Oxford News
Amal Clooney checks in for stay at Oxford boutique hotel
Last year Mrs Clooney, married to movie star George Clooney, was appointed a visiting professor of practice at Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University.
It is understood that last week she stayed last week at 101-bedroom luxury hotel The Store.
READ MORE: Oxford University role announced for Amal Clooney
The hotel which opened in May, 2024, has won glowing reviews for its Treadwell fine dining restaurant, its spa and rooftop terrace.
On the corner of Broad Street and Cornmarket, The Store is on the site of the former Boswells department store.
Simon Drake, general manager of The Store, said: “We have a number of VIP guests who choose The Store as the city’s number one lifestyle product.”
Last month, Conde Nast Traveller magazine placed the hotel top of a list of the six best hotels in Oxfordshire.
The magazine said the boutique hotel’s rooms, costing from £172 a night, were “comfortable, smart and polished”.
After selecting The Store as ‘best for a different type of historic stay’, the magazine review added: “Since opening in summer 2024, it’s quickly become a seamless addition to the area, not only providing an easy, no-fuss stay, but also luring in locals with its cosy corners for coffees, romantic views from the roof and soothing spa.
“Rooms are in keeping with the rest of the hotel’s style – comfortable, smart and polished. We stayed in the Balliol Suite (so named for the view of the college from the windows), a large double room with a snug living room area.
“Panelled walls, soft rugs, scalloped headboards and linen curtains added a touch of character to the space, while soothing neutral tones give the bathroom a calm vibe – perfect for long soaks in the freestanding tub.
“Guests can sit and enjoy a drink and nibbles in the main reception area, but Treadwell, towards the back of the hotel, is the hotel’s foodie hub.
“Minimalist dark wood, exposed bulbs and teal-coloured banquettes are offset by a vast mural by artist Samme Snow, whose playful illustrations showcase the neighbourhood’s best-loved characters and buildings, from friendly bakers and restaurateurs to imposing clock towers and old university colleges.”
Amal Clooney is an acclaimed barrister and human rights advocate.
When she was appointed last year, she said: “I am honoured to be back at Oxford, this time not as a student but as a professor.
“It is a privilege to have this opportunity to engage with the next generation of global leaders and to contribute to the vibrant academic community at Oxford.
“I look forward to collaborating with both the faculty and students to advance access to justice around the world.”
Boutique hotel group Crazy Bear kicked off the summer social season in style, hosting a private party until the early hours to mark a new era.
Former The Xtra Factor presenter, comedian Matt Richardson, was one of the performers on the night.
Hundreds of guests packed the venue and were treated to acts including festival favourites The Cuban Brothers, and a dance-off led by leading Latin dancers Ksenia Zsikhotska and Krystof Grzelak.
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The party earlier this month marked the launch of a new Crazy Bear menu and cocktail range coming soon, plus refurbishment of some of the heritage venue’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Throughout the night, party goers enjoyed dishes from the refreshed menu, which couple traditional pub food with sumptuous Thai flavours.
The Cuban Brothers unleashed a mix of funk-fuelled epic dance moves, while Matt Richardson took a break from his national tour with a bespoke version of his celebrated stand-up routine.
Sol Collective, one of London’s leading Latin ensembles, joined the line-up with two fresh, inspiring live acoustic sets on the garden terrace.
The innovative menu brought together classic pub mains, sizzling meats from the grill and authentic Thai wok dishes. Open fire cage cooking, a new weekend feature, included garlic butter king prawns, thyme chicken thighs, and garden larder salads.
Drinks flowed from the new menu, as the foraged cocktail range featuring hedgerow negroni and roasted dandelion espresso martini, was in popular demand.
A feast featuring handmade afternoon tea favourites piled high kept the party going in the new residents’ lounge, which hosted a bespoke feasting table, vinyl record player and cocktail trolley.
Lauren Thompson, who has a weekly set on House FM and has played legendary club nights for Groove Odyssey and Fabric, took to the decks, followed by resident DJ Tony Nanton, who kept the tempo with a house music set in the Glasshouse.
Guests also enjoyed an outdoor cinema screening of Pulp Fiction, while a set of prizes were won through hook-a-duck on the lawn.
“The party provided the perfect moment to unveil our refreshed experience which captures the Crazy Bear’s spirit with a contemporary twist,” said Jen Needham, marketing director at the Crazy Bear.
“Every guest was treated to the exceptional hospitality set to become synonymous with the Crazy Bear.
“Party goers were led through a rabbit warren of intrigue spanning musical genres, leafy tropical hideaways and wild entertainment while being among the first to sample our exceptional new food and drink offering.
“Our menus and direction have changed, but the essence of the Crazy Bear remains unchanged. So, stand by for elevated dining, unforgettable parties and maverick entertainment as the next chapter unfolds.”
Founded in 1993, the Crazy Bear in Stadhampton is complete with 18 rooms, a cosy 16th century pub, an eclectic choice of indoor and outdoor spaces to eat and drink, plus secret garden and woodland.
It hosts weddings like no other and its public areas are dog friendly. Its sister site in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, has 35 individually designed bedrooms, restaurants, bar and an outdoor swimming pool.
On the Content Ltd was a private limited company that was officially dissolved via a strike-off on April 14, 2026.
The business was originally incorporated on November 24, 2022, and operated with directors Anna Louise Cole and Roma Cots Cole.
The Chipping Norton-based company was involved in travel agency activities, according to Companies House.
The most recent accounts it filed shows the business had just £40 in its bank, down from around £14,000 the year before.
READ MORE: Electric car company collapses into administration with £56m debt
At the financial year ending March 2025, the accounts also show On the Content Ltd had trade debts of £12,396 and owed £215 in tax.
On the Content is not the only Oxfordshire travel company to close in recent weeks.
The Padel Travel Club Limited, which operated from a Henley address, organised padel‑themed breaks and training camps in the UK and overseas.
The business was incorporated in February 2023 and has since been removed from the Companies House register following a voluntary strike‑off, with the final notice of dissolution published in late May 2026.
And Set Sail Cruises Ltd, registered to an address in Bicester, was formally dissolved on March 17, 2026, after a strike-off process, meaning it no longer exists as a legal company.
The travel agency was incorporated on February 4, 2024 and listed its main activity as “travel agency activities”.
Zion Zion, of Bierton Road, Aylesbury, was due to appear at Oxford Crown Court over a video link from hospital on Monday, June 15.
The 65-year-old is charged with two counts of sexual assault which relate to an incident in Oxford on January 7, 2023.
Zion has refused to co-operate with the proceedings so far and did not appear over the video link.
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Due to his refusal to co-operate, Zion is unrepresented.
During a previous court hearing, not guilty pleas were entered on the defendant’s behalf.
A trial date was previously given for November 22, 2027.
On June 15, the court heard an expert’s report had concluded Zion was not fit to plead.
The case will next be heard on August 17 to decide if the case will continue.
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