Gladys Falloon Editorial

Enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles with the team at Gladys Falloon on Friday 5th December on Henley’s Christmas late night shopping evening, and receive an amazing 10% discount on any purchase. They can provide you with fabulous gift ideas this Christmas. For elegant and cosy winter looks this season they stock lined leather and sheepskin gloves by Dents, in various colours from only £24.99 and warm and elegant pashminas, shawls & stoles by Devore. Guaranteed to catch your eye are both the new and versatile range of jewellery by Isle of Bite and the fun-fur winter hats and matching jumpers by Zepla (ideal for skiing too). You can view the whole stunning autumn/winter range of fashion including suede trousers & skirt suits by Verse at very competitive prices and for more formal occasions and winter weddings they have Rose Belind “fascinators”, which are beautiful hand made feathers decorated with crystal. Now available up to sizes XXL is the Italian lace collection from Ann Balloon. The Gladys Falloon team would like to thank all their customers for their support throughout 2003 and look forward to seeing them all on Friday evening.

Business Feature - Town & Country Tyres

“Excellent” “Brilliant”, “Fast and friendly”……….. This is what their customers have remarked on questionnaires at Town and Country tyres within just the last few months.

Town and Country tyres are a reputable and recommended family run business that has been serving the community of Henley and her surrounding areas for almost 17 years. They are well known for their professional service, competitive rates and the high level of repeat business speaks volumes.

At the front of this service helm is David Yeo, the manager, who deals initially with most of the major mechanical enquiries. He is supported in the day-to-day running by his assistant manager Daniel Lunnon, and fully trained tyre- fitter John Roberts.

Offering a full service (apart from MOT), and friendly service, after 16 years in the area Town and Country have dealt with all manner of tyres from wheelbarrows to Ferrari. They supply and fit all makes and models of tyres, including high performance and 4X4. Keen to please, they have been known to assist with pumping up tyres and checking tyre pressure. A welcomed addition to extended service is the arrival of their fully equipped Mobile Call Out Van, due at the end of this month. This will enable them to come to you regardless of whether you are at home, or at the office. Saving you valuable time and effort.

Town & Country tyres are approved by all the major lease companies including Lloyds TSB and Leaseplan and trade accounts and they pride themselves on being female friendly. You can expect open honest advice, and they do not expect you to know everything about mechanics or tyres, they are happy to explain in plain English any procedures, prices and services.

They are offering a November Winter Check which includes testing and checking, Engine water and oils, Brakes level fluids, Exhaust condition check, antifreeze strength, windscreen and windscreen and wiper blades, tyres, battery condition check, brake condition check, steering and suspension.

You will be delighted with the service, the ease of parking, and of course the competitive quotes and prices as they endeavour to offer the best possible prices.

The Goose. Britwell Salome, Oxfordshire

The Goose at Britwell Salome is a handsome brick-built restaurant with parts dating back to 1728 and if like us it has been a while since you last went, then trust me, you should return as soon as possible. In May this year it changed ownership, had an extensive refurbishment, extended it’s kitchen and added a stylish outside dining space. Best of all it has brought back Michael North, this time as the Head Chef. Debbie Whiteside the front of house/restaurant manager breezed us into the new garden area, which has a decidedly English country garden meets Mediterranean courtyard feel with quality teak dining furniture in terracotta and green, traditional hanging baskets, wild roses climbing on trellis, and a laid back atmosphere aided by the soothing and ambient background music. We let the sun set as we enjoyed chilled glasses of chardonnay and studied the menus. Following our substantial self inflicted excesses of the Henley Royal Regatta and Festival fortnight, my partner and I were really looking forward to some uncomplicated, wholesome home made food in a restaurant where every thing is made and prepared daily on the premises.
The improvements are evident the moment you step in- and wow, we were stunned by this now very stylish, contemporary restaurant, and new look that has breathed new life into this tired old goose. Imagine, clean, crisp lines, the Hessian and natural oak flooring, rose coloured ceiling with embedded spotlights, cream tongue and groove walls, brick built pillars - traditional materials but a sophisticated feel. The table settings are just as stylish and simple with pretty blue and green glassware, white linen napkins, polished silverware, long white candles and fresh English country flowers. I loved the framed Annie tempest cartoons and good old traditional hunting pictures, the tapestry curtains and I there is even a glamorous Victorian silk screen shielding the entrance to the kitchen.
Imogen our waitress bought us our wine, a French 2002 Rose Domaine to compliment our diverse choices for supper. My fiancé selected the Tian of Cornish crab with avocado cream and tomato water, which was fresh, light and exquisite followed by the most amazing rich deep layered braised lamb and potato torte, creamed spinach and lamb jus. I cajoled him into sharing it with me, which swiftly turned into a “who can eat this without licking your lips competition – it was that delectable, I lasted four seconds! Luckily, he didn’t notice as he was absorbed in pronouncing he had died and gone to heaven. For me it was the fresh tagliatelle with wild mushrooms, broad beans and peas. A quessential seasonal dish. The lime green of the beans against the darkness of the mushrooms, the silkiness of the olive oil, and an unmistakable suggestion of truffles. Sensational. Following that, arrived the roast fillet of hake with crushed new potato, braised fennel and sauce vierge. It was blissfully light, yet substantial, and a superb crusty topping. It was faultless.
Earlier that evening I had murmured something about being on a diet, which I had now thrown straight out of the window knowing the desserts would be equally fabulous. In fact I wanted to try them all – so we did! Gorgeous rich Chocolate tart that you could swim in, the lightest apple tar-tatin, sumptuous sticky toffee pudding, delectable praline ice cream and, exemplary summerberry crumble with vanilla ice-cream. At this point we mused all our supper dishes and challenged each-other to put them into order of preference. Every dish had ingenious touches, a veritable home produced feel, and presentation to die for, but we found it impossible to recount a single dish that deserved to be last – They were all truly perfect.
The Goose is fast set to become the latest must-try (again) restaurant, with its spectacular new menu its new sophisticated look and Chef Michael North. A talented and fantastic young chef, who, at only 24 years old not only overseas the whole operation, but is creating food that challenges the best of the fine-dining competition. With his whole career still in front of him, he already making dishes that he should be very proud of - The feather in this Gooses cap!

A.D. Salon. Henley On Thames . Advertorial

HEADQUARTERS IS CHANGING TO A.D. SALON....Exciting changes are ahead at Headquarters; Liz Agar is acting as both mentor and advisor, as she hands over the reins to the new ownership and management to AD Salon to Angelo, who leads the look and team with the support of experienced head-technician Karen. Between them they have over 50 year’s professional hairdressing experience. They are also proud to have on board Natalie a qualified stylist who specialises in hair extensions using 100% natural European hair and Andrea who, as the youngest member of this team, has impressed both staff and clients alike having shown total and enthusiastic commitment to hairdressing which has enabled him to fully qualify as a stylist this summer.

AD Salon is more than just a cut and blow dry, here you have an approachable, experienced and dedicated team within a fresh and modern environment who offer a relaxed, creative and highly professional service with competitive and affordable prices. Take advantage of their amazing special introductory discount of 50% OFF any full cut and style. You will know you are in safe hands, with a FREE CONSULTATION. Here the team can answer any hair questions, advise on cut and colours to suit your individual style and hair type and help you update your look making. Professional products support comes in the shape of L’Oreal.

Refreshments are served all day, but if you fancy something more exciting let them spoil you with a complimentary wine or glass of lager after 2pm daily.

Opening times – 6 days a week
Monday/ Tuesday /Saturday 8.30am – 5.30pm
Wednesday 8.30am – 7.00pm
Thursday 8.30am – 8.30pm
Friday 8.30pm - 5.30pm

Highly qualified technicians
Students under 21 – 20% discount
10% discount when you book two services on the same day

The Flying Pig. Stonor, Oxfordshire

Great things have been happening deep within the heavenly tree-covered hills, on the edge of the Stonor Park Estate - Here an independently owned restaurant set within buildings dating back to the 18th Century, has been carefully, and lovingly re-launched with a style that reflects both the best of modern English luxury, and unashamed self indulgence. The Flying Pig at The Stonor Arms hotel has become an exceptional ‘restaurant with rooms’ bringing creativity, excitement and relaxation straight to us on our doorstep. Mark Van Der Goot the general manager & chef sommelier together with James McClean (who won young chef of the year in 1997) come to us here from a Michelin stared London restaurant, and they both have a passion for food and drink and pay total attention to detail.
My guest and I were warmly welcomed at reception by Marks wife Sharalyn who unveiled the refreshing new look and we were surprised and enchanted to discover that there are number of relaxing and invigorating dinning spots to choose from. Be it the blue snug that has well used leather chesterfield armchairs, deep sofas, oversized stuffed cushions, natural sun bleached woods and soft mellow table lamps, or perhaps you would prefer the thoroughly romantic conservatory overlooking the classic walled garden furnished with cream linen table cloths and glass lanterns creating a actual feel of bringing the outside in. (..and don’t forget to have a peek at the bathrooms! Decadent. Rich purple walls, chrome fittings and elegant black marble, pure French frivolity and fun, think Paris 1900’s). We opted for the inviting, glamorous and opulent Art deco style dining room that had deep red covered chairs, large glass table lamps, antique mirrored walls and soft lighting.
Just as we were thinking, this couldn’t get any better, we were delighted to discover that the team had prepared a tasting menu and wines for us - as this is an option they are developing and will be able to offer guests in the very near future. We started with a lovely savoury celeric and apple soup, celeric fondant, caramalised sweetbreads and foie gras which were twinned with 2001 Selback Ostler Reisling wine. Mark wholeheartedly explained for us each of the dishes and complimentary wine choices giving each dish real personality. Our next course was an aromatic and delightful smoked chicken and wild mushroom ravioli that had Jerusalem artichoke and toasted hazelnut veloute. Mark had chosen a mouth watering Italian 1999 Rondi di Chiarla Friuli to accompany this. It becomes evident that whilst James creates classic French cooking, he adds a twist of originality by combining cultures and by exploring taste sensations. Mark compliments this with his unparallel wine knowledge, and working together in a natural harmony they create the most amazing flavour combinations.
I deeply loved our cerviche of diver caught scallop, ginger, chilli, coriander, lemongrass and langoustine brochette and my guest had a firm favourite with the braised rib of beef, parsnip puree, baby beetroot & truffle jus with which Mark had hand picked a 2000 Australian Yerling Station from the Yarra Valley.
The team has been careful to produce a menu that will appeal to everybody. You may fancy the delicious sounding slow roasted breast and confit leg of Anjou squab pigeon with a truffled mash or maybe, if fish dishes are your true love, you would choose from pan fried halibut & roasted lobster, with shallot, carrot and fennel, or a roasted fillet of sea trout, pancetta, rock oyster and mushroom mustard grain dressing. As if that’s not enough the desserts were ludicrously tempting and delicious with either memories of summer in the shape of strawberry and basil bruchetta with crème fraiche ice cream, or warm and wintery such as the chocolate and hazelnut dacquoise with lemon thyme ice cream. Finally and reluctant to leave we rounded off a fantastic and captivating evening as we drank our coffee in the contempory and ambient Crocodile Bar, drinking coffee and chatting with the barman whilst being surrounded by the interesting assortment of grappa’s and armanac’s.
Although seriously serious about its food and wine The Flying Pig is a “fine dining experience - without the faff. ” You will immediately feel at home and be encouraged to relax and have fun with a variety of spectacular food and wine tastes. Mark James and Sharyln positively welcome your comments and questions and are on hand to make your visit as and interesting and absorbing as possible, responding to queries about dishes and assisting you to uncover the world of wine. They will do everything they can to make sure you are welcomed, looked after and relaxed. And if you don’t enjoy it – well…Pigs might Fly!

Odessey Health Club. Henley On Thames, Oxfordshire

Hot Stones Therapy at Odessey Health Club

The treatment rooms at Odyssey are warm, softly lit ,and smell gorgeous. With the soothing background music it wasn’t long before my working day had disappeared into a distant memory. The new Hot Stone therapy here was introduced from Arizona has been in use for over 2000 years. It is said to “opens up the energy centres of the mind and body, known as the Chakras, thus allowing a balance of individual chakras to be achieved. “Rebecca commenced the treatment by gently brushing my legs and arms, she then massaged warm oils to my body, creating a calm, safe and totally relaxed feeling.
After about 15 minutes she introduced the warm basalt stones, which had been gently heating up in a water bath. These stones are said to “bring about an increase in heart rate and respiration as well as increasing the supply of blood to the muscles and organs removing waste products”.
First of all to my shoulders and back, by my feet and during the therapy, laid softly into the palm of my hands. She massaged my back, and traced with the stones the tight muscle groups that had collected in my shoulders and base of my neck, loosening the muscles and relieving tension. Next, the other side; turning over I had the stones placed underneath my waist, at the point of my Sacral, and at the base of my neck.
Feeling very comfortable I experienced a deeply therapeutic feeling as the warmth slowly and gently seeped through my body during this slow, languorous treatment. I then felt her place smaller stones on my forehead above and between my eyebrows, on my collarbones and shoulders and larger warm stones on my abdomen. Then most surprisingly (and for me powerfully relaxing), between each of my toes –.this produced an amazing feeling of energies opening, and I felt like I was dropping into the earth. It was very profound.
Rebecca having massaged me to heaven, then gave me an amazing facial massage, stroking the skin up and down, and the tracing my temples with tiny stones in small circular movements, then taking them gently into the hairline like a head massage sending my mind and body floating into outer space. I was able to fell a total lightness in my whole body and Rebecca tuning into my energies. In a warm, safe and comforting space, a state of deep relaxation was achieved, a treatment that is enveloping, spiritual and unforgettable. The effect is similar to a combination of massage and sauna, without having to move anywhere in fact I would say it is like going to heaven and coming back in time for supper! Telephone Odyssey for details on 01491

Pantomime Review. Puss In Boots

A new world record was set at the Kenton Theatre with Mike Hurst’s’ Pantomime production of Puss In Boots performed by 23 of his own relatives, his children, the in-laws, grandchildren and his wife, as they raised money to donate to this Henley On Thames theatre - the 3rd oldest in the country.

As the curtain opened, the magic began as we were transported very rapidly back to ‘ye olde days’ and met almost the entire cast in a swinging singing opening chorus, setting the style, pace and level of corny jokes early on in the production. We journeyed with Puss, and (Muffin) takes the cast and audience through scene to scene in as the story unfolded, about a poor man who is given a cat by his father.

The talking cat helps his master by gaining the King’s favour. First, he catches a rabbit, and takes it to the King saying it is a gift from his master. Then, by cunning, he manages to get some fine clothes, and finally a castle. The King is convinced Puss in Boots master is worthy of his daughters hand, and the tale ends with the accepted wedding proposal. The costumes, songs, and atmosphere were created with the children of the audience in mind, and the jokes were definitely to tickle the adults, as our subject matter started with Kinky Boots, weapons of mass destruction, political puns and fox hunting are all subject matter for Mike’s hilarious, yet traditionally corny script. Transformation scene from a giant to a mouse included pyrotechnics. Mikes older children, and in laws were cast in the main character parts, and between them they played the stronger parts of the show with humour, and continuous laughs were introduced by the three peasants, who were dragged onto staged.

‘The fleas’ were played by the grandchildren, whose ages ranged from 2 – 6, who undoubtedly stole the show, with their sparkly costumes, and endearing rendition of ‘underneath the armpits’. The Giant – was brilliant, with a character that filled the stage. Mike Hurst has retained a traditional Pantomime story, updated it with modern giggles, and did not miss a single opportunity to make the most of the talents of the cast.

It is obvious that there were a few nervous faces, but the hours of practise shone through for this talented, comical, and versatile family performance that never lost its own sense of humour. Between them, they performed an exuberant and hilarious Pantomime, and it is evident from the delighted reception that the packed audience gave them, that the magic really shone through. No doubt after all the thigh slapping for this family onstage, there followed lots of back-patting over the opening of their Christmas presents.

Home Sweet Home Inn. Roke, Oxfordshire

We arrived at Home Sweet Home Inn on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. This picture-box pretty pub, excudes country living. Still partly thatched, surrounded by excellent walking country, and set in beautiful countryside this pub was already bustling with contented visitors enjoying the sun, enjoying the outdoors and most of all enjoying the food. Whilst retaining the traditional much loved charm of the family village pub proprietor Andy Hearn, has certainly made his mark since purchasing the freehold. With years of local pub and fine dining experience, Andy is also the owner of The Horns at Crazies Hill, (Berkshire Dining Pub of the Year 2001) he has the charisma and genuine hosty part to play that ensures new and old customers alike come back time after time. Alongside him is Karin Peacock, the joint licencee, who manages the staff and ambience beautifully. The Home Sweet Home Inn has been given a gently and sympathetic face-lift and updated with Andy’s hallmark laid back style making this a great place to relax and enjoy being looked after. Gone are the pink chintzy pink carpets and walls, the dark black beams and the overcrowding of trinkets and copper. We now have softer, more ambient feel, retaining the original charm by re-exposing existing interior brickwork. Beams cleaned and stripped back to a glorious natural finish, gorgeous wooden floors, and softer terracotta tones. The large dining room has all the same charm plus added intimacy with its warm red walls for dining elegance.


We were seated at a charming table overlooking the front gardens. The table was pretty with a posy of fresh cut flowers and white linen napkins. The menu is certainly comprehensive, catering for vegetarians and fish lovers as well as offering the more traditionally loved favourites from Prawn Cocktail or cheese Ploughman’s, to the more modern Aubergine and Goat’s cheese bruschetta or Nachos with sour cream and guacamole. It was not easy to decided, but I finally chose the Chefs soup of the day, which was Carrot & Orange, it was hearty yet light, the fresh chives on top finished it off beautifully, my partner opted for Chicken liver, & Cointreau Pate, beautifully presented. He found it really smooth, and loved the accompanying picante sauce.


We chatted and relaxed whilst we had a pause for our main course, which were equally traditional and exciting with firm favourites such as Aberdeen Angus topside of beef with Yorkshire pudding or Pork and Leek sausages with Spring onion mash and onion gravy, as well the wonderful sounding Pan-fried Monkfish with a light green Thai cream sauce, or Seafood and dill pancakes served with salad. Tempted by all the fish on the menu I had delicious Tuna and chilli fishcakes, I found theses to be pleasingly consistency, and cooked on the outside leaving the inside soft, moist and flavoursome, the salad and sweet chilli sauce were perfect accompaniments.


My partner chose the Beef and Hoppit Ale pie with a puff pastry Lid, it was a hearty traditional Sunday kind of lunch, which he particularly enjoys, accompanied by an additional generous dish brimming full of sauté potatoes, we shared these, and they were perfect.


I had no intention to try the dessert, but with the choices scribed up onto a blackboard in my full view all afternoon, I knew exactly what I was going to have.. the Blackcurrant and almond cheesecake with cream. It was light, fruity and rounded off a lovely afternoons lunching. Why not pop in for a great value midweek lunch which offers a Ploughman’s platter or a selection of fresh filled baguettes,
(Brie and Mango, smoked salmon and cream cheese, ham and English mustard) from as little as £4.25


We found the whole team are professional and very attentive; the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed making it the perfect mid-week or weekend treat for families, couples, walkers, and ale drinkers alike. Easy travelling distance from Henley, Wattlington, Wallingford, and Ewelme, Home Sweet Home Inn is fast becoming an epicentre of good food, laid back dining style and an assured warm welcome. Another restaurant/pub with fine dining from Andy Hearn, you heard it here first. This is the perfect way to spend a few relaxed lazy hours away from the hustle and bustle. Country living at its best.