The Store opens on historic Oxford site
A brand new hotel, restaurant and bar called The Store has opened on the iconic site of Boswell's department store which closed in 2020
Last updated 7th May 2024
Department store Boswells closed in 2020 during the pandemic and never re-opened.
Now the historic building in Broad Street has been transformed into a 101-bedroom hotel with a rooftop bar and terrace.
Located in the heart of Oxford on Cornmarket Street, Boswells was one of the world’s oldest family-owned department stores and a much-loved part of the local community.
The store first opened in 1738 and was initially founded by Francis Boswell at 50 Cornmarket Street.
The business started manufacturing and selling luggage and trunks, it is believed their wares were taken on Captain Cook’s trip to explore the Southern Hemisphere.
Now, reinvented as a stylish hotel with a restaurant, bars and spa, The Store will carry forward the legacy of Boswell's into future generations.
Six distinct designs for the 101 rooms will range from art deco to a more muted natural design "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".
The spa at the hotel has a Nordic-influenced gym and thermal suite encompassing a sauna, herbal steam, experience shower and relaxation loungers.
Speaking about The Store general manager Simon Drake said: "Our restaurant is called Treadwell after Treadwell's passage, which was here previous to Boswell's back in the 1800's.
"I don't see myself as the general manager, I view myself as the custodian for the next part of Boswell's history as it moves forward.
"People identify Oxford as the city of spires and when you're up on our rooftop in that space it's beautiful and I don't think there's anywhere else in Oxford that can offer a view like that."