“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” – Seneca

I have had this concept rolling around my mind for a long time now. Perhaps I’ve had it in mind throughout the lifespan of The Henley Larder perhaps far longer than that. I certainly can’t claim it as an original thought, I expect Philosopher Seneca might have something to say about it at the very least.

A fresh page, a new start, starting from scratch and all such cliches apply and these are all words I have used when talking about new stages and phases of the Larder. Whether that was moving the shop from Bell St to Duke St, adding a new offer or saying goodbye to one of the producers we stocked or of course the big one – moving the business online. Every change sparked a new beginning of sorts, some big, some small.

I grew up in Henley and although I went away to see a bit of the big bad world outside of our towns cosy embrace, I have always kept an eye on its goings on as I do so now from my new home in Devon.

I used to love a trip to the Henley high street as a child from far away Remenham – whether that was to the pet shop to stare longingly at guinea pigs, The Eight of Harts chocolate shop keeping my little fingers crossed for a violet cream, Allens to watch them glide around packing groceries the air filled with the smell of spice or Asquiths Teddy Bear Shop in the hope to go into their beautiful little tearoom for a teacake. A foodie lady even then… apart from the guinea pigs!

And there have been a whole heap of changes since my childhood days and many a business has come and gone and some have stood the test of time – I’m looking at you Henley Pet Shop, or evolved beautifully – take your bow Asquiths Bear Pawrium. Change is inevitable and indeed for the most part a positive thing when all is said and done.

It is extremely heartening to see some newly created or evolved business come to town. We had The Duke opening up earlier this year getting a lot of local love  – which was once upon a time a pub I went to as a teenager – if those walls could talk – I would ask them to stay quiet! And very recently The Three Tuns taking on a new lease of life while collaborating with a real local institution of Gabriel Machin butchers. I can’t wait to try it out when I’m next in town.

The Three Tuns Grilled Mullet, Lentil Vinaigrette

High streets across the country are taking a hit right now. The world has changed both in the way we shop and consume but also the way that small retailers and hospitality proprietors are treated by the powers that be and that’s a tricky situation without a doubt but there is hope.

Talking to customers I know that the passion is there to shop and dine out in a thoughtful, responsible and all the while exciting and explorative way. Whether that be online or in person striking the balance between the mundane and the marvellous and the incidentals and the independents.

I think about what I want the Larder to be perhaps even more than I should. But where I have got to so far is the importance of going back the bones of the business. Back to where I began, back when I skipped around the Henley streets seeking out iced buns. To seek out and share the best there is to offer from small producers of food and drink. Simple.

So perhaps the new beginning I see on the horizon, for there is one coming  for the Larder I can’t wait to share with you isn’t new at all. Perhaps instead its about going back to start. Time to roll the dice and make my next move.

The Henley Larder Regatta Picnics

I’m looking forward to heading back to beautiful Henley for the Regatta and even more delighted to have been encouraged by some of my lovely customers to bring back picnics for that week. So get your orders in now and just because I love Experience Henley and all it does so much I want to offer card holders an extra special deal for picnics that week. A huge 20% off. Now that’s a deal you can’t refuse. Head to your Experience Henley App for more details and head to www.thehenleylarder.co.uk to get your orders in now.

And I’ll leave you with one final thought. The quote at the top made by ancient Roman philosopher Seneca – turns out its also lyrics from Semisonics classic tune ‘Closing Time’ – I knew I liked that song.

Zoë xx