End of an era as Henley shopkeeper Brian Westmacott retires after more than 50 years
ONE of Henley’s longest-serving shopkeepers has hung up his apron for the final time.
Brian Westmacott, who’s lived and worked at 95 High Street for more than half a century, is well-known in the town.
For more than 10 years, Westmacott’s has been a thriving sandwich and baguette shop, and many remember when it was a busy greengrocer.
Brian’s parents George and Iris Westmacott began selling fruit and veg from the same spot in 1949, sourcing much of the produce from their own market garden.
Born and brought up in the family home at the back of the store, Brian joined the business in 1972, aged 16.
Wife Sue, who’s a chef, began selling freshly made sandwiches from a corner of the greengrocer’s and as that took off and the fruit and veg business suffered from more people shopping at supermarkets, Brian decided to switch over entirely to sandwiches and baguettes.
For the past decade Brian has got up early to cook and spend hours preparing home-made chicken coronation, chicken tikka, beef, hams and bacon and tuna mayonnaise.
Customers loved being able to choose any combination and watching it made up in front of them, but another big draw was the non-stop banter.
Brian and Sue, who’ve been together for 28 years, have six children and 12 grandchildren between them so have plenty to fill their time.
Brian is passionate about rugby and played for Claverdon Rugby Club from the age of 14 to 47 and is still heavily involved as safeguarding officer and enthusiastic supporter.
One of his best offloads was passing a freshly made sandwich to Eddie Jones, when the former England head coach popped in for a bite a few years ago, after checking out Wasps while they were based in Henley.
The couple are off to Australia next year on a dream trip to see the Lions tour.
Brian, 68, who’s chairman of Henley Christmas Lights, plans to carry on with his volunteer work and spend more time on his other passion – gardening.
To mark his last day at work, Sue baked cakes to give away to customers and her daughter Holly Dalby made a special arch for the shop door.
And fans will be delighted to hear there’ll still be a chance to buy tasty food at number 95, as Holly has bought the shop and will re-open on Monday (8th April) as Henley Cafe and Tea Rooms.
Sue said: “Brian’s my hero – he’s a people person.
“He’s famous for his banter and friendly insults and was always telling people to put their phones away when they came in, so they’d talk to each other more.”
Brian said: “I’ve done 52 years and it’s time for a change now, so I’m ready for it. It’s been a good morning and customers have been bringing me presents like bottles of wine and whisky, which is really nice.
“I want to say a big thank you to everybody who’s supported me over the years.”