The warm ambiance of a charming country pub is truly inviting on a cold and rainy winter day. Three compelling reasons drove my desire to visit this delightful country pub nestled in a quaint Vale of Glamorgan village. Firstly, it boasted a stellar reputation for its culinary offerings. Secondly, having cycled past it numerous times, I often found myself tempted to abandon the bike and pop in for a pint.

The most significant reason, however, was that this pub is under the ownership of a renowned sports figure. Two decades ago, I was among the spectators when Gavin Henson executed one of the most iconic and crucial kicks in Welsh rugby history. Despite not being Wales’ primary kicker that day, Henson, faced with a challenging angle and a one-point deficit against England in Cardiff, courageously stepped up and launched the ball 44 meters to secure a victory, heralding a new era for Welsh rugby.

Henson, with his distinctive appearance characterized by spiky hair, bronzed skin, shaved legs, and remarkable physique, ascended to superstardom. Alongside singer Charlotte Church, he formed a celebrity power couple, earning the moniker “Welsh Posh and Becks” and attracting attention in UK tabloids and Heat magazine during the mid-to-late-2000s. His ventures included a stint on Strictly Come Dancing and a role in The Bachelor.

However, Henson’s appeal transcended his celebrity status; he was a highly skilled and dedicated athlete. Known for his penchant for standing out, he captivated audiences. Anecdotes like a journalist dyeing his hair red to impress Henson or a fanboy journalist producing a podcast about him exemplify his enduring allure. Yet, the podcast sheds light on Henson’s current inclination towards a private life in the serene village of St Brides Major, near his childhood home. He shies away from the limelight, rarely granting interviews and declining participation in a BBC podcast despite the journalist’s persistent efforts.

In 2019, Henson and his wife, Katie, assumed ownership of The Fox, where the presence of a black Bentley in the nearby car park hinted at his association (albeit inconclusive, the number plate provided subtle hints). Following extensive renovations, the pub reopened in February 2020, just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic that shuttered pubs nationwide. Early reviews lauded the cuisine and hospitality, with Henson personally managing tables. Two years later, the pub made headlines again as they urgently sought a new head chef amidst the hospitality industry turmoil triggered by the pandemic and Brexit.

Presently, the pub exudes an air of perpetual operation. Upon entering, I immediately felt at ease in its cozy yet stylish setting, adorned with flagstone flooring, dark blue and off-white walls, rustic wooden furniture, and elegant Christmas embellishments. Seated at a lovely corner table with a built-in sofa, we savored Butty Bach ale (£5 per pint) and Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager (£7) while contemplating our meal choices. The wine selection commenced at a reasonable £24 per bottle or £6 per glass.

The Sunday menu, succinct yet enticing, featured four starters and five main courses. Opting for crispy ham hock with confit egg yolk, fennel, and apple (£9) and a cod and salmon fishcake with samphire and caper butter (£9) as starters, we relished the crispy exteriors and delectable fillings — the confit egg yolk was particularly impressive.

For the main course, we indulged in roast sirloin of Welsh beef (£23) and shoulder of Welsh lamb (£23), both ex