WHERE
You could hardly get a better hotel location in Oxford. Situated where the historic Boswell’s department store once stood, The Store has its entrance in the heart of the city on Broad Street.
It is next to the shops, cafes and restaurants of Cornmarket Street and most of the city’s famous museums, colleges and cultural highlights are just minutes away. Feeling bookish? You can be at Oxford’s famous bookstore Blackwell’s before you can say “Lord of the Rings.”
The hotel is also only a short stroll from the train station. However, if a walk with bags proves to much, rumour has it an electric tuk-tuk luggage pickup service is on the cards so you can enjoy the stroll without lugging your bags.
STYLE
Boswell’s department store played a big part in Oxford life. Francis Boswell began trading in 1738 and only Fortnum and Mason is older. It closed in 2020 but the building has been reborn. The façade is as it was, even the Boswell’s sign remains above the door. Huge Crittal-style windows into the lobby and entrance mean locals and visitors can peer inside, as they once might have gazed at the latest women’s fashions, or Christmas displays.
The interiors in the public spaces are very much luxury lifestyle, modern, bright and colourful. Black and white photos of Boswell’s owners and how the shop once looked hang in the corridors. Other bespoke artwork gives a nod to the building’s past, mixing black and white images with strips of modern colour. I’d have liked to have seen more images and artifacts celebrating the building’s past and was assured they are coming.
The bedrooms are neutral and calming, with panelling and plush headboards. Wooden floors and rugs add to a theme which is a world away from the more traditional formality of other grand Oxford hotels. Bathrooms are a generous size with power showers and Verden bath and body products.
The bar in the lobby is where the jewellery department once was. It was pleasantly busy with guests but also locals in off the street for a coffee or space to use a laptop. A fireside area makes for a cosy corner.
WHICH ROOM
With 101 rooms there are plenty to choose from. Given the hotel’s location, higher up rooms have the best views and all superior terrace rooms come with private balconies overlooking the skyline. Others come with courtyard views. I was in Arthur’s Terrace Suite which had an impressive outdoor space for a sofa which meant I could stretch out and gaze up at Oxford’s spires, and down at students whizzing to lectures on their bikes.
FACILITIES
In the basement is the spa which features a sauna, steam room and private treatment rooms. Treatments are created in partnership with British brand, Oskia. My massage was outstanding.
FOOD AND DRINK
The restaurant, Treadwell, is situated in the old pharmacy and now dispenses what the hotel describes as an “untraditionally British” menu, classic dishes but with a unique twist. I devoured the chicken pie which came with a “Ruby Murray” sauce. The Rosemary & Thyme Brined Pork Tomahawk also looked delicious. The staff are young locals, confident, knowledgeable and will tell you how they remember visiting Boswell’s famous toy department as kids.
The panoramic rooftop bar has wonderful views over Oxford where you can sip on a unique university themed cocktail like ‘Modern Education’. The Hawkridge distillery in South Oxfordshire has created bespoke gin, vodka and rum. A smoker and open grill offer brisket and melted cheese to go with your G&T.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
Take an electric boat down the Thames or a punt along the Cherwell. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens or enjoy a Harry Potter tour of filming locations. Colleges, museums, churches and ancient pubs are all there for the taking.
BEST FOR
Location, location, location and that view from the roof.
DETAILS
Rooms start from £285 per night including breakfast.
