Oxford Covered Market to be opened by beloved tapas bar this week

Arbequina’s in Cowley Road has attracted national and international attention since it opened in 2017.

And now directors Ben Whyles, Rufus Thurston and Ben Bateman will be opening their stall after 18 months of work. 

In a statement the restaurant said: “It is with unbridled joy that we can officially share our opening date in the beautiful Covered Market – Friday 24th July.

The former Blue Blood sportswear shop is the site of the new restaurant (Image: Madeleine Evans / Newsquest)

“It has been a long old journey, and still plenty to be done, but the time is right to welcome all of you lovely, patient people to come & enjoy the space.

“As such, we feel strongly that we would be a timely addition to the Covered Market as it begins its next chapter of renovations and evolution for the years to come.”

The stall, called Arbequina Market, will be open Wednesday to Sunday more catered to the lunchtime crowd, but will also be open late on Fridays and Saturday.

The upstairs dining area is still being renovated but upon opening the downstairs can seat 30, with 12 bar seats, four window seats, and a few tables outside.

The stall will only be taking walk-ins for now, until the 40 seat upstairs area opens.

Speaking to Ox In a Box, the owners also talked about hopes to transform the business into a takeaway and collection service as well.