The Fox Revived — Restaurant in Mole Valley

I hate writing negative things about established local businesses with great reputations.

However, it pains me to say that my experience at The Fox Revived wasn't a good one.

On a Sunday evening at approx. 1900 having dinner, myself and my girlfriend expected a great meal. What we got was:

A starter of rustic breads, but there were only four small pieces with a dip of balsamic and what tasted/looked like sunflower oil and not the olive oil advertised. Also, the waiter didn't bring us any side plates. Meaning initially, we were dripping sunflower oil on the table.

For the main course, both of us had roasts. My girlfriend had the roast turkey, which was accompanied by some potatoes that appeared with mouldy looking black spots.

For my meal I ordered the porchetta. I was expecting a crunchy piece of pork with a degree of fat and some meat in the middle. What I received was a large jelly-like piece of soft fat that made me wretch when I took a mouthful, along with a miniscule amount of meat that I had to search for.

Both of our meals were served with what can only be described as slimy vegetables, including an excessive amount of soggy red cabbage and what tasted like cheap/instant gravy.

When we asked if the porchetta could be swapped for another meat due to its inedible texture, I was offered turkey. I couldn't eat this as I'm allergic to poultry. Starting to give up, I began to eat the potatoes. Only then did the staff member warn me that the potatoes are cooked in duck fat. I admit I should've mentioned my allergy ahead of time, but I was concerned that the staff didn't ask about allergies when I made my initial order.

To the management's credit, they gave me a complimentary burger and chips. Although this could be described as average at best.

The staff were very friendly and apologetic. But we felt that because we were dining at 7pm on a Sunday evening, the standard had dropped quite dramatically to those who were dining at 3 or 4pm. Regardless if the chef was having an 'off day' or was tired, this was not good enough.

This meal was expensive. In this current climate, I expected much, much more for the money in terms of quality and value.

The Fox Revived is usually a great pub. But after this experience leaving, quite literally a 'bad taste in the mouth', I would be reluctant to return.

It's a great shame as I used to really...

I went along with my wife and children. My first impressions were wow, I mean this place looks great. The bar and restaurant present themselves as really up market. I saw that they have enough staff to start a war with a small country, and they are happy motivated staff too (then I think to myself this is going to cost me, doh!) The menu choice is reasonable. And the prices are just what you'd expect them to be considering the great decor and amount of happy staff.

But you know, when something doesn't feel right, well it usually isn't. THE FOOD.

I am writing this review the day after. I haven't seen much of my wife today. She's been in the toilet most of the time. COULD it be that CHICKEN pie with was warm on the outside but FROZEN COLD to the touch on the inside! Yes I think it was. Image her surprise to find it both hot and frozen. The staff apologised and it took ages for my wife to get another. By which time myself and the kids had eaten. The second pie was a rushed microwave job. Too hot to have been from the oven, and the pastry was like play-do. The kids food was dull. Fancied a change and went for vegetable curry. Well it was rubbish, there was a severe lack of vegetables, only three small bits of sweet potato and small bit of coliflower, other than that it was just well presented uncle Bens rice. So did the manager come over and say sorry have a drink or desert on me? NO But please fox revived have this review on me.

And I think it's fair I report my wife's sickness. My kids are there too for heaven's sake.

The chef is delusional. He / she or they thinks they are Gordon Ramsey, but bumbling microwave chefs are more my opinion now.

Nice...

This was a wonderful re-discovery, since they've renovated and reopened this place. It's looking fabulous, inside and out. Such a pretty setting, with a colourful garden in the front and back. The inside was amazingly vibrant and quite crowded, despite the quiet location. (Even on a Monday!) Clearly a very popular place!

We came here for a special lunch on Monday 9th June, 2025, with my two elderly "aunties", and it didn't disappoint. In fact, the whole thing was a success. The atmosphere was lovely and the welcome and service was warm and friendly.

I had the apple and parsnip soup, which was absolutely delicious. Everyone wanted to taste it! I then had the homemade chicken and leek pot pie, which was fabulous - a lovely thick, crunchy crust with fresh ingredients and fresh side veggies. For dessert, I had the sticky apple and blackberry pudding! (A nice summery twist on the traditional sticky toffee pudding) And it was every bit as good as I'd hoped. Served hot with piping hot custard...😋

The wait staff was very friendly and accommodating, and were very patient trying to get the best photo of us all!

Wandering outside to get some fresh air, we admired the large beer garden at the back, and my husband and I went on the swings! Very peaceful out there, with the antique tractor at the back, and the view over the field of daisies. Lots of lovely colourful hanging baskets of flowers in the front too, and I loved the foxgloves planted right by the painted sign "The Fox Revived"... The whole thing made for a very memorable and...