We were blown away by our recent review at the The Fox dining rooms – fresh, quality ingredients and an impressive menu created by head chef Dan Da Costa and his 15 strong, award-winning team.
Located in the beautiful 19th-century Manor House at Foxhills in Ottershaw set among 400 acres of the most tranquil Surrey scenery, The Fox dining rooms presents luxurious dining across three individually designed rooms, all individually themed and with decadent décor. A big nod goes to Foxhills owner and designer extraordinaire Pam Hayton who was the mastermind behind the majority of The Fox dining rooms décor.
OUR EXPERIENCE
As soon as we walked in we were greeted by the restaurant manager Reynold and friendly staff and shown to our table in their famous Music Room; with high ceilings and beautiful African inspired artwork adorning the walls. It was truly breathtaking.
We were also kindly allocated a bay window table with stunning views across the famous manor lawn, perfect for watching the sunset over the historical manor and its impeccable grounds.
It was also good to see how busy the restaurant was for midweek dining on a Wednesday night, with a large group of 20 in the neighbouring Orangery Room and 10 other tables occupied in the main Music Room.
We were asked if we wanted to choose from the ‘A La Carte Menu’ with 15 tantalising Starter, Main and Dessert Options or ‘The Seasonal Set Menu’ where you can choose 2 courses for £35 or 3 courses for £40 with delights such as Butternut Squash Veloute, Pan Roasted Seabass and Baked Vanilla Cheesecake on the 9-option Menu.
We opted for the ‘A La Carte Menu’ and we were pleasantly surprised with our option from start to finish.
COCKTAIL HEAVEN
Before our food orders were taken we were kindly offered an aperitif. With 16 tantalising cocktails we were spoilt for choice. We opted for the signature The Fox Punch, a fruity cocktail created with Vodka and Coconut Rum – the perfect refresh and start to the evening – packed with flavour and that ideal kick start.
Elsewhere, the Bubble Gum Martini took our fancy, a mixture of The Fox dining rooms liqueurs, perfectly sweet and bursting with flavour this really took our testers fancy. Not usually on the menu but the managers favourite tipple, so we thought it appropriate to try. Thanks!
SENSATIONAL STARTERS
With such a wide-ranging Menu at The Fox dining rooms – catering for all food types including Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free – we struggled to choose.
On the helpful advice of our attentive waitress we went for the Cured Salmon & Trout Mosaic. A sublime blend of succulent fish steak pieces cured in citrus, matcha, sea herbs, pear and star anais puree. The flavour of the salmon and trout was perfectly offset by the matcha, fruit and aniseed from the star anais. A must try dish, beautifully presented.
Next up, we went for the Ham Hock Terrine. Served with a delicious apple gel, celeriac remoulade and pickled walnut. Again, a taste explosion. The apple and ham combination
were a match made in heaven and the celeriac gave the dish an added kick as did the crunch of the walnuts.
Definitely to be sampled on our next visit will be the Grilled Mackerel with compressed watermelon, sourdough and cucumber gazpacho, which our neighbouring table went for. This looked utterly delicious and so well presented. As did the Jerusalem Artichoke, served on a bed of thick, doughy crumpet oozing with the sweetest truffle sauce.
Again, the abundance of choice in The Fox dining rooms menu was terrific, and will definitely keep diners coming back for more. We were sold and we have booked to come back already!
MASTERFUL MAINS
This was another hard course to narrow down. With Barbary Duck Breast, Pan Roasted Sea Trout and a Smoked Feta & Beetroot Parcel all taking our fancy on the A La Carte Menu, the decision to go for the Roasted Lamb Rump & also the Ribeye Steak wasn’t an easy one.
However, after talking to the head chef Dan Da Costa who admitted the Lamb Rump was one of his personal favourites we knew we had made the right decision.
The lamb was fresh, succulent and so tender it melted in the mouth. It was served with two large lamb fat carrots, lavage & anchovy pesto and finished off with drizzles of the tastiest goat’s curd and jus. Meat – tick, Veg – tick, Cheese – tick, Sauce – tick. Al boxes were ticked with this Masterful Main staple. Thanks for the recommendation Dan.
Next up, we went for the 8oz Himalayan dry aged ribeye steak, cooked perfectly medium rare with the tastiest Peppercorn Sauce (Béarnaise, Black Garlic and Chilli Butter were also offered on the Menu) this was served alongside the crispiest, chunkiest triple cooked chips, balsamic tomato and roasted shallots.
On the recommendation of Reynold, we went for the masterly and elegant Malbec Alpataco to accompany our main course, the Argentinean red wine was pure perfection with the lamb and steak dishes.
DECADENT DESSERTS
Despite starting to fill up we knew we were in for yet another treat and just had to try the fabulous Dessert Menu at The Fox dining rooms.
We went for the Coconut Baked Alaska which consisted of whipped peaks of meringue in the perfect shape of a rose, served with white chocolate, custard and raspberry and lime sorbet to decorate. It really looked too good to eat as our pictures here show. However, we did. And we consumed it all in mere minutes! It really was that amazing.
The Espresso Crème Brulee – our second choice of dessert was so smooth and creamy – and what an amazing blend of delicious flavours. By no means second choice! The fizz of the burnt orange accompaniment was just sublime in this ever-creative dessert choice. And we loved the hazelnut tulle, plus the Mandarin and Cointreau sorbet really offset the coffee flavours with panache.
Well done The Fox dining rooms, you have done it again.
CONTACT
Tel: 01932 872050
Email: reservations@foxhills.co.uk
Address: Foxhills, Stonehill Road, Chertsey, KT16 0EL
Website: www.foxhills.co.uk
It is worth noting you don’t have to be a Foxhills hotel guest or member to dine here. Whether it’s a special occasion, date night or you just fancy a superb meal out, The Fox dining rooms is available for all to try.
BOXOUT
WHAT’S ON AT FOXHILLS THIS AUTUMN/WINTER
SUNDAY CARVERY
Quickly establishing a reputation as one of Surrey’s best, enjoy the delightful surroundings of The Fox dining rooms for an exceptional three-course roast with all the trimmings on selected Sundays. The perfect occasion to bring together the whole family. Following high demand and popularity, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
FIREWORKS NIGHT
Join Foxhills for a spectacular display with their family firework event on the manor lawns on Saturday 2ndNovember. Enjoy winter comforts as you watch the sky light up. Warm up with unlimited hot chocolate and a delicious hog roast included in your ticket price. Get ready to dance and sing along as the good vibes rolling with music into the evening. Bring your camping chairs and blankets to stay cosy and warm throughout the evening. Arrival is from 5:30pm, display will commence at 6.30pm, with the event running until 8.30pm.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Welcome in the new year with the spectacular Black-Tie Gala in The Clubhouse on Tuesday 31st December, from 7:30pm to 1:00am. The evening promises elegance and excitement, starting with champagne on arrival, followed by a delicious five-course menu. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with a DJ from LR Disco Entertainment & capture memories in their themed photobooth; complete the evening singing Auld Lang Syne followed by fireworks just after midnight.
