With the Henley Royal Regatta on the horizon, planning ahead to get the best day is a must. No day at the races is complete without a visit to a local pub or two. Having grown up in Henley, my husband and I have a good expertise on the matter, including where not to go. Without further ado, here is my guide on the top pubs in Henley-on-Thames so that you can have the best possible Regatta weekend.
Top Pubs in Henley-on-Thames | Henley Royal Regatta
Row Barge
The Row Barge is one of the oldest establishments in the area, dating back to the 16th Century! This old coach house is out of the way and could be a great place to escape the hustle of Regatta. The food here is also great but it really comes into its own on Sunday. If you are looking for a quieter establishment with some great food, this is for you.
The Anchor
The Anchor is located on Friday street and is well known for being one of the top pubs in Henley-on-Thames. It is conveniently by the river, which puts it in an ideal spot for a sunny day. The pub also boasts a terrific beer garden and good food, along with a great selection of drinks. It is also not as popular as some of the other choices on the list, so could give you a quieter experience.
The Three Tuns
The Three Tuns is a modest establishment in the heart of Henley. Whilst it may not look as impressive as the others from the outside, I have always had an incredible meal when I have visited. Their fish and chips are scrumptious and are a perfect lunch for a summer’s day. They also do some exceptionally cheesy mac n cheese if you wanted to treat yourself. Overall it is slightly underrated, but a great option for food in particular.
The Bull on Bell Street
Arguably the most popular pub in Henley, the Bull boasts a fantastic décor and atmosphere from the off. The food menu is also great too and I would especially recommend the burgers or the sourdough pizzas. What I will say is that this place will get busy during the Regatta; people will just flock here. I would still happily say it is one of the top pubs in Henley-on-Thames, just maybe not if you are looking for somewhere quiet.
The Angel on the Bridge
If there is one pub that takes Regatta seriously, it is the Angel on the Bridge. With a decking that extends onto the river, there is no better summer view in the town. I just love sitting here with an Aperol during a hot day. In the Regatta season, they actually place a gazebo down on the decking and transform it into a dance floor. This is certainly not for everyone and it does get busy. However, I would go as far as saying that it is a quintessential Henley experience for any visitor.
The Little Angel
Top of my list is the Little Angel. Located over the bridge, this is easily my favourite pub in Henley. The food is always incredible and, whilst on the pricier side, you get what you pay for. I also think that the vibe is classy and mature, which is something I definitely want more of now I am in my thirties. I would recommend booking in advance though as a lot of locals have the same idea! In my opinion, this is a must for any visitor to the Henley area.
Outside of the Town
Henley gets very busy during Regatta and you might want to eat somewhere a bit more chilled. One of the best pubs around Henley has to be the Plough at Shiplake. They have recently renovated and do some terrific food. They are also set in an ideal location and have a wonderfully chilled atmosphere. A highlight is Flight Club, which is a weekly Jazz Evening; something a bit different but I love it. I also just adore their interior vibe.
Another shout out has to go to the George and Dragon, Wargrave. Being over the river, it may be a bit challenging to get to during the height of Regatta. However, in my honest opinion, it has the best outside area of any local pub. The decking looks over a stunning stretch of river and is the perfect place for an evening pint. The food is also terrific and, when we lived in Wargrave, was our weekly treat.
If you want to go even further afield on the hunt for great food, Marlow is the place to go. The Oarsman genuinely delivered one of the best dinners of my life last year, and I couldn’t leave it out on my top pubs in Henley list (even if it isn’t strictly in the town…). I go into detail here, but you just have to order the life-changing steak for two.
For something slightly different, the Nettlebed Creamery does a wonderful selection of lunch options. With their three award-winning cheeses, this could make for the perfect picnic hamper by the river. Or, if you are feeling slightly naughty, grab a toastie and indulge yourself in the cheesy goodness.
You can also find me on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Did you know that I also vlog my travel adventures? I would love you to subscribe to my YouTube channel so that you never miss an episode… SUBSCRIBE HERE
Other posts that may help you:
- What to do around Oxfordshire for the May Bank Holiday: Local Advice
- Spring Time Around Oxfordshire
- Best Places to see Spring Flowers around Oxfordshire
- Going Local | Greys Court, Oxfordshire
Thank you for reading and I hope that you enjoyed the post! If you have any questions about anywhere on my list OR Oxfordshire in general please do get in touch in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your family and friends!
Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
