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.

Crossroad Grocery in Coxeters Yard, Abingdon, is now open seven days a week, right next door to the new fruit juice bar called Juice Corner. The grocery officially opened its doors on March 15, 2025, taking over the space once occupied by Seeneys Pet Supplies. I’m a bit late to the party with my visit,and this blog post.

The store’s got an impressive display of fresh fruit and veg. The shelves are packed with a range of goods and there is fresh bread and a meat counter.

Crossroad Grocery is run by Plamena and Biser, who also run Juice Corner. Some of their supplies come from Millets Farm.

If you’re in Abingdon, it’s worth visiting Coxeters Yard to check them out. Good luck to them.

After three decades of service, Tyre Sales Abingdon, the local independent tyre specialist located behind the Esso Garage on Marcham Road, has closed its doors. The company will continue operations through its sister outlet, Sutton Courtenay Tyres, located just 10 minutes away.

Kwik Fit, a leading supplier of tyres in the UK, is all set to open a new branch at the former Tyre Sales Abingdon premises.

Thanks to Newcomer for this report.