Eating Out in Henley

Whether you are too tired to cook, want to celebrate a successful training camp, or simply wish to escape from the hotel dining room, Henley is well catered for (no pun intended) as regards eating out. We have highlighted a number of alternatives catering for rowing breakfasts, lunch on the run and proper evening meals. These have been recommended to us as offering good value for money (or not, as the case may be). If you disagree or would like to suggest an addition, please contact us here. Check out our lists for alternative possibilities.

Reservations: Reserving is recommended if you are with a large party, are eating on a Friday or Saturday evening, or if you wish to eat somewhere that is particularly popular. We have noted those establishments where booking is recommended.

Tipping/Gratuities: A tip of 10% is usually expected unless service has been particularly poor. Waiting staff are often poorly paid on the assumption that their wages will be enhanced by the generosity of their customers!

Remember: People in the UK generally eat earlier than their European counterparts. Don't be caught out!

Breakfast
Rumour has it that the traditional English cooked breakfast is the cornerstone of heavyweight rowing in this country. Whether or not this is true, there is no denying that a hearty breakfast is essential if you are to get the most out of your days' rowing, coxing, coaching, spectating, sightseeing or shopping. Many cafes are open for breakfast and will serve anything from a double espresso to eggs, bacon, and the rest. Henley offers a number of alternatives, but only one establishment can truly say that it does a real rowing breakfast. Hats off to Tubbies (Henley Station).

Lunch
Lunchtime begins at approximately noon in the UK, although many places open earlier - especially during the summer. Most sandwich bars, cafes and pubs are open all day, but please don't rely on being able to get a proper meal mid-afternoon. Opening times and availability vary considerably - as a guide many restaurants, cafes and pubs will serve only a limited menu between 15:00 and 17:00. In addition, the sandwich shelves of supermarkets can be severely depleted by this time! If possible, check opening times before planning your itinerary.

Dinner
As a general rule, restaurants serve dinner from approximately 19:00 onwards. Henley has a wide variety of restaurants and you shouldn't have too much trouble finding something to your taste. For a really big rowing appetite, the Slowboat Chinese Restaurant does a delicious 'all you can eat' buffet for £13. If Chinese food is your thing, the Chef Peking is rumoured to be very good, although more expensive. On the subject of price, avoid The Angel On The Bridge and Café Rouge if you are eating on a budget, as both offer excellent but expensive food. 'Ask' is a nice modern Italian which offers good pizza and pasta, whilst Pizza Express is reliable, if a little stingy with the portions. For something special, the Thai Orchid comes very highly recommended (good idea to book at the weekend), and does a set menu from £18.95. If proximity to the river is a priority, Caffé Uno is just over the bridge (Hart Street) and is open from 10:30 - midnight.

WHITHER BRITISH BEEF?
British Beef has been declared safe by the EU and Britain has recently allowed retailers to sell Beef on the Bone once again. This means that T-bone Steaks are back on the menu!