A new Vietnamese Café and Noodle Bar on Stert Street opened for a soft launch on 26th April. After a few small adjustments, it’s now been open for a couple of weeks and is doing well.

There was once a Vietnamese café called Ha Noi on Stert Street — named after Vietnam’s capital city.  The new cafe’s name Cây Khê is more rural and poetic and means starfruit tree.

A new barber has opened in Abingdon, on the High Street, founded by two barbers who have worked in the town for 6 and 12 years respectively. Drawing on their knowledge and client base, they’ve joined forces to launch their own business. They provide another option to anybody looking to get their hair cut in Abingdon.

Justin and Samantha have opened the Craftsman Taproom in the former Added Ingredients stop on Stert Street, as a venue for locally brewed beer in Abingdon.

Justin, a local carpenter and joinery lecturer, began brewing at home and has steadily grown his craft, selling at local markets and beer festivals. One of his standout brews, Scooby Doo, was the first to sell out at the recent Oxford Beer Festival. He also has a new beer called ‘Magic Midget’.

The Taproom will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm to 10.30pm, Saturdays from 10am to 10.30pm, Sundays from 11am to 6pm, and Bank Holiday Mondays (there are two in May) from 11am to 6pm. On its opening night on May 1st, the venue was full of visitors.

Newcomer was on hand to capture the moment, and sent me photos of Justin and Samantha, beer enthusiasts Steve and Charles from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), who enjoyed the beer, and Justin’s dad in sartorial splendour.

Wine is also available for those who prefer it. The shop will still feature Martin’s photographs during some day times.

Newcomer added that Justin is a 5th Dan in Karate – so best not to cause any trouble at closing time.

Several Abingdon shop windows have bright Easter displays.

Helen and Douglas House is crammed with plush toys — rabbits, chicks, and ducks peeking out from every shelf — alongside “Happy Easter” signs and a few carrots and eggs.

Breckon & Breckon features entries to an Easter colouring competition. This is just a small sample of all the carefully coloured springtime scene with bunnies, eggs, and butterflies.

In the window of the Book Store, Peter Rabbit and his mother hold some eggs. There is also a nest with some speckled eggs.

The most featured decoration in Abingdon’s Easter shop windows in 2025 appears to be rabbits.