Bucks &amp; Oxon

Nothing we like more than an old pub revitalised, and this Boars Hill in has had the full foxy treatment.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-60859 size-full" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-ext.jpg" alt="the fox boars hill exterior front building wooden beams stone bottom outdoor dining area" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-ext.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-ext-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-ext-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-ext-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
THE LOCATION 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-60861" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-flowers.jpg" alt="the fox boars hill flowers outside dining deck sitting" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-flowers.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-flowers-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-flowers-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-flowers-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
You&#8217;ll find The Fox Inn in well-heeled Boars Hill in Oxford, an exclusive hamlet just 3 miles southwest of Oxford. With its elevated location, there are some beautiful walks and stunning views of the city &#8211; it was from the &#8216;hill&#8217; that Matthew Arnold talked of Oxford&#8217;s &#8216;dreaming spires&#8217; in his poem <a title="Thyrsis (poem)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyrsis_(poem)">Thyrsis</a> (1866). The pub itself is large, and sits fairly close to the main road, though don&#8217;t that put you off &#8211; there&#8217;s a large outside area behind the pub with an attractive raised decking area so you&#8217;ll feel suitably &#8216;country&#8217;.
THE VIBE
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-60868 size-full" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-snug-chairs.jpg" alt="the fox interior leather chairs wooden log store chalk board" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-snug-chairs.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-snug-chairs-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-snug-chairs-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-snug-chairs-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-60857" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-bar.jpg" alt="the fox boars hill bar tiled floor big window" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-bar.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-bar-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-bar-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-bar-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
Warm and friendly which is no mean feat as the pub is huge. The pub, a bit down on its luck previously, has been given a stylish makeover, particularly in the bar/snug area, which would be my tip where to sit for lunch or dinner with its huge beams and traditional fireplaces accentuated by mid-century style chairs, leather stools and a striking tiled floor. In summer, I can imagine the large garden, balcony and this impressive raised covered decking area (gorgeous view alert) will be top spot for a Pimm&#8217;s or two to join the locals.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-60863" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-outdoors-from-a-distance.jpg" alt="the fox boars hill outdoors parasol dining area surrounded trees" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-outdoors-from-a-distance.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-outdoors-from-a-distance-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-outdoors-from-a-distance-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-outdoors-from-a-distance-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
SCOFF/QUAFF
The offering is definitely more pubby than gastro I&#8217;d say. Though it could have been plated in a prettier way (below), my pie was tasty enough. However, I think the real calling card for The Fox is its family-friendly credentials, particularly the children&#8217;s menu.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-60867" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-pie.jpg" alt="the fox boars hill pie potato meat sauce vegetables table dining inside" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-pie.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-pie-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-pie-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-pie-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
My children absolutely loved it here, because they could make their own pizza wraps for lunch, with the ingredients brought to the table so they could &#8216;build&#8217; them, then taken away for cooking and brought back again.
<div id="attachment_60855" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-60855" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-60855 size-full" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-kids-pizzas-.jpg" alt="the fox close up kids pizzas cheese tomatos" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-kids-pizzas-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-kids-pizzas--150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-kids-pizzas--300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-kids-pizzas--667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />One: Take ingredients</div>
<div id="attachment_60854" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-60854" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-60854 size-full" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-dolloping-pizzas.jpg" alt="the fox dolloping tomato pizzas" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-dolloping-pizzas.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-dolloping-pizzas-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-dolloping-pizzas-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-dolloping-pizzas-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Two: Start &#8216;blobbing&#8217;</div>
<div id="attachment_60860" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-60860" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-60860 size-full" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-finished-pizzas.jpg" alt="the fox boars hill pizza close ups cheese tomato" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-finished-pizzas.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-finished-pizzas-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-finished-pizzas-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-finished-pizzas-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Three: Create your pizza wrap</div>
If you have young children it&#8217;s genius, as they&#8217;re kept occupied and more liable to eat their own creation too. Expect pub classics on the a la carte &#8211; burger, fish and chips, beef bourguignon, fishcakes &#8211; and a dedicated children&#8217;s menu too that includes the pizza wrap, chicken burgers and a 50z steak.
AROUND AND ABOUT
<div id="attachment_60870" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-60870" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-60870 size-full" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-view.jpg" alt="the fox boars hill view ountryside village trees shrubs" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-view.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-view-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-view-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-view-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />My snap from the Old Berkeley golf course</div>
The main attraction in Boars Hill are the old village, Oxford views and the walking. You can do a <a href="https://www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/sites/www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/files/Dreaming%20Spires%20walk.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">circular walk</a>, first opened in 2016 and just shy of 2.5 miles, from the Old Berkeley Golf Course (pictured) &#8211; a couple of minute&#8217;s drive from The Fox. Alternatively it&#8217;s super easy to get into Oxford from Boars Hill &#8211; you&#8217;ll be there in 10 minutes.
THE MUDDY VERDICT
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-60856" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-verandah.jpg" alt="outdoor dining area sun wooden tables seats" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-verandah.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-verandah-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-verandah-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/The-Fox-Boars-Hill-verandah-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
Good for: Young families, relaxed Sunday lunches (roasts are good value at around  £14.50), drop in walkers and dog lovers &#8211; four-legged friends are welcome in the bar and the extensive gardens. Kids will love
Not for: Gourmets &#8211; this is pleasing pub grub served in an attractive space, with an a excellent children&#8217;s offering, but The Fox won&#8217;t trouble the local gastropubs.
££: Average I&#8217;d say. A la carter starters £5.50-8; mains £13.50 &#8211; £19.25, Sunday lunches around £14.50, and steaks £19.50-22.50.
<a href="https://thefoxinn.pub/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Fox Inn</a>, Fox Lane, Boars Hill Oxford OX1 5DR. Tel: 01865 735131.
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The Fox Inn, Boars Hill

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