On a chilly and damp winter day, stepping into a cozy country pub with a warm glow is truly inviting. I had been eager to visit this charming country pub nestled in a small village in Vale of Glamorgan for several reasons. Firstly, its culinary reputation was exceptional. Secondly, despite cycling past it numerous times, I had resisted the urge to forgo biking and instead pop in for a pint.
However, the most compelling reason for my visit was that this pub is owned by a renowned sports figure. I vividly remember being among the spectators two decades ago when Gavin Henson executed one of the most memorable and crucial kicks in Welsh rugby history. Henson, not the primary kicker that day, took on the challenge with just five minutes remaining, as Wales trailed England by a point in Cardiff. Against all odds, he successfully launched the ball 44 meters from an incredibly difficult angle, leading Wales to victory and marking a new chapter in Welsh rugby.
Henson, known for his distinctive style with spiky hair, bronzed skin, shaved legs, and remarkable physique, rose to stardom. Alongside singer Charlotte Church, he formed a high-profile couple dubbed the “Welsh Posh and Becks,” garnering attention in UK tabloids and Heat magazine in the mid-to-late 2000s. His ventures included appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and featuring in The Bachelor.
Beyond his celebrity persona, Henson was recognized for his exceptional athletic prowess and dedication. Despite his penchant for standing out, he was adored by many. Henson’s preference for a low-key life in the tranquil village of St Brides Major, near his hometown, became evident in a recent podcast by a devoted journalist. While he shies away from the limelight today and rarely grants interviews, his presence at The Fox, which he acquired with his wife Katie in 2019, was indicated by a black Bentley in the car park. Following a significant refurbishment, the pub reopened in February 2020, receiving praise for its food and hospitality before facing challenges in recruiting a new head chef amidst the pandemic and Brexit-related hospitality crisis.
Presently, The Fox exudes a timeless charm and comfort. Upon entering, the ambiance felt both homely and stylish, featuring flagstone flooring, navy and off-white walls, rustic wooden furnishings, and tasteful Christmas adornments. Settling at a cozy corner table, we savored Butty Bach ale and Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager while contemplating our meal choices. The wine selection, starting at £24 per bottle or £6 per glass, was reasonably priced.
The Sunday menu, offering a concise selection of four starters and five main courses, included crispy ham hock with confit egg yolk, fennel, and apple, as well as a cod and salmon fishcake with samphire and caper butter. The mains featured roast sirloin of Welsh beef and shoulder of Welsh lamb, both priced at £23 and served with delectable accompaniments. Additionally, kids’ meals were available at £8 each. Despite being too full for dessert, options like sticky toffee pudding and chocolate orange marquise tempted us.
Our bill for two starters, two mains, two kids’ meals, two beers, and a fruit juice totaled £91 (my portion was £37), offering excellent value. The welcoming atmosphere and delectable fare left me feeling right at home, a sentiment shared by fellow diners nearby who expressed intentions to return. In essence, my experience at The Fox can be summed up in four words: a place to revisit, even if I missed encountering one of my sporting idols.
