Henley-On-Thames

Henley-on-Thames is a beautiful and historic market town and the setting for the Spice Merchant Henley. Located between Oxford, Windsor and Reading, Spice Merchant Henley is the perfect destination for your weekday evening retreat or weekend destination. The Spice Merchant sits directly on the banks of the River Thames and is ideally located to watch the river life, especially during the first week of July when Henley plays host to the world famous Henley Royal Regatta. Within the Spice Merchant Group there are nine chefs from the different regions in India, and between them they have created a delectable menu that spans India, from the Himalayas to the Assam. Four chefs have joined the Spice Merchant Henley from the famous London restaurant Amaya. Having been taken on an eating tour of key directional restaurants, their researches have resulted in a menu that brings together tradition with innovation. The pan-regional menu at Spice Merchant Henley is arranged according to cooking styles, and offers delicious fish, shellfish, meat and vegetable options.

The Spice Merchant Henley takes its inspiration from the age-old approach to dining where, traditionally Indian gourmets would graze their way through a succession of grilled delicacies, and finish with a single grandstand dish – such as a special curry or a rich biryani. The appetisers are exquisitely presented and the extensive choice is designed to be eaten with fingers – guests should try Nalli Barra (lamb osso bucco in a well rounded masala with pineapple), Methi Fish Tikka (fresh monkfish with tumeric and wrapped delicately in Fenugreek leaf) or Stuffed Tinda (Indian squash with spiced haloumi).

The main dishes at Spice Merchant Henley are created for sharing, such as the delicious Punjabi Nalli Gosht (robust north Indian curry of lamb osso bucco with whole spices) or Bilgrami Chicken Korma (curry of dill and spinach rolled chicken and coconut and charoli nuts) is a must to try. For fish lovers, the Masala Lobster in Shell (whole lobster stir-fried in light spices and put back in the shell) is a fantastic gourmet delight. The restaurant prides itself in using the finest, freshest ingredients at every stage of the cooking process, making each meal to the very highest standards.

The tantalising food is accompanied by a world-class wine list. With a handpicked variety of wines that complement the contrasting flavours and subtle textures featured on the Spice Merchant Henley menu.

The restaurant has private function rooms for business or social events on the first floor, and the picturesque views overlook the river and provide the perfect excuse for enjoying the Henley Regatta in style.