Oxford beer and record shop in Cowley Road has closed

It was the last day of trading for Big Scary Monsters Social Club on Saturday.

The craft beer bottle shop at 98 Cowley Road, which also sold new vinyl, was run by Kevin Douch, Gemma Hefferon-Douch and Leigh Shorter.

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Despite the support of loyal customers over the past three years, a decision to close was taken in May due to 'skyrocketing costs'.   

Mr Douch said: "We sadly closed our doors for the final time on Saturday.

"Our closure wasn’t a surprise. We’d announced back in May that we’re reaching a break in our lease and would unfortunately be leaving the premises.

"We’ve had an incredible three years and the community - both locally and those who’ve travelled from afar - have been wonderful throughout. Saturday was hands down my favourite night in there.

"I'm sad it was the end but it was filled with so many brilliant people who literally drank the fridges dry, helping us to see the place out in the style it deserved.

"Also a huge shout-out to our amazing team who’ve been nothing short of brilliant from the beginning.

"We couldn’t have done any of this without them and the lifelong friendships which began and blossomed in our tiny shop mean the world.

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"For now the Big Scary Monsters record label continues to be busy and we’ll soon be making plans for some BSM Social Club pop-ups and events in Oxford next year. "

Staff and customers on Saturday gathered for a photo outside Kebab Kid.

A statement from JoJo's Cafe Bar on Cowley Road said: "Thank you for being great neighbours and we are sorry to see you go."

Customer Verity Hoper added: "I can't begin to say how sad it makes me feel to have lost BSM.

"It wasn't just a business, it became a culture, and a lifestyle that was perfect for our beloved Cowley Road.

"BSM was bursting with the independent ethic, wonderful people, incredible beers, music and events. RIP BSM.

"You are so needed, I not-so-secretly hope we will see you back somewhere as a hang out once again."

BSM Social Club has said that the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in east Oxford is not the reason for the closure.

Reign, a vintage store in Cowley Road which traded for 17 years, closed in April and Atomic Burger closed in January.

It comes as restaurateur Clinton Pugh has blamed LTNs in east Oxford for making trading conditions difficult.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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