In a change from our usual reviews, I wanted to do a little shout out, singing the praises of a tiny little cafe on Abingdon Road. It’s not in my usual bit of town, but Cafe Bap is perfectly placed for a stop off after a visit to Hinksey Park or South Oxford Adventure Playground, which on this occasion I was, with both of my boys.

The cafe, with a handful of tables inside and out, is full of bright colours, and once inside you’re greeted with a whole host of local produce – including Missing Bean Coffee, Natural Bread and Tiddly Poms, all of which I selected from. The lady managing was full of warmth and helpful input – like her suggestion of buying a bottle of apple juice instead of a couple of glasses, meaning it was more cost-effective and I had some to take home.

The boys happily tucked into a shared sausage bap, while I enjoyed a very tasty tuna mayo roll – all good proportions, fresh tasting and tummy-pleasing.

You may have been there before – in which case go again soon, or you may not have been yet – in which case please do. Lovely local gems like this can take some stumbling across, without the big flashy signs and marketing budgets of chains, and it’s our duty to champion and support them.

Let us know your favourite local gems, especially the less obvious, and I’ll do my best to check them out and give them a shout out too.

Cafe BAP
42A Abingdon Rd, Oxford OX1 4PE
01865 682859
www.facebook.com/bapoxford