Pubs in and around Henley-on-Thames
3rd May 2011
... Comments

 

These are my updated 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. Also very well known is the Little Angel, overlooking Henley Crciket ground at the bottom of Remenahm Hill. 

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 summer's day, but good at most times of the year. One of life's 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 favourite's. 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. Also reopened is the Queen's Head, now called the Boathouse. They serve Brakspear's beer and good homemade burgers.  A good place for lunch just a short walk from the centre of Henley is the Row Barge. They serve some great warm baguettes and have a lovely patio. 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.

 

Further afield is the well known restaurant The Crooked Billet at Stoke Row. Great food and popular music evenings. Also nearby 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, including West Berkshire beers. One of my favourite pubs and pint's. The pub is on National Cycle Route 5 Reading to Oxford sp you can combine a cycle ride in lovely countryside with a good pint in a lovely location.

Three other favourites that are further afield are the Shepheard's Crook at Crowell. Great food, mainly fish and a lovely pint. The Bear at North Moreton and the Red Lion at Brightwell cum Sotwell.

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 share your views with us then that would be great

 

More
About the Author

Gill and Phil C

Member since: 9th July 2012

Hi, We are Phil and Gill Chappell. We own the Best of Henley-on-Thames. We live in Henley so would love to hear your views and opinions about all things Henley.

Popular Categories