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The Black Fox Inn - Mark Culverhouse (11th Jan 2006  21:02:54) Hi Just would like to say I went for a meal lastnight with the wife and some friends down the Black Fox Inn to give it a try as it comes recommened on the site, and I have to say it was a fantastic meal, the food was spot on. I had the smoked Haddock with Melted Cheese and fresh Veg and the flavour was amasing. The service was fantastic as well. If you want a great meal then the Black Fox is the place to go. Sorry guys at the Links but you have some catching up to do to match these guys Thank you to the Black Fox Mark

Re: The Black Fox Inn - boundtosound (12th Jan 2006  03:01:00) The smoked haddock sounds great.We used to go to the black fox 4 a good family night out. The atmosphere was warm and inviting for the whole family. More importantly the parents used to stay inside while the kids had fun in the beer garden. However, the links has one of the best golf courses ive had the privlage of playing on, in England and Australia without being ridiculousely expensive.

Re: The Black Fox Inn - S (12th Jan 2006  12:39:04) Good call Mark. have to agree. Have you by chance kicked any bins behind the goal lately after being sent off? :-)

Re: The Black Fox Inn - Sylvia Cromwell (13th Jan 2006  01:15:16) I live in Liphook and have done for many years now, I work in Petersfield so I drive along the old a3 daily, it is interesting to notice that I do not think i have ever seen more than two cars in the black fox's car park and I often travel back to Liphook at lunchtime. Often on a morning I drive past the Links to see a number of cars parked there from the previous night, customers are obviously having too much of a good time there. Also at lunchtimes it appears to be fully occupied, the same when I drive back on an evening. If the black fox is doing such a good job why are there never any cars parked outside? it is not as though the pub is in a location that is accessible by foot for many; unlike other pubs in the village. So I have to disagree with your comment of the Links having to catch up with the black fox as I have experienced their service many times and in my opinion their warm welcome and friendly staff with comfortable and cosy surroundings does everything right for me and all their other customers as they appear to keep going back. P.s Has anyone tried their amazing coq au vin?

Re: The Black Fox Inn - Freddie Dawkins (13th Jan 2006  21:44:19) Hello, Sylvia - I'd take issue with the car parking observation - The Links is a pub catering for the masses. The Black Fox has a more discerning clientele. And those of us in the know leave our cars in the back car park at the Fox, not out front on show. But I know what you mean, most strangers driving past would think there's something wrong with the BF because of lack of visible cars. Just a well-kept secret. Just going off at a tangent for a second - anyone ever go to the Hawkley Inn? Not been there for about 18 months. Used to be a brilliant pub with great ales and decent country food - the landlord was the spitting image for Henry VIII at one stage, until he lost tons of weight. Anyway, I digress. To me, it's a bit like comparing apples with oranges. The Black Fox food has always been first rate. Allan and Julie never serve up anything less than good. I had one or two good meals in The Links after it reopened under Caledonian South's ownership. But after a year or so the kitchen went way off beam and has never got back to it's original levels. I had a truly, memorably, horrible meal there one evening, entertaining the in-laws and a birthday at that - and have not been back. Allan at the Fox is a one-off landlord. He can be loud and hot-tempered in the kitchen (all chefs seem to be at some stage!) but he's a gentle giant. And I know he always reads these threads, so I'll praise him up a bit more - because he really is an accomplished chef and a great bloke. Allan and Julie have worked their socks off to build the Black Fox over, oh, 12 years now?. Try popping in there on a Thursday evening - the Milland Irregulars usually get in there once a week. Great fun. And have you tried the skittles alley? Brilliant for a party, large or small. I had my stag night there and we were spoilt rotten. So, what's on the menu for this weekend, Allan? Are the scallops as good as they were last week? Sylvia - give it a try and enjoy the food and welcome. cheers! Freddie

Re: The Black Fox Inn - liz (17th Jan 2006  10:52:19) Freddie Dawkins says "The Links is for the masses and the Black Fox for discerning clientele". Now that is unfair, if not just downright nasty. Sounds like a chip on your shoulder.

Re: The Black Fox Inn - LippyChick (17th Jan 2006  14:49:18) I'm afraid I have to disagree Liz. Freddie offered his opinion, and to say that is nasty is both unfair and disingenuous. I've dined several times at both The Links and The Black Fox. They both offer different things. The Links is a far larger establishment, and anyone who has been there on a Friday or Saturday night cannot see anything but that they cater for masses. To the point, that on occasion the numbers there are so great that it is difficult to enjoy a quiet or romantic meal. It is however great at lunchtimes, and during the week, especially if you enjoy a livlier atmosphere. The Black Fox is quieter (less rowdy if you like) and better suited to an intimate dining experience. I have to say that I have had magnificent meals in both establishments, but that on occasion, The Links has let me down both in the quality of the food and the service provided. I have never experienced such an event at The Black Fox. Lips x

Re: The Black Fox Inn - liz (17th Jan 2006  16:00:39) I am not expressing a preference for either establishment. However operating a larger establishment is not the same as 'catering for the masses vs a discerning clientele'. - Still think it was a nasty (and unnecessary) comment but perhaps just infortunately worded.

Re: The Links - Amy (17th Jan 2006  16:34:33) Just been reading the thread - The Black Fox v The Links and have visited both and had excellent meals at both. My preference is for The Links - never been let down by the food, customer service or atmosphere. Why do you think it gets so crowded? I've visited The Black Fox on occasion during a lunchtime and evening when my partner and I were the only customers - not exactly inspiring. As for Freddie Dawkins' comments, we are all entitled to our point of view but I really don't see how he can give an up-to-date appraisal if he hasn't visited The Links recently. I have certainly experienced a pretty mediocre meal at The Black Fox on one occasion but it hasn't put be off returning - just thought of it as an off night and nothing more. As for catering for a more discerning clientele, I am sure The Black Fox, like The Links, accepts all customers who are well behaved. Amy

Re: The Black Fox Inn - muzzy (17th Jan 2006  19:30:28) I'm afraid I have to disagree with your comment Freddie that the owners at the Black Fox never serve up anything less than good. I had enjoyed an evening meal there once so when my husband asked me to choose a place for a birthday lunch I suggested the Black Fox. There was very little to choose from on the menu so I plumped for a cheese toasted sandwich which was not good and it came acompanied by a lettuce leaf, a small wedge of tomato and a slice of cucumber. We were charged six pounds and I felt so "cheesed" off with my lunch it quite spoiled my day. As all contributors to this thread are pointing out we are all influenced by our experiences. My experience from the many times I have eaten at the Links is that the service and food have been excellent. We had my mum's 70th birthday there and they really did us proud and made it a day to remember. They also accommodated our under 14s by prior arrangement Sorry Black Fox but I would need a lot more convincing to give your pub another chance. I would also throw another contender in to the pot in the shape of the Sun Inn at Rake. Very good service and food - if a bit pricey. Can't beat the verandah on a warm summer's evening.

Re: The Black Fox Inn - Mark Culverhouse (18th Jan 2006  09:14:55) Hi All Just been reading all your comments to my post an d I have found them interesting. I must say i would have to agree with both parties. If you want a good Friday or Saturday Night Drink and laugh then the Links is the place to go ( I go there with my mates) It is always packed loud and very smokey, Not the place to have a nice relaxed special meal. But if you want the nice relaxed special meal with good food and service then the Black Fox is the place to go. I must say both myself and my wife have been to the Links on several seperate occasions and have been let down with the food and service for the price charged. I think in the end it all boils down to what you want as a person. Mark P.S Thanks to who ever that was reminding of my sending off in football * Cheers * :-)

Re: The Black Fox Inn - liz (23rd Jan 2006  13:50:28) Have not eaten in the Black Fox for years - no particular reason. Ventured out there recently to find (as many have said) exceptionally good food and friendly/efficient service. The menu was very impressive making it difficult to choose - very impressed with the range of fish. However still lacks some atmosphere for a special meal although I can't quite put my finger on why. Freddie put me off a bit with his earlier comments making the place sound rather 'cliquey' but that was certainly not the case. I think maybe the place needs 'softening' a bit - perhaps softer lighting?

Re: The Black Fox Inn - Freddie Dawkins (26th Jan 2006  23:08:33) Dear Liz - Now that's a good idea. When I read your msg, it occurred to me that the BF is bright - even on dark nights. I know Allan and Julie pop in and out of the threads and Allan's been known to leave a few messages, so I'm sure Julie will pick up on the idea. BTW, I was at the BF last Saturday, early evening, before all the festivities for an early Burns Night kicked off. From what I saw and heard reported the next day, the 50+ people who attended had a great night - and they've been doing this for some years now. Only disaster, apparently, was the huge piper - who forgot his shirt! He borrowed one from Allan - not a slip of a man - and even then it was too small for the lone piper. But all went well in the end. What about other pubs in the area? Does anyone ever go to The Good Intent in Petersfield.? I'd been there a couple of times in the distant past for live music nights and they were good. I popped in for a pint (Gales) on New Year's Day. Nice place, very welcoming landlords and the landlady even went and brought a bowl of water for the dog and slipped her some treats. We were made very welcome. Have not tried their food but resataurant looked interesting. rgds to all Freddie

Re: The Black Fox Inn - Tim Jordan (5th Feb 2006  09:43:44) Rising Sun in Milland does amazing food - French Onion Soup is worth a visit on its own. Also a wonderful selection of homemade tarts and I had a super bit of pheasant there a couple of weeks ago. Good Intent was our favourite when we lived in Petersfield, lovely atmosphere when it's not too busy, for a quiet drink, and excellent local ingredient food with a real love of cooking. Also good is their sister pub - the White Horse / Pub with No Name which is about 4 miles outside Pfield.

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