9 ways to enjoy the good life whilst visiting Henley Decor Fair

The annual Henley Decor Fair is back this April and I for one am really looking forward to visiting some of our dealers. The Henley Decor Fair has built a reputation for being the destination decorative and interiors event of the year and pitches itself as "no ordinary antique & salvage fair"; and we have to agree!

But if you're going to be visiting the fair and staying either overnight or for a couple of days, what else can you do in Henley?

Known for its rich history and beautiful riverside setting, Henley-on-Thames is the perfect location for a bit of downtime around your trading or shopping.

You know ph9 likes to keep things simple. So, this year, we are making it easy for you to make the most of your trip with our guide to the best of Henley.

I'll be visiting on Friday... see you there?

1. Eat!

We will start with the basics. With so much to see and do, Henley Decor Fair makes for a long day on your feet. You will need food!

For a relaxed breakfast, we like the look of The Farm Kitchen at Swiss Farm on Marlow Road. Customers enjoy the generous portions, friendly staff and dog-friendly facilities.

Can you beat a meal in a quintessentially British pub? Our first choice is The Angel on the Bridge. A grade II listed pub dating back to 1728, The Angel has a beautiful exterior, and the outside riverside terrace is ideal (on warmer days). Inside you will find original beams, a fireplace, and a main menu of pub classics made with local ingredients. They run a quiz every Wednesday at 7pm but recommend you reserve a table, as it gets busy. Email mark@theangelhenley.com.

The Bull on Bell Street is another pub full of character. A 16th-century inn with period features and eclectic décor, they serve modern British cuisine and run a pub quiz every Sunday from 7pm. Phone: 01491 576 554. Website: www.bullonbell.co.uk

Henley-on-Thames and surrounding areas boast 26 entries in the Michelin guide, 5 with stars.

Celebrating a good year? You will be in the right place if you plan to push the boat out.

Michelin-starred restaurants:

• Hand and Flowers ***
• The Coach *
• Fat Duck **
• Hinds Head *
• Waterside Inn ***

2. Drink!

Talking and catching up with everyone is thirsty work. There are several vineyards in the town offering tours and wine tasting. You could even pick up a bottle of bubbly for your best customers (or your favourite web design team?).

We like the look of Oaken Grove Vineyard, which offers tours and tastings on the 14th and 15th of April and tables for drinks on the terrace until 6pm.

Chiltern Valley is an award-winning vineyard, winery and brewery, which conveniently also has an on-site Bed & Breakfast (one to remember for next year).

For real ale, The Bird in Hand on Greys Road and The Argyll on Marketplace come highly recommended.

And for gin, Henley Distillery produces award-winning gin from its 18th-century threshing barn. Open Tuesday – Friday: 11am – 3pm, and Saturday 15th April 10am-1pm.

3. Snap

You’ll find no shortage of photogenic scenery wandering through the town. Henley Bridge is an iconic landmark and offers stunning views of the river. A popular spot for photos, it is at its best at sunset.

With enough free time, you could try messing about on the river. You can book a relaxed river cruise with Hobbs of Henley or Henley River Boats.

4. Exercise

PH9 office dog Ralph doesn’t have to miss out on Henley Decor Fair 2023, with well-behaved dogs on leads welcome. Beyond the Fair, there are plenty of scenic river walks and cycle paths for dog owners to enjoy. After all, Henley is surrounded by the beautiful Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Let the bike do the hard work with electric cycle hire from £99, available from Broomwagon Cycle Tours.

5. Cake

After all that fresh air, you’ll want a sit-down, a cuppa and cake!

Spoon Deli on Duke Street is dog-friendly and serves home-made organic cake and pastries. Their Extract coffee is often dubbed “the best coffee in Henley” on review sites.

Berries Coffee, on Hart Steet, also serves home-made cakes and cookies. Competing for “best coffee in Henley”, it is conveniently open 7 days a week.

If you want the “best hot chocolate” in Henley, try the Chocolate Theatre Cafe on Thameside. They also promise scones and, of course, chocolate cake.

6. History

If you’re a National Trust member, there are two properties to discover.

Greys Court: a 16th-century mansion, just outside of Henley, with gardens and parkland.

Nuffield Place: home of William Morris, founder of Morris Cars. The house is open Wednesday to Saturday, with pre-booked guided tours in the mornings and standard access in the afternoon.

Stonor Park is a member of the Historic Houses Association. It is one of the oldest family homes still lived in today. You can discover historical maps and documents, art and treasures from across the globe. There are also gardens, a maze, an adventure playground and a deer park. They are running a family Easter Trail during the week of the Fair.

7. Museum

The River & Rowing Museum celebrates the history of the Thames, the sport, and the Henley Royal Regatta. Temporarily closed for restoration until Spring 2023, we hope it will be open for April. Updates will be posted on their website.

8. Events

As well as pub quizzes and Easter trails, there are several ballet and musical events in Henley Decor Fair week.

The Kenton Theatre on New Street is one of the UK’s oldest working theatres. They are hosting a Beatles Ballet (Friday 14th April), Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band (Saturday 15th April), and Cinderella, The Ballet (Sunday 16th April).

Turville Northend Village Hall is hosting an afternoon Cello and Harp recital, and the Regal Picturehouse is screening Metropolitan Opera: Der Rosenkavalier on Saturday afternoon.

9. Stay

You probably booked your accommodation ages ago, but there are some excellent places to consider for 2024’s Fair or this year's fair if you haven't booked already. ph9 always like to be planned and organised!

The Relais Henley is a unique boutique hotel and old coaching inn by the river. The rooms are filled with high-quality furnishings and décor. The hotel was given a Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice award in 2022.
 
Danesfield House is one of the larger luxury hotels nearby, with 55 uniquely designed bedrooms and suites. Choose from a room with a view over the Thames, a four-poster bed or contemporary split-level accommodation. The on-site Spa Illuminata offers a range of face and body treatments in relaxing and luxurious surroundings.

Phyllis Court Members Club is a private members club and hotel, occupying an imposing building with classic architecture. The hotel boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre, gardens, and views over the Thames.

Greenlands Hotel offers 30 acres of manicured grounds next to the Thames. The hotel brasserie offers riverside dining, with meals prepared by award-winning chefs. There is also a fitness centre on-site.

See you there?

So there you have it: our guide to visiting Henley this April if you're visiting or exhibiting at the Henley Decor Fair. For general information about the fair, opening times, pricing, etc, please visit our Henley Decor Fair page in the Fairs section.

We visit several antiques, art & decorative fairs throughout the year to catch up with existing dealers which at Henley include Chapter Two Antiques, Cubit Antiques, Rutland Garden Classics, Thrifty Gent, William Morris, D & A Binder, La Place Antiques and No 1 Lewes.
 

Meet Liv and Rob

To meet Liv or Rob from Antiques Web Design by ph9 and discuss ways we can make the web easy for you either with a beautiful website or membership on our Antiques Boutique marketplace, just drop us an email to hello@ph9.com or give us call on 01332 898 429. Rob might even buy you a coffee! We’ll be visiting on Friday and possibly the Thursday too. Hope to see you there!