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.”
The Store hotel in Oxford (Image: Andy Ffrench)
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.
A bedroom at The Store hotel (Image: The Store)
“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 (Image: Contributed)
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.”
Oxford News
All holidays cancelled due to collapsed UK travel company
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”.
Oxford News
Oxford – Prosecutors to decide if sexual assault case will continue
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.
READ MORE: Busy classic car show in sunshine attracts villagers
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.
Oxford News
Oxford congestion charge hits hospitality hardest, survey shows
Oxfordshire County Council today (June 15) published a long-awaited report by Survation Ltd on the impact of the controversial congestion charge on 300 businesses across the city.
It presents a survey carried out by Indiefield on businesses in postcodes from OX1 to OX4 between April 30 and May 15.
READ MORE: Oxford: Elderly woman hospitalised after ‘attempted robbery’
The survey found that the most common pressure reported by businesses was rising costs (69 per cent), while economic uncertainty and transport or travel costs followed closely as key pressures, reported 61 per cent of businesses.
The impact of the congestion charge on Oxford’s businesses has been revealed in a new survey (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)
The survey found shop-front businesses, including retail, hospitality and tourism, were most likely to report the congestion charge has had a negative overall effect at 47 per cent compared to 24 per cent for other business types.
Shop-front businesses were similarly most to say to the charge has decreased customer numbers (58 per cent versus 18 per cent), made deliveries or servicing more difficult (57 per cent versus 33 per cent), and increased operating costs (43 per cent versus 33 per cent).
Across business types, 39 per cent said deliveries or servicing has become more difficult and more businesses have reported customer decreases (29 per cent) than increases (21 per cent).
However, overall, most businesses in Oxford said they are performing well (72 per cent) and 79 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better.
READ MORE: 15 caravans set up ‘unauthorised encampment’ in Oxford park
The council’s survey indicated that nearly half of businesses (48 per cent) reported no noticeable effect from the congestion charge, while 30 per cent reported negative impacts and 22 per cent positive.
Spend in Oxford’s suburban food and beverage destinations has gone down more than average with comparable cities, and businesses with mobile or transport-intensive operations reported sharper pressures on their trade, particularly around costs and travel.
More businesses in Oxford reported customer decreases (29 per cent) than increases (21 per cent) (Image: NQ)
Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “This new data gives us an evidence-based picture of how businesses are faring in the city.
“There are many challenges affecting businesses at this time, and data can help us understand what is having an impact.
“While it’s great that nearly 80 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better, it is clear that many are feeling significant pressures due to a number of local and national factors.
“There is still more to do to improve travel in and around Oxford and help keep the city moving.
READ MORE: Police cordon off Oxford road amid ‘suspicious package’
“The traffic filters trial, from autumn, is one way we’ll further reduce traffic.”
It’s the first monitoring report on the impact of the temporary traffic scheme on businesses to have been published by the council, after it was initially promised that data would come out in January.
The temporary congestion charge has been in place on six roads in Oxford since October 29, designed to help reduce traffic while Botley Road remains closed and the traffic filter trial is delayed.
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoWhat happens to Halifax customers if Lloyds makes changes?
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoFlock of clay birds set to take flight in special exhibition
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoActor steps down from major role in new Harry Potter series
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoOxfordshire bridge closure comes as management ‘weaknesses’ found
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoFriends of the Ridgeway appoint Matthew Barber as president
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoNHS fracture service helps support extra 1,000 patients
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoHenley pub once owned by Russell Brand reopens after 6 years
-
UK News4 weeks agoBurnham seeks to calm markets by committing to fiscal rules
