Côte launch to bring a taste of France to Henley-On-Thames
On 31st January, Côte will open its doors to locals, bringing relaxed, all-day French inspired dining to Henley-on-Thames.
Situated on the corner of Hart Street and Bell Street in the centre of Henley-on-Thames, the new restaurant has been created with Henley diners at its heart – reflected in design scheme inspired by local surroundings, the highest standards of service and a diverse menu that focuses on French classics and the British seasons.
Côte Henley boasts a modernised restaurant design, alongside a new menu that is bursting with French flavour, provenance and seasonality. The menu fuses the best of French cooking with the best of British ingredients. You’ll find all the classic French dishes, alongside modern twists, an increased repertoire of vegan dishes and lighter options. Côte is dedicated to sourcing the finest quality steak, overseen by master butcher, Daryl who expertly prepares and cuts every steak in Côte’s own butchery. Diners can also enjoy an extensive French cheese selection direct from the Côte fromagerie, a high-quality range of Champagne alongside an extensive French wine list that has been curated to complement the food menu. Côte has proudly added a local Henley Gin to its Apéritifs menu produced in the heart of Henley-on-Thames by Henley Distillery.
Seating 130 diners, Côte Henley will offer modern and authentic French dining. The kitchen will be helmed by local chef Shaun Rowlands, previous Senior Head Chef at HIX restaurants in London. The new team will be serving up dishes including its Côte de Boeuf – grass-fed British beef sourced from the Ribble Valley in Lancashire. The 30-day dry-aged steak, prepared in Côte’s own butchery, delivers a delicious, deep flavour and is served with a homemade truffle infused hollandaise and a choice of two sides. Or the Breton Fish Stew a dish inspired by the coastal towns of Brittany, with sea bass, mussels and prawns in a white wine and chilli sauce. For those looking for vegetarian or vegan options, Côte has prepared seasonal items such as their Beetroot Bourguignon with slow cooked beetroot, Chantenay carrots, Dijon potato purée and porcini mushroom jus. Regional specials will be a regular feature, with a Prix Fixe menu running from lunchtime until 5pm on weekdays.
Côte Henley will also be offering breakfast and weekend brunch menus, serving dishes including the classic French Croque Monsieur and signature French toast served with wild berry compote, fresh berries and crème fraîche. Guests can opt for a champagne breakfast or brunch and enjoy a glass of Laurent-Perrier NV Cuvée to complement their meal.
The new restaurant has a contemporary yet elegant French-inspired interior. Normandy artist Claire de Quénetain has worked to deliver the spirit of France with a series of bespoke mural artworks throughout the restaurant. With an open and inviting feel, show-stopping roof lanterns, Crittall windows and Art Deco accents, the evolved look enables the restaurant to smoothly transition from daytime dining to an ambient space perfect for celebratory evening meals.
Côte Henley will also be home to the brand-new Laurent-Perrier Garden, a first for the restaurant group. The walled garden will serve a selection of four Laurent-Perrier champagnes from the dedicated outside bar and features a bespoke floral installation that is the perfect backdrop for capturing summer moments.
To mark the launch of the restaurant, Côte will be sampling free tasters of cheesy Croque Monsieur, alongside warming French onion soup and delicious bites of French toast ahead of its opening day on the 28 and 29 January. The Côte du Roam van will be situated just outside the new restaurant on Market Place, giving locals a taste of what’s to come.
Ahead of its opening, Côte will host a limited number of guests to preview the new space, asking visitors to ‘pay as you feel’ in exchange for trialling the new food and drink, with all donations going to the local charity Friends of Townlands Hospital (FROTH) which helps to provide additional services and equipment to help make patients’ visits more comfortable.
David Wilkins, General Manager at Côte Henley, said: “To say we’re excited to open Côte in Henley is an understatement. We have been looking forward to opening our doors to Henley locals for a while now and we can’t wait to serve up the classic meals we’ve become well-loved for, as well as some exciting new dishes created by our Executive Chef.
“Everything from the menu to the lighting and furniture has been designed with our Henley audience in mind. We wanted to provide people with an elevated restaurant experience but, also create a space where locals could come and meet friends for no matter what their dining occasion, from a leisurely weekend brunch to Saturday night out with friends. We’re looking forward to welcoming guests in the coming days and hope they enjoy this addition to their high street.”
Côte Henley will open on 31 January, located at 2-4 Bell Street, Town Centre, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BG, with bookings available now. www.cote.co.uk/restaurant/henley/.