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A 4 minute Read by Suzy Hobbs
We sit down for a chat with Jonathan Hobbs, our Managing Director of Hobbs of Henley and fifth-generation river man, to talk family legacy, the magic of the Thames, and what it means to devote your life to the water.
Here’s what he had to say…
Q1. What inspired you to continue the Hobbs of Henley legacy?
I’ve always loved the river and always enjoyed being on it. It’s in my blood really. Our family has been part of the River Thames for generations. My great, great grandfather Harry Hobbs and his sons built the boathouse we still operate from back in 1898. We’ve grown a lot since then, today we have the largest fleet of boats on the Thames, including our flagship, The New Orleans, which looks like a Mississippi paddle steamer and carries up to 125 passengers.
But even though I loved the river, it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that I’d join the business. I studied elsewhere, explored other paths, and it was only after graduating that I realised what a fulfilling way of life it could be. In 2012, I took over as Managing Director when my dad Tony retired. And honestly, I’ve loved it more every day since.
Q2. Do you have a memorable story from your childhood connected to the business?
Oh, plenty. When I was a kid, we were still building boats, proper wooden boats. I remember wandering into the yard and seeing these incredible craftsmen, real old river characters in their boiler suits. They’d all looked at me and said, “So, when are you starting work then?” It was a bit intimidating at first, but magical too. My first real job, aged 14, was baling out the rowing boats that had filled with rainwater overnight or scrubbing slipper launches. It was a grounding experience.
Q3. What makes the River Thames so special to you?
It’s hard to explain unless you’ve grown up with it, it’s just part of me. I’ve spent my life on this river. One of my favourite stretches is Cliveden Reach. You pass through Cookham Lock and suddenly you’re in this quiet, dramatic bit of river with steep wooded banks, and Cliveden House high on the escarpment. It’s stunning.
Henley in July is just pure magic. The regatta, the traditional boat festival… it’s like Venice! Boats of every kind – slipper launches, steamers, speedboats, even the odd gin palace – all gliding past each other in this wonderful choreography. Everyone’s celebrating the river and just enjoying being on it. You really feel the life and spirit of the Thames come alive.
Q4. What’s your favourite experience to offer guests?
It’s always about making it personal. Guests step aboard our larger boats and you immediately see their eyes light up. The polished wood, the gleam, the atmosphere. And it’s not just about the boats, it’s our team too. Many have been with us for years and they get what we’re about. Add in some great food, a glass of something chilled, and a backdrop of the English countryside… it’s the full, immersive river experience.
Q5. How have you seen the Thames change over the years?
It’s become more unpredictable, especially with climate change. We’ve had serious floods that have hit us hard – like in 2009, when six weeks of our peak season were wiped out. That kind of uncertainty forced us to diversify. We expanded our mooring business (owning 120 now) and converted our chandlery into a successful restaurant. That stability means we’re better prepared, whatever the river throws at us.
Q6. What makes Hobbs of Henley unique to you personally?
It’s the heritage. Being the fifth generation in the business gives you a real sense of continuity, of being part of something bigger. You walk into our boathouse and feel that history around you. We’re not just running a business, we’re carrying forward a family story that started in 1870. My dad, Tony, was a Queen’s Waterman, and now I’ve been appointed one too. That tradition, that link to the river and our national heritage, is very special.
Q7. What’s next for you and the business?
We’re always looking to evolve and expand. Alongside Hobbs of Henley, one exciting area we’ve more recently ventured into, is Mr Hobbs Gin. A project Suzy and I started after researching Harry Hobbs and local botanicals. We saw a gap for a genuine Henley souvenir and worked with a Buckinghamshire distillery to create it. That kind of innovation keeps things fresh. We’re also part of the Great West Way project, which helps overseas visitors understand the beauty of the wider Thames Valley. People often think the Thames is just London, but there’s so much more to explore.
Q8. What do you hope guests remember most about their time with you?
That it was a unique experience. Whether it’s a peaceful cruise past riverside pubs or a lively regatta day, I want them to feel they’ve been part of something authentic, rooted in English tradition. And maybe, just maybe, they fall a little bit in love with the river too.
