Reasons to visit The Ashmolean’s new exhibition: Money Talks
Oxford is a truly beautiful staycation destination. Just a short and efficient train journey from central London, it really is, no muss, no fuss. But what people often fail to share, are the many reasons to spend a whole weekend there, rather than a day trip.
We bundled onto the train on a sunny Bank Holiday Sunday, primed and ready to enjoy our weekend away. The train station is slightly on the outskirts, which ensures a pleasant walk into the city. I personally love this as I feel you get to know the city as you go.
The reason of our visit was to visit the brand new exhibition at The Ashmolean Museum.
Visit the Money Talks exhibition at The Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean is one of Oxford’s best museums, and one I was fortunate to visit on a school trip many years ago. Whilst the classic pieces, artworks and sculptures remain in the museum’s walls, the team at regularly bring new, exciting and pioneering exhibitions to visit. The latest in the portfolio is the Money Talks exhibition.
This major showcase features more than 100 objects from across the globe, including artworks by Rembrandt, Andy Warhol, Guerrilla Girls, Grayson Perry and Bansky, and the new phenomenon of cryptocurrency and NFTs. Alongside the artworks is a range of money including Roman, Chinese and Islamic coins, Art Nouveau banknotes, and the artwork for the currency featuring Kings Edward VIII and Charles III, on display for the first time.
Walking through the carefully-curated exhibition the topic itself is incredibly thought-provoking and it was truly interesting to explore the stories and perspectives from different cultures around the world, and how they value and categorise money. Simply put, Money Talks explores how the everyday artworks in our pockets act as a mirror to our society.
Where to Stay: The Store
I have had many a city break, and the thing I always find with uber central hotels, is they are ordinarily a bit dated and tired. This is not the case at The Store. A refined, elegant and sophisticated space, I love the open plan of the interior. The lobby spills into a homely lounge, which opens up to the stunning open plan restaurant and kitchen, and there are so many nooks and corners to cosy up and enjoy a good book.
The team were friendly, attentive and knowledgeable and definitely enjoyed working here – that much was crystal clear. After a swift and efficient check in, we were swept up to our room, which had stunning views of Oxford. The room itself was tastefully decorated, with plush twin beds, a rainfall shower and a wide screen Smart TV. I can’t believe how many hotels I’ve visited recently which don’t have this mod con.
Sunday Lunch at Treadwell
Once freshened up, we headed down to the hotel restaurant which had a nice buzz for a Sunday afternoon. Ever the traditionalists, we were there to enjoy a hearty Sunday lunch. Our bubbly and infectious waitress started us off with two glasses of Champagne whilst we perused the menu.
The menu was fresh, seasonal and jam packed with British, local ingredients. We decided to go for Chargrilled English asparagus, hazelnut romesco & burnt chilli whipped feta and dukkha, alongside Pulled brisket & Ogleshield croquettes with chimichurri to start. Each dish was lovingly presented and the cheese pull from the croquettes was a thing of wonder. Safe to say the starters were demolished.
For mains, a wide array of roast dinners were on offer. Even a festive-inspired Turkey dinner which was super tempting. We opted for rolled & stuffed belly of pork, fennel, thyme & fig with cider apple sauce, alongside whole roast lemon & thyme chicken with sage & pancetta stuffing. Both dishes were completely sublime. Melt in the mouth meat, with fresh seasonal vegetables, crisp fluffy potatoes and a rich umami-tasting gravy.
All roasts actually come with roast and mash potatoes, roasted roots, greens, a cheesy gratin and Yorkshire pudding. I couldn’t fault a single elements of the Sunday roast. It was truly one of the best I’ve ever had – in and outside of London.
Whilst we were tempted by the desserts, which included a very naughty sounding ‘Old Fashioned’ cocktail inspired sticky toffee pudding with Woodford whiskey sauce and ginger ice cream (!), we had spa treatments to get to and didn’t want to get too full in the meantime. All the more reason to go back another time…
The Spa at The Store
Stepping off the lift into the basement of the hotel is like entering a cave of calm. The spa is dimly lit and cosy, cocooned in walnut panelled walls. It offers four treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, relaxation area and gym; alongside treatments from world-renowned British brand, Oskia.
Oskia take a results-driven approach to treatments, combining bespoke anti-ageing techniques, drawing both on traditional knowledge and modern advancements, to leave the skin, body and mind rejuvenated and glowing.
There are a full range of treatments to choose from including The Store Signature Experience. This treatment is completely tailored and starts with a relaxing 60 minutes in the thermal suite, followed by an hour treatment and dinner in Treadwell. This would be ideal to gift as a present and in my opinion, is incredibly reasonably priced at £165.00.
For myself and my guest, we both had relaxing hot oil massages, and mine was finished with an Indian head massage. My therapist was very lovely and attentive, beginning the session by identifying any problem areas and really honing in on those. I prefer a Deep Tissue-style massage which she was more than happy to accommodate and I was safely snoozing by the head massage – indicating the full level of relaxation I hit. Following our treatments, we got to chill in the relaxation room before a quick steam and sauna and up to our room to freshen up for the evening.
The Rooftop Terrace Bar at The Store
Completely full from our incredible roast, and relaxed and zen from our massage, it was the ideal time to take in the sunset from the stunning rooftop bar at the hotel. With epic and panoramic views of Oxford’s marvellous architecture, this is a very special space to finish your day. The team were expert mixologists and could mix up a mean cocktail, as well as anything off menu too. I also love that the structure of the cocktail menu is sectioned by classics (think Negroni, Martini, Old Fashioned, etc.) and then included innovative twists on these classics. My personal favourite was the Old Forester twist on the Old Fashioned which boasted notes of caramel, maple and oak with a hint of pine.
Other Things to do in Oxford
Whilst it is very easy to spend your entire trip in the comfortable luxury of The Store, you’re also encouraged to get out and about to explore Oxford. There are a number of impressive colleges and universities with some of the country’s most historical architecture, as well as some great walking tours and routes. Or if you’re more of a culture vulture, the museums may be for you.
Afternoon Tea at The Ashmolean
If you think London is the best rooftop bar and restaurant destination, Oxford may well be gunning for the top spot. On the top floor of The Ashmolean Museum, there is a very beautiful and sprawling terrace. We weren’t blessed with the sunniest weather, but it’s clear to see this space must be an absolute hot spot throughout the summer.
We were here the experience the museum’s beautifully presented and elegant Afternoon Tea. Again, I was pleasantly surprised with the pricing, at just £28.50 per person, and just £6.00 extra to include a glass of prosecco. A highlight for me were the beautiful sandwiches, including a free-range egg mayonnaise mustard cress on malted grain bread, and a very fresh brioche bridge roll filled with crayfish and Mary Rose dressing.
Classic scones adorn the middle layer with tasty jam and clotted cream. Star of the show has to be the stunning sweets at the top including a light and tasty white chocolate tart served with avocado and lime agave mousse and raspberry compote, as well as a very adorable mini lemon cheesecake.
Visit Oxford’s Botanic Garden
For the nature lovers among us, or simply those who love a leisurely afternoon stroll (myself), you must pay a visit to Oxford’s Botanic Garden. Not only is it the UK’s oldest botanic garden, founded in 1621, but the Garden is also committed to educating people about the importance of plants, conserving plants from around the world, and supporting research and teaching within the University and beyond. The visit was relaxing, informative and left us feeling equally as relaxed and zen as our wonderful spa treatment had the day previous.
After such a restorative visit, we were very sad to leave Oxford and will certainly be back again soon to experience all the city has to offer, but we can’t recommend a cookie cutter version of this exact trip, enough!
Find out more >
The Museum: www.ashmolean.org
The Hotel: www.thestoreoxford.com
The Botanic Gardens: www.obga.ox.ac.uk
