Exciting news! Our team was fortunate enough to pay a visit to the hottest new restaurant in town, ‘The Rum Fox’ located in Grindleton. Despite being a recent addition to the industry, this establishment has already made waves, and we’re thrilled to announce that we’re chatting with none other than Bob, the Chef Patron himself! From locally sourced ingredients to seasonal produce, Bob and his team have left no stone unturned in creating a dining experience that is truly unforgettable. It’s no wonder that The Rum Fox is quickly becoming the go-to spot for foodies and locals alike. We’ll be discussing the challenges Bob faced when opening the pub, what his ambitions are and what customers can expect from the menu.
So, Bob…
What made you choose the former Buck Inn to become The Rum Fox and where did the name come from?
I had been looking for a freehold pub for a while and when I saw The Buck Inn was up for sale, I thought it was the perfect site. Having previously worked as the Head Chef at The Duke of York in Grindleton, I was already familiar with the village and its locals. However, with numerous ‘Bucks’ scattered throughout the Ribble Valley, I knew that a name change was necessary.
I wanted a name that would stand out, something unique that had not been used before. Since the area was well-known for game, I brainstormed a list of names that would complement the theme. After careful consideration, we landed on The Rum Fox, and it immediately stood out from the rest. With a name like that, I knew we were onto something special.
What challenges did you face when it came to renovating The Rum Fox?
When we purchased the pub, it had been closed for several years and was in a bad way. We knew that a complete overhaul was necessary, and so we made the decision to gut everything and start from scratch. In fact, the only original feature that remains is the front door!
In addition to the main building, there were a few outbuildings at the back that were underutilized and didn’t serve any purpose. So, we decided to demolish them and utilize the extra space to build a stunning restaurant area. By doing so, we were able to free up more room in the bar area for guests to enjoy drinks and socialize.
Obtaining planning permission for these renovations proved to be a challenge, causing a delay in our opening. But now, with everything in place, we’re excited to welcome guests to our revitalized and vibrant pub!
What are your ambitions for the restaurant, will you be working towards gaining any accolades?
Our primary goal for the pub is to ensure that it’s bustling with activity. However, we firmly believe that the foundation for achieving this is by prioritizing the delivery of exceptional food and service. Anything that follows is simply an added bonus!
What can customers expect from your menus?
Our menus will be an exciting fusion of both pub and restaurant-style cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a pie and pint or a more indulgent tasting menu paired with wines, we’ve got you covered! We’ll be tailoring our menus to the seasons and incorporating the freshest and most exceptional produce available locally.
Our aim is to not only provide you with the highest quality food and drink, but also to surprise you with unique flavour combinations and unexpected twists. From seasonal favourites to local specialties, we’ll be offering a dining experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
What has been the feedback from the local community since starting on The Rum Fox journey?
We’re thrilled to report that our opening week has been nothing short of incredible! The feedback from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’ve been bustling with activity every day. The bar and Garden Room have been packed with guests, while every table in the restaurant has been booked out.
We’re particularly delighted to hear that the locals are thrilled to have a new pub in the village, and the feedback we’ve received from them has been exceptional. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the community embracing our establishment, and we look forward to continuing to provide them with an excellent dining and drinking experience.
And finally… Will there be a lot of options for Rum?
Yes! We’re currently in the process of building up an interesting range of Rums for the bar. Watch this space!
It’s clear from our chat with Bob that The Rum Fox is a culinary destination not to be missed. With a focus on using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, Bob and his team are creating menus that surprise and delight diners. The feedback from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s no surprise that The Rum Fox is quickly becoming the go-to spot. With plans to build up an interesting range of rums for the bar, there’s no doubt that this establishment will continue to make waves in the industry. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for The Rum Fox and wish Bob and his team all the best!
