On a chilly and damp winter day, few things are as inviting as a cozy country pub radiating a warm glow. My eagerness to visit this charming country pub in a quaint Vale of Glamorgan village stemmed from three main reasons. Firstly, its food had garnered an excellent reputation. Secondly, despite cycling past it numerous times, I had refrained from stopping for a pint. However, the most compelling reason was that this pub was under the ownership of a renowned sports figure.
Two decades ago, I was among the spectators when Gavin Henson executed one of the most memorable and crucial kicks in Welsh rugby history. Despite not being Wales’ primary kicker that day, Henson stepped up with just five minutes remaining and successfully launched a kick from a challenging angle of 44 meters, helping Wales secure a victory over England in Cardiff. This moment marked the start of a new era in Welsh rugby.
Henson, known for his distinctive appearance with spiky hair, bronzed skin, shaved legs, and remarkable physique, rose to fame as a sporting icon. Alongside singer Charlotte Church, he formed a high-profile celebrity couple, earning them the moniker “Welsh Posh and Becks.” Henson’s popularity extended to his appearances on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and The Bachelor.
Beyond his celebrity status, Henson was recognized for his exceptional talent and dedication as an athlete. Despite his penchant for standing out, he garnered immense admiration from the public. Although he once enjoyed the limelight, recent insights from a podcast revealed his preference for a private family life in the tranquil village of St Brides Major, near his childhood home. Henson rarely grants interviews and declined participation in a BBC podcast, indicating his current aversion to the spotlight.
In 2019, Henson and his wife, Katie, assumed ownership of The Fox, a move that attracted attention with a conspicuous black Bentley in the parking lot hinting at Henson’s presence. Following a significant renovation, the pub reopened in February 2020, just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic that forced the closure of pubs nationwide. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic and Brexit, The Fox made headlines two years later as it urgently sought a new head chef amid a hospitality industry crisis.
Presently, The Fox exudes a timeless charm, blending homeliness with elegance through its flagstone flooring, navy and cream walls, rustic wooden furnishings, and tasteful Christmas decorations. Upon arrival, we settled into a cozy corner table, indulging in Butty Bach ale and Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager while perusing the menu offerings. The wine selection, starting at £24 per bottle or £6 per glass, was notably reasonable.
The Sunday menu featured a concise selection of four starters and five main courses. Opting for crispy ham hock with confit egg yolk, fennel, and apple, alongside a cod and salmon fishcake with samphire and caper butter, we relished the crispy exteriors and flavorful interiors. The main courses of roast sirloin of Welsh beef and shoulder of Welsh lamb impressed with generous portions and exquisite flavors, complemented by sides of roast potatoes, buttery mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy. To cater to our younger companions, we ordered two kids’ meals at £8 each. While too satiated for desserts, options such as sticky toffee pudding and chocolate orange marquise with Cointreau gel and pistachio were enticing.
The total bill for two starters, two mains, two kids’ meals, two beers, and a fruit juice amounted to £91, with my portion costing £37. The experience at The Fox was truly delightful, evoking a sense of belonging and prompting the desire for a return visit. Eavesdropping on nearby patrons, I heard affirmations of future visits, echoing my own sentiment. Despite missing a glimpse of my sporting idol, the overall experience left me thoroughly content.