From comfort food to cosy vibes – lets get through these chilly months together!
Join us as we delve into the market to highlight great ways to help you survive—and even thrive—through the darkest months of the year. From retail therapy to delicious food and drink, fresh produce to social hot spots, here’s how the Covered Market can help you beat the winter blues.
Retail Therapy: Brighten Your Day with a Touch of Indulgence
A little retail therapy can work wonders for lifting your spirits. The Covered Market is a treasure trove of independent shops brimming with unique finds. Browse beautifully handcrafted jewellery, luxurious scarves, and stylish accessories that add a touch of brightness to your winter wardrobe with any one of our specialist boutiques. Book a styling appointment at Goodies for cutting edge and super comfy menswear. Or have a browse through vintage coats and colourful jumpers at Again Garments.
Re-lining your nest feels like a worthwhile pursuit right now. Woollen Cosy Life is perfect for bringing a pop of colour with their stunning array of woollen blankets, pillows, slippers and more. Even their woolly sheep keyrings bring a sense of warmth to the everyday.
How about adding the promise of spring to your home with a posey of tulips from The Garden of Oxford or Jemini Flowers, or delight in artisan homeware from Nothing. Filling the air with warming scents and that enchanting light that only candles can give a room can be a great way to treat the senses. Next to Nothing and Y.O.U Underwear have a great selection to really make your living space feel like a cosy retreat. Ever thought of adding a touch of worldly wonder with awe-inspiring crystals from Crystal Spirit Emporium – they also sell salt lamps too that’ll turn even the gloomiest days into a comfy glow.
Food: Warm Your Soul with Comforting Meals
Nothing says winter survival like hearty, comforting food, and the Covered Market is home to some of Oxford’s most loved eateries. Start your day with a warming croissant or croque monsieur from Sofi de France, or treat yourself to a full English breakfast with Brown’s, Brothers, Taylors of Oxford, or again Sofi de France.
When lunchtime rolls around, dig into a warming bowl of stew from Alpha Bar packed with local organic produce, or a hot sandwich from any number of our cafes including Rozana, Taylors of Oxford, Sofi de France or a tasty Panuozzo from Il Corno. Maybe a piping-hot plate of noodles is just what you are after. Taste of China specialize in homemade noodles from their hometown of Xian.
The market’s diverse food offerings ensure there’s something for everyone, whether you’re craving classic British comfort food or flavours from around the world including Thai, Greek, Mediterranean, Japanese and Chinese options. Many traders also offer takeaway, so you can enjoy your meal at home—perhaps in front of a cosy fire.
Warm up chilly mornings and early evenings
Stop by for a freshly brewed coffee or tea to warm your hands (and your heart) on a chilly morning with any one of our many artisan cafes. In the afternoon, savour a decadent hot chocolate topped with marshmallows – Colombia Coffee Roasters specialise in Colombian hot chocolate as well as their famous coffee and a wide selection of hot alcoholic drinks. Or grab a fresh juice from Sofi De France packed with vitamins to give your immune system a boost.
As evening falls, from Thursdays to Saturday the market opens until 10pm. Why not enjoy a craft beer or a glass of wine at The Market Tap, Teardrop Bar, Gulp Fiction, or The Market Cellar Door. And here’s a hot tip, The Market Tap are still selling mulled wine and cider too. It’s the perfect place to unwind and toast to surviving another winter day.
Produce: Fresh Ingredients for Winter Feasts
Winter may not be the growing season, but the Covered Market’s produce stalls are still brimming with fresh, seasonal ingredients. From crisp apples and pears to earthy root vegetables, you’ll find everything you need to create wholesome, warming meals at home with Bonners Fruit and Veg.
Pick up some locally sourced meat or handmade pies from David Johns, or stock up on delicious seasonal cheeses with the Oxford Cheese Company. They also sell freshly baked bread too for a wonderful pairing with a hearty homemade stew—a true winter indulgence.
Socialising: Beat the Blues with Community Spirit
The Covered Market isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a hub of community and connection. On those cold, lonely days, popping into the market for a chat with friendly traders, meeting friends for lunch can do wonders for your mood. Many of our traders host events or workshops, offering a chance to learn something new and make new friends. Whether it’s joining a quiz or crafting session or simply soaking in the market’s lively atmosphere at one of The Market Tap’s free live gigs, there’s always something happening to brighten your day and bring people together. Teardrop Bar and The Market Cellar Door both offer on the spot flight tastings and their large shared table is a great way to meet fellow fans of local beers and carefully selected wines.
Quick tip: Teardrop, Market Cellar Door, Market Tap and Gulp Fiction all let you bring food you’ve bought in the market to eat while you sip their delicious beverages.
To wrap-up, it’s time to find your winter haven at The Covered Market
January and February don’t have to be a struggle. With the Covered Market’s eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and community spirit, you’ve got everything you need to turn the darkest months of the year into a time of warmth and joy. So bundle up, head to the market, and discover how our warm friendly independent businesses can help you beat the winter blues. Your new favourite winter tradition might just be waiting for you there.
Click on the following link if you’d like to browse our list of traders in the Covered Market