What’s on the Bar with the Fox & Hounds
The Grade II-listed pub underwent a £1m refurbishment inside and out in 2019 by childhood friends Robin Skidmore and Colin Blundell after being closed since 2012.
The duo went on to team up with acclaimed chef Brett Barnes to develop a unique food offering.
The Morning Advertiser spoke with general manager Ricky Williams to find out all about the drinks on offer at the pub including a focus on premium, alongside recognisable brands that all complement the food offer.
Seasonal focus
The 350-year-old venue aims to pay homage to the traditional pub as well as offering an ever-changing, seasonal menu.
In fact, seasonal is key to the drinks menu as well with the cocktail offer changing every six weeks, in line with menu changes.
Cocktails have a classic theme but with the pub’s own twist such as an Aperol 75 – a twist on a French 75 in a bid to help provide guests with something they haven’t tried before.
Furthermore, local is a feature on the drinks menu with beers brewed nearby on rotation as well as a number of cider options from a supplier in a neighbouring county.
Local suppliers
The pub also buys all its wine from a nearby business, which means there is a crossover of customers, meaning the wine is really tailored for many of the local guests.
When it comes to a low and no offer, the pub does provide options such as non-alcoholic lager and gin for those not wanting to drink alcohol but it’s a relatively small part of the pub’s range.
Williams said: “For us, we are country pub. I know there is demand for low and no in other parts of the country but maybe a bit more towards London.
“There’s definitely a need for it because people do drive to the pub however it’s not necessarily our core offering [but] it’s good to have different options on there.”
That’s a flavour of what guests can quaff at the Fox & Hounds but listen above for the full discussion.
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