Hotel of the week

The Relais Henley WHERE AND WHY:

The Relais occupies a prime spot overlooking the river – right near the centre of busy Henleyon-thames, Oxfordshire.

Recently renovated by its new owner with Individually redesigned accommodations, this now contemporary 40-bedroom boutique hotel has been transformed into an eclecticchic waterside retreat, while upholding its history as a 16th-century coaching inn.

It’s popular with couples seeking a quiet weekend, corporate workers who book meeting rooms, and groups of friends enjoying a meal together.

ON THE MENU:

The hotel has a formal restaurant and a more casual bar – which lends itself to a game of backgammon over a pint – as well as an impressive, brand-new deli.

The gourmet deli has a separate entrance and draws in locals and tourists alike – the sumptuous display of cakes and pastries are utterly irresistible to passing shoppers and visitors.

The Clipper Restaurant opened as an outpost of Mosimann’s in London. The Belgravia club’s signature dishes are offered in a more intimate setting, which boasts attentive waiters, local beers and gins, and is open all day. A vintage dinghy hangs from the restaurant ceiling – a charming nod to Henley’s rowing fame.

The European menu includes Mosimann’s fishcakes with sauteed spinach, seared cannon of lamb with lamb sweetbread and wild garlic, and pan-roasted pave of sea trout with crispy Asian stir-fry vegetables.

The rib-eye steak Bordelaise with Orkney scallops was something special. For dessert we devoured sticky toffee pudding and a dark chocolate fondant with honeycomb ice cream.

Breakfast is not to be rushed and is the perfect opportunity to be adventurous. Cooked breakfasts – made to order – sit alongside cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and fruit salads featuring pear and fig. Not to be missed.

The Clipper Restaurant offers a two-course menu for £35; or a three-course for £43.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE:

Henley-on-thames is ideal for relaxed shopping – the high street is a two-minute walk away.

Stroll alongside the river in the evening or enjoy a boat trip during the day. The hotel has a partnership with Hobbs of Henley which offers boat hire and river cruises.

WAKE-UP CALL:

Rooms start from £190 a night including breakfast. therelaishenley.com