Cardews of Oxford: The Blend of Old School and Insta Cool

How it all began

The sun is (almost) shining and strawberries are back at Bonners — which means cream tea season is here. We caught up with John Durkin and Charlie from Cardews of Oxford, the city’s oldest specialist tea and coffee shop, to talk blends, history, and life in the Covered Market.

“Cardews was founded in St Michael’s Street in the late ’40s by a Polish gentleman who adopted his Cardew name when he settled here at the end of the Second World War,” says John. He took over in 1983: “A colleague and I took over the shop, which I ran until 2015, when I, my wife Sue and James (our son) took full ownership. James is third generation in the tea and coffee business.”

The man behind the media

Charlie joined seven years ago after James spotted him helping a confused customer in a supermarket. “James immediately offered him a job — a decision that has proven to be a great one ever since,” says John. Charlie adds: “From day one, James started thrusting books into my hands. I worked with Maxine and Sarah — who’ve both been here over twenty years — and just kept going.”

Charlie now helps run the shop and their much-loved Instagram. “Reuben and I put the material together and record the footage. The ideas come entirely from the staff. John and James don’t see it until it’s posted — which, so far, has not caused too much grief.”

As for tea knowledge? “The range keeps expanding as new products appear from all over the world,” says Charlie. “It’s never boring. Our customers are some of the best you can meet — friendly and knowledgeable.”

Find your flavour…

When it comes to cream tea pairings, Charlie recommends Oxford Afternoon or Earl Grey Blue Lady — but adds: “All our customers have their own favourites. The perfect pairing is the one you really enjoy — just keep it light so it doesn’t overpower the jam, cream and airy scones.”

The Covered Market holds a special place in John’s heart: “It has a buzz. Customers come from all over the world. The market has become a family of like-minded traders pursuing similar goals. There’s real pride in being part of it.”

And what keeps him inspired? “People used to ask if our manageress was my wife. Later, they asked if the staff were my daughters. Now James gets the same questions — which I suppose makes me the grandad. Cardews is a family. That is my inspiration.”

As for what’s brewing next, Charlie says: “We’ve got a new pyramid tea bag machine and a packing machine for small-batch rare teas. Look out for the new range in the shop.”