Local Life - Wigan - July 2018

70
Taste test
It’s that time of year when everybody is looking
for the nearest beer garden to bask in the
glorious sunshine with a refreshing pint and a bite
to eat.
We took advantage of the fabulous rays which
showed no signs of dwindling and booked into the
newly-renovated The Fox at Roby Mill.
The Fox
By Gemma Sherlock
The historic hostelry has recently undergone a major
refurbishment and with that comes a new name and
new owners.
Formerly the Fifteens at the Fox, the pub is now
owned by business partners Wendy Green and Chris
Wilson, who have turned the inn into a contemporary
country pub, with a big focus on local produce and
drink.
Chris and Wendy turned around the establishment
in a month, with a complete overhaul including new
furniture, a new bar, new menus, new décor and a
brand new name, The Fox at Roby Mill.
Head chef, William Fitzmaurice was busy preparing
for the lunch time rush as me and my colleague
Niamh were seated in front of the views of the quaint
beer garden.
We couldn’t decide on the tempting dishes to start
so we decided to give into our greed and share
two – Black Pudding and Chorizo Fritters with Mrs
Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese Sauce and Warm Goat’s
Cheese, Leek and Sunflower Seed Tartlet with herb
mayonnaise and seasonal salad.
I often avoid anything too heavy to start and was
worried the Blacking Pudding fritters would be too
rich and unsettle my palette but that didn’t happen
here. The serving came with three fritters which
were just enough – the meat inside the crispy shell
was soft, textured and light and combined with the
cheese sauce it offered a moreish mouthful which
left you wanting more. The goat’s cheese tartlet was
again not too heavy and the pastry was light and
sweet, contrasting well with the citrus salad.