Crime & Safety
Bicester chef awarded double gold in national competition
Described as a ‘rising star’ of the culinary world, Lucas King, chef at The Plough in North Street, Bicester, which is run by the Olive Tree Pub Company, secured the accolades at the International Salon Culinaire 2026.
The 22-year-old competed in the junior chef category, where his ‘exceptional skill, creativity and precision’ stood out in the fish course and terrine categories.
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His dishes impressed the judges and scored him top marks, with the fish course praised for its balance of flavour and delicate execution, while his terrine showcased classical technique combined with a modern flair.
They earned him two gold ‘Best in Class’ medals for his creations, and set him apart as the overall standout competitor and winner of the coveted ‘Best in Show’ title.
He was awarded the Best Junior Display Exhibit, the highest award for the juniors in the show, which goes to the chef who demonstrates ‘outstanding ability’ across all the judged elements.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Mr King said he was grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to compete at such a high level.
“It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m honoured to be recognised among such talented chefs,” he said.
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One of the most prestigious chef competitions in the world, Salon Culinaire’s Hotel, Restaurant and Catering show took place across three days at the Excel London from March 30.
For more than a century the competitions have been considered the benchmark for emerging talent in the culinary industry and a platform for chefs of all levels to showcase their skills.
Judges noted that this year’s cohort was among the strongest yet.
At last year’s competition, when Mr King had been with The Olive Tree Pub Company for just 18 months, he took home a gold in the starter plates category.
Arran Hodges, one of the founders of the pub company, last year said Mr King “has gone from strength to strength in the kitchen and is one of our future stars to watch.”
The Olive Tree Pub Company is an independent hospitality business in Bicester run by five local friends who took over The Plough in 2024, when it was doomed to closure.
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Their efforts to transform the venue saw recognition last year, when they won New Licensee of the Year and the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
The Plough is now praised as a welcoming gastropub and is popular in Bicester, combining a modern dining experience with the character of a traditional village pub.
Next year’s International Salon Culinaire will take place from April 5 to April 7, 2027, at Excel London.
Oxfordshire Bootsale and Events Company said its Burcot sale just off the Berinsfield Roundabout will not go ahead on the first day of each weekend.
Organisers said on social media that the reasons are down to a “lack of support at present and huge expenses and people moaning [that] it’s too small”.
They added: “Sadly they forget Abingdon and Witney were that small and had to grow. Our policy has now to be use it or lose it.”
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However, officials confirmed the event would still go ahead each Sunday at the same location, just off the A415.
Abingdon and Witney car boot sales will continue to go ahead as planned.
Jamie Clark, aged 36, from Henley was arrested on April 7 and charged the following day.
On April 9 he appeared before High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to six shoplifting offences and two counts of criminal damage, committed between 28 March and 2 April at Boots on Bell Street, Henley.
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He was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment.
Police constable Sarah Puksis said: “This sentence sends a clear message – repeat shoplifting, particularly of high value goods, won’t be tolerated.
“We work closely with retailers to identify offenders and take firm action.”
This is not the first time Mr Clark has been in trouble with the law, nor is it the first time he has stolen from the Henley Boots.
In 2025, he was sentenced to four months and two weeks in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of shoplifting at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on November 18.
On October 21 and 22 last year, Clark forced open a cabinet in Boots on Bell Street and stole high-value fragrances worth a total of £4,965.
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Clark was arrested on November 17, 2025, and charged the same day.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said on the latest incident: “We’re absolutely committed to tackling shoplifting and supporting local businesses.
“So please keep reporting incidents, save CCTV, and let us do the rest. Remember: the only thing you should be lifting in Boots… is your shopping basket.”
The 84-year-old actress admits in an upcoming film her feelings around her own mortality and her hopes of reaching 90.
Born and raised in Oxford, Ms Margolyes is perhaps most famous for playing Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter film series and for her role as Mrs Mingott in Martin Scorsese’s 1993 film, The Age of Innocence, for which she won a BAFTA.
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The new documentary ‘Miriam Made Me Me’ is directed and produced by Simon Draper and edited by Gwyn Jones.
It will air at 9pm on Monday 13 April on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Initially intended to be a podcast series, Mr Draper ended up securing so much footage that he was able to create this film.
Speaking to Televisual, he said: “The result is an unfiltered portrait of an often controversial actress and her transformative effects on others; especially me.”
In the film, according to the Daily Mirror, Ms Margolyes shows her life including performing on stage and meeting the King and Queen.
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In addition, she reveals her thoughts on death, which she admits “feels extremely close”.
She said: “Death feels round the corner, behind the bush just up the road. I am scared of it, and I think I probably always will be, and I’m cross about death.”
In addition, she admits that she hopes to reach 90 and go without loss of pain or dignity.
Ms Margolyes has in the past spoken about the health problems that come with aging including that she cannot walk well.
She told Original Cin that as she was marketing recent film Holy Days.
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