Review on Fox & Hounds Barley
Just a few miles from Royston, the Fox & Hounds is a prominent feature in the picturesque village of Barley in North Hertfordshire. Having stood empty for seven years, it has been given a new lease of life at a cost of one million pounds by property developer Colin Blundell and friend Robin Skidmore, together with chef Brett Barnes. The Grade II listed 17th century pub has been sympathetically restored with chunky wooden furnishings, interesting pictures on the wall, wicker chandeliers and an open view to the kitchen, creating an ambience of effortless style and warmth.
Brett is an accomplished chef and brings a sound pedigree to the kitchen having worked at Michelin-starred restaurants such as The Star Inn, Arbutus and Faviken in Sweden. Making the most of the local larder together with herbs from their own garden, the menu features pub classics and pizzas alongside more modish dishes. For starters you might opt for beetroot and gin-cured salmon with potato pancaked and fennel marmalade or duck liver pâté, red onion chutney and sourdough toast. When it comes to main courses there's much to enjoy like a rabbit and bacon pie, crisp suet pastry, hispi cabbage and champ or a classic beer-battered haddock, triple cooked chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. Round things off with a gooseberry and almond tart with vanilla ice cream or vanilla panna cotta with mango, passion fruit and coconut sponge.
Backing up the food is a well-thought out wine list, guest ales and craft beers. There's a lovely outside space for dining and drinking al fresco, which is a big draw in the summer and there's also the bonus of a dedicated toddler play area.
Cuisine
Gastro pub / British
Chef
Brett Barnes
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 3.00pm Tue-Sat (12.00 - 4.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 9.30pm Tue-Sat
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express