10 Hidden Gems in Oxford’s Covered Market
Oxford is known for many things – its prestigious university, its buildings with their famous ‘dreaming spires’ and its beautiful parks and gardens. A lesser-known treasure – tucked away off the main streets – is the historic Oxford Covered Market. Opened in 1774, it’s still full of unique and vibrant shops and stalls. This guide reveals 10 of the best stalls to visit within the market.
1. Alpha Bar
Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Sandwich Shop, Vegan, Vegetarian
Alpha Bar provides gourmet salads and sandwiches at affordable prices. Local, seasonal menus and the fact that all of its food is prepared daily make this an excellent place to grab a healthy bite, with great vegan and vegetarian options. Alpha Bar also focusses on ethically produced goods and ingredients and has a ‘no waste’ philosophy, which means you can buy its products with a good conscience.
2. Ben’s Cookies
Food Kiosk, Market, Dessert
3. Cardews of Oxford
Coffee Shop, Coffee
4. M Feller and Daughter
Butcher, British
Another long-term market tenant is M Feller and Daughter, a butcher’s shop that specialises in organic meat. M Feller, who’s been a butcher since he was 14, has had a store in the market since 1979, and the company takes pride in its fine-quality meat. Pop in for sausages – made daily on the premises – or in-season delicacies such as quail, pheasant and venison. The butcher shop is also the proud owner of the world’s oldest ham, buying it at an auction in 1993. It still hangs in the butcher’s window today.
5. Moo-Moo’s
Dessert Shop, Dessert
6. The Garden of Oxford
Shop
7. The Hat Box
Shop
8. Oxford Cheese Company
Cheesemonger, British
9. Sofi de France
Sandwich Shop, British
10. Teardrop Bar
Pub, British
After doing some shopping, you might be in the mood for a pint. Teardrop Bar, a concept shop and nano-pub in the market, is the place to go. Run by Church Hanbrewery, it sells various draught beers, which you can drink on-site or take away in growlers – try the tasty Teardrop Citra, a pale ale with tangerine notes.
Additional reporting by Cajsa Carlson.
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