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Fox & Hounds, Bursledon
STALKED as it is by a ghost called George, you could be forgiven for anticipating a frosty welcome at this rural eatery.
But step through its doors and a warm, rustic charm envelops you.
It's first a feast for your eyes before your stomach gets so much as a sniff.
The walls groan with mysterious agricultural implements and an array of chalkboards offering food, wine and summer drinks, as well as cod philosophy on life, the universe and, well, beer.
This is no ghastly gastropub or village local turned snobby restaurant.
The Fox & Hounds, with it's historic barn add-on, is still a pub at heart, and specialises in honest fare, much in the vein of Southampton's equally popular Cowherds pub on the Common.
That's not to say there's not a dab hand at work in the kitchen as a starter of creamy garlic mushrooms with Gruyere cheese was ample testimony.
A steaming bowl of moreish mushrooms, topped with stringy cheese and oodles of thick garlicky sauce, was almost licked clean before me.
Another starter of deepfried whitebait, was a good example of a classic done well - crunchy and steaming hot.
For me, the simple things are generally the best.
A truly huge choice of mains dotted the walls on the aforementioned black boards - choosing was a painful dilemma.
The locally reared pork chops in pear sauce? Or maybe the aromatic Thai red curry? Neither - sweet cure bacon chops with a pair of free-range eggs won the day - a nice twist on the classic gammon and another nod to the ethos of simple things done well.
Specialising in being awkward, my better half demanded a main-sized portion of the starter she couldn't choose between.
Happily recognising that she also specialises in getting what she wants, the kitchen obliged by doublingthe portion.
And so out came two impressive goats cheese crostinis, melted and gently oozing across the crunchy white bread.
All this was washed down with a decent bottle of red wine (Fleurie) that pushed the price for a slap up meal for two to a reasonable £46.
If George has indeed picked this as his haunt for eternity, I could be persuaded to join him.
The Fox & Hounds and Lone Barn, Hungerford Bottom, Bursledon.
Tel: 023 8040 2784.
2:42pm Monday 17th September 2007
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CommentPosted by: Best Buds, southampton on 2:15pm Wed 24 Oct 07
And don't forget to mention the fantastic quiz night on Sundays. 'You gotta be in it to win it.' In the words of our quizmistress "Let's get Quizzicle!!
And don't forget to mention the fantastic quiz night on Sundays. 'You gotta be in it to win it.' In the words of our quizmistress "Let's get Quizzicle!!
Posted by: rosy lee on 12:52pm Fri 23 Nov 07
what a pity george was not on duty the night I visited with a very large group for a celebration meal, while we booked for 7.30 by 8pm we were still trying to order drinks from the bar when the waiter came and suggested we should proceed with our order!,I had to ask for replacement cutlery as it had the remains of someones meal on it! as for the meal deeply dissapointing , my husband who has a very healthy appetite remarked it would fit nicely between 2 slices of bread! chewy swordfish and cold vegetables YUK! SHANT BE RETURNING !
what a pity george was not on duty the night I visited with a very large group for a celebration meal, while we booked for 7.30 by 8pm we were still trying to order drinks from the bar when the waiter came and suggested we should proceed with our order!,I had to ask for replacement cutlery as it had the remains of someones meal on it! as for the meal deeply dissapointing , my husband who has a very healthy appetite remarked it would fit nicely between 2 slices of bread! chewy swordfish and cold vegetables YUK! SHANT BE RETURNING !
Posted by: Justine Pond, Bursledon on 10:34am Sat 8 Dec 07
I eat at the Fox and Hounds on a regular bassis and have never had a bad meal or service there. I was looking for an e-mail when I found this link to congratulate them on the wonderful evening I had there with my disabled mother this week - it is not easily accessible as are all old buildings - but the staff were wonderful and helped make it a great night out. The food was to die for - unlike most Xmas set menus I have had in the past. Well done! 08/12/2007
I eat at the Fox and Hounds on a regular bassis and have never had a bad meal or service there. I was looking for an e-mail when I found this link to congratulate them on the wonderful evening I had there with my disabled mother this week - it is not easily accessible as are all old buildings - but the staff were wonderful and helped make it a great night out. The food was to die for - unlike most Xmas set menus I have had in the past. Well done! 08/12/2007
Posted by: mark harris, soton on 8:30pm Mon 18 Feb 08
Just had a meal with my parents showing off baby photos. worst meal ive had in very long time, the venison was tough (medium rare) and the source was so salty my mouth was stinging.
Ive found the quality of food has been going down along time.(reflected in the price drops)
I shall not be returning with my parents again and shall advise friends the same.
Just had a meal with my parents showing off baby photos. worst meal ive had in very long time, the venison was tough (medium rare) and the source was so salty my mouth was stinging.
Ive found the quality of food has been going down along time.(reflected in the price drops)
I shall not be returning with my parents again and shall advise friends the same.
Posted by: Bill, Winchester on 11:02pm Sat 28 Jun 08
We have eaten at the Fox & Hounds on numerous occasions. To date we have never had a bad meal or any reason to complain. Quite the opposite, because each time we have visited for a meal we have complimented the staff on our meals. The burgers are a real meal, the steaks have always been just right and vegetarian lasagne full of flavour. The desserts are a must,so save enough room for one of them! Although we have experienced slight delays when ordering the food it has never detracted from the evening. If you book large parties show some understanding for the establishment and either arrive in good time or pre-order. The place does not revolve around one group or party, but succeeds in making each group think it does!
Well done to all of the staff!
We have eaten at the Fox & Hounds on numerous occasions. To date we have never had a bad meal or any reason to complain. Quite the opposite, because each time we have visited for a meal we have complimented the staff on our meals. The burgers are a real meal, the steaks have always been just right and vegetarian lasagne full of flavour. The desserts are a must,so save enough room for one of them! Although we have experienced slight delays when ordering the food it has never detracted from the evening. If you book large parties show some understanding for the establishment and either arrive in good time or pre-order. The place does not revolve around one group or party, but succeeds in making each group think it does!
Well done to all of the staff!
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