If there’s one thing I love, it’s the perfect combination of great food, great people, and a great setting. Far too many eateries only manage one or two of these three important pillars *side eyes The Trout*. So it pleases me greatly to see a regular Bitten Street trader, The Souvlaki Brothers, open their very own place that delivers on all three.
*The following scene may be over-dramatised for reader enjoyment
On a dark, still Autumnal night, Becca and I ventured out into the bleak wilderness of the Oxfordshire countryside, to meet a new street food trader. Arriving at a remote industrial estate on the outskirts of Long Crendon, we drove up a long, deserted driveway, wondering if we would make it home alive. As we rounded a corner, a bright white beacon revealed itself – bedecked in blue and white flags, and two beaming Greeks.
That was our first introduction to Panny and Yan, two brother’s who’d left their day jobs and set up a street food businesses selling authentic Souvlaki, following in the catering footsteps of their Greek forefathers.
As soon as we met the likeable siblings, we knew they’d be good. Slightly OCD about cleanliness, they’d made great efforts to ensure their trailer and food were just right. Fluffy, Greek pitta, transported over from Greece – none of the dry, hard pitta nonsense you buy in the supermarkets here. Lemony chicken skewers, plump pork and salty halloumi were offered up alongside homemade tzatziki and salad. This was generously wrapped in the pillowy pittas and topped off with paprika-dusted fries. I’m proud to say we booked them for their first ever gig, and even prouder to see them oven their very own shop.
Souvlaki Brothers food
For £6 a pop, you can now indulge in a taste of Greece from the comfort of Oxford’s Covered Market. Chicken, pork, meatball or halloumi Souvlaki await, in a freshly blue painted shop, neighbouring The Garden on Avenue 4. You’ll also find delicious and generously portioned Baklawa, imported directly from Athens, alongside traditional Greek soft drinks. Panny is also planning a deli section so you can whip up your own flavours of Greece at home.
With so many people talking about businesses closing in Oxford’s historic Covered Market, it’s great to see new life there. And just the right type too – a local, independent food business with a flair for style, service and quality.
Souvlaki Brothers are exactly what’s needed to bring energy back to the market, hopefully, it won’t dull theirs in return. Go support them, your taste buds will thank you.
Leave a Reply