About 35 Ock Street
After Abingdon Baptist Church was founded in 1649, 35 Ock Street provided the home for the ministers between about 1720 and 1968. The old house was ‘modernised’ at some point in the mid-18th century, when the building was re-fronted in brick and various internal improvements were made, including the panelling in one of the front rooms that can still be seen today.
When the property no longer proved practical for the use of the ministers, it was let to a number of tenants. The property was converted into offices, but eventually lay empty for several years. In 1993, the lease was returned to the church which was by then considering ways to serve the local community. Following a renovation period of three years, the extended building was re-opened in 1996.
35 Ock Street is a now a thriving ministry of Abingdon Baptist Church, in association with the wider Church in Abingdon. It is the building situated at the entrance to the church car park, on the left as you come in, and is staffed entirely by volunteers, enabling prices to be kept as low as possible.
Café@35
The café on the ground floor of the building provides teas and coffees, as well as a light lunch. All the coffees and teas are Fairtrade, and most of the cakes are home-made by volunteers and members of the local community. People are welcome to come on their own, or come to meet friends, and if you need someone to talk to, there is usually a trained ‘listener’ available. Babies and children are welcome too, and there are accessible toilets, and a small car park which is shared by the groups who use the premises and the church
There are regularly changing art and photo displays in the café area. There are handmade greeting cards for sale, as well as a greeting cards and bookstall provided by St Andrew’s Bookshop. There is also a noticeboard and leaflets providing information about Abingdon Baptist Church, and local organisations and events.
We are open at the following times:
Monday to Thursday: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10:30 am – 12.30 pm
Open for light refreshments Monday to Thursday including light lunches served from 12:00, and for light refreshments (drinks, cakes and bacon baps) on Friday and Saturday.
We are closed at Easter and Christmas time, during August and on bank holidays.
We have achieved the top rating (5) in the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
Meeting Rooms
35 Ock Street has meeting rooms available for hire. They are used by local and national organisations. We can provide digital projector, screen and flip chart. Tea and coffee can often be provided. Contact the Administrator for more information and prices.
Contact Info
The 35 Ock Street Administrator can be contacted by phone on 01235 530080, or by email on office@35ockst.org.uk