On a cold and rainy winter day, nothing beats the cozy ambiance of a charming countryside pub. I had longed to visit this delightful pub nestled in a quaint Vale of Glamorgan village for several reasons. Firstly, it boasted an excellent food reputation. Secondly, having cycled past it numerous times, I often found myself tempted to abandon my bike and pop in for a pint.
However, the most compelling reason for my visit was that this pub was under the ownership of a renowned sports figure. Two decades ago, I witnessed Gavin Henson’s pivotal kick that secured a historic victory for Wales in rugby, marking the beginning of a new era. Henson, with his distinct appearance and celebrity status alongside singer Charlotte Church, captured the public’s attention in the mid-to-late 2000s.
Despite his celebrity, Henson’s true passion lay in his athletic prowess and dedication. While known for his flamboyant style, he preferred a low-key life in the tranquil village of St Brides Major. In 2019, Henson and his wife, Katie, took over The Fox pub, where they introduced renovations and reopened just before the onset of the Covid pandemic.
Stepping into the pub felt like entering a place with a longstanding tradition. The interior exuded warmth and style, adorned with festive Christmas decor, wooden furniture, and a welcoming atmosphere. We settled at a cozy corner table, enjoying Butty Bach ale and Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager while perusing the menu.
The Sunday menu offered a concise selection of starters and main courses. We savored crispy ham hock with confit egg yolk and a seafood fishcake with samphire and caper butter as appetizers. For the main course, we indulged in roast Welsh beef sirloin and shoulder of Welsh lamb, accompanied by a delectable array of sides.
The bill for our meal, including starters, mains, drinks, and children’s meals, totaled £91, which we found reasonable. The inviting ambiance and sumptuous food left a lasting impression, with other diners expressing their intent to return. In essence, my experience at the pub can be best summarized as welcoming and delightful, even though I missed the chance to spot one of my sporting idols.