Henley-on-Thames has truly become a destination of foodie excellence, as is apparent by the recent sweep of Great Taste Awards. Local producers like Gelato Henley and The Henley Distillery have been lauded for their exceptional products, from ice cream to rum. Celebrate the taste of Henley and discover why these producers are at the top of their game!

As quoted from Nettlebed Cheese, ‘These awards are often dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the food world. These accolades hold immense value for both producers and consumers alike. When you see the black and gold sticker on a food product you know you’re about to eat something truly exceptional, a product that has been rigorously blind tested by a panel of experts.’

Here are all the incredible products from incredible producers:

Nettlebed Creamery – It wouldn’t be the Great Taste Awards without seeing stars being given to the ultimate cheeses produced here. Having won Gold and Bronze in the World Cheese Awards Witheridge in Hay picked up 2 stars and Highmoor 1 star. You can buy direct from the creamery (and indulge in a cheese toastie whilst you’re there) or from the many stockists in and around the local area – Nettlebed Creamery

The Henley Distillery – A total of ten stars have been awarded for the rums and gins from this exceptional award winning distillery 2 stars for their Classic Dry Gin, 1 star for four of their other gins and 1 star a piece for for its trinity of rums, Temple Island Coffee Rum , Temple Island Spiced Rum & Temple Island White rum. Available to purchase direct from Pavilion Foods and The Henley Larder, or direct from the distillery – The Henley Distillery

Honey Hills – Adriana who is from Romania along with her husband Phil who live in Park Corner, says that they have created Honey Hills to bring you the most delicious, pure and rare organic honey varieties they can find anywhere in her homeland. They received a plethora of one stars for their Carpathian Honey with no less than eight different honeys awarded. Available to purchase from their online shop – Honey Hills – Artisan Raw Organic Honey Gifts

Copas Traditional Turkeys – It’s not just their amazing turkeys that you can get from the Copas Farm as this years awards show. Their rump steak Galloway Beef was awarded 2 stars, they got a 1 star for their Thoughtful Producer chicken products and whilst you’re devouring some of their chicken wings you can quench your thirst with their 1 star Copas Small Batch Rosemary Gin. All products are available from their online shop copasfarmshop.co.uk

Laceys Farm – An awesome quadruple of 2 stars all round for Laceys Farm’s Whole Milk, Double Cream, Sirloin Steak and Top Side Beef Roasting Joint. Now much to say but get on down to their farm shop! – Laceys Family Farm

Pavilion Foods – This independent fin food store and cookery school always delivers, this year 2 stars go to their British Strawberry Preserve with Hundred Hills Sparkling Wine which the judges said ‘A celebration of the English strawberry at its peak, this is a delight from start to finish’. Available to purchase in store – Pavilion Foods | Deli and Cookery School in Henley

Bosses Biltong – Though based in Bracknell, this Biltong will be familiar to those of you who shop at the fantastic Henley Farmer’s Market as Bosses Biltong is a regular trader where you’ll find this wonderful Garlic Biltong that received one star. You can purchase at their market stall or online biltongemporium.com/s/shop

Gelato Henley – Some of the finest gelato is to be found here in Henley, and we won’t argue with that. Just get on down to The Scoop Room in Duke Street for a scoop or two of their Coffee Gelato which received a 1 star and an impressive 2 stars went to their Pistachio gelato. You can buy direct online, but the best way to eat eat is from their cute little kiosk in town in a cone or a tub! Gelato Henley – Bowl Tub Cone Love

Johnny HoT Stuff – Henley’s hottest fella, a British Belizean chilli enthusiast who makes the most amazing sauces and this year the Great Taste sticker goes to his Naga & Lime Chilli Oil being awarded with 1 star. You can buy direct from his market stall or shop online – Chilli Hot Sauce | Johnny Hot Stuff

Swaadish Curry Sauces – If you haven’t tried these sauces yet, where have you been? Jez aka The Bowler Meatballs one of the UK’s fist food trucks and four Gujarati sisters are the geniuses behind these wonderful sauces and their Coconut Curry sauce has been stamped with a 1 star endorsement. Buy direct from their online store or check for local stockists Authentic Gujarati Cooking Sauces | Swaadish Curry Sauces

Bray Cured – Another familiar foodie product you’ll see regularly at the Henley Farmers Market. British charcuterie at it’s finest and this is proven with their English Coppa and Longhorn Beef Pepperoni receiving a 1 star accolade. Shop online at Bray Cured or from their market stall.

Bold Bean Co – OK so Bold Beans aren’t actually produced in Henley but they are the brainchild of super talented Henley girl Amelia Christie-Miller who has made the UK bean obsessed, and we doff our cap to her. Seriously, try ALL THE BEANS, they are incredible. The beans got a bold total of six 1 star awards, and two 2 stars with the Queen Borlotti Beans and Queen Chickpeas Buy direct from Bold Bean Co – Shop All or from local stockists. They are also available in supermarkets, but please shop local folks!

That’s a big list for you to start trying . How lucky are we? ENJOY!