Serving up a tasty programme at Henley Literary Festival
Calling all foodies of Henley and the surrounding areas, if you haven’t booked a seat at the table, well in the audience, for this fabulous gastronomic line-up, then who even are you?
There’s a smorgasbord of brilliant chefs and critics taking the hot seat at this year’s Henley Literary festival, and there are some heavy hitters, from interactive wine tasting sessions, to baking icons and jazz pianist critics. The programme has certainly whet our appetite.
Join Laithwaites Wine School on Sunday 5th October 6pm & 8pm at Henley Town Hall for an interactive wine tasting session. An expert host will guide you through a delightful flight of six wines. Along the way, you’ll discover how your surroundings can influence the way you experience wine, through a unique and engaging sensory exploration
Jay Rayner brings his signature wit and culinary insight to Henley for a deliciously entertaining evening on Sunday 5th October at Phyllis Court. As the award-winning restaurant critic for The Observer, and now the Financial Times, he’ll share stories from his memoir Nights Out at Home, blending recipes with reflections from 25 years of dining and dissecting. Expect sharp humour, sizzling anecdotes, and answers to burning questions like: “What’s the ultimate way to roast a chicken?” and “If he’s so clever, why hasn’t he opened his own restaurant?” It’s a butter-smeared journey through the highs and lows of a dream job.
Diana Henry comes to Henley on Wednesday 8th October at Henley Town Hall. With over a million books sold and much loved columns in The Sunday Telegraph and Waitrose Weekend, she’s one of Britain’s most cherished food writers. Her latest work, Around the Table, gathers two decades of evocative writing, from the comfort of buttery toast to the alchemy of saffron transforming a dish into gold. Join the author of SIMPLE, How to Eat a Peach, and A Bird in the Hand as she shares the stories behind the recipes, in conversation with Rosalind Sack
Raymond Blanc brings his legendary touch to Henley on the Fane Stage at Phyllis Court for a celebration of seasonal cooking and garden-grown inspiration on Thursday 9th October. One of the finest chefs in the world, honoured with both the Légion d’honneur and an OBE, shares stories and flavours from Simply Raymond: Kitchen Garden, a tribute to the ingredients cultivated at his iconic Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. With two Michelin stars held for 35 years, Blanc invites you on a journey from orchard to kitchen, via Mushroom Valley and the Japanese Tea Garden, in conversation with Jessica Jonzen. Each ticket includes a copy of the book.
Image: Chris Terry
On Saturday 11th October at Henley Town Hall Jimi Famurewa serves up flavour, identity, and a dash of nostalgia. From a childhood of dodging vegetables and dreaming of McDonald’s to becoming an award-winning restaurant critic and judge on MasterChef and The Great Cookbook Challenge, Jimi’s journey is anything but bland. His latest book, Picky: From Fussy Child to Professional Gourmet, explores how food shapes who we are, anchoring memories, culture, and self-expression. Join him in conversation with Gurdeep Loyal for a deliciously personal deep dive into food, family, and finding your palate.
Dame Mary Berry returns to Henley Literary Festival on Saturday 11th October at Phyllis Court with a slice of her extraordinary life. Born in 1935 (the same year as Monopoly and canned beer!), Britain’s best-loved cook reflects on nine decades of food, family, and flavour in conversation with Bryony Gordon. Her new book Mary 90 blends cherished classics with brand-new recipes like Pepper Pot Chicken, Raspberry Soufflé, and a Lemon Drizzle Traybake that’s pure comfort. Expect stories, laughter, and a celebration of the woman who’s been feeding the nation for over sixty years. Each ticket includes a copy of Mary 90.
NOVEMBER POP-UP – Rick Stein brings festive flavour and global spice to Henley on Friday 7th November at Christ Church in a perfectly timed pop-up celebrating his first-ever Christmas cookbook. Just as Rick Stein’s Christmas hits the shelves, one of the nation’s most respected chefs, author, and broadcaster shares seasonal recipes and personal memories from glazed ham and mince pies to clever ways with leftovers and spice-laced dishes inspired by his travels. With decades of culinary storytelling behind him, Stein’s take on holiday cooking is both comforting and adventurous. He’ll be in conversation with Gaby Huddart. Each ticket includes a copy of Rick Stein’s Christmas.
