Nine years after opening their celebrated tapas bar, the team behind Arbequina on Cowley Road is expanding into the heart of Oxford’s Covered Market. The new site, located at Units 11–15 on Avenue 1 (formerly Blue Blood sports shop), promises the same bold flavours, high-quality ingredients, and laid-back charm that have defined the original.
The ethos remains unchanged. “We are imagining it will be more tapas-esque — basically, think along the lines of those buzzy, lively European markets,” the team say.
“A long bar will be the central focal point, with all the fun and excitement that brings. It will have a bright and fast-paced charm. Some of our well-loved classics will of course be present, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to offer new experiences.”
Since opening on Cowley Road in 2016, Arbequina has built a loyal following and earned recognition from the national press and the Michelin Guide. Its long zinc bar and open kitchen created a vibrant setting for seasonal small plates and bold Mediterranean flavours – a formula that looks set to thrive in the Covered Market’s dynamic, independent atmosphere.
To bring the new restaurant to life, Arbequina has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £50,000 to complement its own £100,000 investment. Over £20,000 has already been pledged. In return, backers can receive meals, experiences and exclusive rewards.
Work is already underway on the site, and the transformation is beginning to take shape. As with many heritage buildings, the team have encountered delays caused by layers of necessary paperwork and permissions.
“Working in a beautiful historic space was always going to come with a bit of bureaucracy,” they acknowledge. “But our builders and electricians have been hard at work on the bits we can crack on with.”
Despite the setbacks, spirits remain high. The team plans to announce an opening date later this year – as soon as progress can be guided solely by site works alone. In the meantime, they’re keeping supporters updated and encouraging the community to continue spreading the word.
“People have always been at the heart of our journey,” said Ben, Rufus and Ben. “And we’d love your support as we continue to grow.”
Arbequina – A Cowley Road Favourite
Arbequina opened its doors in 2016, founded by Ben Whyles, Rufus Thurston and Ben Bateman. Their vision was simple: to offer vibrant, tapas-style sharing dishes with bold, well-balanced flavours inspired by Spain and beyond.
From the beginning, the focus has been on high-quality, well-sourced ingredients served in an informal, energetic setting. The restaurant quickly became a local favourite, thanks in no small part to its distinctive long zinc bar — a lively focal point where guests can watch dishes being prepared and enjoy the buzz of the room.
Located at 72–74 Cowley Road, Arbequina sits beneath the beautifully restored Victorian RA Neville Dispensing Chemist sign — a piece of Oxford’s heritage that the team uncovered and brought back to life during the renovation in 2016.
In 2021, the restaurant expanded into the adjacent space at number 72, adding a cocktail bar serving hand-crafted drinks, natural wines, and an even more welcoming space for guests to eat, drink and relax. Arbequina continues to evolve, but its core values remain the same: exceptional food, thoughtful hospitality, and a deep connection to its community.
This article was first published on 24 March 2025 and last updated on
