Well, a lot of you have been eagerly waiting for this… I can’t even count the number of times people have shouted at me for coming up with silly excuses as to why I haven’t been to Fox at Hampton Lane yet. It was getting a little bit ridiculous but let me tell you, after finally paying them a visit, I’m wondering why no one gave me a good clump on the head before!
On a Friday afternoon, I had the opportunity to venture to this tucked-away gem on Hampton Lane in Catherine De Barnes. I must admit, it doesn’t exactly jump out at you, so it’s easy to miss. But once I stepped inside, it felt like entering a beautiful house transformed into a restaurant, complete with an inviting outdoor seating area. We sat out on the patio. It gave me the nostalgic feeling of having lunch and wine at a friend’s house in Spain, with the warm sun beaming down on us. Unfortunately, the pesky British weather decided to play spoilsport, and the clouds quickly rolled in. However, that didn’t dampen my experience at Fox.
The interior is simply stunning, surrounded by lush greenery and foliage. I instantly felt a sense of relaxation and had a really good vibe about the place. Fox boasts a chic setting and serves up seasonal menus, natural wine, and coffee. As we quickly browsed through the menu, we were enticed by several dishes, but what caught our attention right away was the orange wine. Nothing ever gets in the way!
I ordered a glass, while James opted for an old-fashioned cocktail. The Wine and cocktail menu had a great variety, offering a wide selection to suit different tastes, and already we were off to a tremendous start! The lunch menu is perfectly designed for sharing between two or a group, allowing everyone to sample a variety of dishes. Now, let’s talk about the food we ordered.
First up, the Gin + juniper-cured Chalk Stream trout with gooseberry, apple, and rocket. This dish stole the show for me. The trout was incredibly fresh, making it a perfect summer delight. The Antipasti, featuring cured meats, pickles, olives, and local bread, was absolutely fantastic. Fresh, high-quality meats accompanied by punchy pickles and perfectly baked bread. The Chicken Caesar salad was a refreshing twist on the classic, bursting with flavours thanks to the salted anchovies, sourdough croutons, and Old Winchester cheese (a far from boring salad). And to complement our feast, we couldn’t resist ordering the crispy spiced potatoes, which were an absolute sensation. Crispy and light, and fluffy inside. I couldn’t get enough of them. In fact, I could have devoured several bowls without batting an eye. They were that addictive!
Feeling delightfully full and satisfied, we didn’t want our dining experience to end. So, we indulged in the ‘Strawberries + cream’ dessert with basil and pink peppercorns. It was a delightful treat—sweet, light, and exactly what we needed to conclude our meal. As a perfect finale, I decided to savour an espresso martini. Let me tell you, it was possibly the smoothest and most delicious espresso martini I’ve ever had. It was a truly wonderful way to cap off an incredible dining experience.
The staff at Fox are an absolute pleasure. They are friendly, helpful, and genuinely passionate about what they do. We even had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Helen, who is an absolute gem herself and radiates a genuine love for her business.
For me, Fox at Hampton Lane is more than just a hidden gem. It’s a remarkable independent establishment that offers incredibly delicious and affordable lunch and dinner in a truly beautiful setting. I firmly believe that Fox is something truly special. It deserves far more recognition for what it brings to the table.
BAB ABOUT TOWN 