The Broad Face public house is at the junction of Bridge Street and Thames Street. The building  was erected in 1840 but there are records of a public house called the Broad Face as far back as 1734 (Inns and Alehouses of Abingdon 1550 – 1978 by J.Carter and J.Smith).

Many will remember the iconic sign which stood above the pub for years and which has been rediscovered by the current owner. It needs a little restoration but the big question is after that …  Should it become the pub sign again?

Beyond Bubbles recently opened in Stert Street selling soaps and bath products – much of it with the label ‘Made in Abingdon.’ It is the shop with the big bath duck in the window .

Skinny Hippo has opened where cherries used to be in Bath Street. The shop offers a mixture of gifts including some fair trade and some made from recycled material.

There is also a craft area where children of any age can create, and plenty of room for a children’s party. I think when they were trying to think of a name for the shop – as a family – one of the children drew a particularly scrawny looking hippopotamus … Skinny Hippo!

On Sunday there will be an opening event  starting at 11 ending about 4.