The Fox Den

I have been visiting the Fox Den relatively frequently for a number of years. The food is pretty good, although it is not the budget option. The decor is old-style cozy, and the service anywhere up to 'okay'.

The one-star review is primarily due to a recent development. After my last visit, I received an officious letter demanding £90 for a parking offence. On further reading, it was a private parking company which had used an automatic camera system to photograph my car as I had lunch.

Due to the position of the Fox Den, driving for most people is the only realistic option. In spite of this, there was no information visibly displayed in the Fox Den, and nor did the staff mention the new system.

The demanding and bullying letters continued, in spite of me telling the parking company that I had had lunch at the Fox Den - which was evident from the fact that I had parked right outside the pub, and was there between 12:00 and 1:30. The parking company said that "my appeal had not been successful in this case".

I wrote to the Fox Den on three occasions - the third time addressing it to the landlady of the pub personally. They have not so far replied - after more than two months. The parking company only desisted after I sent them a copy of my credit card statement, which showed that I'd been at the Fox Den. I guess it was just as well I didn't pay in cash.

I will certainly never be visiting the Fox Den again - it's not worth £90.

I have to agree with the previous reviews about the poor service. One of our friends was not happy with a very tough and inedible steak. The waitress was alerted, it took ages for her to get back and in the meantime our friend ate some of the steak. Then, she said that she couldn't do anything because he ate the horrible steak! Finally, she offered to make up with dessert which was charged in the bill! When we asked, she said that it was the manager's decision.
We have not received any reply to our complain and therefore we will not be going back. It's a shame because we go for food often in the area. We would suggest the Beaufort Arms instead. Although it doesn't look as posh, the food is always fresh and tasty and great value. Stay away from Fox Den!

We stayed at the holiday inn down the road as we couldn't get into the express next to the pub. We were a party of 10 mixed with all different ages as it was a retirement for my Aunty. It was Saturday 14th Jan evening and it was very busy. The atmosphere was great along with the service and food. I have to say it's a shame it's not close to me local people are luckily to have a good decent pub that suits all.

I've been here a few times this year and the food is normally good, however the last time was a little disappointing.

Its definitely more about flavour and appearance than quantity, with a lean more towards gastropub food as opposed to traditional

The service again is normally very good but on my most recent visit was only adequate.

Hi
We stayed in express. The Fox Den was next door very handy location so I could have a few wines and walk. Choice of wine was vast and the menu was just as large. There was a choice of specials on a wooden board on each table. We were a mixed party of adults and children and there was something for all. If you couldn't find something you would like then you must be very fussy. I had the fish mixed grill which was cooked to perfection the children had a rump steak and sausage. The only thing I would say is a little more choice of veggie options would be good and we had a veggie with us. Staff were very busy but still tended to us with a smile.

I am sure that the food would have been lovely, had we had a chance to actually sit down and sample it.

We called ahead and enquired about a birthday Sunday lunch at the fox den and were told that yes, they could of course accommodate a party of 11 people and that they get very busy so in order to secure the only two large tables (with seating for 6 on each) we were advised to get there for bang on midday when they opened as it was first come, first served.

Upon entering, we were barely acknowledged and the lady who appeared to be in changed seemed very miffed that we were such a large party and refused to change any seating arrangements, then proceeded to be annoyed by the fact that we chose the two tables for 6 as opposed to the table for 6 and the table for two she had chosen, so separate from each other, we wouldn't be able to converse with two of our guests.

Her reason for not allowing us to sit at two large tables was that it was unfair on other large parties of 6 or more!

We promptly decided to leave as it took 20 minutes to discuss seating with this rather irate woman, who rather than being welcoming and glad of the business, was rude, unhelpful and annoyed at the audacity of us choosing to go for a meal together.

We ended up at a place called The Parkway in Stoke Gifford, who were not only too pleased to accommodate us, they were great hosts and we had a fantastic carvery meal. Wonderful.

I only wish I could give the Fox Den no stars, if only for its complete lack of hospitality and rudeness of its staff.

Just returned following our 3rd visit to this pub, food was excellent as usual, staff were good, nice clean pub with good atmosphere.

Pleasant place to sit with the family and have a meal. With a good choice of food and childrens menus and high chairs youd expect a lot of families but its mixed. Nice atmopshere to eat in.