The Fox Inn in West Dorset

What a super place. Friendly warm fires and great hospitality.

Lovely hospitable pub, staff/owner very friendly and helpful. Food was absolutely lovely! Understandably quiet for a mid-week evening but perfect for the first night of our holiday. Only slight down side was quite a few little annoying fruit flies around the place, seemingly wherever we sat we couldn’t get away from them! Staff very apologetic though & explained that they’d only appeared in the last couple of days.

visited twice for a meal whilst on our holiday in Corscombe, the appeal of the pub from the outside is more than matched by the authenticity of the inside, with friendly staff, great beers and lovely pies

The Fox Inn is hugely popular with the locals and is a quality, idyllic, thatched roof pub with a historically top reputation for all the points that matter.. including open fire in winter and antique taxidermy! Quaint and tidy with different pleasant spots to sit and gather. Conservatory is popular for meals. Outdoor picnic tables under trees, by the stream are inviting on sunny days. If it turns chilly, Throws are available and Games too. Dog friendly for friendly dogs and there's even a jar of pet treats available. Brews rotate covering local beers/ales and ciders. Choice of spirits including the locally conceived Black Cow vodka. Lovage liquor (Shhhh) is a sacred favourite with a few locals but currently sourcing is an issue. Meals have been good .. prices all over the country, if not the world, have jumped and it's now circa £20 for a meal. Roast on weekends. Music on Sundays. Closed Mondays. Plenty of parking out front & rear. A place like this needs a jovial and engaging publican at the helm and they have it in Graham. This place and it's people will forever hold a special place in my heart ❤️.

We called in for coffee and were served by a friendly member of staff.

Excellent village pub, good beer and food. Locals very friendly, am thoroughly envious of my mate who lives in Corscombe.

An hour-wait for food was unacceptable, and no apologies were given

My local hangout. Great atmosphere

A friendly and lovely local pup

Superb, great service, great food and great beer

Lovely old Dorset pub. Village setting and surrounded by walking country.

The BEST homemade pies! And very reasonably priced. Seriously though… I’ve been twice this week with my family because it has been so delicious. Great classic pub vibes too…

Marvellous! Great to see this traditional 15th century coaching in back open, serving great food! The pub is just like it was in the late 90s which was it's hayday! We'll be back!

Only went for drinks, but lovely atmosphere. Menu looked delicious so will return for food. Cheerful service. Easy parking, clean loos.

Lovely little pub with great food. Hidden gem

Back to being the good old Fox Inn as we all enjoyed for many years, good to see it so busy, excellent food, great beer, fab wine, and a brilliant atmosphere, long may it last. Despite what google says, it is very much open and very good

Nice village pub, good atmosphere. Friendly team Basic pub menu but food was good.

Such a shame that it closed down.

Ben and Henry were extremely welcoming when we walked through the doors. The coronas they gave us were very fresh and lovely limes to go with it. Furthermore, we shall be returning in the not so distant future. We enjoyed Sharon’s company very much.

Proper country pub in an ideylic setting.

Lovely lunch - superb pies - on a cool grey July day. The beers from Exeter were excellent especially the Ferryman.

As I understand it, relatively recently under new management/ownership. Doing a great job. Young staff are polite and helpful, food is great pub grub.

Really lovely local pub with fantastic friendly staff. Didn't have food but we will be back to try that out as well.

Only stopped for a pint, but what a beautiful setting..lovely inside and out and the locals were very friendly too.

Really lovely old style pub being brought back to life can't wait till they start doing food very soon . different rooms to sit in. out side area on grass also sitting area and the room I loved the best was very full of light and wood and even piano in x chatty pleasant landlady and great fir the village

Now open again, with a loverly Land Lady. Look forward to when the kitchen opens soon. Decent sized carpark. Nice area to sit outside beside a bubbling brook.

I stayed for two nights in an annex (bedroom entered through a private patio and large luxurious bathroom). It was very quiet and peaceful, with a comfortable bed and high quality bedlinen. The room was still being decorated (the pub is not yet officially open) but it will clearly be amazing when finished. We had a great meal too, and the range of real ales is excellent. Wonderful hospitality, thank you Sharon: I am sure that your new venture will be a huge success.

Friendly customers and staff. Lovely old pub with seating outside near a little stream.

I have been wanting to go to this inn for quite sometime now, but never got the chance. Finally since it was my birthday, my husband decides to take me out for birthday and I chose this place. The found was amazing, the steak we had was cooked perfectly. The service was very good. We had a lovely time.

Awesome beer a friendly staff, love to come back when it's open again for a lunch x

Fantastic pub in a beautiful place - highly recommend a visit. We stayed for two nights as well as having dinner and then a Sunday roast before heading back to London. All the food was phenomenal, lots of superb locally sourced food - steak cooked perfectly, mixed grilled fish of Monkfish Turbot and Sea bass was exceptional. Mark's home cured bacon rib with cockles, his own home smoked salmon....ham hock and green beans .. oh and those special foxxy chips...could go on! The staff went above and beyond for us throughout our stay. Our 6 year old son is Autistic and was given lots of extra special treatment and noting was too much trouble - he was even gifted a book by Mark himself that he signed for him! On Sunday Mark laid on a mixed plate of beef and Pork for us to share for Sunday roast and was the best roast we've had. Massive thanks to Felix, Jay, Mark Hix and all the team at The Fox Inn - we'll be visiting again for sure!

Very disappointing food.As a regular over the last 10 years at Hix Oyster Bar we thought we would try The Fox but certainly won't go again.

Fabulous meal, amazing staff loved it 😁

We had a table booked for four to celebrate a relative's 90th birthday and he was treated like royalty. Nothing was too much trouble and the resultant changes to some dishes were superb. A special mention to our host, Jay. He was simply excellent.

Beautiful location, staff attentive and polite, menu was very limited and a bit pretentious. I also thought that the food was hugely overpriced and not that great!

Great food, very friendly and knowledgeable team. Always a good experience

Great food and service (Freya is a star) portions quite small albeit very nice but quite expensive

Wonderful food, fantastic service and great atmosphere

It was our first time dining at The Fox Inn. The grade II listed pub that greeted us was a fantastic start. The Oyster I sampled was excellent. The Sunday Roast was the best roast I have ever had. The potatoes were amazing as was the beef and pork. The team were very accommodating with our 4 year old daughter. Being from London meant the prices were on a par with pubs that offer average at best roast dinner’s. Would highly recommend. Only minor feedback would be to make the dishes holding the vegetables warmer other than that it was flawless.

Nice place to visit..good annexe..

Always a pleasure to be in The Fox, expect top quality food with a great chef team. Hospitality at its best with the front of house team. Friday night has great atmos and be sure to check out their music events. Family friendly with a bit of space out the front for the restless todlers..

Lovely little pub in a gorgeous, tucked away setting! Crossing the single lane road to the outside sitting area makes life slow down for your visit. The food is great too along with lovely service! I'll happily stop again when passing through and would highly recommend you to sort it out and enjoy a pint while listening to the trickling stream.

Dropped in for the first time on a Sunday hoping for lunch - booked out. So we had some bar snacks. Wasn't expecting much but it was stunningly good. Going back for dinner soon.

This was a surprise we found a lovely Gastro pub run by Mark Hix lovely location and traditional style pub. The food we had was excellent we will go back well worth a visit

What a fabulous little Fox hole. Loved it and the bar snacks. Not your normal crisps & peanuts but proper home cooked snacks.

I've been here a good few times now and it's always been fabulous. Amazing food, perfectly cooked and served. Staff are fabulous.

Typically the food at The Fox Inn is very good, as is the ambience (it is the epitome of an English country pub, set beside a stream with a lovely outdoor seating area, as well as an atmospheric interior with smoky fireplaces, interesting art and good corners, as well as spacious places, in which to sit and sup, and it is dog-friendly). Usually the service is pleasant - attentive without being obtrusive. Unfortunately, at our latest visit (for a late and leisurely Sunday lunch) the service let the place down - people were very affable and polite but clearly too busy; we waited nearly an hour for our first courses, one of which was forgotten until we asked for it; the mains of excellent sirloin with Yorkshire pudding arrived tepid but became cold by the time the remaining person at our table's food was brought and, we waited a further 15 minutes for the vegetables for the table. We had a nice red wine which was clumsily poured over the table instead of into glasses. The horseradish was superb (nose tingling in its intensity). Given the cost (what I would call "London prices"), which is higher than many fine local hostelries, the service and speed should be exemplary. Nice to see Mark Hix visiting his establishment and talking with diners. He is a superb chef and has excellent local suppliers. I believe that the rooms are good and it is a wonderful location from which to explore Dorset, Somerset and the Jurassic Coast. We will be going back, but will try to choose times when the pub is less busy.

Great food and a lovely atmosphere. Will definitely go again.

Sad to see a place ‘slide’ so quickly. Mark Hix has a rather chequered history in business. But he doesn’t seem to follow through, so I’m assuming he gets bored quickly. It couldn’t show more than it did today at The Fox. Staff are lovely but very young and they lack the front of house charm that Spiros showed all customers - sad to hear he’s left. The staff could be heard complaining about their pay and conditions. A rural business shouldn’t demand staff sit unpaid for an hour or two - young people can’t just pop home and put their feet up! Ambience appears to have gone travelling with Spiros too. The log fire can’t be used. It’s cold and the smell is of the kitchen rather than the fire. The chimney is cracked and the roof is thatched - surely fixable though? The menu apparently changes daily but so does the kitchen’s ability - or so it seems. Mark Hix has some real skills, it’s a shame the team in his kitchen haven’t picked up more of them. Lastly, about value for money. If you sit at a table, have a snack and run a tab, you pay 12.5% service charge on the whole bill. I don’t agree with service charge as a substitute for paying a fair wage to your staff. It makes the owner look tight and rather than performance based earnings - tips - the team earn more only if the business is busy. Which it won’t be Mark, not the way you are letting it be run.

Brilliant service and food. Atmosphere was lovely and the restaurant was beautifully decorated and clearly thought about. Staff were outstanding and extremely helpful. We had one of the best meals we have had in a long time and we felt right at home. Also it's worth mentioning that they are dog friendly which is always a huge bonus nowadays. Thank you, we will all be coming back again. Lauren & Rupert

Hard to beat the service and food. Very dog friendly too.

We came here as a group of friends celebrating a birthday on a Sunday lunch service. The pub was lovely we sat out in the conservatory which is decorated beautifully. The food was delicious and one of the best roasts I’ve had in a very long time. The service was fantastic! We aren’t the easiest group of people when out and can be a handful sometimes and the staff were amazing and went out of their way to make our visit great. Would highly recommend to anyone!

I took my daughter her for a foetieth birthdy luunch. The front of house lady was excellent and we looked forward to a really good lunxh. What a disappointment. Had to send my main course back as, as to be polite it waa rather chewy, My daughter had the chicken curry and to be honest one from my local Indian take away would have been better. Finally I had the bread and butter pudding which to my surprise was warm around the edges and the reast was cold!! The only good thing from the meal was the wine. Such a shame Mr Hix but if that is the best your pub can do I will not being going again. Yours sadly John

Since changing hands, locals have lost a good pub to an over priced gastro pub for the wealthy.

It’s not hard to pick up the phone and advise that the restaurants not going to be open.

Fabulous atmosphere, very relaxed. The front of house was very knowledgeable about the sources of the ingredients and the food itself was honest and absolutely delicious. Mark Hix himself came over to say Hello. A fabulous Valentines lunch with my Husband ❤

The experience was amazing and the food was thoroughly enjoyable. The young waiter was brilliant and was very helpful.

This was our 3rd visit to the Fox and the most enjoyable visit so far, would like to say a hug thank you to Kim and her team for a lovely evening, good food and great service.

Absolutely fabulous food atmosphere and venue great Sunday lunch location. Thank you Mark Hix

A fine pub with excellent food set deep in the English countryside. The 1976 Rogue Male film with Peter O'Toole was shot hereabouts with the Fox Inn featuring.

Lovely, period country pub. Great if you're looking to eat, stay over or just drop in for a drink.

Fantastic, table for 5 we all loved it

Great starters but poor steak main. Salad side unwashed. Far too much £ for the quality/experience

A very warm welcome by great staff who could give advice about the food. The food was fabulous and we will definitely be going back to try more.

Fantastic food and incredible staff so warm and helpful. Absolutely loved it

Excellent food in pleasant surroundings....friendly and efficient service....thank you

Great traditional pub with fantastic food

Excellent food fantastic Tannix Portugese Wine in this quirky pub in ythe middle of the Dorset countryside

Great pub, ticked all the boxes for us, great choice of beers, we just had a couple of small plates which were super tasty. We will definitely be back for dinner.

The best roat beef in Dorset. Great service from knowledgeable staff.

Quite simply some of the best food in Dorset lovingly served

It is a lovely pub with a great food menu and lovely atmosphere. My only issue is that this pub is expensive as it offers London prices in a rural Dorset location where a 12.5% gratuity charge is added onto the bill and charged £1 for water.

It was ok, staff lovely, food mediocre.

We love Hix oyster and fish house in Lyme Regis so we were keen to give The Fox a try too. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, great drinks list too, desserts were incredible - the food was hearty and great quality. The Inn itself is beautiful and they've really made the most of the space - it is quite sprawling with lots of attention to detail so it is cosy and homely and in keeping with an Inn style but far from scruffy. I don't think this is easy to achieve but Hix makes it feel like it is. Something we've noticed about Mark Hix places is that he wants guests to feel welcome and comfortable right away - the quality is unmatched but it's not pretentious at all. It is all really well balanced. This really shows in the staff as well - they are super friendly, chatty and attentive. Always a great atmosphere. Really impressed and will definitely go back soon. Well worth the narrow and winding cross country drive to get there!

Gorgeous food and very friendly staff

Fantastic pub, excellent food and service friendly atmosphere

Lovely old pub with good food and nice friendly service 😋

Nice ambiance and good prices. However the food was nothing remarkable and the menu was very limited - especially for vegetarians/vegans.

Stopped off today when on a walk, just for a pot of tea & icecream. Excellent service, helpful staff, fabulous icecream. Looking forward to visiting again!

A very picturesque country pub. Dog friendly, decent food from a simple menu, very personable and attentive staff who made the extra effort.

Fantastic place. Service was superb and the food yummy from starters to dessert. Really recommend

Amazing meal , the roast mixed fish was beautiful ! Can't wait to come back , such fantastic service and setting.

The food was excellent service was very helpful friendly

Great looking place but not so nice beer, had a pint of Tribute. When I questioned its flat metallic taste felt quite a fool as in no polite way told "it's a real ale". I'm a real ale drinker but had not tried that particular one. I won't make that mistake again. It's left me with a very unpleasant need to not venture far from my bathroom for the foreseeable few hours. Wife asked for a large white wine. I struggle to imagine what a small or even regular glass would have looked like, not much more than a splash I would imagine. Certainly didn't deserve a price tag of £7 that's the wine only !!! Not a friendly feel from the gentlemen behind the bar. Has certainly put us off any future visits.

Absolutely Beautiful location with attentive and interesting staff (Fin was excellent). Fantastic food, we will certainly be returning.

Second visit this week, this time much less crowded, excellent and timely service and changes to the previous menu. Food was excellent.

Exquisite attention to detail and Michelin level skill produce a simply wonderful menu at the Fox. On a summer's evening, a table outside by the tinkling stream (and under cover just in case, if you like) is an ideal, low-key but superb meal. The young, enthusiastic staff are charming.

The Fox has moved up another level in charm and country cooking

Enjoyed a very pleasant evening here recently, service absolutely first class. My only criticism is being charged £1 per head for limitless tap water, none of which any of us used. Beware, these are London prices in deepest Dorset. Delicious and perfectly kept Palmers ales are a must have at this venue. Will definitely visit again.

Excellent inspired menu. Oysters especially good today. Attentive & charming staff. Extremely pleasant.

Loved this place, such a wonderful friendly atmosphere. The staff are amazing and really make it, they just cannot do enough for you. Food is out of this world and the wine is simply fantastic. 🍷😁 I would highly recommend the expresso martinis. 🍸

Incredible food, ambience and service. The staff were all super - a great experience. We had a wonderful time and will definitely be back!

Lovely place. Only stopped for a drink. Sat outside. Polite and friendly staff.

I had a fab time today here.... good value for money... the food is excellent the service superb and the venue is amazing.

Marquee dining for Saturday lunch to celebrate Fathers' Day. Interesting menu, good service, excellent food. We celebrated in style.

The food here is delicious and interesting, great use of local and seasonal produce. It is not every day you get to eat this kind of food so it really is a treat. The staff were wonderful and nothing was too much trouble. Full of those small extra touches which make a special evening. Highly recommended.

Food was delicious! Finger lickin good! Local drinks was a bonus! Staff was super nice and helpful, they was very accommodating. The location of this pub was amazing, I'll definitely be back.

Food quality was very good but the choice was very limited. It is trying to combine an up market restaurant with a local pub but no locals were there.

What a fantastic Pub. Last Saturday I visited with my partner for a special occasion. We had booked for the afternoon. We were seated outside under the canopy. Kept warm by the gas heaters. The rain was torrential but we were totally dry and warm. The surrounding view was delightful.The food was to die for. ! Starters and mains were absolutely delicious. I had the steak and my partner the John Dory fish. All the staff were polite friendly and very willing to please. I would definitely be eating here again. Yes there are expensive dishes but the quality and quantity made up for it. In fact you could actually share .! The starters would satisfy me alone. I am already looking for my next visit, which we did the very next day and had the pub lunch bar menu. Chip butty! And not just any chip butty! Which you must try.

Lovely service and very cosy here.