The Bottle & Glass Inn

Locals are congratulating themselves on this newish rendition of The Bottle & Glass, a quaint inn with a thatched roof and characterful bar, located just a short drive out of Henley. Even if some of its charm is diluted by a modern extension now housing two dining rooms, there’s no gainsaying the focus of the operation or its pedigree. Drinkers looking for a pint and a snack are as welcome as those in search of a big night out. The boys behind the operation have form, having met at the much-heralded Harwood Arms in London – so expect British fare with a modern twist and plenty of seasonal accents. Perhaps lead off with game terrine, pistachio and apricot or treacle-cured salmon with cucumber, horseradish and cockles, ahead of hay-smoked venison with celeriac or Cornish cod with cauliflower, hazelnuts and sea herbs. Summer visitors have the choice of a beer garden or dining on the terrace. 

Tucked away in a land easily missed if you aren’t aiming yourself at it, the Bottle & Glass Inn is classic Wessex land – and we mean classic in a ‘cast your gaze back several centuries but apply a modern outlook’ sort of sense, if that makes sense? A thatched building just off the road, denoted by an inn-sign so you can sweep your car into the driveway. The interior has a pleasant feel, with the smartly painted walls gently contrasting the dark brown of the tables, all providing a comfortable setting with real log fires maintained. It is rather nice.

Of course, you may be desirous of a more rustic event, one befitting a farm like location. Well, the Bottle & Glass Inn have a burger barn that will fulfil these needs, with a large open space that is kept homely by hanging lighting and repurposed seating and tables. It’s fashionable, but not compensating for the food which arrives as a ‘proper burger’ that can be paired with a solidly sized list of local beers or less local wines.

The a la carte in the main restaurant is separated between lunch and dinner. Dinner comprises of classic British ingredients, fish meals (there may be some fish and chips on there), and some well prepared and seasoned meat dishes served with vegetables. This is traditional English cooking done well. The lunch menu is similar, but with a few alterations, some things are swapped out for lighter dishes, for instance you can likely expect ham egg and chips, but don’t expect a massive departure from the hearty meals that feature on the dinner menu, it appears to be expected that if you lunch here, you’ll not need to dinner here too – but don’t let that stop you if you want to go for seconds.