Fox Cub - County Durham

I typically don't write reviews, whether positive or negative, in public forums. However, after our experience at the Fox Cub at Durham Gate on 13.11.2023, I feel compelled to share our concerns. We ordered three cowboy burgers and a side of garlic bread from the main menu, as we had enjoyed the burgers on a previous visit. The food arrived promptly, but upon cutting into the burgers, we noticed pink/red meat inside. Concerned about the potential presence of harmful bacteria from undercooked meat, we raised this issue with a staff member. Despite our explanation, the staff member insisted the burgers were cooked properly. When questioned about the evidence of raw meat, the staff member claimed the burger itself was the problem. It was alarming to hear that the staff member was willing to eat the undercooked burger but not undercooked mincemeat, highlighting a lack of understanding of food safety. We requested a refund, which was promptly provided. The lack of proper handling of undercooked meat raises serious concerns about the restaurant's food safety practices.

Expensive/greedy, unhappy staff and super slow. I’ve only been here a handful of times, and I’ve never been a huge fan, but the carvery isn’t bad. I’ve attended today and the carvery wasn’t on due to some issue which is fine. So we decided to order off the normal menu and give it another go. We ordered at 14:20 and I was still sat at 15:10 50 minutes) waiting for a starter, pie and mash x2 and macaroni cheese. Food came and it was piping hot and it was all correct. The quality isn’t the best though, it’s basically freezer food. My partner wasn’t too hungry so she ordered a starter; buttermilk chicken strips and popcorn chicken £5.95) and a side of chips. Her starter came and her mobile phone was bigger than the bowl it was in, three pieces of popcorn chicken and two strips stuffed next to a pinch of wilted rocket. Please look at the photo attached. I’d avoid buying drinks because they’re a fortune £3.50 plus for a soft drink. £2.05 for a water cordial. Blue Light discount only applies to ONE meal for the person holding the card which is kinda understandable but a bit greedy from the company. You can’t even use the perk of holding a blue light card to treat your child/partner to let’s face it, a couple of quid off a meal. The staff are not very friendly at all, not a hello when you come in or goodbye when you leave. We’ll definitely not be back, it’s just very very poor in so many aspects. It’s a shame cause it’s my local. Also, you wouldn’t expect an establishment that charges almost £5 for a Coke to have ACTUAL BOGIES on the toilet walls would you vile. Above the door it says the toilets are checked hourly. Yeah OK.

Stumbled across The Fox Cub by chance and we’re very happy that we did! Josh and Ben served us at the bar and delivered our food orders to the table. Very polite, welcoming staff, delicious food and great value. We went on a Friday lunchtime. Super speedy service, and a relaxing environment. Would definitely visit again if in Spennymoor.

Booked here for a family reunion we checked in and the staff member pointed to the tables we were allocated,this was a Friday early evening the garden area was quite busy with people drinking but all the tables weren't occupied. Inside was very quiet with about 4 possibly 5 tables taken our group the biggest with 6 adults and 3 children.All food and drinks were orded at the bar and I was told 1 hour wait for food as only one chef in the kitchen ,we were fine with that as we were chatting as a family reunion. The food eventually came to the table 1 hour 15 after ordering with no apologies from the staff for the wait and not asked if we needed anything. Over all the food was very disappointing. I ordered a spicy burger which was bland and a very poor burger for the price .I can not comment on other members of my party's food, but no one was impressed. A member of staff came and cleared the table, and at no point did anyone ask us how the food was ,very poor food, bland, poor quality, and overpriced . Wouldn't visit again and wouldn't recommend anyone else to visit.

The food at this restaurant was amazing and the service was fantastic from beginning to end. Special thanks to the girl named Annmarie who seated us. She made sure everything was perfect, even when we asked to move to a table near the window. The bartender, Luke, was friendly and attentive. The carvery was delicious and highly recommended. We will definitely be back again. It's not worth cooking at home when you can dine here at such reasonable prices.