Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The Covered Market


Oxford's Covered Market is an interesting assortment of shops house in an old building (resembling a livery or a garage) in the center of town.  The original market supposedly opened around 1774 (Wikipedia), but it definitely has the feel of the Victorian era.

There are all sorts of special boutiques -- from bakeries to plant nurseries -- butchers -- leather goods -- inported arts, etc.  Plus an interesting mix of eateries.

Today I had lunch at Brown's Cafe in the Covered Market.  It is a tiny little restaurant -- not fancy at all.  Probably what we would call a greasy spoon.  But, it was quaint and authentic and pretty cheap!  I had my favorite:  liver -- for a little more than 6 pounds.  It came with a jacket potato (i.e., baked potato), 2 pieces of bacon (British bacon is somewhat inedible), peas and the liver, of course.  Except for the bacon, everything was delicious.  It was also interesting to check out the customers -- most of whom were older working class folks -- along with some Chinese school girls and little ole' me.

Brown's Cafe in the Covered Market
Butcher shop in the Covered Market







3 comments:

  1. they dont do nice bacon here... they sell streaky bacon in the grocer, and you can make it yourself...

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  2. I love the Covered Market -- one of my very favorite places in Oxford!

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  3. I used to work as a Saturday girl in browns cafe in the 60's they served beef dripping toast back then , it was yummy

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