North Parade Market
Hello, everyone – it’s guest blogger Rose here!
If you’re at loose end come the second or fourth Saturday of the month, why not pay a visit to North Parade Market? This pretty street in north Oxford is one of my favourites even when the market isn’t on. There are plenty of local Oxford businesses and one of the prettiest pubs I’ve ever laid eyes on.
As we all know, a good situation can only be made better by great food. For that reason I grabbed my camera and headed to the bi-monthly get together of organic and artisan traders from the local area.
One of the first stalls I found myself at was Tuyen’s Kitchen where I got my fix of fresh Vietnamese food. What I like about North Parade Market is that you’ll find cuisines and flavours from all around the world. Friendly Tuyen served me up fresh spring rolls – tasty prawns, lettuce, coriander and mint rolled up in rice paper.
Both food and drink are in generous supply at North Parade. Soon after arriving at the market, the sky turned black and the heavens opened. Thanks a lot, England! We were left with no choice but to huddle under the Kitchen Vine French Wines stand and sample some of their produce. If you’ve got to shelter from a storm somewhere I can’t think of many better places to do it!
In a second attempt to hide from the pouring rain I found myself under the awning of the Souvlaki Brother’s food truck – and I’m glad I did! Panny and Yan are two Greek brothers who – as the company’s name might suggest – are passionate about bringing Mediterranean flavours to Oxford. I ordered a halloumi souvlaki which was delicious. It was wrapped in pitta, stuffed with generous portions of cheese, tzatika, tomatoes, onion and crispy fries and dusted with paprika.
Despite the rain it was a day well spent a North Parade. I’d definitely recommend you pop down and support the Oxford community while treating yourself to some fresh local produce and a delectable lunch. The upcoming market dates are as follows (from 9am – 2pm):
September: Saturday 9th and Saturday 23rd
October: Saturday 14th and Saturday 28th
November: Saturday 11th and Saturday 28th
December: Saturday 9th
Click here for a full list of traders.
Maybe see you there next time!
In all, we had a very pleasant morning and I feel the market is a worthwhile addition to the shopping options as well as the general feeling of North Parade. It’s worth mentioning the excellent shops that are there all week long – including fresh produce store 2 North Parade and the ever-tempting Oxford Yarn Store. I hope to go back to the market and have a bit more time to browse both the stalls and the shops along the street and maybe sneak in a pint (of beer and nuts) at the Rose and Crown or Gardeners Arms along the way, and late lunch at the ever-tasty Jee Saheb. Beautiful market with a good selection of high quality artisan hot and cold food alongside farmers vegetable produce plus gardening supplies and a selection of handmade and vintage items from small Oxford businesses. The market has a very friendly atmosphere and is held in the perfect spot amongst cafes, pubs and often has a local musician playing too!