The Punchbowl had scaffolding up since mid-February, while the exterior was patched up and painted. Last week, it was closed for an internal makeover and decoration. The pub opened again yesterday and looks very smart now, thanks to the efforts of the landlady, Vanessa.

The pub has two rooms, a larger front bar accessible from the Market Place, and a traditional snug with wood panelling, low beams, and fixed bench seating, accessible from East St Helen Street. According to Inns and Alehouses of Abingdon 1550 – 1978 (J Smith and J Carter ), the pub’s earliest recorded date was 1775.

A new shop opened in Bath Street yesterday, next to Tiffins.

It sells a variety of foods and drinks, English, Turkish, and Arabic, with some interesting cakes and bread. It also has clothes and household items. The shop also has a photocopier that costs 15p for B&W and 39p for colour.

They were open late this evening and will put up their opening hours soon. Good luck to them.

A new shop on Abingdon’s High Street has its shelves stocked. It is where Conway opticians used to be. This newcomer still needs to unveil its name or open, but shelves are lined with vape products, crisps, and sweets. There are also phone cables. An array of hookahs (bongs) takes centre stage in the window. We are no longer quite so shocked by such things here in Abingdon. The new barber has some in the window. Abingdon’s last town centre newsagent was the first to display hookahs in the window.

There’s a new shop on the High Street selling fresh food. It’s where Abingdon Sports used to be, and it seems popular already.

They’ve got lots of fruit and veg, most without packaging (you can use paper bags if needed). They also have a butcher’s counter, bread and pastries, cheese and wine, and other groceries on shelves.

The shop is open every day from 7am to 8pm.