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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Oxford United’s new stadium plans could transform women’s games in Oxfordshire
Grace Bailey, Her Game Too ambassador, supports Oxford United’s proposed all-electric, multi-purpose stadium, calling it transformative for women’s football. The 16,000-capacity venue would allow Oxford United Women to regularly play at the Club’s home ground for the first time, promoting equality, inclusion, and opportunities for female players.
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Oxford United’s new stadium shortlisted for sustainability in Football Business Awards
Oxford United’s new all-electric stadium has been shortlisted for the sustainability category of the Football Business Awards, recognizing its commitment to tackling climate change.
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Oxford United partners with Radisson for landmark hotel development
Oxford United has partnered with Radisson Hotel Group to develop a 180-room hotel as part of the club’s proposed new stadium complex at the Triangle, north of Oxford. Over half of the hotel’s rooms will overlook the pitch, offering a premium experience.
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Blenheim Palace Triathlon 2025 to host prestigious national and European qualifiers
The Blenheim Palace Triathlon returns in 2025 for its 21st edition, bringing an added competitive edge. The two-day event, held at the UNESCO World Heritage site, will feature its usual race formats, including Super Sprint, Sprint, Relay, and Weekend Warrior.
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Oxford United strengthens youth pathway with advanced football programme partnership
Oxford United in the Community is now the official delivery partner of the club’s Advanced Football Programme, collaborating with Abingdon & Witney College. The programme offers 16-19-year-olds professional coaching, competitive matches, and a sports industry qualification.
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Oxford United takes key step forward in new stadium plans with Cherwell Council
The extensive documentation relating to plans for the new stadium application covers matters including transport and ecology, with additional surveys being undertaken over the past six months.
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Iconic furniture retailer, Heal’s is set to open its Bicester store
Located on the Bicester Avenue site, owned by Blue Diamond Garden Centres, the outlet will bring a selection of Heal’s best-selling pieces and most popular brands to Bicester for the first time, at reduced prices.
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Oxford United progresses new stadium plans with pre-application request to Cherwell Council
Oxford United Football Club has confirmed it has submitted a confidential pre-application request to Cherwell District Council in relation to plans for its new stadium.
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Oxford United players swap their kit for chef whites at Six By Nico Oxford
Players from the Oxford United women’s team, Adele Lindbaek and Vitaliia Budaieva alongside men’s team players Matt Phillips and Max Woltman traded their boots and goalposts for chopping boards at a lunchtime event hosted by Six By Nico, Oxford.
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Oxford’s Old Parsonage and Old Bank recognised in 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Awards
This year, Condé Nast Traveller readers across the nations voted in their thousands to name and praise the places they’re drawn to for exploring, relaxing, or simply escaping.
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Hawkwell House Hotel installs EV chargers for guests, visitors and locals
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel has installed EV chargers at its venue to offer guests, visitors and locals access to easy-to-use charging facilities. The boutique hotel has installed two AC 22KW EV charging points in its car park in Iffley, Oxfordshire. The charging points are ideal for visitors to the hotel, for events, functions or…
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Oxford United’s planning application for its new stadium to be considered in early 2025
Following requests from Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council for additional information and studies, Oxford United can confirm it now expects the planning application for its new stadium proposal to be considered in early 2025.
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From iconic past to lux future: Oxford’s historic Boswells Store is reborn as a boutique hotel
Oxford’s historic Boswells Store has been transformed into a boutique hotel with 101 rooms, three dining outlets and bars including a rooftop bar, a co-working space and an urban spa.
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Victory open-top bus parade to celebrate Oxford United Championship success
Oxford United’s victory celebrations for their promotion to the EFL Championship will continue with an open-top bus parade in Oxford today, Monday, 20 May.
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New beauty studio opens in Watlington with emphasis on sustainable, hypoallergenic products
Beauty at No. 11 will offer the full range of treatments customers would expect to find in larger salons but with an emphasis on sustainable, hypoallergenic products and outstanding service.
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The new hotel in the historic Boswells department store has officially opened
Oxford’s new luxury lifestyle hotel – The Store – has officially 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 and a cocooning urban spa. Every detail is inspired by the rich heritage of the building’s former life…