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Fox & Hounds

Hertfordshire, Barley - Modern British - Pub - ££

For slap-up celebrations or midweek drop-ins

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

‘We moved out of London to the Hertfordshire countryside with one very important requirement: we needed a brilliant local pub. And somehow, we struck gold with the Fox & Hounds,’ notes one reporter. Revamped back in 2018, this hostelry has everything you might expect – weathered beams, brick fireplaces, a bar serving excellent ales – but much of its success is down to the ‘wonderful staff’, brilliant family atmosphere and ‘the genuine sense of belonging’. That said, the pub’s trump card is its ‘absolutely superb, restaurant-standard food’. Expect a well-thought-out, fairly priced menu that’s equally appealing for slap-up celebrations, midweek drop-ins or sociable Sunday lunches. There’s also an understated commitment to seasonality that might yield anything from rabbit and ham hock pie with chive mush and mustard sauce to wild sea bass with bean stew, chorizo, brown shrimps and lovage. Burgers, steaks, ba...

‘We moved out of London to the Hertfordshire countryside with one very important requirement: we needed a brilliant local pub. And somehow, we struck gold with the Fox & Hounds,’ notes one reporter. Revamped back in 2018, this hostelry has everything you might expect – weathered beams, brick fireplaces, a bar serving excellent ales – but much of its success is down to the ‘wonderful staff’, brilliant family atmosphere and ‘the genuine sense of belonging’. That said, the pub’s trump card is its ‘absolutely superb, restaurant-standard food’. Expect a well-thought-out, fairly priced menu that’s equally appealing for slap-up celebrations, midweek drop-ins or sociable Sunday lunches. There’s also an understated commitment to seasonality that might yield anything from rabbit and ham hock pie with chive mush and mustard sauce to wild sea bass with bean stew, chorizo, brown shrimps and lovage. Burgers, steaks, battered fish and salads cater for more traditional appetites, while desserts have all-round appeal – ‘Ronnie’s apple pie’ is a best seller. The pub has an inviting catch-all wine list, and Friday’s ‘happy hour’ brings the whole village together.

 

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B Williams

10 May 2026

Being away from home, we were missing a proper, roast Sunday lunch served somewhere comfy. The Fox and Hounds delivered - not the “pile it high and watch it grow soggy” approach. Deliciously crisp roasties and superbly cooked, tasty cauliflower cheese were served separately, allowing the gravy’s flavour to shine through. A thing of joy and beauty - we’re looking forward to returning to experience the à la carte soon.

P Court

1 September 2025

We first discovered this restaurant during COVID when it provided a takeaway service. We could not believe the standard of the food. Since COVID restrictions were dropped, we have eaten here on numerous occasions; it is ...
We first discovered this restaurant during COVID when it provided a takeaway service. We could not believe the standard of the food. Since COVID restrictions were dropped, we have eaten here on numerous occasions; it is a must for Sunday lunch (it is the only place I have found that does roast potatoes as good as mine) and it is the first choice for celebration meals. I have never had a bad meal here and am confident to recommend it.

 

The menu changes seasonally and it is always a tough choi...
We first discovered this restaurant during COVID when it provided a takeaway service. We could not believe the standard of the food. Since COVID restrictions were dropped, we have eaten here on numerous occasions; it is a must for Sunday lunch (it is the only place I have found that does roast potatoes as good as mine) and it is the first choice for celebration meals. I have never had a bad meal here and am confident to recommend it.

 

The menu changes seasonally and it is always a tough choice. Food is fresh, locally sourced and served with a smile. The staff go out of their way to make every visit relaxing and welcoming, a huge shout out to Ricky who goes above and beyond with a huge smile. As well as a good selection of wine, there are seasonal cocktails on offer, again using local ingredients, where possible and, if you are not sure what you fancy, they will work with you to create a cocktail (or mocktail) to satisfy any particular craving.

 

The venue lends itself to a cosy and comfy winter dining experience with a log fire and beams or a bright summer vibe when they open up the doors onto the beautiful gardens, where you can also eat, either in the shade or in the sunshine besides the herb garden. I cannot find words adequate enough to describe just how wonderful this establishment is. I just urge you to try it yourselves.
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VENUE DETAILS

High Street
Barley
Hertfordshire
SG8 8HUGB

01763 290716

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OTHER INFORMATION

Wheelchair access, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly

New events are coming soon

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