The Store Oxford Wins Best Gin in the Country at World Gin Awards and Launches Exclusive Collection of Signature Spirits

Oxford’s newest boutique hotel, The Store, is celebrating a landmark achievement after its house London Dry Gin was crowned Best in Country at the prestigious World Gin Awards. The accolade positions The Store at the forefront of a new hospitality movement – where craft, provenance and exclusivity are reshaping what guests expect from their glass.

The gin is also shortlisted for The World’s Best London Dry Gin, with judging to take place later this month. The winner will be announced on the 4th June.

Produced in partnership with the award-winning Hawkridge Distillers, The Store Gin is a bold, refined expression designed exclusively for the hotel. Its win in one of the spirits industry’s most rigorous global competitions places it ahead of many established names.

“This isn’t just a win for our gin – it’s a statement about who we are as a hotel,” says Simon Drake, General Manager at The Store. “We believe luxury today is about depth, authenticity, and telling a story. Our gin does all three.”

The gin’s success has become the anchor point for a broader vision: a fully bespoke spirits collection available only at The Store, developed to elevate the guest experience and reflect the hotel’s values of quality, creativity, and local collaboration.

Joining the award-winning gin are five other house spirits:

  • The Store Vodka – Gold winner, Global Spirits Masters
  • The Store Rum – Rich, warming and smooth with tropical spice
  • The Store Tequila Blanco – Bright and clean, crafted in Jalisco, Mexico
  • The Store Tequila Reposado – Oak-aged with smooth vanilla depth
  • The Store Whisky – First Reserve 12-Year – An English whisky crafted in rare bourbon casks (limited to 100 bottles)

All six expressions are created in collaboration with Hawkridge Distillers, one of the UK’s most decorated premium spirit producers. The result is a distinctive portfolio that offers guests something they can’t find anywhere else.

James Gurney, co-founder of Hawkridge Distillers, added:

“The Store has a clear vision – to offer not just luxury but personality in every detail. Creating these spirits together has been a true meeting of minds. Each one is crafted with purpose, precision and pride, and we’re thrilled to see the gin receive such prestigious recognition.”

The launch comes at a time when both consumer tastes and industry strategy are shifting. Guests increasingly favour curated, craft-led offerings over mass-market brands – seeking a more personal and meaningful connection to what they drink.

“There’s a growing appetite for provenance and quality,” adds Drake. “People want to understand the story behind the bottle. Our spirits don’t just carry our name – they represent our ethos.”

The full range is available exclusively on-site at The Store, Oxford – whether enjoyed in the Rooftop Bar or paired with a signature cocktail.

As the trend for private-label and craft hospitality spirits continues to rise, The Store is helping set a new standard for what it means to drink – and think – independently.

ENDS

About The Store, Oxford
Set within the walls of the former Boswells department store, The Store reimagines an Oxford institution as a seven-floor, 101-room hotel where heritage meets contemporary style. Opened in May 2024 in partnership with hospitality experts Reef Origin and EQ Group, the hotel is the convergence of two historical buildings sensitively restored by Urban R, Reef Origin’s team of architects and designers. Shaking up the city’s social scene, the result is a striking fusion of history and chic, modern interiors – defining a new era for Oxford where elegance meets energy.

More than just a place to stay, The Store is a hive of activity drawing locals and visitors alike with its vibrant atmosphere, immersive experiences, and striking window displays – showcasing collaborations that celebrate its retail heritage. The first of three distinct dining options, destination restaurant Treadwell serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an intimate, urban setting. Offering a fresh take on British classics, enjoy inventive dishes with seasonal ingredients and a classic Sunday roast. Ascend to the rooftop bar where floor-to-ceiling glass frames unrivalled views of the city, with an outdoor terrace perfect for cocktails at golden hour. The ground floor bar is open daily for coffees by Oxford-based Newground Coffee, with a ‘Sips & Scavenger Bites’ menu for casual dining with street-side views. A destination in itself, The Store houses a spa by OSKIA with extensive treatments, a steam room, sauna, thermal relaxation area and sleek gym by Nohrd. Whether indulging in wellness, sipping cocktails with a skyline backdrop, or exploring the city from its heart, The Store is Oxford’s new cultural hub.

EQ Group
EQ is a European hospitality group curating a portfolio of exceptional hotels in some of Europe’s most sought-after markets.

Travel and Pricing:

Nearest train station: Oxford (0.6 miles, 10-minute walk)

Pricing: From £285 per night for two people