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Cotswolds pub named among UK’s best and up for national award

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The Prince of Burford on The Hill in Burford has been shortlisted for Oxfordshire Pub & Bar of the Year at this year’s National Pub & Bar Awards, taking place in June.

Managed by Butcombe Pubs & Inns, the much‑loved pub will compete against more than 250 standout venues from across the UK.

All of these will be vying for the coveted title of best in the county, and ultimately, the honour of being named the best pub in the UK.

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The Prince of Burford pub in the Cotswolds. (Image: The Prince of Burford)

Returning to London for its 10‑year anniversary on Wednesday, June 10, the National Pub & Bar Awards celebrates excellence across the industry, recognising 94 County Winners as the very best in their respective regions.

Jayson Perfect, COO, Butcombe Group says: “The Prince of Burford is one of those pubs that truly embodies what Butcombe stands for — genuine hospitality, great beer, and a real connection to its local community.

“Being shortlisted for Oxfordshire Pub & Bar of the Year is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the passion, creativity and consistency shown by the entire team.

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“Awards like this matter because they shine a light on pubs that are doing things properly, and The Prince of Burford is absolutely one of them.

“We’re thrilled for the team, grateful to our guests for their continued support, and excited to see what June brings.”

More than 250 Highly Commended pubs and bars are now invited to the Grand Final, where the 2026 County Winners, Regional Winners and the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year will be revealed.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which hosts the event, said: “Our bigger and better format that debuted in 2025 was such a success, we can’t wait to roll it out again this year.

READ MORE: Cotswolds drive named most scenic in UK for Easter holidays

“The fact that the celebrations last from the long Easter weekend, when we celebrate this year’s County Nominees, right up until the awards night at the beginning of summer, is no less than this wonderful industry deserves.

“We just want to do what we can to spread the word about these brilliant businesses.”

The ceremony will also unveil the Industry’s Choice Award, voted for by a panel of 400 handpicked judges, alongside the consumer‑voted Pub Group of the Year, Bar Group of the Year, and the Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award.

The National Pub & Bar Awards assesses a wide range of criteria that shape the guest experience, including marketing, digital presence, design, service, style of offer and investment.





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Crime & Safety

Emergency response in Oxfordshire village as road closed

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Police, fire services and ambulance crews attended the scene on Stonesfield Straight in the Stonesfield, a village near Witney, today (Friday, April 10).

An eyewitness to the scene said multiple vehicles were involved in the crash, which occurred just after midday.

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The road was fully closed to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and remained shut for several hours.

Crash with emergency services Stonesfield StraightA major crash in Stonesfield has closed the road (Image: Contributed)

One source described it as a “big accident” with police and fire in attendance at the junction with Aketon Road which heads towards Combe.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said: “We received reports of a road traffic collision near Stonesfield road.

“Appliances from Witney and Kidlington attended the scene along with the rescue tender, also from Kidlington fire station.

“The incident involved a car and a van which required the road to be closed whilst emergency services carried out the rescue.

“Crews worked with ambulance staff to release one person using hydraulic cutting equipment.

READ MORE: Oxford manhunt after man in 40s ‘spat at’ by offender

“The road is now open with all crews released from the scene.”

Images from the scene showed multiple emergency responders on the scene, with at least two fire engines and a police car visible, the road closed to traffic and bystanders looking on.

Thames Valley Police also confirmed the road was closed to deal with a “minor injury road traffic collision” and it has since reopened.





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Oxford Folk Festival returns with over 70 events from today

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The Oxford Folk Festival, which runs until Sunday, April 12, has a full line-up of music, dance, and community events at various venues and public spaces.

The historic Covered Market will be the central hub, with performances running throughout the weekend.

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A free concert featuring the Abingdon-based Ock Street Band will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday, this marks a continuation of the festival’s traditions.

Another band called Aisling from Leiden, Oxford’s twin city, will be performing at the festival.

The group will entertain at a song and dance evening with the Oxford Folk Dancers at St Matthew’s Church on Friday night, where attendees will also be treated to a ploughman’s supper.

The six-piece band is also set to perform at various spots including North Parade market, the Covered Market, and Leiden Square at the Westgate centre.

With more than 70 performances planned, the festival is set to take over numerous outdoor locations such as Broad Street, Bonn Square, St Giles, Radcliffe Square, and Oxford Castle.

Folk WeekendMorris dancers perform during a previous folk festival (Image: Ed Nix)

Indoor concerts are to be held at venues including Blackwell’s Norrington Room, the Old Fire Station, the Weston Library, and Modern Art Oxford.

The events are divided into six categories: headline concerts, ceilidhs and social dance, workshops, Morris dancing displays, free gigs by local artists, and pub-based folk sessions.

Dance events on Friday and Saturday evenings will offer “Morris For All” badges at the Catholic Chaplaincy, and during the day at St Columba’s Church on Saturday and Sunday.

The festival is also doing its bit to be inclusive, planning family-friendly activities, including special educational needs (SEN) events on Saturday morning at St Columba’s Church, followed by a workshop at the Museum of Oxford.

Having secured access to the Westgate centre, the organisers have planned a series of performances in Leiden Square, on the roof terrace, and in a specific busking area.

The weekend’s activities in Leiden Square are opened with a fanfare from Horns of Plenty, with a celebration of performers and dance at noon on Saturday.





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Oxford drum and bass bike ride coming to city this weekend

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The Drum and Bass On The Bike event on Sunday, April 12 is expected to attract hundreds of people to pedal to the pounding beats through the city centre.

Organised by Dom Whiting, the DJ is known for hosting Drum And Bass On The Bike raves around the country including in Bristol, Bournemouth, Southampton and more recently Adelaide in Australia.

Cyclists should meet for 2pm at the Clarendon Building in the city centre’s Broad Street this Sunday.

READ MORE: Police officers rescue bedridden OAP, 95, from burning flat

Drum and Bass on the Bike rave in Oxford, April 13, 2025. Picture by Tim Hughes

Anna Railton, city council cabinet member for a zero carbon Oxford, said the historic Oxford streets coupled with drum and bass by bike “is a great contrast”.

Ms Railton, who hopes to be there, said: “I came along the last time he came to town and it was great fun.

“It’s certainly the biggest critical mass bike ride I know about in Oxford but I think it’s more about the music and everyone having a bit of fun – both those cycling along and everyone else who gets to witness it go past.”

The Met Office forecast for this Sunday as of Friday afternoon is cloudy with breaks of sunshine, although there are chances of rain in the afternoon.

Mr Whiting said ahead of his visit: “DJ decks are replaced so I hope you are ready for a 2026 Oxford bike rave re-visit.

“As always, anyone and any mode of transport are welcome and you can of course bring your own speaker by simply hooking up to our online livestream wherever you are in the crowd.

“See you on Sunday.”

Starting his On The Bike raves during the Covid lockdowns, Mr Whiting has gone on to amass more than 800,000 social media followers as a result of his fun events.





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