Book lovers are going wild over a « hidden speakeasy » that sells books, beer, and cocktails. Found in The Covered Market in Oxford, the hidden gem has been described as a « must-visit » for anyone who finds themselves in the area.
Aptly named Gulp Fiction, the « speakeasy » is an independent bookshop, coffee house, and bar. According to The Covered Market’s website, Gulp Fiction « sells a wonderful selection of new and used books, barista-made coffee, and drinks. Craft beer, speciality wine and cocktails are all on the menu.
« It’s a place to work, have fun, shop for books, or hang out with friends. » The bookstore also hosts regular events, including music nights, plays, workshops, and reading clubs.
Gulp Fiction was featured in a popular video shared by TikTok user Emily Trotter (@em_trotter). Emily titled her video: « Hidden speakeasy in Oxford. » She continued: « Did you know that hidden in the Covered Market in Oxford, there’s a bookshop that also doubles as a bar.
« This is Gulp Fiction, and it was one of the best places we visited when we went to Oxford. The bookshop is really cute, you can sit in the bookshop and have a drink. They have loads of really great beers on tap.
« You could even get a beer to drink while you’re trying to decide what book to read, cause goodness knows it takes me hours to decide. But if you don’t want to drink inside of the bookshop, you can sit in the outside courtyard, where they have live music every third Friday. »
The video earned over 20k views and hundreds of likes. Someone commented: « How cute and what a brilliant name. » A fan wrote: « One of my favourite bookshops. » Another comment said: « That’s so cool. »
The Covered Market has hundreds of excellent ratings on TripAdvisor. One reviewer wrote: « Long since a part of Oxford’s history, the Covered Market remains to be Oxford’s top spot for shopping especially as most of the shops are owned by locals and can only be found in Oxford.
« It’s also dotted with nice cafès and eateries, such as Browns, Colombia Coffee Roasters, Taylors Gourmet sandwiches, etcetera. There’s a quirky shop named ‘Gulp Fiction’ which is part bookstore and coffee shop. A must-visit even if you don’t want to buy anything. »
Another reviewer who included a photo of Gulp Fiction in their post said: « Well worth visiting for a wander and something to eat. There are a wide range of shops selling everything from souvenirs to fresh meat.
« We chose a coffee shop which billed itself as ‘the best coffee in Oxford’ and the weren’t wrong. The coffee was excellent Colombian. Also a range of excellent panini style rolls. Service despite the crowd was quick and all workers very really pleasant. »
