Essentially Oxford launches to celebrate Oxford’s spirit of independent luxury
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Essentially Oxford launches to celebrate Oxford’s spirit of independent luxury
Showcasing Oxford’s finest independent luxury brands, under one roof
Link to image supporting images here
Oxford, UK: 2nd December 2025 Oxford’s timeless heritage, creative energy and spirit of contemporary luxury are being brought together in a new way with the launch of Essentially Oxford, a new digital platform celebrating the city as a destination for independent, luxury experiences.
Created by the teams behind The Store and Old Bank Hotel, Essentially Oxford curates Oxford’s most distinctive places to stay, dine, shop, and explore, all through an editorial lens. Essentially Oxford highlights the people, stories, and spaces that define a softer kind of luxury; one rooted in authenticity, craft, and attention to detail, celebrating Oxford’s finest artisans and makers.
From acclaimed local restaurants and boutique retailers to cultural institutions and heritage venues, the new platform showcases the exceptional businesses that contribute to the richness and rhythm of Oxford life.
Simon Drake, General Manager at The Store said of the launch: “Oxford has long been celebrated for its rich history and intellect. With Essentially Oxford, we’re shining a light on the city’s contemporary spirit – its makers, chefs, creatives, and visionaries – who embody independent luxury in their own distinctive ways.”
Managing Director, Rebecca Mofford, The Old Bank added: "As an independent business operating in the city for nearly four decades, we’ve seen many others come and go. Oxford has such a vast wealth of magnificent and hidden attractions to offer the discerning luxury traveller. We’re delighted be a part this project and to champion the independent enterprises and authentic experiences in our unique and awe-inspiring city."
An invitation to exceptional businesses
Ahead of launch, Essentially Oxford is inviting a select number of independent businesses to join the platform. Each featured partner will have a dedicated profile page that includes their brand story, standout imagery, and direct booking or social links. Partners will be curated into editorial categories including:
· Food & Drink – chef-led restaurants, cafés, wine bars, artisan producers
· Shops & Makers – independent retail, lifestyle, design, and craft
· Culture & Craft – galleries, historic venues, tours, and events
· Weddings & Celebrations – venues, florists, stylists, caterers, photographers
· Countryside & Adventure – pubs, historical estates, boating and tours
· By Invitation – rotating editorial features on founders, collaborations, and one-off events
Local partners already part of Essentially Oxford include: Blackwells, Blenheim Palace, Burrows & Hare, The Bodleian, Fabulous Flowers, Goodies, Oxford Modern Art Oxford, Objects of Use, Old Bank Hotel, Quod Restaurant & Bar, The Store, Gees, Treadwell, Verden, Weddings by Nicola & Glenn, You & Yours Photography & Videography, Hoyle’s of Oxford, Oxford River Cruises, and Humphreys of Henley.
Visibility Beyond Oxford
In addition to the digital platform, Essentially Oxford will be promoted at luxury trade shows, travel industry events, and B2B settings, ensuring partners gain visibility both with discerning visitors and within the wider global hospitality and tourism market.
Find out more about Essentially Oxford here: www.essentiallyoxford.com.
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Editors notes
For further press information, please contact: Jo McConnell/ Georgia Pethick Lemongrass Marketing
E: thestore@lemongrassmarketing.com
Notes to editors
About Essentially Oxford
Essentially Oxford is a curated, editorially- led platform celebrating Oxford as a luxury destination defined by independence, creativity, and heritage. Launching Autumn 2025, the site brings together the city’s most distinctive businesses and experiences for a global audience of culturally curious locals and visitors.
About The Store, Oxford
Set within the walls of the former Boswells department store, The Store reimagines an Oxford institution as a seven-floor, 101-room hotel where heritage meets contemporary style. Opened in May 2024, the hotel is the convergence of two sensitively restored historical buildings. Shaking up the city’s social scene, the result is a striking fusion of history and chic, modern interiors – defining a new era for Oxford where elegance meets energy.
More than just a place to stay, The Store is a hive of activity drawing locals and visitors alike with its vibrant atmosphere, immersive experiences, and striking window displays – showcasing collaborations that celebrate its retail heritage. Destination restaurant Treadwell serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an intimate, urban setting. Ascend to the rooftop bar where floor-to-ceiling glass frames unrivalled views of the city, with an outdoor terrace perfect for G&Ts at golden hour. The Store’s signature London Dry Gin was awarded the World’s Best London Dry Gin at the prestigious World Gin Awards in June 2025. The award follows the gin being named Best in Country for England in May, marking a remarkable double win in its debut year. The ground floor bar is open daily for coffees by Oxford-based Newground Coffee, with a ‘Sips & Scavenger Bites’ menu for casual dining with street-side views. A destination in itself, The Store houses a spa by OSKIA with extensive treatments, a steam room, sauna, thermal relaxation area and sleek gym by Nohrd. Whether indulging in wellness, sipping cocktails with a skyline backdrop, or exploring the city from its heart, The Store is Oxford’s new cultural hub.
Travel and Pricing:
Nearest train station: Oxford (0.6 miles, 10-minute walk)
Pricing: From £285 per night for two people
About The Old Bank Hotel
The independently owned Old Bank Hotel, centrally located on Oxford’s famous High, is a breath-taking statement in design. The 5 star hotel has 43 luxury bedrooms, many with unrivalled views of the city’s most famous landmarks. ‘The Room With The View’ is a spectacular rooftop bedroom and terrace which overlooks the High and Oxford’s dreaming spires.
Key features of the hotel include the owner’s sophisticated art collection, an exclusive resident library overlooking the garden terrace, in-room spa treatments, personalised amenities, free car parking, electric car charging, and full private dining and conference facilities in the Gallery, Boardroom, and Red Room. Home to Quod Restaurant & Bar, Oxford’s busiest and best-loved brasserie and recently voted the best in the city, by locals and visitors alike.
Travel and Pricing:
Free guest car parking on site.
Pricing: From £287 per night for two people
