Henley has a habit of reinventing itself with sparkly new stuff, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a year of exciting new chapters.

The closure of the River & Rowing Museum last September was a real loss for the town, but its story is far from finished. The building is now on the market — a cool £3 million if you happen to have it lying around — and interest is reportedly strong with numerous expressions of interest including community, leisure, property and educational groups. River House Henley, has launched its #henleysaysyes campaign as part of their bid, as they describe ‘Designed for wellness – made for family’ for a ‘Gym, Crèche, Soft Play, Cafe, Restaurant, Co-working and Padel all overlooking the River Thames’.

A second locally based group, The Museum Henley, has also stepped forward with a vision to create the town’s first social‑enterprise community hub: “Community. Creativity. Opportunity.” They have said that they are exploring viability into an immediate opening should they win the bid, and to breathe life and soul back into the space and immediately offer revised offerings of their long term plans. They do note “that is currently speculative as further understanding into urgent building repairs and finances of our social enterprise will ultimately determine the feasibility of this immediate opening”.

Image © River House Henley. Used with permission

After much rumouring the award winning discount food retailer Aldi has announced plans to open a new store in Henley and has launched a public consultation., alongside Henley being listed as a desired location for an M&S retail food outlet.

Meanwhile Henley may soon have its own voice on the airwaves. Former Town Centre Manager Paul Carey has stepped away from his council role to spearhead the launch of Henley Radio, a new community station set to begin life online before aiming for an FM/DAB licence. It’s early days, but the ambition is clear — full studios, local programming, and a fresh cultural spark for the town.

Paul says, “Henley is a community like no other and the new radio station aims to bring people together and give a voice to all the amazing groups and the things that people are doing in town”. If anyone is interested in volunteering and getting involved email studio@henleyradio.com or sign up to their mailing list at www.henleyradio.com.

Henley Radio – A new community radio station for Henley

The Scoop Room, Henley’s beloved gelato makers, are on the move too. Early 2026 will see them relocate to larger premises on Reading Road, formerly PRLA, complete with indoor and outdoor seating on the sunny side of the street.

Quint Projects, a stylish architecture and interiors studio based in Kidmore End, has also teased something exciting for Henley in what was the iconic Barclays bank building on Hart Street. You may have spotted their window hoardings citing mystery of what is happening inside. All still hush, hush and firmly under wraps. Exciting times.

Riviera House Boutique in Bell Street are due to open their doors imminently though they are currently doing private previews and purchases via their Instagram account.

Riviera House Boutique to open soon

As Experience Henley exclusively revealed, SUMO sushi bar is opening in Gardiner Place this January with the fit out well under way. Amorino Gelato with its signature rose-shaped scoops has also begun work on its corner site at Gardiner Place and Market Place.

Harris + Hoole coffee shop has expanded into what was previously Drifters Coffee Shop later home to Mexican taco joint Gringo Loco.

From January, Coppa Club’s Bloody Mary Station will be available at Coppa Henley every Sunday, fully stocked with everything you need to build your perfect drink – choose from Bloody Mary, Bloody Maria, Red Snapper and Virgin Mary.

Henley Festival have announced that Hemani will be the new headline sponsor with the 2026 line-up to be announced soon and tickets on sale in February.

All along with more newness to come, a cracking programme line up at The Kenton Theatre, plus a summer season packed with festivals and sporting events (including some new ones!) Henley really is the place to be.

Buckle up, 2026 is looking like a good one.