The Store, a luxury lifestyle hotel in the centre of Oxford, has breathed fresh elegance into the iconic Boswells building, one of Oxford’s most beloved landmarks. Arranged over seven floors, this 101-room retreat pays homage to Boswells’ rich history, seamlessly blending modern sophistication with the intrigue and charm of a quintessential British department store.
The hotel is the convergence of two historical buildings, which have been sensitively restored and designed by Urban R. Reef Origins’ team of architects and designers. The rooms have 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 crafted for comfort. Inspired by the city, bespoke patterns and furniture shapes echo the tiles and patterns of college rooftops or follow the line of the city’s ‘dreaming spires’.
The Spa at The Store is a subterranean wellness haven with treatments created in partnership with British brand, Oskia. Taking a results-driven approach to treatments, Oskia combines bespoke anti-ageing techniques, drawing on traditional knowledge and modern advancements, to leave the skin, body and mind rejuvenated and glowing. The spa features a sauna, steam room, private treatment rooms, holistic studio space and spa suite rooms.
The signature restaurant, Treadwell, is proud to be ‘Untraditionally British’ and 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.
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. 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.
On the fifth floor of the hotel is the panoramic rooftop bar and terrace, The Roof at The Store, offering standout views over Oxford offering nibbbles and bespoke spirits created with Hawkridge distillery.
Dining at The Store Oxford
Treadwell is the Oxford paradise of fine British dining with the kind of twist that embraces the ethos of “classic comfort meets bold flavour” while keeping a dignified Britishness about it. And if you love service that’s doting without hovering, this is your spot. The staff at Treadwell could have read my mind — and I’d only just sat down. They were that good.
Starters at Treadwell Restaurant
The Thai Mussels jumped out from the menu as something to definitely try. I half-expected a modest bowl with a whisper of flavour, but no! This was a fragrant, downright invigorating start. The mussels arrived swimming in a rich, aromatic broth of ginger, chilli, lemongrass, and lime leaf. It was zingy, like a slightly cheeky British cousin who went to Thailand once and came back with a flair for spicy conversation. The mussels themselves were tender, plump, and gently sweet. You’d think you were in a beachside Thai café if it weren’t for the very British gent doing The Times crossword at the next table.
Then, the N’duja Croquettes — a recommendation from our most fabulous waitress — these were cheesy little dreamballs, warm and gooey in all the right places, and so soft and melty they made you feel you had been whisked to Spain to join a family gathering in a remote town where they know their food. Not quite the fiery n’duja punch I expected but comforting, cosy, like a little bit of savoury therapy.
Mains at Treadwell Restaurant
Now, the Braised Osso Buco. This dish is one to order. Rich, deeply braised veal that fell off the bone without a fight, nestled into a creamy confit garlic mash that somehow managed to be light and luscious. The port and peppercorn jus was silky with just the right hint of bite, and the crispy shallots on top? Delicate, crisp, sophisticated. This dish is an armchair by the fire on a cold day; I’d come back just for it.
My dining companion ordered The Store’s Steak which has been newly jazzed up with an accompaniment of smoked mac ‘n’ cheese, crispy shallots, and potato skins. The steak was gloriously tender, cooked to a pink perfection. I like the sound of the smoked mac, though — it could be hugely decadent and smoky without overwhelming the steak.
Dessert at Treadwell Restaurant
An interesting end to our dinner — we opted to share the “Old Fashioned” cocktail-inspired Sticky Toffee Pudding. Now, this is no ordinary pudding. This is the kind of dessert that could start debates and potentially end friendships. The Woodford whiskey sauce was boozy enough to give you pause (or a bit of a buzz), and the ginger ice cream provided this cool, spicy counterbalance that was genius-level. It’s almost as if they thought, “How can we make sticky toffee pudding… polarising?” And for us? It worked! But it might be the Marmite of puddings. If you’re planning to drive home, maybe split it with someone. Or, better yet, just book a room upstairs.
In all, Treadwell has hit that elusive sweet spot: classically British, with a few daring (and delicious) upgrades. The food is warm and comforting, but each dish has a little wink and a nudge that make it memorable. And with that impeccable service, you’re looked after like royalty, but without the stiff upper lip. So, go, take a friend—or two, because you’ll want to try the whole menu.
The Store is situated on Broad Street, in the centre of Oxford and near the Northern Gateway to the city. The hotel is adjacent to Cornmarket Street and within walking distance of the city’s major historical and cultural landmarks. Rooms start from £285 per night including breakfast.
The Store Oxford
1–5 Broad Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3AG
01865 950666
thestoreoxford.com
