The Fox - Harpenden

enjoy good food and appreciate well cooked food with great service. Historically I had eaten at the Fox and had fine cuisine. It’s clearly changed hands since I last visited. My partner booked a surprise table for valentines. They had spaces, now we know why

It started well, great front of house. That’s where the good review ends I’m afraid
It was a Valentines menu. We started with the seafood platter. The aioli contained so much garlic - it was offensive. To the point that 2 packs of extras, mouthwash and teeth brushing still has not resolved the overpowering lingering stench on both of our breaths.
This was pointed out to our server after - to which it was conceded that it was heavily laced with garlic so did we want Mayo- no thanks.
Menu stated there was crab on the seafood platter. It was hidden in some Mayo served with shrimps. To be honest, under trade descriptions it would have been misleading.
The bed of tomato risotto was undercooked and. crunchy. Fortunately only two spoonfuls worth, so negated.
We moved to the mains — minus cutlery.
Asked the sever for cutlery.
We were not the only table to have to do so.
Next the ribeye steak. Which was so tough I didn’t know whether to fight it or eat it.
As I could do neither - the whole steak was sent back.
Not one of the staff asked why an entire steak had been returned- which tells me; they’re clearly used to customers not eating the food!!!! In fact, I’m still convinced they served me braising steak instead of ribeye.
The sides were palatable, but chips, a mushroom and greens consisted of my meal.
For which we were charged full price!!!!
When it came to desserts and were asked would we like to see the menu; it felt like a challenge.
So we very quickly declined. The wine was great. I quaffed an entire bottle of Malbec in an attempt to forget what I was eating.
The espresso martini was also delicious, however it was offered as an alternative to a dessert and again we were charged for it.
We did not tip, but if we had to our tip would be; find a chef that can cook alongside some decent waiting staff.
Overall abysmal. Will not be returning and will not be recommending.
The happy ending to this tale of sadness is we found a lovely tapas bar with a great mixologist on station road so our night wasn’t completely ruined
NB there are half stars  awarded  ine each category as you can’t leave a review unless you give some form of rating. Needless to say - it’s not worthy of it.