The Walton Fox — Restaurant in South Ribble

Visited today as an after Christmas treat, leaving the baby at home with his Gran so we could have some time together. Picked for its location (Matalan and Aldi nearby, plus B&Q and Argos/Sainsbury's). Didn't book, because it was a bit of a last minute idea and this wasn't a problem at all for them. We waited around in the bar until someone seated us. Very pleasant chap from behind the bar seated us because the lady hosting seemed busy and the other member of staff we saw wasn't seating people. We were given a lovely table near the log fire which really added to the festive atmosphere. Drinks order taken and brought promptly, we were kindly given extra time to browse the menu because I'm very indesicive. (I don't get out much anymore and being on a budget I like to be sure I'll enjoy what I've paid for!)

My reason for only 4 stars on service isn't a direct reflection on the staff personally, it just took quite a long time from ordering our meals to having them brought out. The restaurant wasn't very busy when we arrived but did fill up whilst we were eating. It could've been mentioned when we ordered that there might be a delay.

We had from the nibbles menu - Chorizo sausage bites - Absolutely delicious. Garlic flatbread with cheese - lovely. Very large, probably wouldn't order again with 2 courses but would definitely order if we came in for a drink. With more chorizo sausages too!

From the Festive menu: Camembert & Mushroom Fondue - Tasty but a bit watery. I would've liked some butter with the bread, but that's just personal preference and I'm sure if I'd asked then they would've been happy to oblige. Slow cooked pork belly - this was my partners choice and I was very jealous after tasting it. Cooked beautifully, perfect meat to fat ratio and the only negative about the crackling is that there wasn't more.

From the normal menu: Salt & Pepper calamari -cooked perfectly, lots of it, and the saffron aoli was delicious. Smoked Haddock & Spinach Fishcakes - very nice and crisp, but a little heavy on the potato especially when served...

Im gutted for this place to be honest. I came a few days back for tea with my two young children. We were turned away because according to staff “we have too many orders so have closed the kitchen”. It was 7:50pm, kitchen closes 8:30pm. To my surprise for a fully functioning kitchen with numerous chefs to not be able to handle orders , did make me wonder the reasons why we were turned away. We ended up reluctantly at the poachers.

Although the Walton fox has spent a fortune of new decor, it’s a damn Shame they haven’t focused on the quality of food and wine. I’ll start from the beginning…

Ordered one bottle for £35 - after waiting 15 minutes for it to turn up, it wasn’t available.

The next bottle we asked for after waiting a further 10 minutes- we were told - not available.

The third bottle came - £26.50, not expensive, for sure, however the quality was so low, it gave me an instant headache. I left over 3/4 of the bottle. And to be honest I did refuse to pay.

Food- Starters Ordered the platter starter to share - not available. Went for the calamari - dry, sad, no salad. Chorizo sausages - burnt Mushrooms- no flavour. Just mushrooms and cream. Best part was the rocket salad. Camembert - good , however bread burnt. Mains- chicken parmigiana- it wasn’t. It was just chicken with melted cheese. No flavour. Halloumi fries- not bad. Liked the side sauce. Belgium fries- waaaaay too much Cajun/paprika.

I don’t think I’ll be returning. Which really is a shame. I love the building and the decor, the staff were pleasant and were obviously quite embarrassed about the situation. I think the quality of wines can afford to be higher especially for the prices they’re charging. I can’t fault the staff at all. I just expected more and we did leave disappointed. I hope this feedback does help. And I am happy to return if I see/hear the food and...

I have had two meals at the Walton fox now...I love the friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the pub! I had the cheesy Garlic bread to start on both visits which was a good size and delicious! My only criticism is the portion size with the main courses.. On the first visit I had the Duo of Lamb.. The Lamb rump was cooked to perfection and melt in your mouth! However the shepherds pie which accompanied it was an Extremely small and downright stingy portion! AND EXTREMLY SALTY!! On the second visit, I had the sausage and onion gravy on a bed of mash... when this main course arrived at my table I immediately thought was it a child's portion? And the bed of mash was more a Cot of mash than a bed! The food was delicious! But the portion size was extremely stingy! On both occasions the mains portion size left me extremely disappointed and feeling hungry and short changed! On both visits I had the apple, blackcurrant and cherry crumble with custard for dessert... Which I can honestly say as someone who loves my desserts is the most delicious and best dessert I have ever had! 😋 My criticism about the mains portion size could be easily fixed by peeling and using some extra potatoes in the mains... That I had chosen! Besides from the extremely small and stingy main course portion size!

• WARNING! * Do not leave a critical review of this pub if there is any possibility of you returning! As some of the staff will be unable to control their urge to... Have a dig= by making you wait, state food is unavailable when in fact it is available! Put extra salt in your food!...( Despite it previously being mentioned! ) Very unprofessional & Childish!

Goodbye...