Two new shops at the Covered Market in Oxford have celebrated opening with a joint party.

Staff from Goodies, a new clothes store at the historic market, and a sandwich shop run by Hamblins bakers, got together at the weekend to celebrate their new businesses.

Goodies is an independent menswear and lifestyle store that 'showcases brands of quality and provenance'.

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The shop is run by Matt and Rachael Evans, a couple from the West Midlands who made Oxford their home almost five years ago.

Goodies opened in May next to Hamblin, and the brand aims to provide a unique experience to customers by stocking specific clothing brands.

“Goodies offers a curated selection of soft tailoring, wardrobe essentials, quality denim and general ‘good stuff’, all with an unrivalled in-store experience,” Matt said earlier.

“Every brand we stock at Goodies, has some personal connection whether it be a leather maker from the Midlands or Cornish socks we discovered on our honeymoon.

“We know and trust each and every brand and have fostered strong relationships.

“We take pride in the fact that it’s a really exclusive list of brands, that have all put their trust in us. They believe in the vision we are showcasing in store.”

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Bakery Hamblin Bread has a base in Iffley Road, and opened a bakery kiosk at the Covered Market last year.

(Image: Verity Hoper) It specialises in baked goods made with stone ground flour from organic wheat and rye, all grown within 50 miles of the bakery.   

Now it has opened a new sandwich takeaway.

It specialises in baked goods made with stone ground flour from organic wheat and rye, all grown within 50 miles of the bakery.   

(Image: Verity Hoper) The Covered Market website said before the launch event: "The two newest businesses to join the Covered Market Goodies and Hamblin Snackbar are joining forces to host special launch party!

"From 6pm, come down to Avenue 2 (by Pieminister), where there will be free food (until it runs out!): Hamblin Snack Bar’s Zolly busting out hot pizza slices, plus sweet treats by Pet Gat Bakery and the Hamblin’s friends Cake On My Face. Hamblin Kiosk will become the bar for the evening, where you’ll find Hamblin bakery owner Hugo pouring wine and mixing Americanos.

"No need to book it’s free! Just turn up, raise a glass to celebrate the opening of Goodies menswear and Hamblin Snackbar!"

There was live music on the night.

The market is celebrating its 250th anniversary, and some businesses are also celebrating special anniversaries, including Browns cafe, which is marking its centenary.

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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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