6th November 2008

John Priest and Lou Hunt return to The Fox Hotel

After a two year absence popular licensees John Priest and Lou Hunt are back behind the bar of the Fox Hotel, Market Place, Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. And to mark the occasion Hook Norton has given the pub a complete makeover, which only adds to the atmosphere of this lovely old Cotswold stone building dating back to the 16th century, which is situated in the centre of the market town, adjacent to the Town Hall.

The interior is light and relaxing – there is new wooden flooring and the sun almost shines from the Cotswold stone walls. New carpets have been laid and once dark paintwork has been lightened.

On colder days a large fire roars and customers can choose to sit on comfy sofas. Outside a pretty veranda is a relaxing place to be. “We gave up the pub trade for two years, and went to live on Grand Canaria,” said John. “But, the lure of Chipping Norton and our families was too strong and we came back. Our batteries are recharged and it is fantastic to get the chance to run this pub again.” John and Lou are spending time getting to know their regular customers again while welcoming many new ones.

For the Fox 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. The Fox has three darts team which John hopes will continue to thrive. But The Fox is much more than a friendly local ideal for locals and visitors. It is also a hotel.

Currently the six bedrooms are being refurbished to the highest possible standards. Lunch menu is available and evening meals will soon be introduced. Relaxing Sunday lunches are already proving popular.

Wifi is available throughout. The Chipping Norton Silver Band practices at the pub on Thursday evenings in a room, which is also available for hire for parties or business meetings. A folk club is planned for the second Monday of the month and a quiz night could soon be up and running.

John Priest and Lou Hunt
The Fox Hotel
Market Place,
Chipping Norton,
Oxon,
OX7 5DD
phone: 01608 642658