Trio of new local traders set to join Lock29 in Banbury town centre

The new businesses will open as the popular canalside destination looks toward reopening in line with the planned easing of nationwide lockdown restrictions.

Pequeno Gringo, Bowkay Designs and A Little Bit of Pie are the latest arrivals at Lock29, which continues to attract growing interest from local independent food and drink brands and retailers.

Brought to Lock29 by local resident Brian Payne, Pequeno Gringo is a Mexican Street food vendor founded in 2018.

Initially established to cater for the festival and event circuit, family-run business Pequeno Gringo later expanded into private event catering before launching a home delivery service during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Brian Payne, of Pequeno Gringo, said: "Pequeno Gringo was born in 2018 after we spotted a gap in the market for good Mexican food within the local area.

"For us, it was a way to fulfil a lifelong passion and ambition. Lock 29 is fast becoming part of the community and we see this as a great opportunity to join a close-knit community of food and drink vendors.”

The two other new businesses are run by husband and wife, Peter and Kay Barlow.

A Little Bit of Pie, introduced to Lock29 by Jane Elizabeth Confectionary, is being opened by Peter Barlow. It will stock award winning pies alongside delicacies such as cheeses, pate, and jams, with a selection of vegan-friendly items.

Peter Barlow, with A Little Bit of Pie, said: "Lock29 has the potential to become one of the ‘in' places to visit in Banbury. The whole concept is really exciting and it’s great to see it taking shape.”

Bowkay Design is a Banbury business selling fresh cut flowers and bouquets for every occasion, together with house plants and giftware. Kay Barlow started BOWKAY about 30 years ago after training to be a florist and fuelled by a desire to become her own boss.

Kay Barlow said: "We will also be offering a wide selection of plants and gifts. I can’t wait to open with this new venture and believe this will add something different to the Lock29 offer, helping to bring some added colour into the town centre.”

Cllr Tony Ilott, lead member for finance at Cherwell District Council, said: “The arrival of new names to Lock29 speaks volumes about its appeal to potential occupiers who want to become a part of the Lock29 journey.

"Lock29 brings something new and unique to Banbury, for both residents and visitors to the town. With the re-opening of Lock29 in a matter of weeks and the first phase of Castle Quay Waterfront set to open this summer, our vision to turn Castle Quay into a thriving canalside destination is truly beginning to take shape.”

Chris Catford, manager at Lock29, said: “Since launching in August last year, Lock29 has changed and grown. Our edgy and independent spirit is reflected in our new additions, and we continue to partner with up-and-coming local businesses.

"Offering something for everyone, Lock29 celebrates everything that makes Banbury unique and will feature a dynamic space for events and activities that will open to the whole community when restrictions permit.”

“As we emerge from lockdown in a matter of weeks, our priority will remain the wellbeing of our customers, retailers and teams. We would encourage everyone visiting the space to do so responsibly, in a safe and considerate manner.”

Lock29 is already home to a wide range of independent food, drink and retail offerings, details of which can be found at the Lock29 website here: https://www.lock29.co.uk/