First look inside new North Wales gastropub aiming to 'go the extra mile'

A new gastropub has opened in Wrexham. The Savvy Fox (formerly Rafters) at Hotel Wrexham (formerly Holt Lodge) on Wrexham Road has reopened its doors after a £350k refurbishment.

The owners have described it as "a place to meet, eat, socialise and spend time with friends, colleagues and loved ones". A statement on the opening said: "Under new ownership, the venue has been completely transformed into a relaxed, rustic and welcoming country pub, complete with stylish décor, cosy nooks and a stunning dining space with views out over the grounds.

"The stylish, welcoming gastropub also has an all-new British-influenced menu made up of tasty pub classics, exciting The Savvy Fox signature dishes, Sunday roasts and fabulous desserts, coupled with an extensive selection of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails." New owners, Steven Hesketh and Dan Gillon hope to put the venue on the map with local residents, the business community and those staying at Hotel Wrexham, which is also at the beginning of a full programme of refurbishments.

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“We’re thrilled to be opening our doors”, says Steven. “We can’t wait to hear the feedback from local residents on the updates we’ve made.

“We want The Savvy Fox to be known as a fun, lively, friendly and down to earth place to meet. We’ll have live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout November and December and lots of events taking place in the coming months too.

“We’ve worked really hard, not just to make the space feel warm, cosy and welcoming, but also to ensure that our team delivers first-class hospitality and service that goes above and beyond expectations. The Savvy Fox is a venue that is perfect for celebrations and special occasions, but equally where you can call in after work for a quick drink and a chat with friends.

“Whatever your reason to visit us, our aim is to surprise and delight our customers and by that we mean to go that extra mile to give them a memorable experience.”

Chef/consultant Lee Adams and The Savvy Fox team have worked together "to design an exciting and captivating launch menu with broad appeal encompassing breakfast, lunch, dinner and lighter bites".

The statement added: "A mix of pub classics reimagined with a ‘Savvy’ twist, coupled with hearty comfort foods and stunning signature dishes, ensure that there really is something for everyone. Stand out moments from the menu include the shepherd’s pie made with a whole lamb shank, a delicious seabass and sundried tomato risotto, and ‘Savvy’ fish and chips, with herby batter that takes it to the next level. "

Steven said: “We’ve put together something really special in the new The Savvy Fox menu. There are some real stand-out dishes and of course, the crowd-pleasing classics you’d expect at a really good gastropub. We wanted to create something that was elevated yet still affordable and memorable and we really feel we’ve achieved that.”

The interior was designed by Cheshire based Natalie Waldron of Natalie Waldron Design who has "created a welcoming, cosy and stylish country pub at new interiors at The Savvy Fox, combining sage green panelling and rustic wood, mixed with a rich autumnal colour palette and sumptuous patterned materials".

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