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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Bicester Motion announces plans for aviation expansion
Bicester Motion announces plans for aviation expansion following successful preservation of former RAF Bicester’s Technical Site as ‘Bicester Heritage’.
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Oxford shoppers to go ‘green’ this December as research from Visa reveals
Oxford shoppers to go ‘green’ this December as new research from Visa reveals, with almost half (47%) of residents planning a more ethical Christmas this year.
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Oxford’s oldest department store, Boswell & Co, set to close next year
Oxford’s oldest department store, Boswell & Co, is set to close next year after trading for almost 300 years.
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In Pictures: A festive day out shopping at Oxford’s Covered Market
What to do when one doesn’t want to be indoors, but it’s muggy and raining outside? A wonderful festive shopping day out at the Covered Market.
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AJ Capital Partners Acquires Oxford’s Macdonald Randolph Hotel
The new owners plan to debut the hotel as Graduate Oxford and it follows the announcement in July 2019 of the forthcoming Graduate Cambridge.
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Oxford United agrees long-term lease of Oxford Sports Park
Oxford United agrees long-term lease of Oxford Sports Park from Oxford City Council to secure a training base for the club and community sports activities.
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Oxford has 4th best city centre in the UK for specialist attractions
A new report by the Centre for Cities has found Oxford has the 4th best city centre in the UK for specialist attractions such as museums, galleries, theatres, bars and restaurants.
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New figures show Oxford city centre has fewer empty shops
New figures from Oxford City Council shows Oxford city centre has fewer empty shops and the number of vacant retail units looks set for a significant fall.
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City Council submits funding bid to transform Oxford Covered Market
The £2m funding bid to Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone fund could help unlock a multi-million-pound investment to transform Oxford Covered Market.
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Courtyard by Marriott opens in central Oxford
Marriott has opened its midrange Courtyard brand in the city of Oxford with a 140-key Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre on Paradise Street.
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easyHotel Oxford Summertown work commences
Work to build the 180-bed easyHotel on Banbury Road in Oxford Summertown has commenced and the hotel is expected to open sometime by 2021.
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Waitrose Botley Road Oxford trails packaging-free shopping
Waitrose Botley Road Oxford trails packaging-free shopping. Buy and refill produce such as pasta, rice and cereals plus “pick and mix” frozen fruits.
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Underground toilets in Oxford’s St Giles to become B&B rooms
Disused underground Victorian toilets situated opposite Martyrs’ Memorial in St Giles’ Oxford are to be turned into bed and breakfast rooms with views of the Randolph Hotel and Ashmolean Museum. The men’s loos first opened in the late 19th Century but were closed by the city council in 2008. The owners of the Galaxie Hotel…
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Mollie’s Motel & Diner: Soho House’s American diner in Oxfordshire
Whether you’re driving thru, picking up a takeaway or eating in, experience a modern take on the American diner.
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Westgate Oxford almost fully occupied according to owners
Westgate Oxford almost fully occupied according to its owners, Land Securities. And there are no announcements regarding new stores opening.
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Adare Manor Hotel: Restored grandeur in the heart of Ireland
Luxury 5-star accommodation, fine dining, excellent golfing, leisure activities, and countryside pursuits in the heart of Ireland