Thousands raised for UK fish shop closed 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.

A fundraiser to thank the owners of the beloved shop has gained over £2,000 of its £3,500 goal.

The fundraiser, started by Edward Tolputt, is for a gift from local people who have spent time in the shop.

Mr Tolputt said on the website: “My sister, Anna, and I are raising money to buy a thank you present for Barry and Ping, owners of “The Goldfish Bowl” on Magdalen Road, which is sadly closing after 60 years.

“We are both parents of children to whom the shop has brought so much joy, and yet we aren’t fish-keepers (yet…).

Fishes inside The Goldfish Bowl (Image: The Goldfish Bowl)

“So this is a thank from all the local little people who have spent time in the shop, transfixed by their aquatic beauties, and yet have never spent a penny.

“Barry and Ping – we will miss you.”

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.

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.”

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