Christmas is famously a time for food, and a well-chosen item can be a great gift for sharing. 2 North Parade stock a range of seasonal and local produce, with fresh fruit and veg and artisanal products from local bakers, brewers, and dairies. We spoke to owners Peter Slade and Victoria Borondo.
Tell us about what you sell.
We're a produce shop which sells seasonal organic fruit & veg, local organic dairy products, British farmhouse cheeses, artisan sourdough bread, British farm charcuterie, eggs, honey, jams and chutneys, wines, beers and cider, and locally-made cakes.
When and why was the business started?
We started the business in 2013.I was working in a kitchen garden growing organic seasonal fruit and veg and started a small shop there every weekend which inspired me to start the shop.
What do you like best about being based in Oxfordshire?
We are so lucky to be surrounded by amazing local producers.
Do you think Oxford is a good place to run a small business?
Yes - if you do something really well, people will make an effort to visit you.
What's the best thing about running a small business?
The control you have on every aspect of running your own business is great. Every day is different and you never get bored.
What’s the biggest challenge?
Working with so many producers you definitely need to be organised with the ordering! Each week is different, and produce comes in and out of season.
What's the most interesting little known fact about what you do?
The shop was originally a butcher's shop. It still has the white tiles on the walls which we now write our veg prices on.
What’s your favourite product?
That's a tough one...we love to cook so the seasonal fruit and veg picked straight from the farms is wonderful, you can't get fresher...but I love the sauerkraut and pickles!
We work closely with local farmers, producers and suppliers who focus on the quality, integrity and provenance of their produce. Giving you, the customer, the fresh taste of every season and the best artisan foods for your table. We'll also give you recipe ideas and guide you through our changing seasonal stock.
Is there anything else you'd like to highlight?
We work really hard to allow our customers to shop with as little packaging as possible, using returnable glass jars and bottles, loose fruit and veg, and a range of loose nuts, seed, grains and pulses.
We work closely with local farmers, producers and suppliers who focus on the quality, integrity and provenance of their produce, giving you, the customer, the fresh taste of every season and the best artisan foods for your table. We'll give you recipe ideas and guide you through our changing seasonal stock.
Welcome to Daily Info’s 2023 Advent Calendar – 24 days of festive tips, free activities & local shopping suggestions!
This year's calendar offers a mix of Christmas suggestions, taking in traditions in Oxford and the wider area, and free activities & events in the build up to the big day.
