Old Bank Hotel

Jeremy Mogford’s conversion of the old Barclays Bank gets credit from a Guide insider for its ‘brilliant location, right in the city centre’. It occupies two Georgian buildings and a former Tudor apothecary. Food is served all day in ‘busy, bistro-like’ Quod in the old banking hall, hung with art from Mr Mogford’s collection, and on the Italian-style terrace. An all-day menu mixes staples such as burgers, steaks and pizzas with imaginative dishes including sea bass, brown shrimp and seaweed sauce. ‘The vibe in the hotel is calmer and more sophisticated’ with art ‘adding to the character of the place’ with its ‘slight corporate feel’. ‘There are amazing views of the dreaming spires from some of the light-filled rooms.’ Those at the rear overlook Merton College. Each has contemporary furniture, a bespoke writing desk, treats and milk in a minibar, a marble bathroom with under-floor heating, Noble Isle toiletries. The height of luxury, a penthouse suite atop the Tudor building has glass doors to a rooftop terrace garden. Take one of the complimentary Oxford bikes and explore the city. (See also next entry.)