Rosie Jacobs of Independent Oxford, which celebrates the city’s individual shops, counts down her Top 10 small stores.

There is a fantastic plethora of great independents in Oxford; shops, bars, restaurants, small businesses and all of them make this city just as rich as its history.

There are hidden gems everywhere, waiting to be found, and www.independentoxford.com, a new website I set up with Anna Munday, aims to showcase these businesses.

Oxford’s indies reflect our city, our cultures and our interests and we want people to know the alternatives to the identikit nationwide high street stores.

There are great businesses just down the road, plus Oxford-based online shops that will deliver your order by bike and at a time that’s convenient to you (such as my own www.kinshipofoxford.com).

The best thing about compiling the website is pottering around Oxford with Anna and chatting to the great people behind our Oxford indies and finding out what they offer and the stories behind their businesses.

There is something quite awesome about the independent community in Oxford and our site will, hopefully, add to and build on an evolving network.

So, based on my Oxford indie adventures, over the coming pages you will read about my favourite shops. I hope it will inspire you to visit some. Search www.independentoxford.com to check out more Oxford indies.

1. Indigo
62 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JB
01865 794176
www.shopindigo.co.uk

Indigo is a gorgeous shop, selling gifts and clothing from high quality fair trade suppliers from all over the world. I love checking out its ever-changing window displays and beautifully merchandised range. I love the range of products from Nkuku.

2. Illyria
104 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6EB
07450 256630
www.illyriapottery.co.uk

This Jericho studio and ceramic shop is owned by Katie Coston, who makes all the pottery on site with the help of her cat, Lucie Maud. This store is always stunningly merchandised and the bright and airy shop is a welcoming space. Plus, who doesn’t love a shop cat?

3. Love Your Plane
247 Iffley Road, Oxford
01865 580455

Love Your Plane is a studio-based shop, selling art and design-led gifts from UK designers and artists. Owners Josh and Amy always offer their customers a friendly welcome and their constantly-changing Bus Stop Gallery makes for an interesting trip each time. Love Your Plane wants to inspire creativity and making.

4. 2 North Parade Oxford
01865 552311
www.2northparade.com

The finest local produce and a treasure trove of fruit and veg, dairy, beers and ciders, charcuterie and more. This super-stylish store is a delight to browse and a feast for the senses. The cheese selection is tantalising. I love Lord of the Hundreds Ewes milk cheese and have my eye on the Dorstone Goats cheese.

5. Gilt & Grain
135 Hollow Way, Oxford OX4 2NE
01865 778539
www.giltandgrain.com

Gilt & Grain sells good quality vintage and antique furniture and furnishings at affordable prices.There is a fantastic range of styles and eras to suit a whole host of tastes. Tucked away at the top of Cowley Road, the shop has an ever-evolving collection of intriguing objects and furniture to make it worth the trip. I particularly love the mid-century pieces.

6. Shop at The Old Fire Station
40 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AQ
01865 263980
www.oldfirestation.org.uk/shop

A stylish and design-led collection from more than 100 UK designers and artists, with more than half of that number from Oxfordshire. I love stopping in and checking out the shop’s evolving range. It’s a great indie to check out if you’re in the town centre and it offers something different from the high street, just yards away. The OFS champions young designers, including Independent Oxford’s own Anna Munday. Find a great selection of Anna’s tapestry jewellery in the OFS shop.

7. Annie Sloan
33 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1HP
01865 247 296
www.anniesloan.co.uk

A beautiful interiors shop, selling what I consider the best paint in the world, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Pop into this friendly store to pick up some of Annie’s unique French finds, like pretty cutlery or glassware, and check out the in-store displays for styling and decorating inspiration.The range of paint colours is gorgeous, too, and I love upcycling old furniture with Annie’s easy-to-use chalk paint.

8. Objects of Use
6 Lincoln House, Market Street, Oxford OX1 3EQ
01865 241705
www.objectsofuse.com

Objects of Use provides a source of enduring household tools and functional items. I love this town centre shop, which is full of interesting objects, each with fascinating history or production.

9. Darn It & Stitch
Blue Boar Street (just off St Aldates), Oxford OX1 1DL
01865 242 779
www.darnitandstitch.com

A bright and cheerful haberdashery, nestled next to the Town Hall in the heart of town. This is a great store for any fellow crafters out there. It’s a real feast of gorgeous materials and crafting supplies, beautifully merchandised by owner Jo Watkins.

10. Modern Baker
214a Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7BY
01865 554 679
www.modernbaker.com

A welcome addition to the Summertown cafe scene, selling healthy and alternative baked goods and natural products. This little cafe sells an ever-changing range of delicious and nutritious cakes, bakes and breads, including gluten-free and raw treats. The shop is also stocked with a delicious array of goodies to take home and try, such as specialist teas and nut butters.