I thought that I would kick this first posting on our Blog off
with my comments on where to drink and eat around
Henley-on-Thames. I do first have to express my biases. Firstly I
am a big real ale supporter and also have a penchant for malt
whisky. I like most food, you can tell, and can be fussy about
good service. My favourite pub in Henley is the Bird in Hand on
Greys Road. One of the few independent pubs in the area Graham
serves four of five real ales from small independent breweries,
many local. Their food at lunchtime is simple pub grub, like ham
and eggs. The pub has a lovely patio garden at the back as well.
My next favourite pub/restaurant is in Shiplake, just outside of
Henley. The Baskerville has a small public bar, but The
Baskerville is really about the food that they serve. They have
won several dining awards and we have had several very good meals
at the Baskerville. They have an extnensive malt whisky
list as well. www.thebaskerville.com
Another good venue outside of Henley is the Maltsters at
Rotherfield Greys. The food is well cooked and plenty of it and
they have a new garden/patio area. Look out for their Fish n Chip
suppers and Steak and Kidney pudding.
Back in Henley The Angel on the Bridge is the iconic spot to have
a pint in the summer, watching the river traffic go by. The
relatively new tenants have improved the food greatly. I also
like to sit in the garden at The Flowerpot at Aston, Remenham.
The walk from Henley to the Flowerpot along the Regatta course is
wonderful on a summerʼs day, but good at most times of the year.
One of lifeʼs pleasures. If you walk further along and
cross the river at Hamdleden and then walk up the valley you will
come to the Stag & Huntsman at Hambleden village. The pub is
another of my favouriteʼs. Set in the picturesque village of
Hambleden the Stag & Huntsman has great beer with a barbque
in the summer months. They hold a real ale festival in September.
Other pubs in the centre of Henley are the Three Tuns, which
always seems to be changing owners, The Argyl, The Horse &
Groom, The Anchor on Friday Street-great patio garden, The
Victoria, The Saracens Head up Greys Road and The Three
Horseshoes along the Reading Road- homemade pies are good. Please
if you use these pubs I would love to hear your comments. Also
there is the giant Wehterspoons pub The Catherine Wheel. Usually
the cheapest pint in town, though often served too cold for real
ale lovers! This pub is very popular with the younger set on
Firday and Saturday nights.
The Old White Horse at Northfield End is reviving under new
owner, Mike Stone. He has upgraded the pub and does a great
Sunday lunch.
Further afield is the well known restaurant The Crooked Billet at
Stoke Row. Great food and popular music evenings. Als onearby is
the Cherry Tree, a gastro pub. Not far from Stoke Row at
Checkendon is the Black Horse. This is a country pub that time
has forgot. If you want to see what a farming pub looked like 50
or 100 years ago visit the Black Horse.
Not far away on the Woodcote Road is the Pack Saddle offering
home cooked English pub grub and real ale. www.thepacksaddleinn.co.uk
These are my own views and I will post further comments about
other pubs and restaurants in and around Henley in the future. If
you would like to ahre your views with us then that would be
great.