Fox and Grapes pub menu put to the test in Hawarden

The Hwy

Hawarden

Tel: 01244 535961

Web: foxandgrapeshawarden

I HADN'T been to this village pub in many years but having been taken on under new ownership last summer, was curious.

We booked in for a Saturday night, and were ravenous by the time we arrived.

Although there is parking at the Fox & Grapes, it's a tight squeeze to reach it, and I wasn't confident for my wing mirrors, so we headed to the large car park in the village, only a two minute walk away.

Spincha rolls at the Fox & Grapes in Hawarden.

It's a very traditional looking venue, inside and out. The place was relatively empty at this time but we could see most tables had 'reserved' signs on. Within the hour, the restaurant and bar areas had both filled, creating a good atmosphere. We also spent a lot of time Shazamming the music on offer too, great selection.

I was driving, so swerved the impressive cocktails list but noted they were a great excuse to return.

Having been seated at a table to two inside a cosy nook, we set about picking our food.

The starters were split into 'cold' and 'hot', which I liked, as often I never know if something will be served one or the other.

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Meatballs at the Fox & Grapes in Hawarden.

On offer was hummus, haddock and salmon croquettes, and sucuk (spicy beef sausage) but my partner went for the parmigiana beef meatballs in a spicy tomatoes sauce (£6.95) and catching my eye were the filo pastry rolls, filled with spinach, goat cheese, mushrooms and feta cheese (£5.95). We also ordered a portion of the grilled halloumi, with sweet chilli sauce to share (£4.95).

Our starters were impressive portions. I had three of the spinach rolls, and they were delicious. The soft, flavour-filled centres with the flaky filo was a perfect combination. Would absolutely have again.

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Grilled halloumi at the Fox & Grapes in Hawarden.

Across from me my other half was tucking into his meatballs. Again, it was a very decent plateful, with the trio sitting in the rich sauce.

The halloumi was a treat, and tasted like being on holiday. If you know, you just know. We dipped ours into the meatball sauce too, not wasting a drop.

Off to a great start, we vowed there would be no room for pudding.

The Fox & Grapes burger.

Up next, the main event. There was plenty to choose from. As well as a few classics, steak and Guinness pie, fish and chips, mixed grill sharer for two, there were some unexpected surprises, including a Mediterranean tart, beetroot and butternut squash Wellington and falafel burger.

I kept it classic with the Fox & Grapes burger (which for those curious, contained neither fox nor grapes) which came in a brioche bun (a personal favourite) with onion rings and chips (£13.95). My boyfriend chose the chargrilled chicken shish (lamb is also available) with grilled red onions and bell peppers, served with tzatziki and an option of rice, chips or diced salad (£15.95). We also had a side of onion rings (£3.50) between us.

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Chicken shish at the Fox & Grapes in Hawarden.

My burger had toasted onion mayo on, and I loved it, really added something a bit different to the whole thing. The hand cut chips were excellent.

I'm a big onion ring fan, and it's become a standing joke amongst friends and family that I will almost always order a side of them. But they vary massively in quality. Pleased to say the Fox & Grapes have nailed them. Big, juicy rings of onion, in a tasty, crispy batter that didn't fall to its soon as it was bitten into, and a hefty portion too.

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A side of onion rings at the Fox & Grapes in Hawarden.

Opposite me, the chicken shish was proving a hit. Although having a bigger appetite, my partner said the option of adding a second skewer of chicken would have been nice but there was plenty for most people.

Now, we really had no business even looking at dessert but peeked anyway. There was chocolate brownie, sticky toffee pudding and apple Charlotte but we were full, so ordered chocolate and caramel cake with custard (£4.50) and strawberry cheesecake (£4.50). We'll never learn.

Again, the sweets were good portions but we struggled after our starters, mains and two sides. Who'd have thought!?

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Strawberry cheesecake at the Fox & Grapes in Hawarden.

We really enjoyed our time here, the staff were very friendly and answered any questions about the menu, which also offered a good choice of gluten-free and vegetarian dishes.

It's fair to say this could become a favourite destination, as we work our way through the tempting menu.

Looking for a daytime treat? The Fox & Grapes also serve brunch, lunch and with pre-booking, afternoon tea.