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.

The Gathering Space opened on March 2nd, occupying the former Lounge Bar premises, which closed after its proprietors retired.

Situated next to The Clockwork Dragon, The Gathering Space is a board games café offering a dedicated venue for sociable games. The popularity of face-to-face gaming has been growing in recent years, with similar activities seen at Willows Shake and Preston Road Community Centre.

As well as board games, it hosts The Abingdon Sunday Social (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM), a  space to meet friends, family, or make new connections.

Craft groups also hold sessions here. For example, on April 17th, there’s an evening of spring wreath-making.

From May, a regular Whist group will begin there.

Photographer Martin Wackenier is using the former Added Ingredients shop as a pop-up gallery throughout April, showcasing and selling his photographs. A new business is expected to take over the space from May.

Martin began his photography journey with a Box Brownie at a young age, and that early camera — along with others from his collection — is part of the display.

Meanwhile, Jill Carver continues to host wine and cheese evenings from the premises.