For our latest Bitten Streets instalment, let’s talk about the tiny-but-mighty North Parade. 

I see it as a little pedestrian haven north of the city centre and south of Summertown. It’s a foodie oasis in a residential area just off the Banbury Road. Like our other favourite streets, it offers a choice of the things you really need: coffee, cakes, drinks, dining, and produce, plus so much more.  Here are my top picks to whet your appetite.

2 North Parade

The beautiful 2 North Parade Produce Store is a foodie treasure trove, not just for local organic fruit and veg, but also for artisan cheese, charcuterie and meats, baked goods, and all kinds of groceries. Lovingly curated by Peter and Victoria, this little shop always has that extra something I didn’t know I needed. I may go in for a loaf of Sourdough Revolution bread or some North Aston Dairy gelato, but could also leave with fresh figs, fiery kimchi, mini cheesecakes, or a bag of oats. And when you are stuck for ideas, they’ll suggest recipes and ingredient combinations to help you out.

Barefoot Bakery

Another prized destination is the Barefoot Bakery: a must-visit for irresistibly luscious cakes that are flavourful, sweet, and taste even better than they look. Their brownies are like a spark of fudgy joy.  You can have a leisurely coffee date and linger over a gorgeous piece inside the café or opt to be al fresco at one of the outdoor tables. Alternatively, pick up a box of treats to take home when you are in a hurry. Either way you are a winner in the taste department.

Jee Saheb

You can also check out Jee Saheb, a longstanding family-run restaurant serving Bangladeshi and Indian food. This friendly establishment has a simple décor and tempting menu, and it’s always reliably good. On my last visit, for example, I especially enjoyed a spiced dish of lamb and peach (“Shah Jahan’s last stew”), a wholesome bowl of Tarka dal, and some highly flavourful okra.

Brew

For a jolt of good coffee, head over to Brew. Until recently, itwas right on North Parade but moved around the corner to 75 Banbury Road last year. It’s the same owner, though, and still serving the same top-notch coffees, teas, and home-made cakes. They also sell coffee accessories if you want to remain fully caffeinated at home.  The last time I went, I couldn’t see a ‘Brew’ sign (in fact no sign at all), but it’s the only coffee bar on the corner, so you can’t miss it.  The seating is rather minimal, but I’m hoping tables will appear out front in the warmer weather.

Gardeners Arms & Rose and Crown

For the drinking crowd, there are two friendly pubs: the Gardeners Arms [update – sadly closed in January 2025] and the Rose and Crown.  This latter is the very first pub I visited when I first moved to Oxford, and so it has a special place in my heart. And then the latest addition to the street is the Grand Cru wine bar, which I’m especially eager to test out asap. Based on my peering through the window before they opened last week, it’s a sleek and sophisticated space for Oxford wine lovers. Have any of you popped in yet?

North Parade Market

Want more?

For me, the icing on the cake is the North Parade Market, which takes place every second and fourth Saturday of the month. It’s not just for food – you can also pick up vintage clothes, jewellery, and accessories. But I definitely go there for the edibles, including Cranston Pickles, Padstow Fish, and Ogglio olive oil. If I arrive feeling hungry, I’ll head straight to Fatima’s Kitchen for a taste of East Africa, especially for her samosas (best in Oxford) or the coconut dhal. If you want something meatier, stop by TJ Naturals for some sweetcorn or jerk chicken fresh off the grill. You don’t even need to remember their name – follow the smoky, spicy aroma to its source and you’ll have found it.

So that’s the lovely North Parade, bringing together the local community and indie Oxford businesses, underneath a canopy of string lights.  Have you visited it yet?