The Store, Oxford, will launch in 2024. Located on Broad Street, in the heart of the city, The Store sits in the building of the historic department store and Oxford institution, Boswells.
Boswells was one of the world’s oldest department stores, family-owned and much-loved by the local community. In the tradition of great British department stores, it was a place of discovery – a treasure trove of toys, cosmetics, fashion, household essentials, a haberdashery, well-known tearoom, and café.
Reimagined as a hotel, restaurant, rooftop bar, co-working bar, and spa, The Store, delivered by Reef Group and EQ Group, will present a labyrinth of spaces to discover and explore. The expert hospitality team at EQ are looking to delight guests with a sense of curiosity and wonder, reflecting the rich heritage of the building’s former life.
Arranged over seven floors, the interior design has been informed by the heritage of the two distinct buildings that make up The Store. Both buildings have a distinct architectural language that runs throughout the refurbished and extended spaces. These have been sensitively worked on by Urban R, Reef Groups’ team of architects and designers, with multi-purpose open-plan public spaces divided into different areas through elegant design choices – reminiscent of a department store filled with moments of joy that entice – and juxtaposed with intimate corners, and moments of escape.
The 101 rooms are spread across the two interconnected buildings, with six district design typologies, some with plush velvet headboards, panelled walls, and bold art deco features, others with leafy courtyard views, a muted palette and textures that comfort and cocoon. Bringing the rich tapestry of Oxford into the space, bespoke patterns and furniture echo the tiles and patterns of the rooftops or follow the line of the city’s “dreaming spires” to offer uninterrupted views.
The Restaurant, Treadwell, will be ‘Untraditionally British’. Surrounded by incredible Oxfordshire countryside, the modern restaurant plays with sustainably sourced produce from local suppliers and brings unexpected multicultural influences to quintessentially British dishes.
Located on the ground floor, The Bar at The Store features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the hustle and bustle of Broad Street, and an adjacent fireside snug. A multi-use space, the welcoming spot will be suited to all occasions, from co-working, coffee meetings and leisurely lunches throughout the day, to pre-theatre or post-work cocktails and relaxed evenings with friends.
A hidden refuge, The Roof at The Store is an elegant bar and terrace offering 360 views over Oxford and a variety of outdoor seating. With a focus on eight classic cocktails – Cosmo, Bramble, Manhattan, Espresso Martini, Negroni, Gimlet, Old Fashioned, and Mojito – the drinks menu will include three creative variations for each, alongside an offering of sparkling wine, champagne, wine, and beer. With an emphasis on unexpected experiences, The Store will play host to a range of pop-ups, themed to the season and occasion. On The Roof, pop-ups will run throughout the year offering experiences such as an oyster and champagne pairing, as well as wood-fired pizzas, and a variety of home-smoked produce. Chef’s Table dining experiences will be bookable throughout the year.
The Spa at The Store is a subterranean retreat with state-of-the-art facilities and treatments from world-renowned British brand, Oskia. Taking a results-driven approach to treatments, Oskia combines bespoke anti-ageing techniques, drawing both on traditional knowledge and modern advancements, to leave the skin, body and mind rejuvenated and glowing. Cocooned in textured walls, the Spa’s state-of-the-art facilities include private treatment rooms and holistic studio space. The space will offer a regular programme of yoga classes, as well as sound baths and other experiences by appointment.
The entrance to The Store is on Broad Street, located in the centre of Oxford, near the Northern Gateway to the city. The hotel will be adjacent to the many shops and amenities of Cornmarket Street and within walking distance of the city’s major historical and cultural landmarks. It is an ideal spot to base yourself when visiting Oxford, as well as a destination in itself.
