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The Fox at Penllyn

Vale of Glamorgan, Cowbridge - British - Pub - ££

The heart and soul of the village

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Whether you’re sitting under a tree outside with some liquid refreshment or cosying up round the fire after a winter feast, this ‘gorgeous, inviting village pub’ seems to have it all. Once the Red Fox, it was taken over in 2022 by five local villagers, who drafted in chef John Cook (formerly at the Rocket & Rye, winner of the Guide’s Best Local Restaurant in Wales award in 2023). Since then, the reenergised Fox has ‘helped to keep the village alive’, providing hospitality, entertainment and superb sustenance with an uncompromising local flavour. The repertoire runs from Teifi Saval cheese with Welsh honeycomb to seasonal fruits with baked vanilla custard via steak frites, Welsh halloumi with braised courgette, peas and rice or market fish with chips and curry ketchup. Sunday lunches are ‘the best we’ve ever had,’ says one reporter – so expect an unrivalled offer featuring roast Willersley Court Farm beef, free-range pork o...

Whether you’re sitting under a tree outside with some liquid refreshment or cosying up round the fire after a winter feast, this ‘gorgeous, inviting village pub’ seems to have it all. Once the Red Fox, it was taken over in 2022 by five local villagers, who drafted in chef John Cook (formerly at the Rocket & Rye, winner of the Guide’s Best Local Restaurant in Wales award in 2023). Since then, the reenergised Fox has ‘helped to keep the village alive’, providing hospitality, entertainment and superb sustenance with an uncompromising local flavour. The repertoire runs from Teifi Saval cheese with Welsh honeycomb to seasonal fruits with baked vanilla custard via steak frites, Welsh halloumi with braised courgette, peas and rice or market fish with chips and curry ketchup. Sunday lunches are ‘the best we’ve ever had,’ says one reporter – so expect an unrivalled offer featuring roast Willersley Court Farm beef, free-range pork or even a ‘Sunday pie’ with mash. Drinks are top drawer too, from Welsh ales to a short list of easy-drinking wines.

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H MartinDavies

12 August 2026

Owned by a group of local people who came together to breathe new life into the pub, it has become a truly cosy, welcoming and enjoyable place at the heart of our community. The food is exceptional, with a varied menu th...
Owned by a group of local people who came together to breathe new life into the pub, it has become a truly cosy, welcoming and enjoyable place at the heart of our community. The food is exceptional, with a varied menu that caters for every taste, and it’s wonderfully dog-friendly too. After enjoying one of the beautiful walks around the village, there’s nothing better than popping in for a cool pint, a glass of wine, and a bowl of water and a few treats for your four-legged friend. It really...
Owned by a group of local people who came together to breathe new life into the pub, it has become a truly cosy, welcoming and enjoyable place at the heart of our community. The food is exceptional, with a varied menu that caters for every taste, and it’s wonderfully dog-friendly too. After enjoying one of the beautiful walks around the village, there’s nothing better than popping in for a cool pint, a glass of wine, and a bowl of water and a few treats for your four-legged friend. It really is a very special pub — warm, welcoming and loved by locals and visitors alike. It would be thoroughly deserving of the title of Best Local Pub in Wales.
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VENUE DETAILS

Penllyn
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7RQ GB

01446 772352

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OTHER INFORMATION

Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Deposit required

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