Oxford fishkeeping shop announces closure after 70 years

The Goldfish Bowl, a long-standing and popular shop in Magdalen Road, will close its doors for the last time on July 31 this year.

Owned by Barry Allday, the shop has served East Oxford not just as a shop where people could find equipment, tanks, food and a variety of exotic fish to keep, but also as a community hub.

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A statement from Mr Allday and the team said: “This decision has not been taken lightly, and I am aware that The Goldfish Bowl has played a central role for many in their fishkeeping journey.

“Much more than that, we have always been very much part of the Oxford landscape and the very vibrant East Oxford Community.

The Goldfish Bowl, Magdalen Road, Oxford (Image: Google)

“It has been a remarkable journey for me and my dedicated team past and present and, of course, all of you who have visited and supported us over the years.

“I cannot thank everyone enough for coming by with your families and friends, sharing your happy stories and your questions that keep challenging us to be the best in our field.”

The Goldfish Bowl has won awards as a destination worth visiting and was selected as an ‘outstanding leader in its field’ in the Parliamentary Review in 2019, the first aquatic specialists to be recognised in the industry for its entrepreneurship and customer service.

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The shop was set up in the 1950s as an aquatic livestock wholesaler and grew to become the UK’s premier aquatic supplies shop.

Mr Allday added that among the reasons for the shop’s closure was ‘the implementations of the current transport schemes by Oxford Council over the past four years’ which has proved a ‘considerable business challenge’.

He added: “This and the increase in running costs make it very difficult for a small business such as us to adapt and remain viable.

“As well as that I am well over my retirement age and really need to hang up my net!”

Oxfordshire County Council has been approached for comment.

But the shop owner said there is still time for customers to visit for essential supplies, advise and new pets before the closure at the end of July.

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Mr Allday said: “For now, we are still here to support your hobby with free water tests and advice. There are also a great number of offers available so please do pop in and have a chat and grab yourselves a bargain.

“Whether you have recently found us or have known us for years, we’d love to see you one more time.”

The Goldfish Bowl offers tropical, marine, cold-water and pond fish, as well as coral invertebrate, aquatic plants and all manner of fishkeeping equipment for the ‘beginner or experienced aquarist’.