Fox & Grapes Hawarden

This month took us to The Fox and Grapes in the picturesque village of Hawarden.  The fox and Grapes is the oldest pub in the village dating back 400 years and it has retained bags of charm and rustic character. It has a  beer garden to the back which is perfect for alfresco dining or just sampling the impressively stocked bar ,which includes  a huge range of kegs  ,international beers and ciders. They have been awarded ‘Cask Marque’ accreditation for their hand pull draught ales. Also they have teamed up with Jeremy Platt the well known wine sommelier from Ffarm Vintners of Llandudno, to bring a brand-new selection of different wines from around the world.

As the beer garden was bursting with people enjoying evening drinks we agreed we would sit inside, we were pleased when shown to our table that it was just as charming on the interior. It has recently undergone a refurbishment and has a modern yet rustic feel with beams, oak floor and wall panelling mixed with modern checked fabrics, stainless steel lanterns and brown leather sofas.

We were equally impressed with the menu and I could have easily tried everything on there but settled for Goat’s cheese & sundried tomato Bon Bon’s with homemade chilli jam & mixed leaf salad. In anticipation of our starters to arrive we noticed how relaxed the atmosphere is which is unusual as many restaurants you feel rushed to finish for the next diner.

Reg had decided on homemade livers parfait which he quickly decided was the best he ever tasted made even better with plentiful ciabatta crostinnis to dunk in the pate and homemade tomato chutney.

The Bonbons were also divine they were presented immaculately with side salad and swirls of chilli jam. The creamy taste of the goat’s cheese married well with tangy sun dried tomatoes and I was not disappointed with my choice.   Wednesday night is steak night so of course Reg had to take up the offer of an 8oz Rib eye steak and a glass of wine for £14.95 it would be rude not to! The steak was char grilled to perfection and was accompanied with chunky hand cut chips, mushrooms, tomatoes and watercress.

I had opted for something lighter and chosen the Pan fried fillet of hake this had a sesame seed & chilli crumb, and was served with a warm vegetable and crispy noodle salad with a soya, chilli & ginger dressing. The hake was delicious it was light and delicate and the vegetables and dressing paired with it perfectly.

The desserts all sounded delightful but Reg plumped for Banoffee cheesecake with toffee sauce & vanilla ice cream and I chose my favourite Homemade summer berry pavlova with mounds of berry fruits, homemade meringue and heaps of clotted cream, we were both extremely quiet when eating our desserts which I think speaks volume and as they say “the proof is in the pudding”.

The Fox and grapes prides itself on excellent food quality by sourcing locally wherever possible their suppliers include Noel Baker family butchers of Chester for their meats ,M&J Seafood’s for fresh fish and Oliver Kay for fruit and vegetables. They also strive to create the perfect dining experience which they certainly achieve. Well done to the Fox and Grapes for a first class meal!

The Bill 

Goat’s cheese & sundried tomato Bon Bon’s       £5.45

Homemade chicken liver parfait                            £5.45

Pan fried fillet of hake                                            £13.95

8oz Rib eye steak 21 Day Matured                      £14.95

(Steak night including a drink)

Banoffee cheesecake                                             £5.75      

Homemade summer berry pavlova                        £5.75