The Fox Inn, Corscombe (near Crewkerne) opens in December

The Fox Inn, Corscombe (just over the border in Dorset), is set to open on December 10.

The pub was bought by local residents, Eva and the late Ray Harvey, in 2012 and they offered the lease Mr Hix.

“The owners of the pub have been family friends for many years,” he said.

“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.”

The Fox Room and Bill’s Garden Room, named after Mr Hix’s late grandfather, will seat 35 covers serving local seasonal food.

Drinks and bar snacks will include 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 Mr Hix favourites such as Smoked salmon ‘Hix Cure’, which will be cured and smoked on the premises.

“With all the challenges that we are facing now, it’s great to be able to focus on an exciting new project,” said Mr Hix.

“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.”

Next Spring, The Fox Inn will also be offering overnight stays.

To find out more visit thefoxinncorscombe.co.uk