The Fox Inn was taken over at the end of last year by friends Chris and Chef Tommy with the ambition to turn the pub into a foodie destination and it’s safe to say they’ve delivered on that vision. Nestled in a very affluent area and surrounded by beautiful vistas – the terrace will be an absolute hit in summer!

The pub is nestled in a nook in the road and is a typical country pub, it’s very unpretentious and is a haven for dog lovers, Ralphie our cocker spaniel was greeted with a bone on arrival. A very sweet touch.

The pub covers a very large floor space but has lots of separate areas. The bar area has a lovely open fire and round tables and has a really friendly atmosphere. After speaking to Tommy we realised this was very much by design. He was telling us how he didn’t want it to be a place where ‘drinkers’ didn’t feel welcome because it became too focused on the restaurant, with a couple propping up the bar and another man with his dog ordering a pint, this is very much a pub as well as offering a memorable dining experience.

We were here to try their new spring menu, I started by ordering a glass of the house white and was surprised by how nice it was – crisp, fresh, and light.

For starters, Rachel ordered the crispy lamb shoulder croquette with caper and sultana dressing (£9) the croquette was a sizeable chunk of crispy breadcrumbed potato with delicious deep filled tender, flavoursome lamb whilst the caper offered a lovely salty kick contrasting with the sweetness and the texture of the sultana. Sublime!

For mains, staying on the lamb theme – Holly went for the pan-seared lamb rump – crispy lamb shoulder, fondant potato, artichoke puree, wild garlic emulsion, and rosemary jus (£25). This was a beautifully presented dish of perfectly cooked, high-quality lamb and the puree and garlic and rosemary jus gave this a lovely depth of flavour. A generous quantity of meat, with the lamb shoulder (mini croquette) and lamb rump. This was a filling main but I didn’t leave a mouthful.

Rachel went for the roasted pork belly, confit garlic mash, roasted apple puree, tender stem broccoli and cider jus (£20) the pork was served rolled, incredibly moist and jam-packed with herbs. The smooth mash with the apple puree and cider jus was an understated genius. They really know how to take the classic flavour combinations and elevate them to create something unique to The Fox.

Despite being full we made room for dessert and went for the churros, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and cinnamon (£8). Churros are a favourite for Rachel and they didn’t disappoint, chunky churros (not at all greasy) and super cinnamony with a delicious sauce for dunking.

Holly was intrigued by the duck egg custard tart, rhubarb and ginger compote (£8) the colour and richness of the custard against the perfect crispy pastry was divine, and the rhubarb and ginger compote was a lovely smooth texture. Holly wasn’t sure if the ginger would be too over-powering but the tartness against the custard filling was a match made in heaven.

By this point, we were both comparing The Fox to some of the big hitters (think Killingsworth quality) but in very down-to-earth surroundings – this is fine dining where it’s completely appropriate to rock up in your wellies after a dog walk.

The food is faultless and the service was also really attentive whilst still relaxed. We have been recommending it to family and friends and will definitely be back.

The Fox Inn
Fox Ln, Boars Hill, Oxford OX1 5DR
www.foxinnoxford.co.uk/