A new 101-room hotel housed in Oxford’s historic Boswells department store has officially opened to guests
Combining luxurious interiors with intricate history, Oxford’s newest hotel – The Store – has opened its doors. The Store sits in the building of the former Oxford institution, Boswells and features 101 rooms, three dining outlets and bars including a rooftop bar, a co-working space as well as a cocooning urban spa.
Every detail is inspired by the rich heritage of the building’s former life as a historic department store. The hotel opens in partnership with hospitality experts, Reef Group and EQ Group.
General Manager, Simon Drake said, “Boswells was one of the world’s oldest department stores, family-owned and much-loved by the local community. In the tradition of great British department stores, it was a place of discovery – a treasure trove of toys, cosmetics, fashion, household essentials, a haberdashery, well-known tearoom and café. Throughout the hotel we wanted to honour this and play on the same idea of intrigue, unexpected fun, and curiosity – making an occasion out of the everyday. We can’t wait to share the new space with visitors and locals.”
Arranged over seven floors, the hotel is the convergence of two historical buildings, which have been sensitively restored and designed by Urban R. Reef Groups’ team of architects and designers.
The 101 rooms have six district design typologies, some with plush velvet headboards, panelled walls, and bold art deco features, others with leafy courtyard views, a muted palette and textures crafted for comfort. Inspired by the city, bespoke patterns and furniture shapes echo the tiles and patterns of college rooftops or follow the line of the city’s ‘dreaming spires’.
The Restaurant, Treadwell, is named after the historic Treadwell Passage. Dating back to the early 19th century, the ground which the restaurant now sits upon, was once a bustling and somewhat notorious hub of Oxford, home to a fish hawker, shoemaker, scavenger, needlewoman and more – all characters who are referenced in playful ways throughout the menu.
The signature restaurant is proud to be ‘Untraditionally British’ offering sustainably sourced produce from local suppliers. Dish highlights include Ruby Murray chicken pie,Bangers of Mashwith a Cajun gravy, and Rosemary & Thyme Brined Pork Tomahawk.
Treadwell will also serve brunch and Sunday Lunch, including Stuffed Raspberry & Vanilla Cheesecake Croissant; Chorizo, Manchego, and Fried Egg Sandwich, and family-style sharing roasts, including Lemon & Thyme Chicken.
Located on the ground floor, The Bar at The Store is a more casual drinking, co-working and dining space – seating guests and locals inside on street level and al fresco style on Broad Street. Ideal for remote workers looking for a cosy spot or friends seeking a post work drink, there are comfortable seating areas and sofas as well as a fireplace.
The Sips and Scavenger Bites Menu will serve light bites and afternoon tea will also be available featuring Miso Trout & Avocado Sandwich, Blackberry and Basil Jam Tartlets, and Pulled Ham Hock Slider.
On the fifth floor of the hotel is the panoramic rooftop bar and terrace, TheRoofat The Store, offering standout views over Oxford, a year-round Smokehouse serving smoked meats and cheeses, and bespoke spirits created with Hawkridge distillery.
The Terrace Original Cocktails are four unique concoctions created by the bar’s mixologists, not found anywhere else, each with a nod to the history of Oxford: The 1738 is the date Boswell’s was established; Modern Education is a quote from Brideshead Revisited, an iconic novel based on Oxford University student life; The Value of Nothing is a quote from The Picture of Dorian Gray, written by Oscar Wilde, a renowned Oxford University alumnus; and Second Breakfast is a quote from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, one of the most well-known pieces of literature to come from the city of Oxford.
The Spa at The Store is a subterranean wellness haven with treatments created in partnership with British brand, Oskia. Taking a results-driven approach to treatments, Oskia combines bespoke anti-ageing techniques, drawing on traditional knowledge and modern advancements, to leave the skin, body and mind rejuvenated and glowing.
The spa features a sauna, steam room, private treatment rooms, holistic studio space and spa suite rooms. Local practitioners will be running a programme of yoga classes, sound baths and pop up wellness experiences.
The entrance to The Store is situated on Broad Street, in the centre of Oxford and near the Northern Gateway to the city. The hotel is adjacent to Cornmarket Street and within walking distance of the city’s major historical and cultural landmarks. The Store takes Oxford’s beloved Boswells onto its next chapter.
Make it happen
Wallet: Rooms start from £285 per night including breakfast.
How: Find out more and make a booking via thestoreoxford.com
Where: 1-5 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AG
