This newly opened hotel and spa commands a prime position in Oxford’s city centre on Broad Street, having once been the Boswell & Co department store. It’s the perfect pick for a pre-wedding pamper in The Spa at The Store; a chic city break or a first-night stay as a newly married couple. DO NOT DISTURB The hotel boasts 101 comfy bedrooms and suites where guests can relax in style. Inspired by the hotel’s former life as a department store, the heritage-style calming colours and period features combine with plush velvet furnishings and bespoke artwork for a luxurious stay. My home-fromhome for the night was one of the hotel’s best offerings for newlyweds, the one-bedroom Cornmarket St Junior Suite perched on the first floor. This extremely spacious room features a beautiful parquet floor and panelled walls plus a designer bathroom with a walk-in rain shower and a romantic super king-size bed. Honeymooners staying at the hotel will love the Superior Rooftop Terrace rooms with far-flung views over the iconic city and those wishing to share their stay with their four-legged friends can do so in this wonderful pet-friendly property. A FOODIE HEAVEN At the heart of this vibrant hotel is the Treadwell Restaurant, which enjoys private access from the Cornmarket St Junior Suite, where diners can enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner. Designed with this historic city in mind, the seasonal menu features classic British dishes created using local sustainably sourced produce. Highlights include The Store’s double-smashed cheeseburger with mustard and caper relish, shredded baby gem lettuce and onion served on a brioche bun with seasoned fries and The Store’s ale-battered fish ‘n’ chips served with spiced mushy peas, chip shop curry sauce and hand-cut chips that aren’t to be missed! For breakfast, I tucked into the delicious Agave roasted portobello mushrooms on sourdough with smashed avocado, Aleppo chilli and confit of tomato. THE SKY’S THE LIMIT As an afterdinner tipple, I enjoyed a cocktail from the quirky list of Terrace Original Cocktails in the rooftop bar expertly created by Joe. Mouthwatering mixes include Modern Education which is a blend of El Tequileno Blanco tequila, Banhez Mezcal Ensamble, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, pineapple juice, lime juice and agave syrup. There’s also a French Martini infused with rose water, pineapple and lime juice plus delicious non-alcoholic mocktails. The panoramic views across the rooftops from the outdoor terrace here aren’t to be missed, no wonder Oxford is known as The City of Dreaming Spires. RELAX AND REJUVENATE The wellness journey starts the moment you enter The Spa at The Store, a welcome retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Open to resident guests, this exclusive space only allows up to six people at any one time so booking a one-hour slot is essential. The gorgeous scent filling the space greeted me as I arrived, a blend of leather, oud and sandalwood. In this health-focused space, there’s a sauna, steam room, relaxation area and a gym where personal training and yoga can be booked. The extensive spa treatment menu boasts massages, facials and more from which I picked the Oskia warm oil full-body massage using rose oil expertly carried out by the experienced therapist Ellie Mae which was pure bliss! MADE FOR ROMANCE A few minutes walk from The Store is Ashmolean Museum Oxford where admission is free. Weddings take place here in a variety of spaces including the contemporary Atrium and Rooftop Terrace that’s perfect for a summer soiree for between 30 and 70 guests. The floorto-ceiling windows reveal the incredible views and flood the space with daylight. Ceremonies can also be held in the European Art Gallery gallery followed by a wedding breakfast in the Grand Sculpture Gallery and a party down in the Vaults. Smaller blessings and ceremonies can enjoy the pre-Raphaelite Gallery, 19th-century Art Gallery and Cast Gallery - wedding guests get to visit the exhibitions in the hired rooms. www.ashmolean.org/weddings Get me there! Prices start from £285 per night based on double occupancy. https://thestoreoxford.com www.instagram.com/thestoreoxford I enjoyed the view of Oxford’s skyline from the rooftop bar and terrace! Suite dreams Editor Claire Ridley received a warm welcome at luxury boutique hotel The Store in the heart of Oxford https://vandhphotography.com REVIEW 27
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