Brewing in Henley

The historic riverside town of Henley-on-Thames, renowned for it's annual Royal Regatta, has a brewing tradition that goes back more than two hundred years. The river Thames was used as a port, bringing raw materials to the local craftsmen. Barley from the area was malted in one of the many malt houses.

In 1823 Henley-on-Thames was home to at least 12 maltsters and so far, historians have discovered 42 malt houses within the town's boundary. The maltsters had little trouble selling on their end product as nearly as many brewers set up shop to make use of the local malted barley.

Henley Beer

In 1854 at least 5 breweries were taking the local raw materials and creating ales and lagers for local consumption. These breweries included: Greys Brewery on Friday Street, Cannon Brewery behind the Argyll pub, Crown Brewery in Market Place, Union Brewery and Ives Brewery.

As with most industries, Henley saw its brewers partner with each other or be sold on, leaving only one brewer for a majority of the 20th century. Brakspears brewery was founded in 1779 and continued to brew in Henley until the site was sold in 2002. Brewing of the Brakspear brands continues today in Witney.

Lovibonds Brewery was started in 2005, proudly continuing Henley's brewing heritage.