The Fox and Barrel Tarporley is one of Cheshire’s best-loved country pubs: a 250-year-old inn in Cotebrook serving seasonal food, great real ales and a famously welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re planning Sunday lunch after a walk in Delamere Forest, a date night dinner, or a relaxed drink with the dog in tow, this guide covers everything you need to know before you visit.
Why Visit the Fox and Barrel Tarporley?
Traditional Cheshire country pub with real character
The Fox and Barrel is an independent freehouse in Foxbank, Cotebrook, near Tarporley, set in a classic white-washed Cheshire building with a big sunny terrace out front. Inside you’ll find:
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Cosy dining rooms with wooden tables, bookshelves and artwork
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Real fires/log burners on colder days
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A relaxed bar area with a proper pub feel
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A walled terrace and garden with plenty of outdoor seating for sunny afternoons
It’s the kind of place that feels equally suited to muddy-boot walkers, couples on a date night and families celebrating a birthday.
Seasonal menus and quality ingredients
The Fox and Barrel Tarporley menu is modern British with a strong seasonal focus. The kitchen is well-known in the area and regularly recommended in food guides, with a varied menu that changes with the seasons but keeps a few much-loved classics.
Expect things like:
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Comforting starters such as cheese soufflé, soups and pâtés
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Mains like slow-cooked lamb, fish and chips, steaks and creative vegetarian dishes
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Proper puddings – think crumbles, chocolate desserts and crème brûlée
Menus and prices change frequently, so always check their latest menus online before you go.
Fox and Barrel Tarporley Location & How to Get There
Where is the Fox and Barrel?
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Address: Fox & Barrel, Foxbank, Cotebrook, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9DZ
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The pub sits on/just off the A49 at Cotebrook, making it very handy if you’re travelling between Chester, Northwich, Warrington, Shropshire or the M6 corridor.
It’s also a popular stop-off before or after:
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Delamere Forest – ideal for walkers and cyclists
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Oulton Park – great post-race meeting spot
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Days out around rural Cheshire villages such as Tarporley, Little Budworth and Kelsall
Getting there & parking
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By car: Easy access via the A49; sat-nav use CW6 9DZ.
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Parking: There is on-site parking at the pub (it can get busy at peak times, especially Sunday lunch).
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Public transport: Local bus routes run along the A49 – handy if you’re staying nearby and don’t want to drive.
Fox and Barrel Tarporley Opening Times & Booking Information
For the most accurate hours always check their website before travelling, but as a guide, the Fox and Barrel typically operates as follows:
Food service (F&B – main pub)
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Tuesday–Thursday: Midday – 9pm
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Friday & Saturday: Midday – 9.30pm
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Sunday: Midday – 7pm
Drinks
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Tuesday–Saturday: Midday – 11pm
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Sunday & Bank Holidays: Midday – 9.30pm
The pub is usually closed on Mondays.
Booking a table at the Fox and Barrel Tarporley
The pub is extremely popular – especially for Friday and Saturday evenings and Fox and Barrel Tarporley Sunday lunch – so advance booking is strongly recommended. You can:
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Book online via their website booking system
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Call 01829 760 529
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Email info@thefoxandbarrel.co.uk for general enquiries
Key booking points:
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Online bookings are usually up to 10 guests maximum.
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You can add notes for dietary requirements and allergens when you book.
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Specific tables (including outside seating) can’t normally be pre-reserved – outdoor tables are first-come, first-served.
Fox and Barrel Tarporley Menu – What to Expect
Modern British gastropub classics
Reviews and food guides consistently praise the Fox and Barrel Tarporley menu for its creative yet comforting dishes, generous portions and excellent presentation.
While the menu changes regularly, you’ll often find:
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Starters – soups, terrines, parfaits, seafood options, artisan breads and seasonal specials
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Mains – slow-cooked meats, fish dishes like bouillabaisse, burgers, steaks and imaginative vegetarian plates
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Puddings – indulgent desserts including crème brûlée, sponges, cheesecakes and seasonal fruit puddings
Expect prices that reflect the quality – it isn’t the cheapest pub in Cheshire, but many regulars describe it as excellent value for money given the standard of cooking and service.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
The Fox and Barrel has a reputation for being vegetarian-friendly, with thoughtful veggie choices rather than token dishes. Vegan and gluten-free options are often available – just:
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Check the latest menu online
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Add a note about your requirements when booking
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Mention allergens to your server on arrival
Fox and Barrel Tarporley Sunday Lunch
If you’re searching for the best Sunday roast near Tarporley, the Fox and Barrel regularly crops up in recommendations – and for good reason. Diners rave about:
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Perfectly cooked roast meats (especially lamb and beef)
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Crisp roast potatoes and proper gravy
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Generous portions of seasonal vegetables
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Cosy, relaxed Sunday atmosphere
Several independent review platforms describe Sunday lunch as a highlight, with “melt-in-the-mouth lamb”, piping-hot plates and attentive service.
Top tip:
Sunday lunch at the Fox and Barrel Tarporley can book out quickly – particularly around Christmas or after busy days at Delamere Forest and Oulton Park – so pre-book your table and aim to arrive a little early to settle in.
Drinks, Real Ales and Cocktails at the Fox and Barrel
Real ales and local beers
The Fox and Barrel is listed with CAMRA and recognised for its well-kept cask ales. Regular and guest beers often include local Cheshire breweries such as Weetwood and others on rotation.
Expect:
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A rotating line-up of real ales
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Lagers and craft beers
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Good quality ciders
Wines, spirits and cocktails
Alongside the beer selection you’ll find:
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A carefully chosen wine list with food-friendly bottles
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Gins and popular spirits
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Modern cocktails – particularly highlighted in photography and marketing for the site and the newer Hide at the Fox & Barrel concept.
It’s very much the sort of place where you can happily linger over a bottle of wine after dinner.
Family-Friendly & Dog-Friendly Fox and Barrel Tarporley
Dog-friendly areas
The Fox and Barrel is dog-friendly, particularly in the bar area and some designated spaces.
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Let them know when you book if you’re bringing a dog.
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Dogs are usually welcomed with fuss and water bowls; some areas may be dog-free, so follow the team’s guidance when you arrive.
Families and children
The pub is well-known locally as a family-friendly restaurant near Tarporley, with plenty of families mentioning it as a favourite for celebrations and Sunday roasts.
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Highchairs are typically available.
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Children are welcome at lunchtime and earlier dinner sittings – check directly if you’re planning a later visit with younger kids.
Accessibility
The Fox and Barrel is flagged as having disabled access on local listings, with level access to key areas and helpful staff if you need assistance.
If accessibility is crucial (wheelchair space, accessible loos etc.), it’s always worth calling ahead to confirm current arrangements.
Loyalty Scheme, Gift Vouchers & Special Extras
Fox and Barrel loyalty card
If you’re local – or visit often – the Fox and Barrel loyalty scheme is a nice bonus:
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Earn 1 point for every £1 you spend.
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Collect 100 points and you get a £5 credit to spend on food or drink.
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You can save them up towards a special meal or a treat bottle of wine.
You can sign up online via their website and collect your card in the pub.
Gift vouchers
The pub also sells gift vouchers, ideal for:
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Birthday or anniversary meals
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Thank-you gifts
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Christmas presents for Cheshire food lovers
Vouchers can usually be bought online via the “Booking, Vouchers & Menus” page.
Hide, Den & Fox Play – More Ways to Enjoy the Fox and Barrel
The Fox and Barrel team are gradually expanding what’s on offer on site:
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Hide at the Fox & Barrel – an atmospheric evening space promising fab flavours, fine wines and cocktails on Friday and Saturday nights. (Check the website for current opening status and booking link.)
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Den – planned “posh-pods” accommodation described as a luxurious bolthole for weary foxes; perfect if you’d like to make a night of it without driving home.
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Fox Play – their news mentions ideas for local walks and attractions, plus updates via “Fox Tales” so you can combine your meal with a wider Cheshire day out.
These extras help the Fox and Barrel feel more like a little destination in its own right, not just somewhere to grab a quick bite.
Staying Near the Fox and Barrel Tarporley
If you’re making a weekend of it, there are plenty of places to stay nearby:
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Country hotels and inns around Tarporley and Cotebrook
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Lodges, cabins and campsites around Delamere Forest
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Boutique hotels and B&Bs in Chester, around 20–25 minutes’ drive away
For the ultimate treat, keep an eye on the Fox and Barrel’s own Den accommodation offers once fully open – it will be ideal for food-led getaways and special occasions.
Insider Tips Before You Visit the Fox and Barrel Tarporley
To get the best from your visit:
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Book ahead – especially weekends and Sunday lunch.
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Add notes about allergens, special occasions or if you’re bringing a dog when you book.
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Arrive a little early to enjoy a drink in the bar or on the terrace before your meal.
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Check the latest menu online – seasonal changes mean dishes can vary from week to week.
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Join the loyalty scheme if you’re likely to return – the points add up surprisingly quickly.
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Combine your visit with a walk in Delamere Forest or a trip to Oulton Park for a classic Cheshire day out.
