There’s something quietly confident about The Duke, nestled in the heart of historic Henley-on-Thames, that signals you’re in for a rather good time. It’s the sort of place that doesn’t shout but draws you in with charm, warmth and an irresistible promise of something special on the plate.
With a deep reverence for seasonal produce and local provenance, the menu sings with British pride, while the service is as easy-going and polished as the town it calls home. This isn’t just another gastropub – it’s a celebration of flavour, community and comfort, all under one very handsome roof.
Step inside and you’re met with a rich, tactile elegance that whispers indulgence without ever feeling pretentious. There’s a graceful flow from snug corners to spacious banquettes, making it equally suited to lingering Sunday lunches or lively Friday evenings.
Outside, a sun-drenched terrace beckons for crisp glasses of rosé and lazy, laughter-filled afternoons. Dogs lounge happily under tables, children nibble their roasts, and there’s a conviviality that feels genuinely inclusive, not simply curated for effect.
Henley-based Interior designer Anna Moss of Moss Living Interiors has worked her signature alchemy here, conjuring up a space that marries refinement with soul. Soft velvet seating in jewel tones, richly textured wallpapers and the comforting glow of ambient lighting strike a perfect balance between sophistication and ease.
It’s the sort of space you’d dream of replicating at home – if only your living room came with world-class food and a well-stocked bar. Whether you’re gathering the clan or enjoying an intimate dinner à deux, the room feels just right.
The aged beef fat focaccia is a triumph of chew and crunch, its golden crust infused with deep, savoury richness. Served with a generous helping of sour cherry harissa butter, the combination is a thrilling dance of sweet, smoky and spicy. It’s the sort of snack that demands torn chunks, shared messily, and quickly reordered.
Pork belly bites come lacquered in a soy and sesame glaze so glossy it reflects the candlelight. Each morsel boasts a perfect ratio of crisp skin to melting fat, delivering an unctuous mouthful that’s pure indulgence. The seasoning is bold, the flavour unapologetic, and the portion pleasingly generous.
The ChalkStream® trout tartare is a delicate composition of pearlescent fish, finely diced and seasoned with precision. Perched on a crisp fish skin cracker, the textures contrast beautifully, while avocado and coriander add creamy freshness and herbal lift. It’s a dish that’s light yet packed with clean, confident flavour.
The chicken liver parfait arrives impossibly smooth, rich with a whisper of brandy and a depth that lingers long after the last bite. A tangy orange chutney cuts through with bright acidity, while smoked almonds bring unexpected crunch and earthy warmth. Spread over The Duke’s signature aged beef fat focaccia, it’s a plate that balances decadence with flair.
BBQ lamb shoulder flatbread is a celebration of bold British cooking with a Levantine twist. The lamb is tender, charred and deeply flavoured, nestled atop pillowy bread and dressed with mint yoghurt, sharp pickled onion and a chilli heat that creeps up deliciously. It’s messy, hearty and utterly satisfying.
King prawns come expertly seared, their sweetness offset by a whisper of jalapeño that teases rather than overwhelms. Thin slices of cucumber bring cooling crunch, while yuzu essence lends a citrus hit that lifts every bite. It’s refined, fresh and quietly addictive.
The Berkshire beef striploin roast is everything a Sunday centrepiece should be – pink, juicy and bursting with deep beefy flavour. The Yorkshire pudding is sky-high and airy, soaking up the punchy horseradish and meat juices with gusto. Paired with tenderstem broccoli and garlic roast potatoes, it’s the epitome of British comfort food.
Oxfordshire pork belly arrives with crackling that shatters like sugar glass and meat so tender it barely resists the knife. The apple accompaniment is gently spiced, complementing the richness with fruity sharpness, while tenderstem broccoli and those golden garlic roasties round off a perfect plate. It’s a roast that satisfies body and soul.
The truffle and parmesan fries are not just a side, but a show-stealer in their own right. Crisp to the bite, with fluffy centres, they’re dusted in umami-rich parmesan and just the right whisper of truffle. Decadent and moreish, they demand to be devoured by the handful.
To finish, the gooey chocolate brownie is warm and wicked, its centre rich and molten like a chocolate fondant. Shards of golden honeycomb add crunch and burnt sugar complexity, while vanilla ice cream pools gently into the cracks. It’s a dessert that lingers sweetly in the memory long after the spoon is down.
And for families, there’s even more to love. This summer, The Duke in Henley-on-Thames is running a brilliant Kids Eat Free offer – one complimentary kids’ dish from the children’s menu with every adult main or Summer Set Menu dish, plus a scoop of ice cream for good measure. Running until 6th September, it’s perfect for riverside rambles, park pit stops or simply an early family supper without the stress. No codes, no catches – just joyfully cooked food and happy, well-fed children.
Henley locals and visitors alike should take note: The Duke is more than just another Modern British gastropub – it’s a proper British pub & restaurant reimagined, where food, family and fabulous interiors collide in delicious harmony.
The Duke in Henley-on-Thames is open from 12pm-11pm on Tuesday to Thursday, from 12pm-1am on Friday & Saturday and from 12pm-5pm on Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.
The Duke Pub & Restaurant
30 Duke Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 1UP
01491 526 844
thedukehenley.co.uk
