We knew we were in for a treat when an invite to try out the award-winning Foxhills, The Fox dining rooms landed in our inbox! And the experience did not disappoint, being 5 star all the way.
Surrey Rocks Editor Sam and her intrepid diners (Emerson, Archie & Riley) decided to make a weekend of it and booked in for an overnight stay thanks to the ever-friendly team at Foxhills who organised a family room at an incredible rate, located right by the heated outdoor pool, much to our younger visitor’s joy.
Located in the heart of the 19th-century Manor House at Foxhills in Ottershaw, The Fox dining rooms presents award-winning dining across three individually designed rooms, all with stunning décor. For dinner we were seated in the Music Room; high ceilings and beautiful African inspired artwork adorned the wall, it felt truly magical.
We were treated with a diverse menu of tantalising dishes and our waiter and matre de were on point all night, suggesting great wine options and helpful pointers on the menu choices – it is worth noting that all the ingredients were fresh and top quality and with unparalleled customer service – this not to be missed, fine dining experience made it a night to remember.
FOR STARTER
For starter we opted for the Leek & Potato soup which consisted of a potato soufflé, baron bigod and leek ash, perfectly blended – the taste explosion was out of this world, definitely one of the best soups we have ever tried. The Fox dining rooms bread rolls were delicious too – cooked fresh on site with homemade creamy butter – perfect for mopping up the remaining soup. There was literally none left, not a morsel!
Next up was the Smoked Pigeon Breast which came with a blackberry compressed raddichio and parsnip puree. The meat was tender and was perfectly offset by the tanginess of the berries and sweetness of the puree. Our younger diners went for the Chicken Goujons which were superb and made with succulent chicken breast and crispy breadcrumb coating accompanied with a side salad. It is worth noting the starter portions were not huge but in a good way as we were able to try the remaining menu without filling up too much.
FOR MAINS
With such a wide-ranging Mains menu (catering for all food types including Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free) we struggled to choose just the one main each! On the helpful advice of our attentive waiter we went for the Braised Beef Short Rib – which was served with maitake, rosti and caramelised artichoke purée. The meat literally fell off the bone, was so sweet and tender…. this was the dish of the night. Luckily two diners ordered so we all got to try and everyone agreed this was the best of the best. The crispy triple fried rosti’s were an amazing accompaniment too and the jus was to die for! A glass of the red Shiraz was recommended to go with and it totally hit the spot.
Another one of our diners opted for the Confit Pork Belly, presented with crispy cheek, crushed swede and apple caramel. This was also delicious and hardly any fat. The meat was cooked perfectly crispy on the outside whilst remaining soft and tender on the inner layers.
Last up for our Main selection was the Corn Fed Chicken Breast which consisted of a crispy wing of chicken, wild garlic and pearl barley. The flavours worked perfectly and were not too over bearing as is often the case with garlic infused dishes. One of our diners was completely sold with the pearl barley too – a healthy and but perfectly fitting alternative to normal green vegetables served on the side with chicken.
Definitely to be sampled on our next visit was the Salt Baked Celeriac and Pan Fried Sea Bream which our neighbouring table went for. These also looked utterly delicious and so well presented as did the Truffle Gnocchi.
Again, the abundance of choice in The Fox dining rooms menu was terrific, and will definitely keep diners coming back for more. (We have already booked in by the way!)
DESSERT HEAVEN
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.
We went for the Strawberry Panacotta with Italian meringue, lemon balm and sable. The Panacotta was smooth and creamy which perfectly offset the crispy yet incredibly light meringue.
Next up was the Mango Cheesecake with a tarragon and mango compot, sherbet accompanied with blueberry ice cream – what an amazing blend of delicious flavours. The fizz of the sherbet was just amazing in this ever-creative dessert choice and mango and blueberry go so well together, we discovered!
Our final dessert choice was the traditional Apple & Pear Crumble which came with fudge, brandy custard, macadamia and ginger. The crumble was sweet but toned down perfectly with the sharpness of the fruit, brandy and ginger.
Hats off to the amazing culinary team at The Fox dining rooms – the food was splendid – well worthy of the 5 Star reviews. We loved every mouthful!
CONTACT
Email: reservations@foxhills.co.uk
Website: www.foxhills.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 6pm-10pm
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 delicious meal out, The Fox dining rooms is open to all.
PHOTO CREDIT: Milly Fletcher
