Fantastically Foxy Food

There’s a sunny, welcoming atmosphere behind the door of The Fox Eating and Drinking House, in the form of the front of house team, Georgie, Rebecca and Sophie.

Meeting the owner, Tim, is like being greeted by an old friend; listening to him is to witness his dedication to his chosen vocation. “My passion is game and hedgerow cookery, and my signature dish is wild venison.” Tim’s preference is for locally sourced ingredients from trusted suppliers with a low carbon footprint. “From those raw ingredients, everything is proudly home prepped and home-made.”

Tim’s passion for food started at an early age, working in the family restaurant business. Over the years he has worked in hotels and restaurants across the UK and around the world. Honing his skills with top chefs including Taruschio at The Walnut Tree, Bibendum, and with the Hine family. His credentials also include Le Manoir and extensive time in the Caribbean under Anton Mossimann.

The Fox has a relaxed ambience with a rustic country feel. Fresh flowers and splashes of colour with

Tim Earley has been executive chef of The Fox Eating and Drinking House in West Hoathly since 2014 and it’s become his pride and joy in the years since then, as Robert Veitch discovered on a recent visit to remember

fox themed decoration create an eye-catching setting.

My salmon croquette starter looked like an exquisite piece of edible sculpture. The crunch of panko breadcrumbs revealed a delicious combination of salmon, spring onion and smoked cheese, which combined with the tartness of the samphire and chive butter sauce in a triumphant balance of taste and texture.

Tim’s signature, haunch of venison arrived, sitting on a rosti potato nest with savoy cabbage and peppercorn jus, looking like a Masterchef winner. The succulent meat is full of flavour, perfectly cooked and melts in the mouth. Each of the ingredients has a voice, yet the blend is complementary, and again the texture is something to behold. It’s delectably satisfying. This is a chef that clearly knows his craft.

The monkfish thermidor was delicate yet meaty and combined perfectly with the creamy white wine and sherry sauce, coupled with triple-cooked chips and a lightly dressed salad; it’s an absolute delight.

The chocolate fondant dessert oozes like dark, velvety chocolate lava; it’s wickedly indulgent, decadent, delicious and utterly delightful. To contrast the rich chocolate, baileys chocchip ice cream adds a palate cleansing zing.

After a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours in a cordial environment, I departed with memories of wonderful food to pass on to others.

The Fox is an eating and drinking house as Tim pointed out. “People come because we serve high quality food at good prices in a friendly and informal atmosphere. As a free house, we have a great range of local ales and guest beers. Locals enjoy popping in for a home-made sausage roll and a drink and chat.”

Once you’ve tried it, it’s difficult to suppress the urge to return. l

The Fox Eating And Drinking House

Highbrook Lane, West Hoathly, East Grinstead RH19 4PJ 01342 810644 Wednesday-Saturday 12-11pm Sunday 12-9pm

FOOD & DRINK FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

THE GOURMET FOOD & DRINK GUIDE

Bluebell Vineyard

This time of year, the Bluebells are in full bloom at Bluebell Vineyard Estates. The Award winning Hindleap Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir and Meunier, this elegant rosé had aromas of brioche, strawberry, raspberry, and peach on the nose. Underpinned by cranberry, apricot, and violet notes for a rounded wine with a creamy well-balanced structured finish. The perfect tipple to enjoy after a walk through the spring flowers and sunshine. Available online at: www.bluebellvineyard.org Or at our Cellar Door: Bluebell Vineyard Estates, Sliders Lane, Furners Green TN22 3RU

Generation Distillers

Nothing says summer than a G&T in the sunshine! Generation Distillers make award winning gins in their small distillery in the heart of Sussex. Capturing the essence of Sussex with locally grown and sourced botanicals and Sussex water from their own well, the husband and wife team are focussed on making exceptional gins and spirits and continue to win awards for their products. Bottles, cocktail packs, and tasting sets are available to order direct with free delivery in May. See website for stockists. Contact hello@generationdistillers.co.uk www.GenerationDistillers.co.uk

Horsham Gingerbread Bakehouse

Home of distinctively delicious gingerbreads and gluten free biscuits – the perfect, Sussexmade Jubilee treat or gift. The gingerbreads and biscuits are made with the finest natural ingredients and where possible Sussex sourced produce like honey and linseed meal to ensure the perfect flavour and texture. ‘‘Your biscuits are so popular with my friends I’ve given almost all my first batch away hence the second order, thank you, they’re so delicious.’’

Free UK delivery on all orders and a handwritten card can also be included. www.horshamgingerbread.co.uk hello@horshamgingerbread.co.uk

La Campana Spanish Tapas Bar

La Campana is an authentic Spanish tapas bar and restaurant. Serving a delicious range of hot and cold tapas to suit all dietary requirements including meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan. La Campana offers quality food carefully prepared, using the freshest ingredients and served by friendly staff in a sociable Spanish ambience. Enjoy delicious Spanish beer and wines or the ever-popular pitchers of Sangria. 01444 410020 La Campana, 18 The Broadway, Haywards Heath RH16 3AL www.facebook.com/lacampanatapas

Cuckfish

Situated in the heart of Cuckfield, the menu at Cuckfish includes all the traditional favourites that a quality fish and chip shop should offer. The fish is freshly cooked to order and includes Cod, Haddock, Huss, Plaice and Skate along with tasty chips and side orders such as mushy peas or even a pickled gherkin. All customers are catered for with additional options such as pies, pasties, sausages and chicken. Come and enjoy great tasting food lovingly cooked and prepared just for you. Unit 3, The Clock House, High Street, Haywards Heath RH17 5JX 01444 414414

Soirée Lounge Bar

Spend an afternoon of relaxation at Soirée Lounge Bar enjoying a delicious cheese or meat platter served with crackers, grapes and chutney. Enjoy a perfectly paired glass of wine, an expertly prepared cocktail from the extensive drinks menu or even a cup of tea or coffee.

Open every day except Monday from 12pm, until 11pm on Tuesday to Saturday, and 10pm on Sunday. Located just a twominute walk from the cinema on Uckfield High Street. Visit our Facebook page for more information or call 01825 766211 to reserve your table.