Packed with a diverse range of restaurants and shops, Cowley Road is the heart of east Oxford’s social scene.
These images from our archives, taken over many decades, reflect how the street has changed over the years.
One photo, from 1990, shows the Excelsior cafe which served customers for many years until the owner decided to close it in 2014.
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For 53 years Andreas Kuomi served the people of Oxford everything from English breakfasts to his trademark Greek coffee.
Read again: Closing time at the Excelsior after 53 years
He closed the doors of The Excelsior for the last time after finally deciding to retire at the age of 80.
After moving to Britain from Cyprus in 1954 in the hope of a better life, Mr Kuomi moved to Oxford two years later and bought The Excelsior in 1961.
More than half a century on, he said it was time to call it a day.
He said in 2014: “I have decided that the time has come to close. I have enjoyed it but it can’t be helped. You can’t stop the march of time.
“Back in 1961 I decided I wanted to set up my own business so I thought I would give a cafe a go and see how it went. It must have gone pretty well because we’re still here today. I will definitely miss it, I have made lots of friends here who I will miss quite a lot, but the time is right to move on.”
Read again: Nostalgic photo exhibition remembers the Excelsior
Mr Kuomi added: “Cowley Road has changed a lot since I first came here. It wasn’t as busy in those days and there weren’t as many shops.
“So many have come and gone in my time here and I have seen so many generations and nationalities pass through."
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About the author
Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here.
He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.
His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning.
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