A country pub is reopening its doors after lockdown with a familiar face behind the bar.

Dorset chef and restaurateur Mark Hix will open The Fox Inn in the historic hamlet of Corscombe after the national lockdown is lifted.

The 17th century pub will open its doors on December 10. Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Grade II listed building is set amongst rolling hills and woodland,

The Fox Inn was bought by local residents Eva and the late Ray Harvey in 2012 to save the pub from being turned into housing and to preserve the hamlet’s history.

Mark said: "The owners of the pub have been family friends for many years. When they offered me the lease, I thought it could be a great opportunity, despite these uncertain times that we are in. It will be my first pub so it’s an exciting new project for me in the countryside where I’ll be serving local meat and game along with some British pub classics, a contrast to the fish and seafood offering in Lyme."

This will be the second opening from Hix this year, following the success of The Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis, which opened in July.

The Fox Room and Bill’s Garden Room, named after Hix’s late grandfather, will seat 35 covers serving local seasonal food. Drinks and bar snacks including Forde Abbey pheasant club sandwich and Poole cockles with aged vinegar can be enjoyed in front of the open fire.

The restaurant menu will be focussed on meat and game sourced from the surrounding area including Rabbit brawn with piccalilli, Gamekeeper’s hotpot with pickled red cabbage, and a traditional roast every Sunday. The menu will also feature locally caught fish and Hix favourites such as Smoked salmon ‘Hix Cure’, which will be cured and smoked on the premises. The drinks list will take you on a tour of the South West with local beers, wines and spirits taking centre stage.

After a small refurbishment next spring, The Fox will also offer overnight stays; offering two double rooms, designed by Mark with the inimitable Hix style.

Known for championing local and artisanal producers, in the new year Hix will also host a Farmer’s market showcasing the best of the produce from the local area.

Mark says “With all the challenges that we are facing now, it’s great to be able to focus on an exciting new project. It’s important to me that I keep The Fox as a traditional local pub with great food and drink. Since lockdown in Spring the pub has only been open three days a week, so I am looking forward to opening six days a week for the locals and visitors to the area to enjoy once more.”

*The Fox Inn Corscombe, Dorset DT2 0NS T: 01935 317 555 Instagram @Foxinncorscombe Facebook @Foxinncorscombe www.thefoxinncorscombe.co.co.uk Open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am-10pm – Food served all day Sunday 11am till 5pm – Bar snacks and drinks 5pm -10pm Opening 10th December

*We're delighted to be able to return to local pubs after the second national lockdown is over. If you would like to see your pub featured as our Pub of the Week, fill out our simple Q&A form at https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/my/ccn/questionnaire/DFSrJF9R/ or email joanna.davis@dorsetecho.co.uk