Banbury
Your comprehensive guide to the shops, stories, and hidden corners of our historic market town.
A Market Town with a Global Name
Steeped in folklore and built on the foundations of a bustling wool trade, Banbury is a town defined by its character. While the world knows it through the famous nursery rhyme and the "Fine Lady" at Banbury Cross, locals know it as a place of hidden courtyards, historic coaching inns, and a community spirit that has endured since the Domesday Book.
Today, it stands as the anchor of the Cherwell Valley—a unique blend of medieval heritage and modern life. From the narrow lanes of the Old Town to the vibrant waterfront at Castle Quay, Banbury offers a gateway to the Shires, perfectly balancing its rural charm with its role as a thriving regional hub.
What's on
Banbury Market
Traditional market held every Thursday and Saturday in the town centre.
Banbury Show 2026
Annual summer celebration with music, food, and family activities.
Things to do
Step Through Time on the Banbury Heritage Walk
Self-guided walking tour exploring Banbury's historic landmarks.
Businesses in Banbury
253 local businesses are listed in the directory, from cafés and pubs to shops, trades and services.
10th Planet Banbury
10th Planet Banbury is a no-gi Jiu Jitsu and MMA gym at Unit 6 & 7 Riverside Park, Banbury. Founded in 2017, it has grown into one of the country's most recognised no-gi Jiu Jitsu gyms under head coach and black belt Gavin Stewart. The gym caters to all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned competitors, and offers a varied timetable including mixed ability Jiu Jitsu, fundamentals, leg lock classes, live drills, and Q&A sessions. Women's only Jiu Jitsu classes are coached by purple belt Carmel Thornton, and youth martial arts classes are available for children aged 4 to 13. Membership options include full-time, part-time, and annual plans, with no-contract flexibility. Visitors can claim a free day pass before committing, or drop in to any class for £20. Private coaching is also available, and the gym sells merchandise and instructionals online.
1st Eat
1st Eat is a Chinese takeaway on Broad Street in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Telephone orders are welcomed, and online ordering is also available with a 10% discount on orders over £20 placed online. Orders exceeding £20 come with free prawn crackers, while orders over £50, excluding set meals, include a free large bottle of soft drink. The full menu is available for delivery to your door through platforms including Just Eat and Uber Eats.
3 Flavours
3 Flavours is a restaurant on North Bar Street in Banbury serving freshly prepared homemade food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a selection of wines and cocktails. The chef grew up in Sri Lanka and trained at hotel school in Colombo before moving to London, where he gained NVQ qualifications at the Hackney Asian and Oriental School of Catering and worked under several celebrity chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing and Mark Hix, as well as in Michelin-starred restaurants. The menu reflects this background, with Sri Lankan influences featuring among the offerings. Customers can dine in, order takeaway, or arrange delivery, with free delivery available on orders over £30. The restaurant also offers private jet catering and sells gift vouchers valid for 365 days. An app is available on iOS and Android for booking tables and ordering online. Collection orders over £15 placed through the app or website receive a 20% discount.
41 South Bar
41 South Bar is an award-winning private dental practice on South Bar Street in Banbury, headed by Dr Tom Donnelly. Named Dentist of the Year in 2016, the practice has served the local community for over 25 years and offers a comprehensive range of treatments. General dentistry services include bridges, crowns, fillings, root canal treatment, veneers and dental hygiene, while cosmetic options cover teeth whitening, tooth bonding and the Sonrisa Smile system. The practice is an experienced Invisalign provider and offers free initial consultations for orthodontic treatment. Dental implants are available with a dedicated five-step patient journey, and facial aesthetics treatments include cheek enhancements, anti-wrinkle injections for the forehead and crow's feet, nasolabial line reduction, and jowl and gummy smile reduction. Finance options and practice care plans are available to help spread the cost of treatment. New patients are advised to book a one-hour initial consultation so the team can assess their exact needs. The practice welcomes referrals from other dental practices and provides individual treatment plans with costs given upfront. A 360-degree virtual tour of the practice is available online, and out-of-hours emergency cover is provided through the North Oxfordshire Private Emergency Rota.
Abraxas Cookshop
Abraxas Cookshop in Banbury occupies a unique listed building dating from 1867 in a conservation area, which underwent a complete restoration before the shop opened in June 2005. The first floor displays an extensive range of cookware including knives, bakeware, storage, gadgets, utensils, textiles and work stations. Downstairs in the vaulted basement, the China and Glass section stocks Emma Bridgewater pottery, dinnerware, glassware and table-top accessories, alongside a working coffee machine area where customers can test-drive the equipment and sample the results. Abraxas Cookshop also operates branches at Heart of the Shires Shopping Village in Weedon and in Northampton, with free delivery available on online orders over £50 within the UK mainland.
Also Known As
Also Known As is a pub on Parsons Street in Banbury that has been bringing live music home since 2010. The venue combines live music with cocktails and pizza, hosting regular gigs and events. You can book a table or a spot at one of their nights, and there is a menu of food and drink alongside a small range of apparel. The place has a clear focus on live entertainment, with bookings available for gigs and reservations for visits.