The Old Bank Hotel, Oxford

Getting lost in the labyrinthine corridors and alleyways of Oxford has a charm that English writers have waxed lyrical for centuries, so we won't waste our breath. However, we will recommend one of the best hotels from which to embark upon these adventures. The Old Bank Hotel is a glorious pile situated in the centre of the historical Oxford, a stone's throw away from Old Souls, Merton and Oriel Colleges and only a five minute walk from the River Cherwell, the Magdalen Bridge and the Botanical Gardens. After entering through the narrow cobbled byway of Magpie Lane, we entered a property that would sit easily on the streets in the world's most celebrated cities…

The five star hotel has 42 bedrooms. We stayed in a deluxe double which had an obscenely comfortable bed, flatscreen television,  a comprehensive mini bar and fridge with artisanal products, a big window welcoming in lashings of natural light, white fluffy towels and a rainfall shower. The nicest touch were the fresh flowers, which perfumed the air. For those in search of a regenerative stay, there are a raft of holistic and beauty treatments available in room. 

Outisde of the rooms, we were struck by the small touches that made our stay extra special. Jeremy Mogford, the owner of The Old Bank and The Old Parsonage Hotels, has a keen eye for contemporary art and has assembled on of the more striking collections that we have seen outside of the capital. Bikes for hire were provided in case you wanted to join the squadrons of students zipping around town. For those looking to get away from it all with an intimate drink, there's a resident's only Library Bar that's ideally suited for a quiet catch-up. 
However, one of the most salient features of The Old Bank is its restaurant. Quod inhabits a large, spacious and airy room with outsized glass windows pressing into the Oxford's High Street. A great island bar occupies the middle of the restaurant, with dark wood tables spread throughout the room. We kicked our meal off with a cucumber martini and an espresso martini with salted almonds and nocellara olives, before segueing into our mains. 

A salad of globe artichoke, celery heart, parmesan and walnut was a served with a light dressing and well suited for summer, while seared beef carpaccio with beetroot and horseradish was a tender and toothsome starter.  A hamburger was cooked nicely, as was confit duck leg with salsify, gem lettuce and spring onion. We wrapped up with a chocolate mousse with orange crème fraiche and praline, as well as a pineapple and hazelnut tart with vanilla ice cream. In the morning, the breakfast mirrored the quality of dinner. 

With a great location, just short walk from the best of Oxford pubs, bars and shops, it's one of the city's premier hotels. If you're planning a visit, we would strongly recommend The Old Bank alongside Mogford's other property, The Old Parsonage.