It had been a while since we’d eaten at Hart Street Tavern, so we thought it high time to give it the Friday night treatment—and we’re glad we did.

At 6pm the bar area was already buzzing with early birds out for the evening with cocktails, beer and wine flowing, so much so that extra tables had to be brought in—a good sign we were in the right place. The cocktails at the Tavern are excellent, poured by an expert team. For a chilly Friday evening an Old Fashioned beckoned and I was impressed to be asked whether I wanted it rye or bourbon based and if I preferred mine a little on the sweeter side or less so. My bespoke Old Fashioned went down a treat.

Hart Street Tavern Old Fashioned

I thought I’d test bartender James and asked if he was able to do a Ramos Gin Fizz and instead of a blank look, which is often the case with this drink, he knew exactly what I was talking about and has promised me one on my next visit. Top marks from the bar.

By the time we took to our table around 7pm the restaurant was full and lively with a great vibe. We had a selection of snacks and starters. The Dynamite Shrimp were impressively large and the sauce is super tasty, though the batter could have been a little on the lighter side. The Cauliflower Popcorn was a standout—beautifully seasoned and perfectly crisp. We loved that the BBQ Chicken Wings were served as drums and flats, just as they should be, none of this wrestling with an attached wing with sauce all over your face. A big tick in the box.

Dynamite Shrimp

There was also a nice selection of salads on the menu, we caught a sneaky look at them on the table next to us, and there is a vegan option of arancini with a peperonata sauce. It would have been nice to have seen a parfait or a terrine on the menu to balance out the salads and the fried dishes.

Can the Tavern cook a steak? Darn right they can. The ribeye was perfectly cooked and seasoned well. Steak is a staple, easy to cook by those who know how, that can go terribly wrong so very easily by those who don’t. No worries here. Probably the best steak we have had in a while since Bistro at the Boathouse. Another good shout if you’re a steak lover.

Ribeye Steak with Chicken Salt Fries

Baked Brill with buttered potatoes, blackened cabbage and smoked beurre blanc

The temptation to have the Cider Braised Pork Belly was high, but being a fish lover the Whole Bake Brill won this competition. Again, an uncomplicated dish, executed really well, served simply with new potatoes and cavelo nero. The fish cookery was spot on, and the perfectly balanced, totally delicious beurre blanc could have been put in a cup and I’d have drunk it.

We chose to round off the meal with the coconut ice cream filled choux bun draped in deliciously naughty toffee sauce with toasted coconut adding a satisfying crunch and nutty flavour. Good job we chose to share this as it was VERY generous in size and totally moreish!.

Choux Bun filled with coconut ice cream and toffee sauce

We love the vibe of the open kitchen being able to see the hustle and bustle of dishes being cooked. Service was slick, efficient and attentive without being overbearing. The meal and experience gets top marks from us and we’ll be back very soon.

If you’re not a night bird, trying out the menu at lunch times is a great idea as they have superbly priced set lunch menu as well as the main menu Weds-Fri 2 courses for £19.50 or 3 courses for £24.50 and there is also a great selection of pizzas if you’re after something quick & easy.

If you want to try out some of their cocktails and bar snacks, head to the Hart Street Tavern for their Aperitivo Hour also Weds-Fri 5-7pm where you can grab a beer or a glass of wine for £5.00 and cocktails from just £7.00.

All in all, Hart Street Tavern delivers on every front, flavour, service, and atmosphere. See you at the Bar!

More about Hart Street Tavern

Where: 38 Hart Street, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2AU

Email: hello@hartstreettavern.com

Find out more: Visit the website Hart Street Tavern – British Restaurant and follow them on Instagram @hartstreettavern