The Black Fox

Our Beer Man had been to visit The Black Fox, shortly after they’d opened their doors, and reported a few issues. In good spirit, the management had responded, kept us up to date with some improvements they’d been making, and invited us in to give the revised offering a try. We declined the offer of free stuff, but said we’d pop in when next we had a spare moment.

With my morning programme of events having slightly over-run, I popped in for a late lunchtime visit. The place was unsurprisingly on the quiet side, but that suited me nicely.

The interior seems smart and settled with a good blend of seating, ranging from bar stools to banquette to high tables and booths. It has the feel of a stylish bar diner and I rather liked it.

Their menu has burgers and hot dogs at its heart, with sandwiches, pizzas and lighter bites also available. I was in burger mood. I noticed that they did a Monday- Thursday lunchtime deal of two cheeseburgers for £10. I asked the barman whether that would be too much for one person and he assured me it would be, so I settled for a single cheeseburger, which came with cajun fries and slaw.

Cooked to order, this took a moment or two to arrive, but that was entirely appropriate. Upon arrival, I was confident that couldn’t have packed away a pair of them, so good call from the barman. The burger was a huge ball of doorstep slab of meat, a burger style that really doesn’t appeal to me.

It proved fairly decent for a burger of that type, but too lean and light on flavour for my tastes. People love burgers like this for some reason, though, as is evidenced by the adoration for places like the Cambridge that serve items in this style. For me they are hard going. This was a real shame as good attention to detail had been paid on other elements.

The fries were nicely seasoned and the slaw fresh and crunchy. The accompanying salad was exceptionally good and the condiments impressive.

So overall, aside from the burger which wasn’t done in a style I value, there was a lot to like at the Black Fox. In a slightly in-between location I think it has the opportunity to carve a niche for itself and there are plenty of burger customers who like great mountainous mincey mounds. Give it a try next time you’re in the neighbourhood.

Scores
Blythe scores the Black Fox
3.5/5 for food
3.5 /5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 14.5/20

I ate: cheeseburger, cajun fries, slaw

I drank: sparkly water

I wore: pinstripes

Total bill: £9.95