Here’s your inside scoop from our market traders on what’s new in for 2026
We love how spring peeks through hot off the heels of a fresh new year. With it for us, comes a wave of excitement, energy, and fresh discoveries from our incredible community of independent traders. We’ve news of shop refurbs, innovative new experiences, mouth‑watering new dishes and exciting new product lines already making 2026 shaping up to be something special in the Covered Market.
Refurbs and Refreshments
Sartorelli’s has had a refit, emerging brighter and more inviting than ever while keeping the same handmade pizzas Oxford knows and loves. Oxford Dogs has stepped into the new year with a bold new look too, pairing their updated space with irresistible raclette‑covered hot dogs and giant pretzels that stop passers-by. And don’t forget to watch this space for news about Arbequina opening soon.
New products, new ideas
2026 brings an exciting crop of new products and surprising arrivals. The team at Crystal Spirit Emporium have been weaving their knowledge info creating themed crystal gift bundles. So now you can give the gift of protection, love, or energy – to name but a few without having to know your crystals. They’ll do bespoke gift packs too. Space Store is now stocking fossils — beautiful, ancient, and wonderfully unique as gifts. They’ve also freshly upgraded their VR experience as well as slick new VR headsets taking you far beyond the Market’s walls. Soctopus continues to sprinkle joy into the walkways with their newest creation: hand‑holding socks, a quirky delight designed to connect friends, partners and families in the simplest, sweetest way.
New food and drink discoveries…
Ginger & Spice are turning heads with their new venison curry, a thoughtful and beautifully spiced addition to one of the Market’s freshest food offerings. To add to their refurb, Sartorelli’s also have two tasty new items on their menu – Bruschettone and Mush Love. The Market Tap has expanded its on-tap offerings with two new taps, currently featuring “Fresh Start,” a crisp alcohol‑free beer that’s quickly becoming a firm favourite. For cheese lovers, Oxford Cheese Company often brings in new lines to discover, and now they open later on Thursdays, making it easier than ever to pick up a post‑work treat.
Fresh experiences…
Experiences are flourishing too. Gulp Fiction has launched a beautifully curated tasting menu combining books and cocktails for 90 minutes of pure delight. Their booksellers listen closely to your reading tastes, while their bartenders craft cocktails to match – a thoughtful, surprising, and genuinely special way to explore new stories.
Over at Lula’s Ethiopian Café, Thursday evenings now offer a warm, unhurried cultural moment in the Market. From 6pm, guests can enjoy traditional dishes before settling into Lula’s authentic coffee ceremony — freshly roasted beans, gentle jazz, and a relaxed atmosphere made for conversation. And soon, new traditional game nights will add even more to discover.
All around the Covered Market, 2026 is already shaping up to be a year filled with creativity, craft, and connection. From revamped spaces to imaginative products, and indulgent flavours to memorable experiences, our traders are welcoming the new year with open doors and fresh ideas. However you choose to explore, we can’t wait for you to discover what’s new and fall in love with the Market all over again.