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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Fortnum & Mason opens its first UK store outside London at Bicester Village
Fortnum & Mason will open its first UK store outside London at Bicester Village this October, with a boutique of iconic favourites and a new “On the Go” kiosk serving handmade crumpets with indulgent toppings.
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Mollie’s to host spooky-themed drive-in movie season for Halloween
Mollie’s is bringing Halloween to Oxfordshire and Bristol with drive-in movies, diner specials, and discounted stays. From Coco to Friday the 13th, guests can enjoy films, themed treats, and cosy overnight breaks in Mollie’s signature budget-luxe style.
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Café space available in Brackley’s refurbished Town Hall
Brackley Town Hall’s refurbished café space is now available for a new operator. The Grade II listed landmark offers a prime High Street location, historic character, and modern amenities at the heart of the town’s thriving commercial centre.
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Cotswold Farm Park launches new cabins with autumn booking offer
Cotswold Farm Park Holidays has unveiled two new cabins, Ash and Oak, offering a cosy countryside escape in the Cotswolds. Bookings made by 30 September enjoy a 25 per cent autumn discount, with unlimited Farm Park entry and seasonal activities included.
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Major changes at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons as closure prompts leadership moves
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons will close for 18 months in January 2026, with executive head chef Luke Selby departing and Raymond Blanc stepping back into a new role as Founder and Lifetime Ambassador.
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Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons announces landmark redevelopment and temporary closure
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons will close in January 2026 for a landmark redevelopment, reopening in summer 2027 with enhanced accommodation, reimagined gardens, and a renewed dining experience.
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Abingdon resident wins Boodles Best Hat Competition at Salon Privé 2025
Abingdon’s Cheryl Prior has won Salon Privé’s 2025 Best Hat competition with a design by Louise Clare Millinery. Her victory capped off an edition of the luxury event that welcomed a record 28,000 visitors to Blenheim Palace.
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Salon Privé confirms 2026 return after record-breaking anniversary edition
Salon Privé will return to Blenheim Palace from 02 to 06 September 2026, following its largest-ever weekend in 20 years. This year’s edition drew more than 28,000 guests, celebrated global car debuts, and showcased world-class concours winners.
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voco Oxford Thames sees rising demand for boat arrivals at weddings
Couples are increasingly choosing voco Oxford Thames for weddings with a twist: boat arrivals. Set on a private stretch of the River Thames, the venue’s exclusive water entrance is in high demand, offering an unforgettable start to the celebrations.
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Salon Privé 2025 Highlights: Celebrating 20 years of style, speed and elegance at Blenheim Palace
Explore the excitement of Salon Privé 2025 at Blenheim Palace with our highlights series. From opening-day supercars and Concours class winners to the Best in Show and pre- and post-war parades, experience the pinnacle of automotive luxury.
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Salon Privé 2025 Day 5 highlights: Supercar Sunday and Grand Finale
Discover the highlights from Salon Privé Supercar Sunday 2025 at Blenheim Palace – from dazzling displays by 22 car clubs and a vibrant SCC supercar parade, to concours winners judged by Richard Hammond, this thrilling finale captured passion, heritage, and motoring excellence.
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Salon Privé 2025 Day 4 highlights: Concours de Vente and Club Trophy winners parade
Salon Privé 2025 dazzled with the Concours de Vente and Club Trophy winners parades, where rare classics, supercars and hypercars took centre stage. The highlight was the 1933 Invicta S Type, crowned overall winner of the prestigious Club Trophy.
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Salon Privé 2025 Day 4 highlights: Celebrating Car Clubs
Supercar Saturday at Salon Privé 2025 brought together over 1,000 cars from the UK’s leading clubs, record-breaking gatherings, and the Concours de Vente parade. A celebration of camaraderie, heritage and performance on Blenheim Palace’s spectacular North Lawn.
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Salon Privé 2025 Day 3 Highlights: Supercars at Ladies’ Day
Salon Privé 2025 Day 3 saw supercars take centre stage as the ultimate accessories for Ladies’ Day at Blenheim Palace. Highlights included the Bugatti Veyron Anniversary Display, Apollo Capital Hypercar Collective, and the spectacular Five Zeros Display.
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Salon Privé 2025 Day 3 highlights: Ladies’ Day by Boodles
Salon Privé 2025 Ladies’ Day by Boodles blended style and performance with the Bugatti Veyron Anniversary Display, hypercar showcases, and the glamour of the Best Hat Competition.
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Salon Privé 2025 Day 2 highlights: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster wins Best of Show
The pinnacle of Salon Privé 2025’s 20th Anniversary celebration, the coveted Best of Show title was awarded at Blenheim Palace, crowning the most exceptional entry from a world-class Concours line-up of rare and historic motor cars.