Henley-on-Toast... deli owner to launch pop-up cafe

THE owner of a delicatessen and grocery in Henley is to open a pop-up café next door.

Zoë Ferreira, who owns the Henley Larder in Bell Street, has taken over the former Vintique premises, which closed in December.

She has agreed a lease for an initial four months with a view to making the venture permanent if it proves successful.

The café will be called Henley-on-Toast and will open on Thursday.

Mrs Ferreira, 41, said: “My background is in hospitality and pop-up restaurants and when the space next door became available, it lent itself to extending the business.

“What we specialise in is local food produced in small batches and I love the idea of having somewhere to sit and enjoy it.

“Customers have asked me if there is seating so I have agreed a four-month deal to see how it goes and hopefully it will be a case of onwards and upwards.

“I have always liked the name Henley-on-Toast and I almost called the shop that. I just think it’s lovely and shows off the fun vibe that we are trying to create.”

Mrs Ferreira, who lives in Albert Road with her husband Andre, a podiatrist, and their dog Olivea, says the café will have a unique selling point.

“Crumpets,” she said. “We will specialise in them.

“Henley is certainly not wanting for cafés but what I do will be something a little bit different.

“We are at the end of town but I hope to bring in customers as we have Rupert House and Badgemore schools nearby and the Kenton Theatre. I think there is room for all the cafés.”

Mrs Ferreira, who attended Gillotts School and The Henley College, launched the Henley Larder in the former Henley Coffee Shop premises in 2020 as the country was gripped by the coronavirus pandemic and says she likes a challenge.

She said: “I launched a new business in covid and I’m starting another in the middle of the cost-of-living crisis, so it seems like a challenge but the reaction from customers has been so positive.

“The whole idea of the café is to continue in the same vein as the shop in using the products that we stock — the cheeses, baked goods — and using local suppliers.

“Supporting local and small producers remain at the heart of the business. I want this to be a real community café celebrating Henley. We want to appeal to parents, families, single people with laptops — and those without — everyone, as well as dogs.

“We will also have a book library where people can come in and read and swap books and also have cocktail nights and guest chefs.

“We will also be bringing back our regatta picnic hampers.”