The boutique property is bringing the best bits of America to Oxford’s beautiful countryside.
The word ‘motel’ tends to conjure images of ramshackle rest stops at the side of a dingy road. The type of place you stay at out of pure necessity, rather than desire.
It’s a rarity to find somewhere that possesses none of those qualities but still identifies as a motel, but Mollie’s does just that.
As the brainchild of Soho House founder Nick Jones, its sense of refinement should come as no surprise. Still, it’s a nice oasis for anyone heading down the A420, seeking an evening of respite. It’s also an attraction in its own right, enticing travellers to venture the 30 minutes outside Oxford city and pay a visit.
Drawing in a varied guest list, Mollie’s is popular with everyone from families and couples to groups of friends. You won’t find it overcrowded though, with its mass appeal capped by its boutique 79 room capacity.
So, let's unpack how this chic motel is reinventing the wheel on the UK roadside experience...
The vibe
Despite its highway-adjacent location, there’s a noticeable sense of peace throughout the property. Embodying a ‘fancy without frills’ attitude, the fitout comes courtesy of Soho House Design, in collaboration with Nova Interiors.
Part of Mollie’s inherent charm is the communal spaces. While not a common fixture in many motels, Mollie’s encourages guests to leave their rooms and embrace the living room-esque environment. It's a really nice space and we made good use of it, enjoying a picante cocktail from the bar and playing a few card games before our dinner reservation.
It's clear from very small detail that Mollie’s is a very design-led venue, with everything from the furniture to small ornaments being carefully considered. On the practical side, there’s also a quaint little general store which stocks various necessities including candy, fluffy robes and phone chargers.
The rooms
Cosy and sophisticated without any pretension, the rooms have everything you need for a few night’s stay. Wood panelling and velvet armchairs boast a Scandi-style aesthetic so it's all very swish while still feeling inviting.
Even the trickiest of sleepers will succumb to the power of a Soho House Hypno mattress. The beds, which are layered with premium Egyptian cotton sheets, are a guaranteed recipe for sweet dreams. Let’s just say it’s a good thing check out isn’t until 11am!
Beauty aficionados will appreciate the inclusion of Cowshed shower products and Dyson hair tools. It's certainly not something you'd find at a standard motel, but the Soho House stamp needs to be semi evident, right?
You might notice the absence of a kettle within the room, but this is due to environmental reasons. In a bid to cut back on electricity, energy efficient boiling water taps can be found in the corridors, with a communal tea and coffee station also available at reception.
The dining
Hungry diners will find the road to the diner illuminated by a red neon sign. Inside, leather banquettes run the length of the room, with checkered flooring and suspended globe lights adding to the aesthetic. It feels like stepping back in the 1950s, but with a noticeably sleek sense of modernity.
Mollie’s Diner is the laidback onsite eatery serving all American classics. By night, the kitchen slings out a variety of burgers, hot dogs and other Americana delights at an impressive pace. The New Yorker comes loaded with American cheese, steak sauce and an aged double patty. It’s the kind of burger that leaves a bit of juice dripping down your hands — a true sign of something special.
On the smaller side, a serving of frickles (fried pickles) is as fun as the name suggests, while shrimp cocktail, popcorn chicken and buffalo hot wings are all fairly tried-and-true classics as well. In true US fashion, expect the portions of everything to be generous, with plenty of sauce to boot.
It feels a little sinful to order dessert, but skipping it feels even more sacrilege. A slice of homemade pie certainly doesn’t go astray, but the house Knickerbocker Glory is a crowd favourite for a reason. Strawberry jelly meets ice cream with lashings of custard and sprinkles on top - it reads like a child’s dream but in truth, it’s just as delightful for the adults.
Despite the indulgence, don’t be surprised to find your belly rumbling come breakfast. A stack of the buttermilk pancakes with bacon will answer its calls, improved only by a drizzle of thick maple syrup. And, though it may be heavily inspired by America, the menu hasn’t forgone the English classics with a few spins on the full fry-up available.
For anyone stopping by just for food, the prices are incredibly reasonable (especially given the Soho House affiliation).
The verdict
Stopping by Mollie's feels reminiscent of those childhood holidays on the open road. There’s touches of nostalgia but with a clear sense of sophistication, so for anyone with a love of all things retro, it’s an absolute must-visit.
With plans for future expansion, the Mollie’s empire is only in its infancy. But, having already transformed the motel industry for the better in just a few short years, we can’t wait to see what’s next!
