to promote responsible dog ownership.

The Dogs Trust and RSPCA have also launched the Dog Ownership Guide (DOG), developed following a national consultation with more than 36,000 public responses and input from over 30 organisations.

The guide defines responsible dog ownership and offers practical advice for owners at every stage.

Were you aware of advice to keep your dogs safe around open water? Let us know in the comments.





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‘Scary’ emergency incident sees police close off Oxford bridge

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Officers have closed off Donnington Bridge at the junction with Townsend Square following a crash in the late hours of yesterday night (Tuesday, August 4).

A police presence has been at the scene since last night and is continuing into the early hours of today (Wednesday, August 5).

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The road has been closed with a cordon of police tape now in place preventing vehicles from passing through, and multiple police vehicles are at the scene.

In a breaking news alert just after midnight, Thames Valley Police announced that a crash had occurred and appealed for those with information to come forward.

A spokesperson for the police force said: “Donnington Bridge Road is currently closed at the junction with Townsend Square following a collision.

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“Any drivers should avoid the area as much as possible, and we will provide more information when we can.

“Anyone with information or footage related to the collision should call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 2801 of yesterday.”

An eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous told this newspaper: “It looks quite scary from a distance.

“I can see a motorcycle on the pavement and a car nearby.”





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