Fox

Civilised dining pub with generous food and a fine array of drinks served by ever-attentive staff

The young staff continue to keep well on top of things even at peak times in this thriving and cheerfully run place. The 1920s building was handsomely done up by Brunning & Price a few of years ago - its style will be familiar to anyone who has tried their other pubs. A series of linked semi-separate areas, one with a broad arched ceiling, has plenty of tables in all shapes and sizes, some quite elegant, and a vaguely matching diversity of comfortable chairs, all laid out in a way that's fine for eating but serves equally well for just drinking and chatting. There are masses of attractive prints, three open fires, a few oriental rugs on polished parquet or boards, some attractive floor tiling; big windows and careful lighting help towards the relaxed and effortless atmosphere. The handsome bar counter, with a decent complement of bar stools, serves an excellent changing range of about 23 wines by the glass and 50 malt whiskies, and Hobsons Best, Salopian Oracle, Woods Shropshire Lad and three guests from brewers such as Everards, Weetwod and Worfield are well kept on handpump. Disabled access and facilities are good (no push chairs or baby buggies, though); there is a selection of board games. The spreading garden is quite lovely, with a sunny terrace, picnic-sets tucked into the shade of mature trees and extensive views across quiet country fields.

Served in generous helpings, well liked food from a changing menu could include sandwiches, ploughman's with local cheeses, tomato and bean soup, starters and light bites like potted salt beef, asparagus and pea frittata, courgette and leek risotto and crispy duck hash, and main courses such as smoked salmon and haddock fishcakes, steak burger, braised shoulder of lamb or sweet potato, gorgonzola and spinach lasagne; puddings might feature passion fruit cheesecake, bread-and-butter pudding and lemon and chocolate tart; a cheeseboard for sharing comes with grapes and fruit cake.