Truck Store

Truck Store is a record shop with a coffee bar, or a coffee bar with a record shop — the distinction doesn't matter because both halves are good. It's the retail arm of Truck Festival, Oxford's beloved indie music festival, and the curation reflects that pedigree. The vinyl selection is strong on indie, alternative, and local artists, with a well-chosen range of new releases and reissues. The coffee is properly good, sourced from quality roasters.

The Cowley Road location is perfect. You can spend an hour flipping through records with a flat white, and it never feels like anyone's rushing you out. It's one of those places that captures the Cowley Road's particular mix of creative, independent, and unpretentious.

What to order

The coffee is well-made — flat whites, pourovers, and good espresso. The pastries rotate but are reliably fresh. It's light bites rather than a full food menu. Honestly, you're here for the coffee-and-vinyl combination, and it delivers.

Good to know

Not a sit-down cafe in the traditional sense — there's limited seating and it's more of a browse-and-drink setup. The record selection is worth taking seriously; staff recommendations are helpful and knowledgeable. They host in-store performances and listening events. Check their social media for upcoming releases and events. A good first stop on a Cowley Road wander.