New historic hotel to open in the birthplace of explorer Francis Howard Bickerton with interiors inspired by the Oxford shirt and brogue.
Booking hotel stays is our love language here at House of Coco and hearing about the Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel, which will open its doors on 15 June 2021 in time for summer staycations, is enough to make us happy. The hotel – formerly the birthplace of explorer, treasure hunter and polar medallist Francis Howard Bickerton – occupies three beautiful buildings, including two 19th century manor houses, and is set among three acres of private gardens situated on the edge of the city of Oxford.
The hotel has undergone an extensive redesign, inspired by its location. The new décor of the historic hotel will emulate Oxford vintage style, with interiors inspired by the classic Oxford brogue and Oxford shirt, with classic textures, fabrics and pleasing design touches such as the wooden brogue coat hooks.
Oxford’s best kept secret, located in the tranquil surrounds of Oxford, Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House is an ideal place to enjoy a quintessentially British staycation of local discoveries, exploring the famous university city, surrounding countryside and world-renowned destinations such as Blenheim Palace. The hotel’s outdoor terrace and landscaped gardens provide an idyllic spot for al fresco dining and drinks receptions on warm summer evenings. With rolling green lawns, herbaceous borders and trees, the classic English garden provides an ideal place to relax and dine outdoors after a day spent exploring the city.
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel is steeped in history and stories of days gone by. The main hotel is the birthplace of Francis Howard Bickerton in 1889, and the adjacent Elm House is the former home of British pilot and aerial photographer Major George W Allen, which offers 15 stunning bedrooms and private gardens and is available for exclusive hire. The hotel’s restaurant and bar “Frank’s at Hawkwell House” has been named in honour of the famous explorer and serves up an array of classic tipples including the hotel’s signature cocktail “Shackleton’s Revenge” – a nod to Bickerton’s participation in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s “Endurance” expedition, as well as the restaurant’s signature dish, the “Baked Alaska”, as part of a locally inspired menu.
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel: A Hidden Gem in Oxford
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Oxford, Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House offers a quintessential British staycation experience. Whether you’re exploring the historic university city, the picturesque countryside, or renowned destinations like Blenheim Palace, this hotel provides an ideal base.
Tranquil Gardens and Outdoor Dining
The hotel boasts an inviting outdoor terrace and landscaped gardens, perfect for al fresco dining or enjoying drinks as the sun sets on warm summer evenings. With expansive lawns, and beautiful borders of herbs and trees, it’s an idyllic setting to unwind after a day of city exploration.
Rich History and Unique Accommodation
Steeped in history, the main hotel building is the birthplace of Francis Howard Bickerton, a notable figure in exploration history. Adjacent Elm House, once home to Major George W Allen, offers 15 exquisite bedrooms and private gardens, available for exclusive hire.
Dining Experience at “Frank’s at Hawkwell House”
Named in homage to the famed explorer, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, “Frank’s at Hawkwell House,” offers a menu inspired by local flavours. Enjoy classic cocktails like “Shackleton’s Revenge,” a tribute to Bickerton’s Antarctic exploits, and indulge in their signature dish, the “Baked Alaska.”
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel promises a blend of history, tranquillity, and culinary delights, making it a hidden gem for visitors to Oxford.
Inspired Interiors and Comfortable Stay
The interior décor of the hotel has been inspired by the classic Oxford attire, a style which was born in the college rooms of Oxford and is now synonymous with the university city – buttoned-down collared shirts, leather brogues and the wide-legged ‘bag’ trousers of the 1920s.
All bedrooms have individually controlled heating and cooling air conditioning to ensure guests are comfortable whatever the weather and time of year. Guests will also enjoy a delicious, cooked breakfast each morning as part of their stay.
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel is in a quiet location in the surroundings of Oxford amongst gardens and parkland, with the centre of Oxford just a 10-minute drive or 15-minute cycle away. Guests can also stroll along the Iffley River right into the heart of the city to go punting or explore the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, Botanic Gardens and other local attractions in the historic city. The hotel is also a great base from which to explore outer city highlights such as The Oxford Gin Distillery, Blenheim Palace, Bicester Village and the Cotswolds.
As well as providing an ideal base for staycations and city breaks to Oxford, the hotel can also host weddings, private dinners, meetings and events. The hotel is also dog friendly, supplying dog beds, bowls and biscuits.
Double rooms at Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel start at £99 per night.
To find out more visit mercure.com and book a stay visit: https://all.accor.com/hotel/B6P4/index.en.shtml
