About Us...

      

Angela Clark was the founder of The Undercroft Fruit & Veg in 1998 and lovingly grew Watlington's first fresh produce market into what we know and love today. Angela wanted to do something different right from the beginning, she didn’t want produce in plastic packaging, just paper bags and wanted an open market atmosphere where people could see what they were getting with the change of the seasons and buy only what they needed. Angela wanted to give her loyal customers the best fresh, local and seasonal produce and supported many of our surrounding Oxfordshire farmers and producers. Angela's renowned enthusiasm, energy and laughter was contagious and she served the Watlington community so very well through thick and thin, rain or shine! 

"Now... after 25 years, it is time to let someone with new ideas and enthusiasm move the business on. I am so lucky that Nicki Barley showed a very positive interest almost immediately and has now become the proud new owner. I wish Nicki all the best of luck in taking on the new Undercroft Market. I know that with her ideas, energy and fresh approach she will make the business a great success." -

Angela x

"I have big'ol boots to fill but I promise to give this fabulous local business everything I have and I will continue to keep Watlington fed with the BEST fruit and veggies that I can get my hands on. Plus a few other treats!" -

Nicki x 

I have thirty years of retail experience to draw on in my new role as local greengrocer! Twenty of those years were dedicated to the fresh flower and plant industry during which I ran my own contemporary flower shop in the pretty riverside town of Henley-on-Thames (2002 to 2012) After selling the business to start my little family, as soon as my girls were out of nappies, I embraced my love of all things vintage, popping up at artisan markets with quirky finds including distressed furniture, pre-loved toys and beautiful old homewares, all with a story to tell. When the pandemic hit, I spent my time at home creating and building a sustainable and wellbeing small business within a partnership, proudly opening a high street shop in 2020. As founder and manager I was able to spread my creative wings for two years but it didn't fulfil the work-life balance that I needed for my young girls. Shortly afterwards I spent a year as co-manager at our local zero waste and refill shop right here in Watlington until The Undercroft Market came up for sale in August 2023. The excitement of pulling together all of my past trades from over the years under one roof in our beautiful corner of the world was too great to ignore so I boldly took the leap and I haven't looked back since! 

The Undercroft Market team has grown since our first market on August 5th 2023 as has our offering of local produce and the stunning addition of dried flowers and plants has been warmly welcomed by our lovely community. We are super happy with what we have achieved so far and we will continue to grow... stay in touch! 

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