* After a flying visit to Weber Grill Academy in Marsh Baldon this week, The Fabulous Baker Brothers have teamed up with dedicated chef and BBQ expert Dan Cooper.

On Monday they learned from Oxford’s grill master at the UK’s only year-round barbecue school about roasting and smoking outdoor-style, ensuring that meat is cooked to absolute perfection. A chapter on barbecuing in the Baker Bros’ new cookbook will follow.

Dan and the Grill Academy run lessons for everyone, not just celebrity chefs – their award-winning courses cost £120. See grillacademy.co.uk

* Italian food queen Mariella Bliss continues to plough through her busy gastronomic calendar with a series of cooking masterclasses.

The next takes place tomorrow: Making Fresh Pasta with the Italians will teach you to make traditional pasta dough, stretch it by hand and cut it into delicious tagliatelle, reginelle and ravioli. Spend the rest of the class enjoying your creations, as well as a free wine-tasting session hosted by Gallucci and Gilmour. It all takes place at St Peter’s Church Room in Wolvercote and costs £45. Visit mariellabliss.co.uk or email Mariella at mariellabliss@gmail.com

* With some of the best local produce beginning to emerge, now is the perfect time to pay Deddington Farmers’ Market a visit. With 50 stalls packed full of Oxfordshire food, drink, plants, crafts and organic produce, particular highlights will include new season rhubarb, colourful pansies and a new stall selling award-winning cider. This joins the ranks of Shaken Oak mustards and preserves, Crudges Cheese, Bilbury Trout Farm and a host of other wholesome sellers. The monthly market is this Saturday from 9.30am-12.30pm at Market Place in Deddington.

* The Royal Oak in Woodstock Road is introducing a fantastic introductory offer to celebrate its new seasonal menu. Download an invitation from their website (theroyaloakoxford.co.uk), order any course from the new menu between Monday-Friday before May 3 and get an additional meal of fried Shropshire chicken on the house. The chicken comes with fries, apple slaw and house-pickle dip – perfect with one of the Oak’s craft beers or cask ales. Other new additions to the menu include cider and tarragon battered cod, and Pimm’s summer fruit jelly. Book a table by calling 01865 310187.

* On Wednesday, join crime writer extraordinaire Colin Dexter at the Old Swan and Minster Mill in Minster Lovell for an evening of literature-fuelled conversation and food. For £65 per person, you’ll dine with the man responsible for Inspector Morse, hear him talk about his thrilling novels and enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapes before a lavish three-course dinner with wine and coffee. Email cnorrish@oldswanandminstermill.com or call 01993 774441.