THE Fox is back. Actually he never went away but he now looks and feels a little different. He's even dog friendly too.

For the famous Fox Inn at Ansty in Dorset is under new management with Keith Dodsworth and his partner Sharon Smith in partnership with Hall and Woodhouse.

"There was a lot to do when we came," said Keith. "We are getting there but it's a work in progress."

All eleven bedrooms have been refurbished and there's definitely a different, buzz about the place, nestled deep in the Dorset countryside.

One of the biggest changes visitors will notice is just how dog friendly the Fox has become.

"When you see where we are and how many of our customers are dog walkers it is imperative that we make them very welcome," Keith explains.

They are in the process of introducing a dog wetroom with hairdryers to make canines even more at home.

The pub is situated at the heart of the some of the most beautiful walks in Dorset and makes a fantastic base for exploring the west and north of the county. Keith and Sharon have produced a guide to the best of the walks.

Using local produce is crucial say the couple, including seafood, lamb and venison. They believe in "all things Dorset."

The Sunday carvery is immensely popular and there are two sittings to accommodate demand.

Other innovations include customised meals which enable guests to 'build' their own stacked burgers or make their own pies - deciding on their own ingredients. It may take slightly longer to arrive at the table but the wait is well worth it.

"We are not restricted in our menu," explains Sharon. "You can order whatever combinations you want. We're not into Michelin style. We offer good, wholesome, countryside food."

The Fox is a real destination pub, with many guests driving over from Bournemouth and Poole.

The local offering also extends to Dorset tea, gin and vodka and Purbeck ice cream.

Charity and the community are also very important to the success of the Fox, say Keith and Sharon. The staff all come from the local area and the pub has raised more than £5,000 for good causes such as Ducks and Drakes, the Youth Cancer Trust and the MS Trust.

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e: catherine.bolado@dorsetecho.co.uk

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