Riverdale

Quite a steep slope leads into the bar area, and there are some tight corners and narrow passageways around the place but a WC for the disabled is provided (though not available for checking due to occupancy). There may be alternative, more accessible doors to the outside.

There's a nice pub feeling to the bar area but loud muzak which could just be heard at the far end of the restaurant which was pleasantly furnished and decorated.

Service was typically informal pub/restaurant style by a relatively inexperienced waitress with little knowledge of drinks and more "No problem". My wheat allergy was well catered for but there was a small wait before being served at an empty bar and, later on, a barman preferred chatting with a customer rather than serving. Otherwise it was friendly and efficient.

Food

Starters:
A chicken and spring onion risotto was excellent and creamy if a little over-cooked and the accompanying bowl of parmesan shavings was a nice touch, beef strips in a black bean sauce was good, with the beef cooked pink but the meat was a little tough, the 10 year old's garlic bread was "Lovely".

Mains:
The house special of brisket of beef in a pepper and mustard sauce was nicely cooked but a huge portion, I would have fed 3 on it, the boiled potatoes were good. Fish (haddock) and chips was good, batter nicely crispy and properly cooked fish, the tartare sauce (homemade?) was excellent. Scampi and chips were also appreciated. The veg on offer (carrots, string beans and broccoli) was declined and the salad garnish with the fish ordinary.

Puddings:
A lemon syllabub was good, though appeared to be whipped cream on top of pieces of poached lemon in a lemon sauce rather than a true syllabub, the lemon was a bit strong and might have been better dispersed throughout the dish. Caramelised orange in a brandy snap basket with vanilla ice-cream was good but the orange was more dowsed in syrup than caramelised. Creme Caramel ice cream was considered to be not toffee enough but was completely finished up.

Theakston's beer was well served and a couple of glasses of South African wine; a chenin blanc and a pinotage were fine for what they were and fresh apple juice was much appreciated.

Presentation was adequate, crockery, cutlery and glassware ordinary, paper serviettes not linen napkins unfortunately some of the glasses hadn't been properly cleaned.

At just under £75 for three this was a perfectly reasonable meal at the price.

Though in no way trying to compete with some of the 'posher' places we ate at this fortnight the Fox and Hounds scored well as they achieved virtually everything they set out to do. This is good pub food served in pleasant surroundings. Portions are generous.