A BOTLEY-based brewers organised a pop-up shop at the weekend for independent traders who need a premises to continue business in this current climate.
Tap Social set up the ‘indie supermarket’ for the first time yesterday as a 'one stop shop' for people to stock up on any goods that they may need including food, beer, soft drinks, soap and toiletries.
Small local businesses such as Jericho Coffee Traders, Linden Chocolate Lab, Cranston Pickles and Natural Bread set up stalls at the brewers taproom on Curtis Industrial Estate in Oxford.
Tap Social said on its Facebook page: “Thanks to everyone for supporting us and other independent businesses through this trying period.
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“It’s not going to be easy for anyone but we’re all in it together and we really believe in the power of community to pull us all to the other side of this.”
Natural Bread sold pastries and breads all made by hand about 20 yards away from the site, using locally sourced flour from Wessex Mill.
Claire Very, from Natural Bread, said: "Yesterday went really well. Sold out of breads, hot cross buns and flour. Such a great venue across from my bakery in the Curtis estate.
"Brilliant idea and we will be there next week."
Lib Dem MP Layla Moran visited the shop and tweeted afterwards encouraging people to support small local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
She said: “Keeping my distance while doing a bread and coffee run. Please don’t forget independent retailers at a time like this.”
Tap Social plans to run the shop every Saturday during the 'shutdown' period.
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It is also now offering a free home delivery service whereby people can order 12 plus bottles of beer, a growler filled up with beer as well as merchandise orders over £25.
Tess Taylor, who helps to run the brewery, said: "We have really noticed we need to support local independent businesses because we know they could close because of everything.
"We had a good turnout and if there's enough interest in it then we will do it regularly. We have to be careful that we are appropriately distanced from people and that we are using clean equipment.
"We are grateful for the support of other businesses."
It is also considering opening the shutters when the weather is nice and operating like a 'drive-thru' .
Delivery is available for free to all Oxford addresses within the ring road and Botley, and there is a £5 delivery charge to neighbouring villages.
It joins other pubs, restaurants and shops in Oxfordshire that have switched to delivery and takeaway only following the government’s orders on Friday.
The award-winning social enterprise announced last month that it will open a new bar in a former butcher’s shop in the Covered Market.
It will take over the former Hedges Butchers unit to serve its range of locally-brewed craft beers.
Tap Social was established in 2016 to create training and employment opportunities, particularly for ex-offenders.
The Oxford Mail is asking its readers to support local, independent and family-run businesses as part of its #stillopeninoxfordshire campaign.
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We will be highlighting the efforts of these businesses on pages kindly donated by other businesses.
You can join our campaign and shout-out about a local business you love using the campaign hashtag.
For commercial opportunities or to sponsor a page in this campaign and others we’re running over the coming weeks, email shane.harding@localiq.co.uk
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