Fox is another winning start for former rugby star Henson
starters and around eight mains, and there was only one vegetarian option for the main course (unless you count fish as part of a meat-free diet).
For the quality of food, the menu is competitively priced with starters ranging from £5.95 for soup of the day to £9 for the lobster fish fingers. While I was tempted by the chilli salt squid (£7) and the chicken and ham terrine (£8) also sounded appealing, I went for the lobster while my partner ordered the soup.
The lobster was beautifully presented but there was actually only one fish finger and it looked more like a spring roll to me so the menu description is etarian option) with the most expensive being the Welsh beef platter at £23. My boyfriend chose the caramelised pork belly (£15.95) while I went for fish of the day (pan fried salmon), which was £12.95.
Unfortunately when I ordered (just after 7.30pm) the salmon had run out but I was offered cod as an alternative – and I’m so glad I went for it.
The large juicy fillet crumbled as soon as you put your fork into it.
It was beautifully cooked and there wasn’t a bone in it, while the bed of smooth creamy mash, green beans and thinlysliced radish were perfect accompaniments.
When it came to the pork, there was plenty of meat with a crispy skin. The chunky apple sauce brought out the flavours and the side portion of the Fox chips (£3.50) was money well spent –triple cooked with delicious crispy skins, fluffy insides and the most delicious seasoning, I dare you to find better.
Have I mentioned presentation? As well as tasting great, these meals were among the most Instagrammable you’ll find: they look far too good to eat but you’ll be glad you tucked in.
The desserts – all costing £7 –included sticky toffee pudding, lemon posset and waffles.
We went for the vanilla strawberries which were thinly sliced and came with poached rhubarb and sorbet and while it was a lovely sweet finish, it wasn’t worth the price.
The cheeseboard, however, was worth the money and featured a good selection of soft and hard cheeses as well as a few grapes and thin pieces of celery. One small gripe is that they could have had a few more biscuits.
Overall we were really impressed with the Fox.
The service was friendly, the atmosphere was lovely and the food exceeded expectation.
It seems that Gavin Henson has got off to another winning start...