Cardew and Co

Best Places to Work in Oxford: A Guide to Cardew and Co Finding a reliable spot to open your laptop in a historic city can be a challenge. If you are looking for a unique atmosphere within the heart of **Oxford**, look no further than **Cardew and Co**. Located inside the famous **Covered Market**, this establishment is one of the oldest tea and coffee merchants in the city, dating back to 1948. While many digital nomads flock to modern chains, there is something special about working amidst the aroma of freshly roasted beans and loose-leaf teas. This guide covers everything you need to know about making **Cardew and Co** your temporary office for the day. ## Location and First Impressions

You can find Cardew and Co at 131-136, The Covered Market, Oxford, OX1 3DZ. The Covered Market itself is a central hub, accessible from High Street, Market Street, or Cornmarket Street. The shop has a double identity: it is primarily a high-end coffee and tea merchant, but it also features a cozy seating area for those who want to stay. The vibe is classic, traditional, and functional. You won't find minimalist Scandinavian furniture here; instead, you get wooden shelves stacked high with silver tins and a front-row seat to the bustling market life. For more options in the area, check out our Oxford city guide for a list of other nearby workspaces. ## The Workspace Experience for Digital Nomads

Working from a market stall is a different experience than a standard coworking space. Here is how it breaks down for remote workers: ### Wifi Quality

The wifi at Cardew and Co is stable enough for standard tasks. You can expect speeds suitable for:

• Sending emails and managing Slack/Teams.
• Updating spreadsheets and CMS platforms.
• Basic web research and social media management. However, because the market is an old stone building, signals can occasionally dip during peak hours. If you have a high-stakes video call, it is always wise to have a mobile hotspot as a backup. ### Power Outlets

This is a traditional merchant shop. Power outlets are limited. If you plan to spend more than two hours here, make sure your laptop is fully charged before you arrive. There are a couple of tables near the walls where you might find a plug, but they are highly contested. ### Seating and Comfort

The seating area is relatively small. You will find a few small tables that are perfect for a single worker with a laptop and a notebook. * Seating Type: Hardwood chairs and small bistro-style tables.

• Capacity: Limited. It is best for solo travelers or pairs.
• Ergonomics: This is a "cafe-style" setup, so it is not ideal for an 8-hour marathon session, but perfect for a 2-hour deep-work sprint. ## Food and Drink: The Real Draw

You don't come to Cardew and Co just for the internet; you come for the quality of the brew. As specialist merchants, their coffee selection is far superior to most high-street cafes. * Coffee: They roast their own beans. You can choose from various origins, and the baristas are experts at their craft.

• Tea: With over 100 varieties of loose-leaf tea, this is a paradise for tea lovers.
• Pricing: Very reasonable for the quality. A high-end espresso or a pot of specialty tea will typically cost between £3.00 and £5.00.
• Food: They offer a selection of pastries and light cakes. For a full lunch, you are in a great position, as the Market is full of diverse food stalls just steps away. ## Atmosphere and Noise Levels

The atmosphere is "busy-quiet." Because it is located in a market, there is a constant background hum of shoppers and traders. * Noise Level: Moderate. It is not a library, but it isn't a loud bar either.

• Music: Usually light or non-existent, letting the sounds of the market take center stage.
• Best for: People who enjoy "body doubling" or working in environments with some life and movement. If you prefer a silent environment, you might want to look at our guide to quiet cafes in the UK. ## Best Times to Visit

To secure a spot and enjoy a productive session, timing is key: 1. Early Mornings (8:30 AM – 10:30 AM): The market is just waking up. This is the best time to grab a table and get ahead of your to-do list.

2. Mid-Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): The lunch rush has finished, and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed.

3. Avoid: The 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM window. The market gets very crowded with tourists and local students looking for lunch, making it harder to occupy a table for work. ## Pros and Cons for Remote Workers Pros:

• Exceptional Coffee: Easily some of the best beans in the city.
• Central Location: Right in the middle of Oxford’s historic center.
• Unique Environment: Provides a break from the "boring" office look.
• Local History: Supporting a long-standing local business. Cons:
• Limited Plugs: Not ideal for devices with poor battery life.
• Small Space: You may feel guilty staying too long if there is a queue.
• Market Hours: The market closes earlier than some standalone cafes (usually around 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM). ## Summary

Cardew and Co is a gem for the digital nomad who appreciates high-quality caffeine and a historic setting. It is best suited for focused tasks that require a few hours of concentration rather than an entire work day. Use it as a transition spot between sightseeing and meetings. Before you go, make sure to browse their tea tins—they make for great gifts or a way to bring a piece of Oxford back to your long-term rental. ### Key Information at a Glance:

• Address: 131-136, The Covered Market, Oxford, OX1 3DZ.
• Wifi: Available and free.
• Outlets: Very few.
• Best Drink: Any of the single-origin pour-overs.
• Vibe: Traditional, aromatic, and centrally located.