Last night I visited the Malmaison Hotel in Oxford for the re-opening night of the 'Visitors Room' at the previous prison. It was an eye-opener to see the huge refurbishment this hotel has undergone as part of the Castle Heritage site redevelopment some years ago with funding from SEEDA. Read the story here of the history and some of the awards they have won. It is amazing to think that this was once used for scenes from 'Porridge' and other TV series. All the hotel rooms have been converted from previous prison cells and it has all been very tastfully done. I did attend the official opening ceremony by the Queen last year.
This whole complex is a real asset to Oxford city centre and an excellent stop for visitors, especially if they also take a look inside the Unlocked musuem nearby. It is also now registered as an official site for wedding ceremonies and other civic functions as you can read here
However, last night was a precursor for Christmas so although it was nice to sample some offerings from their Christmas fare, it was a wake-up call to think that the festive season is not that far off and another year will have come and gone.
This whole complex is a real asset to Oxford city centre and an excellent stop for visitors, especially if they also take a look inside the Unlocked musuem nearby. It is also now registered as an official site for wedding ceremonies and other civic functions as you can read here
However, last night was a precursor for Christmas so although it was nice to sample some offerings from their Christmas fare, it was a wake-up call to think that the festive season is not that far off and another year will have come and gone.
Groan, please don't mention the "C" word - it's only October!!!
ReplyDeleteBesides, some of us won't be having a very happy one this year, unless our homes are repaired and habitable.