The Store in Oxford – the city’s new luxury hotel offering – has announced it will officially open its doors on 07 May 2024. Located on Broad Street, in the heart of the city, The Store sits in the building of the historic department store and Oxford institution, Boswells.
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, a well-known tearoom, and a café.
Reimagined as a hotel, restaurant, rooftop bar, co-working bar, and spa, The Store, delivered by Reef Group and EQ Group, will present a labyrinth of spaces to discover and explore. The expert hospitality team at EQ are looking to delight guests with a sense of curiosity and wonder, reflecting the rich heritage of the building’s former life.
Arranged over seven floors, the interior design has been informed by the heritage of the two distinct buildings that make up The Store – both buildings have a distinct architectural language throughout the refurbished and extended spaces.
These have been sensitively worked on by Urban R, Reef Groups’ team of architects and designers, with multi-purpose open-plan public spaces divided into different areas through elegant design choices – reminiscent of a department store filled with moments of joy that entice – and juxtaposed with intimate corners, and moments of escape, with fragrance label ScentAir creating the hotel’s signature scent.
The 101 rooms are spread across the two interconnected buildings, with six distinct design typologies, some with plush velvet headboards, panelled walls, and bold art deco features, others with leafy courtyard views, a muted palette and textures that comfort and cocoon. Bringing the rich tapestry of Oxford into the space, bespoke patterns and furniture echo the tiles and patterns of the rooftops or follow the line of the city’s ‘dreaming spires’ to offer uninterrupted views.
The Restaurant, Treadwell, will be ‘Untraditionally British’. Surrounded by incredible Oxfordshire countryside, the modern restaurant plays with sustainably sourced produce from local suppliers and brings unexpected multicultural influences to quintessentially British dishes. Expect Ruby Murray Chicken Pie, with gunpowder new potatoes and makhani jus, and The Store Cheeseburger, double smoked applewood cheddar, Cotswold chorizo & jalapeno jam, pickles, seasoned fries.
Located on the ground floor, The Bar at The Store features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the hustle and bustle of Broad Street and an adjacent fireside snug. A multi-use space, the welcoming spot will be suited to all occasions, from co-working, coffee meetings and leisurely lunches throughout the day to pre-theatre or post-work cocktails and relaxed evenings with friends.
A hidden sanctum, The Roof at The Store is an elegant bar and terrace offering 360 views over Oxford and a variety of outdoor seating. With a focus on eight classic cocktails – Cosmopolitan, Daquiri, Mule, Martini, Negroni, Margarita, Old Fashioned, and Mojito – the drinks menu will include four creative variations for each, alongside an offering of sparkling wine, champagne, wine, and beer.
With an emphasis on unexpected experiences, The Store will host pop-ups themed to the season and occasion. On The Roof, pop-ups will run throughout the year, offering experiences such as an oyster and champagne pairing, as well as wood-fired pizzas and several home-smoked produce. Chef’s Table dining experiences will be bookable throughout the year.
The Spa at The Store is a subterranean retreat with state-of-the-art facilities and treatments from sustainable British luxury beauty brand OSKIA – renowned for cellular skin nutrition. Taking a results-driven approach to treatments, OSKIA combines bespoke anti-ageing techniques that fuse traditional knowledge with modern advancements to leave the skin, body and mind rejuvenated and glowing, whilst VERDEN – the earth in Danish, founded by the visionaries behind VOTARY – roots itself in the emotional connection of scent.
Cocooned in textured walls and championing wellbeing – a pillar of The Store for hotel guests, the local community and beyond – the boutique spa comprises three private treatment rooms and holistic studio space – offering a regular programme of yoga, sound baths, treatments and further bookable experiences for singles and couples – as well as a Nordic-influenced gym and thermal suite encompassing a sauna, herbal steam, experience shower and relaxation loungers.
The entrance to The Store is on Broad Street, located in the centre of Oxford, near the Northern Gateway to the city. The hotel is adjacent to the shops and amenities on Cornmarket Street and within walking distance of the city’s major historical and cultural landmarks. It is an ideal base when visiting Oxford and a destination in and of itself.
Rooms start from £285 per night, including breakfast.
