1st September 2006

Relax in style at the Fox

That our customers should relax in style is the ambition of Jane Parnell, the new tenant at the Fox Hotel in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. She and her husband Tony have been at the Fox for several weeks now and have spent the time getting to know the regular customers and the town of Chipping Norton. “This is a wonderful, vibrant community pub, well used by local town people, who might pop in for a coffee mid-morning or for a pint of Hooky Bitter later in the day,” said Jane.

A chef by training, Jane has ambitious plans for developing the menu at the Fox. “Everything will be value for money, decent food and not expensive, – it will be English with a twist using locally sourced ingredients,” she said. The couple have plans to redecorate throughout, while still being true to the atmosphere of this lovely old Cotswold stone building dating back to the 16th century, which is situated in the centre old market town, adjacent to the Town Hall.

Jane and Tony, who have moved to Oxfordshire from London, have thrown themselves into town life and say they will live in Chipping Norton for many years to come. They are supporting the pub’s darts, dominoes and crib teams and are looking forward to forming a cricket team, intending to challenge other Hooky pubs to matches. But the Fox is much more than a friendly local ideal for locals and visitors. It is also a hotel.

The couple have ambitious plans to refurbish the six bedrooms to the highest possible standards. “When we have finished every room will have broadband access and high definition television. Business people or tourists staying away from home expect the very best of creature comforts – and they want to be able to stay in contact with family or work colleagues with ease. “We are here for the long term,” said Jane, “This is our home and business. We want the Fox to be a place where people can pop in and relax, sitting and chatting with family or friends or just reading a newspaper.