Eating out: The Fox Revived, Norwood Hill, Horley

The Fox Revived is enjoying a true revival, thanks to its new management who, since taking over towards the third quarter of last year, have transformed it and once again made it the focal point of social life in the area.

Paul and Jon Briscoe, who run The Jolly Farmers in Buckland just outside Reigate, have clearly worked hard to put their stamp of excellence and professionalism on their new acquisition – and it shows.

My wife and I had often driven past The Fox Revived on our travels to and from Dorking but on Sunday we actually stopped by for lunch.

I had heard that the Briscoes had undertaken a major refurb of the place and breathed new life into it and we walked into a warm welcome from the bar staff. General manager Sarah, who was busy in discussions with a couple planning their wedding reception at the venue in the summer, came along soon after and introduced herself.

We had been seated in one of the pub's two conservatories, a large, bright and airy affair which has been totally revamped. Looking out as it does on the pub's gardens and, to one side, a road which seemed particularly popular with parties of horse riders out exercising their mounts, families arriving for Sunday lunch appeared to be making a beeline for the conservatory.

The Fox Revived can seat 70-plus diners and, before long, I noticed that with the eating area around the bar also full, patrons were being ushered into a second, adjoining, conservatory which boasted a pretty long dining table in the centre.

While we sipped on our drinks, our waitress brought us our menus. It soon became apparent that there was plenty of choice, with starters, salads, roasts, mains, sandwiches and extras on offer, all at seemingly reasonable prices. The wine list offered a selection of white, rose, fizzy, and red choices, by the bottle or glass.

My attention was drawn to a warning at the top of the menu asking diners "to inform your server of any food allergies or intolerances when you place your food order".

We asked for a plate of bread (white and granary) and butter (£1.50) and both my wife and I chose the same starters – 'smoked salmon and capers'. At £5.95, it was an excellent starter.

While my partner ordered a pan roasted 8oz rib eye steak as her main course (£15.95), which came with a serving of grilled vine tomato, mushroom and handcut chips, I decided to extend my 'fishing expedition' and order roasted fillet of salmon (£12.50). This came with a serving of artichoke, spinach and delicious garlic mashed potato, laced with parsley cream sauce.

As side orders, we requested portions of seasonal vegetables and a bowl of handcut chips (£2 each).

Our meal thus far had been pretty good, and left us wholly satisfied. After a while we moved on to the final leg – dessert. While my wife ordered a classic vanilla bread and butter pudding (which came with lashings of vanilla ice cream), I opted for The Fox Revived Knickerbocker Glory, which arrived in a deep bowl complete with chopped nuts, chocolate sauce and raspberry coulis. Both desserts were priced at £5.25.

The Fox Revived boasts an excellent team – helpful, efficient and friendly. With Sarah very much hands on and leading the restaurant serving operation by example, it was all very much service with a smile.

That the local people are delighted to have their pub with its excellent food back is evident. Not only are they voting with their cash and enjoying its cuisine but, during the recent freeze that turned the area into a winter wonderland, they turned out with their shovels and spades to 'dig' the pub out of the ice age!

With Valentine's Day round the corner, The Fox Revived is pushing the boat out over the weekend of February 13 and 14 – while the regular menu will also be available, there is one offering a host of Valentine's Weekend Specials, including many items designed for sharing and a wide range of individually priced dishes. And as an innovation, the fun begins with a Valentine's Breakfast on Saturday, February 13.

Alf De Araujo

At a glance

Reviewer's rating: Four stars

Cost for two: £56.35 (including desserts but not drinks )

Service charge: At discretion of diner

Wine: Varied and impressive choice

Vegetarian: Plenty to select from

Parking: Has extensive car park

Disabled access: Yes

Service: Prompt and professional

Value for money: Yes

The Fox Revived