Henley-on-Thames: Wine-focused bar and dining offer opens in town

Hof's, the newest addition to Henley-on-Thames' thriving food and drink scene, is set to open its doors on Saturday April 13 on the site of the former Station House pub on Market Place.

The brainchild of South African wine guru Christopher Hof, the new Brakspear-owned venue will offer customers a unique selection of wines from smaller vineyards around the world, coupled with advice and education. Hof's has been supplying handcrafted South African wines to restaurants across the globe since 2009, but the Henley site is its first retail outlet.

Hof's will sell more than 25 wines, served by the glass, bottle and in flights of three or five glasses, chosen by the customer or recommended by one of the in-house wine experts who will be on hand at the venue's tasting table, to guide them on their wine journey. 

As well as wines, Hof's will sell Brakspear cask ales and a full range of draught products. There will also be a selection of bottled beers as well as a select list of expertly-served cocktails. Food will focus on meat and fish dishes from South Africa, Germany, Switzerland and Japan, with a deli section offering hearty bites such as Salt Beef bagels, Beorewors and Biltong, all made on site. Sharing foods as well as individual serves feature on the menu.

Christopher Hof explained: "Hof's is all about bringing the vineyard to the customer, helping them to further their wine appreciation. We have all the well-known wine styles, as well as some more unusual ones not widely available in the UK, so we have something for wine novices and connoisseurs alike.

"Although we're serious about our wines, Hof's has an informal, friendly vibe. People are welcome to join us for a glass of a wine they already love, or let us choose a flight of new styles that will expand their wine horizons. And we've a full bar to cater for customers who prefer beer, spirits or soft drinks."

Ahead of opening, Hof's is undergoing a refurbishment, designed to reflect its wine credentials, and training the 10 new team members, led by front of house manager Sophie Meldau, who has worked for Hof's wine business for a number of years, delivering wine tastings and events around the world.

Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said: "We're delighted to welcome Christopher, Sophie and their team to Brakspear and to Henley. Their proposition of handcrafted wines and wine education is quite distinct from anything else currently offered in the town and we're confident Hof's will quickly find an appreciate audience. We look forward to helping them grow their business with Brakspear."