REVIEW: The Fox, North Waltham (From Basingstoke Gazette)

REVIEW: The Fox, North Waltham

9:42am Monday 22nd August 2011 in Taste and Tell By Joanne Mace

The Fox, North Waltham, RG25 2BE

01256 397288

thefox.org

I WAS almost already won over by this very popular country pub when I spotted the play equipment in the pretty garden.

Despite the rain, it was clear that this would be an excellent place to take children and enjoy an al fresco bite looking out over the surrounding fields.

The M3 was only a short distance away but my companion and I were in the middle of rural bliss.

After a friendly welcome from a lovely gentleman, we were seated at a wobbly table and presented with menus. As an aquaphile, I rejoiced when a full jug of water with ice and lemon was placed on the well-appointed table without having to be requested. When empty, it was immediately replenished, again without us having to ask.

After selecting wine, we opted to start with a shared special, deep fried whitebait. A hearty portion arrived at the table perfectly piping, accompanied by the dish’s mayonnaise and a really good warm bread and cold butter.

Our selected mains, due to the inclement weather, were on the wintry side; Hampshire venison with mushrooms, shallots, spinach, swede – creamed and in crisped slices – potato and a port glaze, and a cheese soufflé. My knife had to do a little bit of work with some of my venison, the glaze of which was more of an abundant gravy, but my companion was wholly delighted with her soufflé, which, the server informed us, is one of the venue’s most popular dishes. I had a bite and yes, it was absolutely heavenly.

It was equally impossible to resist what was billed as a clafoutis on the dessert menu. In reality it was a melting caramel-ly middle chocolate pudding, surrounded by a sea of rich sauce and accompanied by ice-cream. We polished it off, plus a mini plum crumble and custard – the female server had to return to check which accompaniment we required with it, but the latter had congealed by the time I had my turn.

As the evening wore on, I began to ponder what future familial celebrations were approaching which would give us an excuse to return.

The Fox is unquestionably a gem – boasting friendly, swift and unobtrusive service and fantastic food, all contained in a cosy yet elegant dining room. We will be back!