Henley guide · Updated October 2026
Independent shops in Henley-on-Thames
Henley has been a market town since the 13th century, and its independents are still the reason to wander Hart Street, Bell Street and the Market Place. These are the shops locals are proud of.
01 · Binfield Heath
The Henley Distillery
An award-winning craft distillery in an 18th-century threshing barn on a farm a short drive from town, named New Distillery of the Year at the Gin Guide Awards 2022. It makes gins such as Classic Dry and Rhubarb & Orange, plus the Temple Island rums. The hour-long tour with the head distiller ends with tastings and a Henley G&T.
- Tours led by the head distiller
- An 18th-century threshing barn
- Gins and Temple Island rum
02 · Hart Street
Asquiths Bearpawium
Founded in 1984, Asquiths was one of the world's first shops dedicated to teddy bears. It is packed with them, from collectable Steiff bears to regatta bears in striped blazers and Henley jumpers, alongside soft toys, doll accessories and mouse houses. You cannot miss the giant bear outside.
- Open since 1984
- Collectable Steiff bears
- Regatta bears in striped blazers
03 · Bell Street
The Bell Bookshop
An independent bookshop in an 18th-century building on Bell Street, with fiction, children's books for every age, cookery, travel, history and biography, plus cards and gifts. It runs regular author events and is the bookselling partner of the Henley Literary Festival.
- Bookseller to the Henley Literary Festival
- Children's books for every age
- Regular author events
04 · Market Place
Gabriel Machin
Henley's traditional butcher, trading on the Market Place since the late 19th century. Alongside meat it sells game, fresh fish and cheese, and its sausages have won awards. At Christmas it takes orders for turkeys and geese from Starveall Farm near Thame.
- Trading since the late 1800s
- Award-winning sausages
- Game, fresh fish and cheese too
For Henley businesses
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Shops: quick answers
The questions people ask most about shops in Henley.
When is the market in Henley?
The Charter Market runs on the Market Place every Thursday.
What is Henley's famous teddy bear shop?
Asquiths Bearpawium on Hart Street, open since 1984 and one of the world's first shops dedicated to teddy bears.
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