The Store, a 101-bedroom boutique hotel, has opened today for guests in Oxford.

The hotel on the corner of Cornmarket and Broad Street is on the site of the former Boswells department store, which closed in 2020.

It features the Treadwell restaurant on the ground floor and a rooftop terrace bar, a co-working space and a spa.

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Historic prints of the former Boswells feature throughout the building.

Hospitality experts Reef Group and EQ Group have opened the hotel.

General manager Simon Drake said: “Boswells was one of the world’s oldest department stores, family-owned and much-loved by the local community.

Oxford Mail: "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.

"Throughout the hotel we wanted to honour this and play on the same idea of intrigue, unexpected fun, and curiosity - making an occasion out of the everyday.

"We can’t wait to share the new space with visitors and locals.” 

The 101 bedrooms have a number of different designs - some with plush velvet headboards, panelled walls, and bold art deco features, others with leafy courtyard views, a muted palette and textures crafted for comfort.

Oxford Mail: The restaurant, Treadwell, is named after the historic Treadwell Passage.

Dating back to the early 19th century, the ground which the restaurant now sits upon, was once a bustling and somewhat notorious hub of Oxford, home to a fish hawker, shoemaker, scavenger, needlewoman and more - all characters who are referenced in playful ways throughout the menu.

Dish highlights include Ruby Murray chicken pie, Bangers of Mash with a Cajun gravy, and Rosemary & Thyme Brined Pork Tomahawk.

Oxford Mail: Treadwell will also serve brunch and Sunday Lunch, including Stuffed Raspberry & Vanilla Cheesecake Croissant; Chorizo, Manchego, and Fried Egg Sandwich, and family-style sharing roasts, including Lemon & Thyme Chicken. 

Located on the ground floor, The Bar at The Store is a more casual drinking, co-working and dining space - seating guests and locals inside on street level and al fresco style on Broad Street.

Hotel owners say it is ideal for remote workers looking for a cosy spot, or friends seeking a post-work drink - there are comfortable seating areas and sofas as well as a fireplace.

Oxford Mail: A view from The StoreThe Sips and Scavenger Bites Menu will serve light bites and afternoon tea will also be available featuring Miso Trout & Avocado Sandwich, Blackberry and Basil Jam Tartlets, and Pulled Ham Hock Slider. 

On the fifth floor of the hotel is the panoramic rooftop bar and terrace, The Roof at The Store, offering standout views over Oxford, a year-round Smokehouse serving smoked meats and cheeses, and bespoke spirits created with Hawkridge distillery.

The Spa at The Store has created in partnership with British brand Oskia.

The main entrance to the hotel is in Broad Street.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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