Crime & Safety
Three Oxfordshire restaurants named among UK’s top 100
Gino’s, Quod Restaurant & Bar, and The Three Tuns were recognised in OpenTable’s 2026 list of the best eateries for outdoor dining.
The list is compiled from more than 750,000 verified diner reviews and dining metrics collected from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
Gino’s in Oxford has been praised by customers for its Italian-inspired menu and welcoming atmosphere.
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An OpenTable diner said: “Lovely lunch sat outside in the beautiful courtyard. Gino always makes you feel welcome — a great spot for lunch on a beautiful evening.”
Quod Restaurant & Bar, part of the Old Bank Hotel in central Oxford, also received praise for its “modern European cuisine and contemporary style”.
The outdoor terrace, set back from the high street, is a favourite among diners looking to enjoy meals in the open air.
A recent diner said: “The food was excellent and the staff very friendly. Eating out on the terrace was great as it was a warm sunny evening.”
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The Three Tuns in Henley rounds off Oxfordshire’s contributions to the list.
A traditional pub with a focus on high-quality British fare, it features a spacious garden area ideal for outdoor dining.
Pairings of seasonal dishes with local ales and wines have made it a favourite for both residents and visitors.
The three Oxfordshire venues are among 16 in the south east to be recognised, highlighting the region’s growing reputation for alfresco dining experiences.
Nationally, OpenTable data shows outdoor dining is up by 13 per cent year-on-year, with 78 per cent of Brits planning to dine outside at least once a month this summer.
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Sasha Shaker, senior director at OpenTable UK and Ireland, said: “Outdoor dining has become a key draw for UK diners in the warmer months, shaping everything from catch-ups to celebrations, and even dog walks.”
Oxfordshire diners are travelling up to 45 minutes for a memorable outdoor meal, with some willing to go even further for the right setting.
One diner described Gino’s as “simply outstanding — impeccable food, wonderful atmosphere, and an owner who clearly cares about every diner’s experience.”
Another review praised The Three Tuns as a “delightful pub with excellent food and a lovely garden — perfect for a summer evening.”
According to OpenTable, 27 per cent of UK diners plan to dine outside weekly with their dogs during the summer.
Taking part in the Oxford Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, the event raised more than £34,000 for men’s health charities on Sunday, May 17.
Dressed smartly in “dapper” outfits, the participants rode through Oxfordshire on classic and vintage-style motorcycles.
The ride included a stop at Radcliffe Square in Oxford for a public photo opportunity and finished at the Kingsley Café in Eynsham.
The event wrapped up with a family-friendly social gathering featuring food, drinks and live music.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is the world’s largest motorcycling charity event, taking place this year in more than 1,000 cities across 100 countries.
Cities include New York, Mumbai and Los Angeles. In total more than £5.4m has been raised globally.
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It raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health through the Movember Foundation.
Founded in Sydney by Mark Hawwa, the event was inspired by a photo of Don Draper from Mad Men, who was pictured riding a classic motorcycle in a suit.
The organisers also thanked Brasenose College, on behalf of all the frontages of Radcliffe Square, for hosting them.
Donations are still being accepted via the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website.
Next year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2027.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) made the change as part of a wider effort to reduce the environmental impact of care and support the NHS’s goal of reaching net zero.
The switch to lower-carbon inhalers was supported by changes in prescribing, additional staff training, and improved support for patients on correct inhaler use and disposal.
Sarah Poole, advanced clinical pharmacist lead in respiratory medicine at OUH, said: “This project shows that we don’t have to choose between high-quality patient care and protecting the environment – we can achieve both.
“For many patients, switching to a dry powder inhaler is clinically appropriate and significantly reduces carbon emissions.”
The trust reported an 18 per cent drop in carbon emissions from pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) in 2025/26 compared to the previous year, and a 22 per cent reduction since recording began in 2022/23.
This is estimated to equal a reduction of 300 tonnes of CO2e over 12 months, comparable to nearly 764,000 miles driven in a petrol car.
pMDIs, commonly known as ‘puffers’, contain a powerful greenhouse gas.
Though they remain essential for many people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are suitable for many patients and have a much lower environmental impact.
Clinicians across OUH are helping patients switch to DPIs where safe and appropriate, while also improving education on correct inhaler use in line with national guidelines.
Ms Poole said: “Good inhaler technique supports better health outcomes and helps avoid unnecessary additional treatment, which also reduces our environmental footprint.”
For patients who are not suitable for dry powder inhalers, alternative and novel options are also helping to reduce emissions by using lower-impact propellants.
Proper disposal of inhalers also plays a key role in reducing emissions.
Up to 30 per cent of the original gas can remain in an empty pMDI, which can be released into the atmosphere if sent to landfill.
Patients who use pMDIs are encouraged to return used or expired inhalers to community pharmacies for safe disposal.
Medicines make up about 25 per cent of the NHS’s carbon emissions in England, with inhalers accounting for three per cent.
Lisa Hofen, chief estates and facilities officer at OUH, said: “Reducing our carbon footprint is an essential part of how we deliver healthcare now and in the future.
“This significant reduction in emissions from inhalers shows the impact that clinical leadership, innovation and patient engagement can have when sustainability is embedded into everyday care.”
OUH now plans to expand staff training, develop more patient resources, and look into reintroducing inhaler recycling schemes.
The Witney Pride Festival began at midday on Saturday, May 23, with a march through the town from Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre to The Leys Recreation Ground.
At the park there was a festival including music, drinks and food, all under the sun.
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Mayor of Witney Jane Doughty said: “What a fantastic weekend at Witney Pride!
“Thank you all for the incredibly warm welcome.
“It’s a true privilege to serve as your mayor and to represent everyone in our wonderful, diverse town.”
At the festival there were performances by Banbury drag entertainer Miss Lightning, the Witney Vocals Choir and the Witney Guitar Club.
A spokesperson for the latter said: “We had a great time.”
In addition Amelia Lakes, Rokat, Kyle Finn and drag sensation Dosa Cat also performed, alongside Lady B, Nicolette Street, Amrick and Lucy Luscious Lips.
Local businesses were also encouraged to participate by decorating their shops with Pride flags and by setting up a stall at the event
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A spokesperson for The Shake and Sweet Shop witnessed the initial parade and was impressed.
They said: “Nice to get out, during a quiet minute and glimpse some of the colourful Witney Pride parade.
“What a wonderful sound and lovely to spot many of our customers. Hope the festival was as wonderful as the weather.”
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