People often refer to places as a hidden gem, and we have bucket loads of them in Henley. But gems shouldn’t be hidden, they should be worn, seen and shine bright like a diamond. So that’s why we’re saying how much we love Friday Street.

Just off the main crossroads of the town is this fabulous little street, filled with cool shops and gorgeous listed medieval and Tudor buildings which lead down to the river at Thameside.

The earliest recorded mention of Friday Street dates back to 1305, when the Rector of Henley was granted land located south of the street, along with a fishpond believed to have been situated near the river at the street’s end. This fish pond may have inspired the name of the street, with fish being sold here on Friday’s.

Seven hundred and twenty years later when you have a stroll down Friday Street, what can you find? You won’t find a fish pond but a marvellous array of eclectic shops and houses.

You can get a nip and tuck of your trousers or your regatta finery at Golden Needle where owner, Soner Sahbaz, has over 35 years of experience in tailoring and previously worked for top Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou.

In the Rook piercing studio is known for it’s unique experience tailored to individual styles, you can also explore their jewellery collection.

You can browse contemporary art at Spray Gallery which showcases and sells exclusive artwork by artists from Montpellier, who have never before exhibited in the UK. The gallery’s collection features a unique blend of street art and contemporary pieces, making it a vibrant addition to Henley’s art scene

Geo Café is one of our favourite cafes in Henley known for its Georgian treats, including the popular khatchapuri, a cheesy-filled Georgian flatbread. They also offer a variety of pastries, sourdough bread, and other artisanal baked goods. The café has a cosy atmosphere, with a cute courtyard where you can enjoy your goodies al fresco in the warmer weather.

If antiques are your thing, nip into The Ferret. The shop boasts an eclectic mix of antiques, collectibles, and unique items, including beautiful jewellery, vintage clothing, furniture, musical instruments, and even stuffed animals.

You won’t want to miss wholefood and refill shop The Willow Basket. You’ll find a variety of organic and natural products, including grains, cereals, nuts, herbs, and spices, all hand-weighed so customers can purchase just the amount they need. One of the highlights of The Willow Basket is its selection of delicious ice creams made with 100% organic milk and natural ingredients.

If you’re after takeaway Fish & Chips or a Chinese, the new owners of Full House have you covered.

More bits and bobs and bric-a-brac can be found in Corner Copia on the corner of Queen Street with a variety of beautiful and unique chinaware items, making it a great place to find different gifts and grab a bargain.

Richard Ways antiquarian book shop is full of a diverse collection of rare, vintage, and second-hand books from various eras and genres. You can find everything from classic literature and detective fiction to aeroplane manuals, vintage maps and prints.

At the end of the street stands The Anchor, a traditional British pub that has been serving patrons since 1847. The building itself dates back even further, possibly to the 17th century. Stop by and say hello to the new landlord, Elliot. Enjoy the cosy fire during chilly weather or relax in the suntrap garden at the back in the summer, along with a refreshing pint and a bite to eat.

After that you can walk off your shopping and eating with stroll by the river. Not a bad way to amble around discovering new places to shop and things to see in Henley. After all, it is all about the experience!