Our Venues
One of the great strengths of the Henley Literary Festival is the beautiful venues within the town that we use. We would like to thank all of the venues that we used in 2011. The details are below.
The Kenton Theatre
Built in 1805 the Kenton is the fourth oldest theatre in the country and has had spells as a non-conformist chapel, a school, a church hall and a scenery store. In 1935 it reopened as a theatre with professional repertory companies. Now run on a voluntary basis , its experience of high-profile events make it an ideal venue for the Literary Festival.
The River & Rowing Museum
The River & Rowing Museum celebrates three themes: Rivers, the sport of rowing and the town of Henley-on-Thames. The Museum, an impressive modernist structure clad in green oak, offers an impressive collection of unique objects and interactive exhibits. Events take place in the attractive Thames Room with its glass-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river and meadows, the Arbib Education Centre and in the Rowing Gallery. An extensive redevelopment of the River gallery is currently in progress, and the first section Life is now open!
The Town Hall
The present Town Hall, built in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, opened in 1901. This beautiful building represents the heart of Henley both geographically and philosophically, and we are grateful to the Town Council for allowing us its use. Events, this year with an enhanced sound system, take place in both the stunningly-decorated main hall and the wood-panelled Council Chamber.
Hotel du Vin
The classical Georgian façade of the old Brakespears Brewery on New Street, only 50 yards from the riverside moorings and in the heart of the historic town centre, is home to Hotel du Vin & Bistro Henley-on-Thames. This has been a venue for the authors green room for the past four years and we plan to use it again for special events.
Bix Manor
The Hall family has been hosting wedding receptions and very special occasions at Bix Manor for 25 years. The 17th century brick and flint Great Tithe Barn seats up to 150 guests and The Manor House set in 7 acres of grounds is available to rent separately. Gary & Louise Hall are looking forward to welcoming the audiences of the Henley Literary Festival to their peaceful and hospitable home for the first time.
Le Parisien Restaurant
Set in the heart of picturesque Henley Upon Thames, the newly re-launched Le Parisien prides itself on its gastronomic dining combined with fine wines, warm atmosphere and excellent service. Created by Head Chef and Patron, Philippe Brillant, his vision was to create ultra fresh French cuisine which combines authentic French regional character with gourmet specialities. The Literary festival will use the the Pavilion conservatory in the garden which has large French windows leading onto a private garden terrace and is a wonderful location for meetings, cocktail parties and private dining. The restaurant is located next to the bell bookshop on the map.
Phyllis Court Club
Established in 1906, Phyllis Court is a private members' club with the finest riverside location in Henley. A Georgian mansion set in 18 acres with rolling lawns, events will beheld both in the Grand Ballroom and in the Grandstand, a glass-structured building on the edge of the water. Its tranquil setting, not normally open to the public, provides an inspirational location in which to hear our speakers.
The Hibernia
Commissioned by Hobbs in 2001, The Hibernia represents a new and exciting concept in passenger vessel design. Encased in glass it allows guests wonderful panoramic views views as well as dry accommodation in comfort, lending itself perfectly to what has become one of our most popular events, the River Readings.
Hot Gossip Coffeehouse
A welcome addition to Friday Street in recent years, Hot Gossip is a much-loved local cafe with a lovely atmosphere and an excellent range of drinks and snacks. Previous years have proved it to be the perfect intimate venue for performance poetry readings in the evenings during the Festival.
Stirring Stuff - the Henley Cookery School
Stirring Stuff the Henley Cookery School is set in beautiful surroundings. Housed in an attractive C17th converted barn in Badgemore, 1.5 miles from the centre of Henley, the stylish purpose built kitchens provide a light and comfortable ambiance. Outside, the charming herb garden adds interest and pleasure to your visit.
Henley Rugby Club
One of 2011 new venues for the literary festival Henley Rugby Club was founded in 1930 as Old Henleiensians (old boys of Henley Grammar School). Always a vibrant and locally respected Rugby Club, Henley’s fortunes began to soar when SIR CLIVE WOODWARD became the 1st XV coach in 1990. Currently Henley occupy a respectable top 50 spot, firmly established in National 2 South with an eye to climbing back up the pecking order. Henley are clearly the premier club in the Thames Valley. Henley’s ground DRY LEAS is the club’s ‘jewel in the crown’. The ground is barely a stone’s throw from the river and reflects everything that you might expect from the world famous regatta town of Henley–On–Thames.
The Lamb
The Lamb is a picturesque country pub built in 1520 and located in the hamlet of Satwell, 4 miles from the centre of Henley. The Lamb is renowned across a wide area for great value and high quality food, beer & wine, and the friendliest of service. It has won a number of awards in recent years including CAMRA Pub Of The Season. Exposed low beams add character, the pub is furnished in a traditional English style and candlelit in the evening. The large garden comes into its own from late Spring onwards, while the huge open fires makes it a cosy winter retreat. The Lamb is offering special deals to all literary festival goers - details are included in the printed programme below Larry Lamb's event. For reservations call 01491 628482. Website: www.thelambpub.net
