Retail and Leisure
Our Retail and Leisure category brings together the places, products and experiences that shape how we shop, stay, unwind and explore. From independent boutiques and high-street favourites to standout hotels and leisure destinations, discover what’s new, what’s worth your time, and what’s making an impact across the sector.
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‘The Room With The View’ at Old Bank Hotel recognised in industry awards
Room 1 – aptly known as ‘The Room With The View’ – at the Old Bank Hotel, was awarded The Good Hotel Guide’s ‘Editor’s Choice’ 2022 award in its ‘rooms with a view’ category.
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Covered Market launches The Un-Covered Market audio tour
The City Council commissioned Oxford-based multi-media artist Charlie Henry to create a participatory installation that embraces the history and communities who use the market.
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Majestic Wine in Summertown to return to its former Banbury Road location
The structures on the site – a garage and an office block – were demolished in July 2019 to make way for a £15m mixed-use redevelopment, including a 180-bedroom easyHotel.
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The Feathers hotel in Woodstock sold off a guide price of £2.75m
The Grade ll listed 21-bedroom hotel, brought to the market by commercial property specialist Colliers, was acquired by a private purchaser for an undisclosed price.
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Warburtons to invest in new distribution facility in Banbury
The £56 million investment will see the development of three new distribution depots in Widnes, Bognor Regis and Banbury, and two new bakery plants in Stockton and Burnley.
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Auto Royale Concours d’Elegance at Waddesdon entrants revealed
Auto Royale has revealed the full list of entrants in its British International Concours d’Elegance set to take place at Waddesdon Manor in July.
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Oxford’s Covered Market set to reopen on 12 April
Non-essential shops in Oxford’s Covered Market are set to reopen from Monday 12 April following the further lifting of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in England.
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John Lewis announces 8 store closures as country emerges from lockdown
The Partnership is not reopening eight of its 42 John Lewis shops when lockdown ends. The Oxford Westgate store is not affected, and is expected to reopen from 12 April.
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Oxford City Council to launch £1.9m revitalisation of vacant shops across Oxfordshire
The project – called ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…’ – will see vacant retail units in high streets across the county transformed into independent shops, cultural venues, creative studios and co-working space.
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Family board games to get stuck into whatever the weather
We bring you some of the best new family board games that you can get stuck into with your family and loved ones, whatever the weather.
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Oxfordshire-based Garden Trading Company acquired by Joules
The acquisition for £12.5m will help to increase the Joules customer base, broaden its product offering and strengthen its digital platform.
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Transformation of Boswells building into luxury hotel gets go-ahead
Oxford’s iconic Boswells store building is on course to become a new 4-star luxury hotel as developers receive planning permission.
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Oxford City Council set to pedestrianise North Parade
The pedestrianisation, which has been supported by Oxfordshire County Council and local councillors, was requested by the North Parade Residents and Traders Association.
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A look inside the refurbished Oxford’s Macdonald Randolph Hotel
The owners of the 5-star Macdonald Randolph Hotel on Beaumont Street have unveiled the designs for its interior following a refurbishment programme.
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Multi-award Sky Wave Gin to move to Bicester Heritage
The new premises will offer visitors to the UK’s Home of Historic Motoring the opportunity to experience the production of Sky Wave Gin’s range of premium craft gins.
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Westgate Centre car park to close at times of congestion
The Westgate Centre car park will be closed when it approaches full capacity to reduce congestion in Oxford city centre in the run-up to Christmas.