The Fox
“Fine dining pub with a smart, contemporary interior”
WILLIAN, HERTFORDSHIRE
Our View
Sitting opposite the village pond and right next to the church, this imposing 18th-century pub is an award-winning destination, attracting locals, walkers and cyclists alike. A clean, crisp look defines the interior, while the laid-back bar, restaurant atrium, enclosed courtyard and two beer gardens are all pleasant places to settle down with the modern British menus. In the bar and restaurant, expect East Anglian ales such as Adnams Southwold Bitter accompanying fresh fish brought in from Norfolk and plenty of other produce sourced locally. There’s lots of choice on the menus – from bar snacks such as venison croquettes with pickled red cabbage and brown sauce, to main courses of Toulouse sausages with root vegetable and lentil ragù; or braised shoulder of lamb with roast potatoes and seasonal veg. Look out for ‘bin end’ wine deals and the popular themed food nights that take place throughout the year.
Awards, accolades and Welcome Schemes
AA Pick of the Pubs
Facilities – at a glance
Bar menu
Beer festival
Dog friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Functions catered
Features
- Children welcome
- Children's portions
- Free Wifi
- Parking available
- Coach parties accepted
- Garden
- Sports TV
- Main course from: £10.50
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Open all year
- Wide selection of Ales
- Wide selection of wines by the glass
- Micro Brewery Ale
Also in the area
About the area
Discover Hertfordshire
As Hertfordshire is so close to London, many of its towns have become commuter havens. St Albans, less than 19 miles (30km) from the capital, has retained its distinctive character, along with many historic remains. The Roman city of Verulamium is situated in a nearby park, and excavations have revealed an amphitheatre, a temple, parts of the city walls and some house foundations. There are also some amazing mosaic pavements.
The abbey church at St Albans is thought to have been built on the same site where St Alban met his martyrdom in the 3rd century. The abbey was founded in 793 by King Offa of Mercia, and contains the saint’s shrine, made of Purbeck marble. Lost for years, it was discovered in the 19th century, in pieces, and restored by the designer of the red telephone box, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. The abbey also contains some wonderful medieval wall paintings. Nicholas Breakspear was born in St Albans, the son of an abbey tenant. In 1154 he took the name Adrian IV, and became the first, and so far only, English pope. Another famous son of Hertfordshire was Sir Francis Bacon, Elizabethan scholar and Lord High Chancellor, born in Hemel Hempstead in 1561.
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