‘Shock and sadness’ in Oxford as The Goldfish Bowl closes

The Goldfish Bowl in Magdalen Road, a much-loved, family-run fishkeeping shop, announced it would shut down on July 31 after decades in the community.

Owned by Barry Allday, the award-winning specialist shop has been a central part of the East Oxford community, and the team described its time trading as a “remarkable journey”.

READ MORE: Oxford fishkeeping shop announces closure after 70 years

The owners retirement, the increase in running costs and “implementations of the current transport schemes” by the council were cited as the “challenges” which lead to the business’ closure.

Barry Allday, then a partner at The Goldfish Bowl, pictured with a fish in 2008 (Image: Jon Lewis)

Customers took to social media to share their memories of the shop, and their shock and sadness that it would close.

Dawn Amanda said: “Gutted for you. I remember coming in many times 30 or 35 years ago when I was setting up for the first time.

“The kids loved coming in to see all the fish, kept them mesmerised whilst adults loitered around and made purchases in peace. Enjoy your retirement.”

Commenter Matt Jefferies shared similar memories of his time working at the store, and said: “The Goldfish Bowl played a huge part in my childhood and adulthood a like.

“I remember the first purchase, the relentless phone calls asking Barry for a job until he finally gave in, the endless cycle of hosing down the system filters, learning how to speed mop the shop floor, the late finishes unpacking thousands of fish and so much more.

“I truly wish the past and present staff all the best for the future.”

The Goldfish Bowl in Magdalen Road, 2008 (Image: Jon Lewis)

READ MORE: Oxford fishkeeping shop blames closure on transport schemes

While others shared how important the shop has been in their lives, with Chris Hollis adding: “Barry, I’m so sorry to hear this. One, if not the best fishkeeping shops in the country.

“I used to go to the shop in Headington and was a frequent visitor with my children to East Oxford. They still talk about it today and they’re in their 30s.

“Your knowledge, professionalism and friendliness is second to none.”

Ping Low and Barry Allday owned The Goldfish Bowl in 2021 (Image: Ed Nix)

While commenter Bee Ames echoed the sentiment, adding: “End of an era! Many happy times and years visiting during my fish keeping.

“The customer service and knowledge was second to none. It is a very sad time for Oxford and even sadder that your hand has been forced.

“However, enjoy a much earned and well deserved retirement. What an outstanding achievement.”

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

Sharing his nostalgia for the store, Phil Fugle said: “Such a shock and sad news.

READ MORE: Man survives being hit by train at Radley railway station

“Back in the late 60s I used to come to the famous Goldfish Bowl and spend hours looking round and then as I got older and still lived in Oxford, was a regular for all my aquatic needs.

“I moved away from Oxford but whenever visiting always called in. A huge part of my life along with so many others.”

Among the hundreds of other customers sharing their sadness, Alice Elizabeth Taylor said: “! In really is a part of the local community and people are heartbroken to hear it won’t be there any more. It will still be remembered for a very long time to come.”