Fox and Hounds, Riseley

I discovered this gem a year ago, and have been back about twice a month ever since. I have to say that the surroundings are beautiful and authentic, being around 450 years old, and I honestly can't get enough of the steaks! Yes it's expensive - but if you want cheap food, go for MacDonalds. You get what you pay for! And the jovial landlord always makes me smile; I'm often slightly disappointed when he isn't there! I TOTALLY disagree with whoever said the landlord was "rude and arrogant", as he is genuinely friendly and the reason many peope go to to this restaurant in the first place. And we love his 'tash!

Whenever we eat there, the service is generally really good. The staff are mainly teenage, which is really nice as the owners seem to cater for kids in the village. They have always been very polite to us, very smiley and friendly, and the bar staff are always very on the ball. The landlord's wife, Lynn, stands at the end of the bar doing bills, and she is always incredibly chatty as well!

The food is cooked on a grill in the middle of the restaurant, and it's awesome to watch your steak being cooked to perfection from your seat. They also offer sides like chips, salad, onion rings, mushrooms, roast mediterranean veg etc, and my favourite, pepper-corn sauce! All of these accompany the steak well, and the blackboard menu is pretty extensive too. As for pudding, there's always a good selection, presented well (especially the profiteroles) and are all very tasty.

If you want good food, this is the place to go!

14 Nov 2009 12:36