Fox & Hounds Barley

Fox & Hounds Barley

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+44 1763 802505+ Add websiteWrite a Review
Hours
Sun
12:00 - 18:30
Wed
12:00 - 23:00
Thu
12:00 - 23:00
Fri
12:00 - 23:00
Sat
12:00 - 23:00
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About
Award winning, family-friendly gastro pub, serving innovative dishes using the best homegrown and local ingredients from Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. 2022 Michelin Guide Top 50 Gastropubs - Newcomer of the year (nomination) OpenTable - Diners Choice Award "Outstanding"
PRICE RANGE
£15.00 – £40.00
CUISINES
British, Pub, Gastropub
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles164 reviews
Excellent
120
Very good
22
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
4

sopaca
Cambridge2917 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 none
Six of us had lunch here in February 2020 to celebrate a friend's birthday. I had the salt baked beetroot salad with blood orange, goat's cheese & almonds as a main course (£16). It was also available as a starter. There was a really generous amount of beetroot and not too much green salad. Only one or two pieces of blood orange though which was a little disappointing. There was a good choice of items on the menu, many of which I would have liked.
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mae494
Royston402 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 none
This was my second visit the first being a Birthday Meal with Family which was very enjoyable so with a Friend visiting for Lunch I had no hesitation in suggesting we try the F&H. We were not disappointed the welcome,service and food was excellent. We enjoyed a leisurely Lunch in lovely comfortable surroundings.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

oc_100
Cambridge137 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 family
Visited today for a spot of lunch, first impressions are great! The interior of this place is gorgeous! After a warm and friendly welcome we chose to sit in the bar, the place feels very comfortable and spacious. The menu was great, really difficult to choose a dish as it all sounded so good! The food arrived promptly and did not disappoint! Absolutely delicious. Thoroughly recommend the sausages and mash, though was very envious of my guests curry! I cannot wait to visit again!
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnthefoxandhounds
Dear oc100, thanks for your wonderful review! We're all really proud of everything we do here at The Fox and hounds in Barley, and it's all done to ensure that guests like yourself enjoy 'beautiful food in a beautiful place'! We're looking forward to welcoming you back soon!
Written 8 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rockstarchef81
4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 couples
Going as a couple with over 25 years in top quality restaurants in London and having consulted on numerous projects across europe I was looking forward to going to this pub as had heard amazing things. The issues started with sitting down and asking for a bottle of water which wasnt chilled and being given a pint glass full of ice - come on guys what's this amateur hour!! Waited 15 minutes for them to take the drinks order - surprise surprise another problem, asked for 2 glasses of champagne and a bottle of Malbec - the champagne wasnt available apparently and where offered the rose, ok things happen but really!! How can you run out of your only champagne by the glass. Secondly when offered to try the wine the waiter offered, perhaps instinctively myself (the male.) To try the wine and not as they should have asked "whom" would like to try the wine!!!! We already had ordered the burns night menu, so when the haggis starter came out we where shocked, the haggis ball had no consistency the neep puree had the consistently of baby food, was bland and heavily under seasoned the potato crockette looked like a pre bought item and didnt taste any different. During the course of our dinner we where asked how we where enjoying our food, every time I (the male.) nodded and said find but before the lady in the group could even talk the waiting staff scuttled off. I'm not saying your staff are sexist but they definitely need a crash course in manners!! The main course was ok, on the small side, where offered no sides, the venison was not as we ordered medium rare but definitely on the medium side, the garnish was pathetic, the sauce should always be sticky and thick with venison and not an overly thin jus. During the main and dessert course my partner witnessed the chef put his finger in a saucepan lick it to taste, straight off his finger, whatever was in it, wipe it on a tea towel and then garnish a plate without washing his hands... come on your Chef must have better food and hygiene knowledge than to cross contaminate like that. Shamefull. The dessert order was then taken and at exactly the same time where asked if we wanted coffee and dessert wine... again they need to be taught the general order of service and collecting orders from customers. The crannachan was ok but could have been more boozy. The cheese board could have been given a side plate and a pat of butter and the chutney tasted of nothing!! All in all extremely poor.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnthefoxandhounds
Dear "Rock Star Chef".... Thanks for taking the time to try and tell everyone what a wonderful food critic you are. Whilst everyone is entitled to their own opinions and perceptions; we're sorry, but we're not prepared to answer points which we feel are completely unwarranted. My own personal opinion... Surely, a true 'rock star chef' would be well known and respected within the industry enough to respect his fellow kitchen and restaurant colleagues by offering constructive criticism and not try to ruin their reputation on platforms like trip advisor...
Written 5 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

sd15
Sandy4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 friends
The place is lovely but has a very expensive menu so based on reviews we came for a treat. Starters were good but we had to wait a good while before receiving mains. I had the cod which was a bit cold and full of sauce. This would have been so bad but the cod was FULL of bones and I could see them with all the sauce, so it was very difficult to enjoy! The meal wasn't worth ‘fishing’ all the bones out. We did get my meal as complimentary for this but overall, I thought my friends main looked dry. I normally never complain, but I was really disappointed as they are charging high prices for really average-low quality food. Would not go back
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Barry B
Hoddesdon1308 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 none
We have wanted to try the Fox &Hounds for sometime but Covid intervened, now that lock down is relaxing we took the opportunity of a late Sunday Lunch, having booked a table outside for 3.30. We were placed in one of the new gazebo’s, which meant that there was no option of heating, some of the tables on the permanent structures do have this. The menu on Sunday is fairly simple, nibbles, starter, roast and dessert, with a Veggie option. We have between us, a Gluten, Black Pepper and a Soya allergy, this was no real problem for the team here, gluten easy, the others on advise from the chef. We had roast lamb, chicken and roast red cabbage as the vegetation optional all were served with veg, some of the best crispy roast potatoes, with large Yorkshire Puddings. The staff are great, friendly and effect. After the mains, we were offered desserts ice cream despite the cold, one amaretto, one creme fresh (like “mini milks”) and toffee and banana bread and butter pudding. All in all good value, good service and good food. A welcome visit and we will be back to try the weekday menu.
Written 3 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TheHonestReviewer24
15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 couples
We went here as a couple for our 5 year wedding anniversary and had an absolutely fantastic time. We were seated outside due to the restrictions at the time. There was a selection of seats, some of which were under heaters. All of the tables were clean and there was gentle music playing which really did create a lovely atmosphere. The staff were so professional, well-mannered and attentive and the food was delicious and cooked to perfection. We did not have to wait long to be served and the cutlery and plated were spotlessly clean. The foxgrove gin was especially fantastic and the whole experience was one of the best to date. Would 100% recommend.
Written 29 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael McCroddan
Braughing4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 none
If Jay Rayner's criteria in The Observer recently about value for money wine lists containing wines for under £30 per bottle indicating good practice then The Fox & Hounds at Barley is on a winning street. With no less than four excellent reds and an equal number of whites under £30 and all available by the glass. Mackenzie Harris also knows the high end of a list but suggested to me recently an inexpensive Alentejo red to have with a dessert instead of something a lot more costly. Brett Barnes, Head Chef and Co-Owner, must be a chocolatier at heart as his desserts are exemplary whether it's a mousse or tarte as both equal to anything elsewhere. Enough has been written elsewhere about their service standards and menu choices but from a humble beef burger to a Tomahawk steak they seem to have all bases covered as well as vegetarian options. We are lucky to have such a venue close by and for it to have survived and thrived post lockdown, well done to all their staff.
Written 1 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael McCroddan
Braughing4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 none
I have had the pleasure of dining outside this Summer twice recently at the F & H, once when my guest & I went the full ALC and, more recently, a fixed price lunch. You would not be able to have differentiated between the two in terms of quality of ingredients, cooking skill required or value for money. The lamb cutlet and confit duck leg were as good as anything we've eaten anywhere together with desserts of lemon tart and peach pannacotta. The fixed price lunch is a bargain starting with whitebait and followed by a chicken and vegetable risotto, followed by an ice cream/raspberry dessert and a blackcurrant sorbet. House beers, lagers and wines (under £30 a bottle) all kept well. Keep it up!
Written 16 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Viktorija S
Gravesend1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 family
Beautiful pub with fantastic food. We were here for Sunday lunch and both of the roast (beef and lamb) were cooked to perfection. It was lovely that they have a playground, were our little one could play, while we were waiting for our meal. Will definitely come back soon!
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Clare
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 family
I booked a meal here for 13 of us for lunch, and it was perfect! The food was absolutely delicious, a bit different to the norm, and good value for the quality. We ordered a range of dishes. The starters were great, particularly the brawn and crab dishes. As for the main courses, the lamb, cod and veal mains were sublime. Two of our guests are vegan and the chef made a dish especially for them, which was really appreciated. Service was great considering we were a large group, and the waiter was attentive and polite. Will definitely visit again.
Written 5 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tashadavison
Saffron Walden10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 family
I visited this pub during the week with my partner and two children. We decided to sit in the garden under the pergola which was beautiful and the landscape is stunning. It also has a play area for children and a grass area to play. The menu had a grest choice with something for everyone. The burger was delicious and i can honestly say it was the best burger i have eaten. The waitress was attentive, polite and answered all my questions. Inside is decoratived beautifully and i will look forward to sitting next to the log burner in the winter. Thank you
Written 20 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alice_V_S
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 friends
My original feedback directly to the pub was somewhat of an essay as I had so many great things to write, but I have tried to condense it! The Fox and Hounds recently held our wedding day at their pub and from start to finish (from when we first made contact with the manager back in the summer) the whole team have been without doubt, amazing! The pub manager has been efficient, professional and so organised which hugely helped towards the smooth running of our day. The organisation on the day was AMAZING! The fabulous assistant manager who was in charge, made sure we were not without a drink, we were informed of every next stage of the day, and would always come and find us and ask if we needed anything. He ran his team and the day with such calmness, friendliness and  professionalism. The staff on the day were also amazing - hardworking, friendly and totally "on it"! THANK YOU!. Then there's the food! WOW! The food at this pub is exceptional. It was fresh, hot, all came out together, table by table and was absolutely delicious. The flavours were amazing and EVERYBODY was raving about their food. In fact, everybody was raving about the staff, food, service and the beautiful pub. We cannot wait to return to The Fox and Hounds - they really are a special pub which have everything - a beautiful setting, amazing staff, incredible food and a wonderful atmosphere. 😀
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dammon2
30 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 family
My first time dining here and myself and my daughter had a lovely evening! Shared starters of potted salmon and poached pear and Stilton salad were both delicious! Although the salmon wasn't actually potted and I would have liked a whole quails egg. I had the 'pub classic' fish and chips which was the best I've ever had!! My daughter had the vegetarian option, butternut squash dumplings, I tried it myself and it was very tasty! Great wine list... Two bottles went down very nicely! Pleasant, friendly staff. Lovely atmosphere!
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnthefoxandhounds
Dear Dmmon2, thanks for your review! we're all so pleased that you both enjoyed your visit and we look forward to welcoming you back very soon.
Written 5 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

C A Gunn
Faringdon8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 family
We booked on the day and were able to get an early table. The team were polite, kind and really sweet to our two year old Son. The food was absolutely delicious. We had shared a crab and partridge on toast starter, followed by a cheeky steak sharer and each meal was balanced and mouth wateringly good. Exactly what you want when you're eating out. We really liked the feel of the restaurant, the decor atmosphere and music was very thoughtful. It's such a shame we can't eat food this good every night, very special meal and can't thank the team enough.
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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FOX & HOUNDS BARLEY - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

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