The Fox Revived, Norwood Hill, Horley

When we came here years ago it was dreadful, but we’d heard it had changed hands so we dropped in to see whether it had, well, revived. The entrance leads in to a smallish traditionally presented pub area, with bookcases on one side and, oddly, bongo drums in the corner. A few customers were at the bar, having deposited coats on two of the three tables there. The much larger remainder of the pub was in the modern, grey and bland style, but felt comfortable enough, with several areas attempting to balance people’s drinking and eating needs. There were quite a number of customers in, though it was not busy. The one barmaid who seemed to be the only member of staff outside the kitchen was extremely busy however: she appeared to be running the place single handedly, and doing a very good job of it. The two banks of two ale pumps offered Dark Star Hophead and Old Chestnut, WJ King’s Red River, and Pilgrims Surrey Pale Ale, our drinks were good and cost £3.20 on average. Bottled ales from Dark Star, King’s, Hepworth and Hogs Back breweries were also displayed in a rack in front of the bar, and another opposite had a good range of chutneys, marmalades and suchlike from local suppliers displayed for sale and described as ‘from the deli at our sister pub the Jolly Farmers’. A perusal of the menu suggested fairly standard fayre, tarted up slightly so as to be able to charge for main courses from about £10. There was a big garden which must be nice in the summer, but on a January evening was empty and the half-sided smoking marquee unlit and devoid of ashtrays. This place wasn’t entirely to my taste, but seemed to have its points of interest and be doing a decent job. I’d happily drop in again for a drink if in the area. It would appear they have indeed revived the Fox.