The Ginger Fox

I know I say this every time I visit one of the Ginger restaurants but seeing as I have now visited them all I've finally made my decision on my favourite and it's definitely got to be the Fox.

It's such a lovely setting, in a beautiful old thatched house in the middle of nowhere. (Hassocks but you'd need to drive or take a taxi from the town or station).

I'm hot on my mood lighting and they had it lit perfectly in here, it felt proper dreamy.

The staff are so pleasant, our beautiful waitress couldn't do enough for us and spoke to us like we were old friends.

Before we sat down at our table, we decided to have a drink in the big comfy seats by the bar first which settled us in nicely. They don't offer much cider wise but have some tasty draught beers.

We were seated and opted for a bottle of Malbec. The starters came out quickly and looked to die for. I opted for the crispy pigs head which was delicious, set off by the langoustine that had been brushed with rosemary. Unfortunately, I found a small hair on my plate but after still demolishing the food and discreetly telling the waitress, the chef offered me a complimentary pudding. Winning.

For main course I opted for the guinea fowl which was hands down one of the best dishes I've ever had the pleasure of eating. Mouth-wateringly moist (ew sorry - I hate that word but there is no other way to describe it) with shredded wing meat in a crispy breadcrumb coating which added a dynamic texture, butternut squash purée, artichoke fondants and a morel jus... WOWEEE. An excellent combination - I was distraught to finish it.

I rounded off the evening with a cheeseboard - the exquisite Balcombe Blue made another appearance which I was chuffed about, finished with Irish coffee and truffles. BOOM. OUSSHHH. If only there was a stretcher and a big fluffy bed upstairs to carry me into! I think they should definitely turn it into an Inn too.

Gorgeous evening, will hopefully be back VERY soon! Recommend it for birthdays and cosy celebrations.

I have had many friends rant and rave about the ginger fox for a long time and was thoroughly looking forward to finally going. However my expectations disappointed me a little. The food was nice but not the quality i had expected. The staff were polite and helpful and well presented. The decor was just how i had imagined, however a little un-kept (rusty windows with a draft although it was closed) but i suppose that's the cottage feel! I think if i hadn't walked in with such high expectations due to friends comments i may have given 4 stars.

I visited this restaurant today with a couple of friends. I selected a fillet steak from the menu (at £25 not cheap) and requested that instead of the creamed swede and duck fried chips that accompanied it i might have a jacket potato or some simple new potatoes and steamed vegetables. I was told that that would be impossible as the meals could only be served exactly as on the menu! Frankly I was surprised, as no vegetables were served with the steak aside from the cushion of swede and kale it was served on. It seemed to me very rigid indeed not to make possible even the slightest deviation from chips to potatoes and it has never ever happened to me before.. even in the most simple pub menus there is a little flexibility but not, apparently here. I would not eat here again for that reason although the food we ate was pleasant.