SOUTHAMPTON'S vibrant restaurant community today has a new accolade ringing in its collective ears.

Oxford's Bar and Restaurant in Oxford Street has been singled out for praise by the influential consumer watchdog publication Which? in its 2004 good food guide.

It's another feather in the cap for the street that has been dubbed "Restaurant Row" by the local business community because of the sheer choice of places to eat.

Oxford's opened in November 2000 and has enjoyed tremendous success under the guidance of owner entrepreneurs Simon Foderingham and Jimmy Hajiantoni.

Up to 40 staff are employed at the 100-seat restaurant serving modern British and Mediterranean cuisine. Its Victorian frontage, high ceilings and original wooden floors have also proved a draw.

Oxford's is the only restaurant in Southampton to receive a mention in the Which? guide.

Which? paid tribute to chef Rob Galbraith's food and the surroudings, adding: "Service, by young staff, is efficient and attentive."

Simon and Jimmy said: "We are justly proud of this achievement and would like to thank all our valued customers who have made this possible."

The two men also plan to open further venues in Southampton and are already negotiating a new site for a 100-seat restaurant and bar they aim to open in the summer. A three-course meal costs from around £25.

It has been an extraordinary time for the restaurant trade in the city over the past year in particular as it cashes in on Southampton's economic boom.

As previously reported by Business South last month, the White Star in Oxford Street was given the accolade of best restaurant in the south by the respected Les Routiers food and travel guide.

Two other big-name restaurants also opened up locally last year. They are Dock Gate 4 - referred to as DG4 by the business community - and Radley's.

Meanwhile, Business South learnt today that a new restaurant in Oxford Street is due to open at the former Latimer's in the second half of next month.

Prezzo is part of a nationwide chain that specialises in Italian fare, and it is currently in the processing of recruiting staff.

There are already three branches in Hampshire - at Port Solent in Portsmouth, Alton and Romsey.

The restaurant renaissance in the city has been generating both jobs and inward investment, as well as attracting cruise ship passengers keen to learn about Southampton's maritime heritage, including the Titanic links.

AWARD WINNING TEAM : Jimmy Hajiantoni, left, and Simon Foderingham with their team at Oxford's Bar and Restaurant. Echo picture by Malcolm Nethersole. Order no: hrfj2il4