Address: Farne Rd, Shilbottle, Alnwick NE66 2XX, United Kingdom
Phone: +441665660721
Rating: 4.9
based on 134 reviews.
Food Quality
Pros:
"The pies are so tasty, the soup of the day (mushroom and truffle) was amazing and the coffee was the best we had all holiday."
"The food was very tasty and there was so much we had to get a takeaway for the food that was still left."
"The spiced pear cake was divine and it was gluten and dairy free too so it catered for our dietary requirements."
"Good options for dietary requirements! Lots of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free :)"
"The food is beautiful and full of flavours."
"Absolutely delicious! The staff were friendly and we couldn't fault our visit."
"Food was great and we really enjoyed the pies and quiche. The scones were to die for and still warm!"
"We had a Full English and a Vegetarian. Both came with loads of top quality ingredients."
Cons:
"Underwhelmed by our lunch at Shilbottle, I’m afraid. I chose the steak and ale pie, which was a far smaller piece than any of those on offer in the take-away cabinet."
"Not that impressed. Been twice. Once for afternoon tea which was only as I can describe as bulk. 2nd time I got pie peas and wedges. Wedges were uneatable as they were so dry!"
"Just been again today. Food and service up to usual standard. But i need to comment on the coffee which, on this occasion, was awful."
"My only moan was waiting to be served at the end, so we didn’t end up buying some merchandise."
"The food looked and tasted amazing, the staff who carried it out sang Happy Birthday which was a lovely touch. We were really impressed with everything and are already planning our next visit."
Atmosphere and Setting
Pros:
"The pub was fantastic with a great roaring fire, and the service from the staff was perfect."
"The building itself is within an old pub, so there’s a somewhat comforting atmosphere to the place."
"The atmosphere is warm and friendly."
"We visited the Shilbottle Running Fox and sat in the bar area next to the fire. It was so cozy!"
"A really good find, more accident than intention. A wonderful choice of enormous cakes, quiches and pies. Great for take away or just sit outside."
"The surroundings cosy and we were given an almost private table which was perfect as we had a 4 month baby and pram."
"Friendly staff and a chilled out country pub atmosphere added to a lovely afternoon."
"A brilliant experience, and we left with some beautiful cakes and savouries to enjoy later."
Cons:
"Half Pub, half tea room for an odd combination."
"I've been here many time before and have always been super impressed. However - visiting during Covid restrictions I knew the experience would be different - I was totally ready for sitting outside and bracing the weather - however what I wasn't expecting was paper cups, plates and wooden cutlery??"
"We invariably have afternoon tea here. It never disappoints. Huge choice of sandwiches/pies/quiches/and cakes. There are always daily specials too.The staff are really friendly and helpful. All in all a really good time was had by our party of 6 today."
"The only quam I ever had with the original fox in Felton was the lack of space and parking."
"All the usual high standard of foodstuffs and coffees expected of a running fox. My only niggle is the cheesy, service station, background pop music. For me it drops the ambience of such a nice establishment."
Service Quality
Pros:
"The staff were really kind and helpful and there was a lovely atmosphere."
"Wonderful village cafe, serving amazingly tasty food with great service."
"The staff here couldn’t be more accommodating and we had a lovely time today."
"The staff at Shilbottle were very accommodating and we were able to offer us a table."
"The staff are amazing and so friendly."
"Great coffee- of the sort I've not had all year and wonderful friendly service."
"The service was great with friendly and helpful staff."
"The staff were excellent. Will certainly visit again but make reservation."
Cons:
"Very disappointed with the customer service here today. We usually visit The Running Fox at least four times a year spending over £100 on each occasion."
"The only quam I ever had with the original fox in Felton was the lack of space and parking. The Shilbottle venue is located in an old pub sporting plenty of space and a lovely shabby chic style as well as ample parking at the rear."
"It’s a shame I couldn’t say the same for my visit to the Felton branch. Felton for whatever reason doesn’t have the same level of service and not as friendly or welcoming."
"I've been here many time before and have always been super impressed. However - visiting during Covid restrictions I knew the experience would be different - I was totally ready for sitting outside and bracing the weather - however what I wasn't expecting was paper cups, plates and wooden cutlery??"
"Just been again today. Food and service up to usual standard. But i need to comment on the coffee which, on this occasion, was awful."
Value for Money
Pros:
"The portion sizes are huge and you get to sample from a larger-than-normal selection of sandwiches, pies, quiches and cakes."
"Absolutely delicious! The staff were friendly and we couldn't fault our visit. We got called to take away. Three for £8. Amazing value and the cakes were to die for."
"Alongside classic sandwiches they have something different, like a goats cheese, walnut and honey drizzle which I would highly recommend; everything tastes exquisite though."
"The running fox is the best place for afternoon tea in the North East. The portions are huge and I always have to take something home, which is brilliant!"
"The portion sizes are huge and you get to sample from a larger-than-normal selection of sandwiches, pies, quiches and cakes."
"£9 for a sarnie 🤔 but let me tell you how bloomin nice it was.. OMG, if you like fresh thick cut slices of bread and as much filling to make as much as 3 sandwiches, and locally sourced produce then this 9 quid sarnie was definitely worth it."
"We met friends here for a light lunch. A word of warning - the sandwiches were seriously enormous!! Nearly everyone eating there left with a doggy bag."
Cons:
"Underwhelmed by our lunch at Shilbottle, I’m afraid. I chose the steak and ale pie, which was a far smaller piece than any of those on offer in the take-away cabinet, and at £14.25, was more than three times the take-away price of £4.60!"
"I still don’t know why I got 2 slices of bread and butter with it! I didn’t want a pie sandwich!"
"Not that impressed. Been twice. Once for afternoon tea which was only as I can describe as bulk. 2nd time I got pie peas and wedges. Wedges were uneatable as they were so dry!"
"Very disappointed with the quality of food quality and amount. Having heard how good it was we found for what we got for the amount they charged it was definitely disappointing plus not giving a side plate to put toast on had to use a napkin."
"Great little place, food is a bit expensive but tastes amazing!"