The Samuel Fox Country Inn, Bradwell

You may remember banging on about the Samuel Fox in the past...  For those of you who wondered what happened to the Sam Fox after Charlie left you might be interested in the newsletter that landed in my inbox today.

"My name is James Duckett and I am the new head chef and proprietor of the Samuel Fox Country Inn. The Samuel Fox underwent a complete refurbishment in 2008 and since then has gained an enviable reputation for comfortable accommodation and fine food. However, since former managers Charlie and Kelly left earlier this year standards were allowed to slip somewhat. Having taken over the helm earlier this month my commitment is to ensure that the Samuel Fox is once again a very special place to stay, dine or just enjoy a drink at the bar.

The Samuel Fox team

 I am joined in the kitchen by sous chef Rob, with whom I've worked in a previous restaurant venture, and at front of house by bar and restaurant managers, Sabrina and Gareth. Together we're dedicated to ensuring that the Samuel Fox is a superb place to stay, a focus for lovers of good food and also a place where both visitors and locals alike are welcome to pop in for a drink in convivial surroundings.

James Duckett - chef proprietor
New to the Samuel Fox and the Peak District, I was born in Lancashire and my early career was spent working in the kitchens of some of the best restaurants in the UK, France, Holland, Spain and Australia. I've worked under such celebrated Michelin starred chefs as Albert Roux, Michel Roux jnr, Marcus Wareing and Phil Howard and I've run my own restaurants in Andalucia and more recently in Devon. In between times I've cooked on super yachts in the Caribbean and headed up the kitchen at a prominent private members club. This is my first pub venture and I'm sure it will prove to be an exciting challenge.

The Restaurant and Bar
In the restaurant and bar you may now enjoy choosing from entirely new lunch and dinner à la carte menus, featuring contemporary dishes based on British and continental classical cuisine, as well as from the ‘blackboard’ offering some traditional pub dishes and specials.  And for Sunday lunch my menu also features traditional roasts.  All my dishes are prepared on the premises by Rob and me using the best of fresh local produce wherever possible.  We have a good wine list and there are always two local real ales available at the bar as well as a selection of wines by the glass.  The interlinked restaurant and bar areas are light and airy and enjoy wonderful views over the stunning Hope Valley landscape.

Accommodation 

The Samuel Fox has four beautifully appointed ensuite room each with large flat screen TV, ironing board and a welcome tray with beverages making facilities, fruit, sherry and chocolates.

Christmas and New Year at the Samuel Fox  

For the Christmas and New Year festive period we have some very tempting offers for you.  I’ve pulled together some great dishes for my menus for the pre-Christmas party season; Christmas Day lunch; Boxing Day lunch and dinner; New Year’s Eve dinner; and New Year’s Day lunch.  We’re also offering Inclusive packages for couples  wishing to ‘escape’ and enjoy a complete break over Christmas or New Year, staying in one of the our superbly appointed en suite bedrooms. 

You can find all my menus as well as room rates and autumn and winter break special offers on the inn website. Also, you can see some reviews we’ve received since I took over the Samuel Fox.  It seems we’re on the right track! Whether staying on business, enjoying a weekend or midweek break in the glorious Hope Valley, seeking somewhere special to dine or just wishing to enjoy a well kept pint at the bar, you’ll find a very warm welcome awaits you from us all at the Samuel Fox Country Inn."

Check out the new menus here.

It might be a while before we get to try Sam Fox again, but I will be back. In the meantime, if you get chance to visit, do let me know what you think!