An Oxford restaurant claims to have found the city’s most bitter anti-love poet in time for Valentine’s Day tomorrow.

Earlier this month, the Big Bang restaurant in Jericho launched a search for broken-hearted writers to enter their vitriolic verse competition, with a slap-up meal for the winner and a group of friends.

Max Mason, who owns the Big Bang Restaurant in Jericho, decided to start the Oxford campaign to ban Valentine’s Day four years ago.

He said: “I was experiencing yet another year on my own, feeling a bit bitter about the whole Valentine’s thing when I realised there must be literally hundreds of people out there who feel like me.”

Mr Mason then set about making his restaurant a haven for people wanting to escape the sickly love-ins at other eateries around the city, and launched the Anti Valentines Angst competition.

Writers submitted their works, either humorous or serious, to staff at the restaurant. Judith Davies, from Argyle Street, East Oxford, won with her poem But Now.

Despite the nature of the competition, Mrs Davies said she was happily married and the poem was not autobiographical.

She said: “I have been divorced before, but it’s not just about my experiences but also the experiences of my friends. I’m really looking forward to going along to the restaurant, it should be a lot of fun.”

George Chopping, a waiter at the restaurant and a poet will be acting as compere tomorrow night.

But Now, by Judith Davies

You used to send me flowers, but now, it would appear, That you no longer bother with such affectations dear.

You used to buy me chocolates, gift wrapped in golden foil, But now I don’t get chocolates, or anything at all.

You used to bring me fine champagne, the bucket packed with ice, But now, it’s half a 'bitter and you shudder at the price.

You used to know my fragrance, you recognized perfume, But now you wouldn’t notice it if I sprayed the entire room.

You used to remember my birthday you used to remember my name, You used to think a date with me more special than a game.

And if we had to be apart, you’d call me every day, But now you never bother as there’s nothing left to say.

But wait I used to do my hair for you; I used to wear nice clothes, I’d teeter on stiletto heels do you remember those?

I used to listen when you talked; I used to call you honey I loved to cook you three course meals and all your jokes were funny.

I used to book surprise nights out, I used to iron your shirts, I valued your opinion I could never see you hurt.

I used to rub your aching back; I used to hold your hand, I went to concerts with you, just to see your favourite band.

I used to text you messages I knew would make you smile, You always were my valentine, my best boy by a mile.

We used to have such happy times, I’m sure you would agree, But now, I see, I cant blame you unless, I too, blame me.