Oakham Nub news have got 'up close' with the team at The Fox and Hounds in Knossington this week.  

We caught up with Landlord, Rangel Gadzhonov, as he returns to the local gastro pub after taking a break to set up a whopping 6 other pubs in Cambridge and Norfolk.

Now that he is back, Rangel has big plans for the venue, including family events, royal celebrations, and a food offer to get the tastebuds, and your wallets, tingling. 

He said: "We are a great Gastro pub, but I am keen to offer more. I want to offer an evening a week of cheaper food, quiz nights, and more events to get more people in and enjoying the building and the atmosphere. 

"I am so passionate about the pub and about my job, it is about more than just a wage for me, and this is such a great building, it deserves to see some life." 

Enjoy great food, top beer and wonderful company. Image credit: Rangel Gadzhonov.

Rangel, who is from Bulgaria, came to England nearly 8 years ago, jumping enthusiastically into cheffing roles across the country. He soon began working as a chef at The Admiral Hornblower, a venue that Oakham residents will know well. Here is where he refined his English, which he laughed "still isn't perfect, but I love learning languages and can speak 5."

He explained: "My passion was always to work front of house, but until my English was better, I worked in the kitchens. 

"I eventually said to the boss at The Admiral Hornblower that I wanted to work in the front of house team – so they sent me to work in their sister pub, The Finch's Arms." 

Here, Rangel impressed, and caught the eye of Kate Newall, the Landlord of The Fox and Hounds in Knossington at the time. 

He said: "Kate approached me, and I began working as the Assistant Manager here. After a short time, I was running the pub. When Kate retired, just over a year ago, I took over running the pub as it was a venue I loved and felt passionate about.

"Kate taught me a lot."

The Fox and Hounds in Knossington have an impressive 5 star rating on TripAdvisor, with both regular and one-off visitors to the pub singing the praises of the staff, food, and setting. 

The traditional style of the pub keeps things cosy, with fire places blazing in the winter, and the historic flags and tiles keeping things cool in the summer. 

Speaking of seasonal, they also offer a rotating menu, sourcing as many local ingredients as possible, 12 months of the year. 

They serve an excellent variety of food, from British classics like Steak & kidney and roast beef, to more exotic favourites, such as lamb koftas, and even some more luxury items, such as confit duck or salmon in white wine and crayfish. 

Adding to their highly rated food offerings, Rangel and the team hope to add a selection of events to the schedule, and will be starting with a quiz night, starting at 5pm on 2 April 2023.

On top of this, visitors will be able to indulge in their popular Sunday Roast on Easter Sunday, 9 April, and Father's Day on Sunday 18 June.

A Coronation event is also on the cards, with a casual day of music, burgers, and family-fun on the cards. The Coronation of King Charles III is scheduled to take place on Saturday 6 May, so keep your eye on our What's On page for Coronation events, including the celebrations being planned by Rangel and the team at The Fox and Hounds. 

Rangel said: "Our Coronation event will be a great way to engage with the community, as we will be working with the local Council and encouraging regulars and new customers to come and join in with the day of celebrations."

He added: "I would encourage people to book for our Easter Sunday and Father's Day roasts, as we do get busy. On Mother's Day we served 126 people, and had to turn some away to ensure that we could keep the quality high. It is very important to me." 

The interior and exterior of the venue is classy and traditional. Image credit: Nub News.

The team also host weddings in their beautiful outdoor marquee.

"We actually have a wedding booked for September," Rangel said. "We plan on making some improvements and decorating the space."

The marquee is a great place to bring your pets, who are welcome at this inclusive local spot. 

The team can't wait to welcome you, your four legged friends, and family groups as they get into the swing of things with more events, food options, and attractions heading to the pub throughout 2023. 

Find the team on Facebook or on their new-look website.

Call the team to book on 01664 452129 

Enjoy great food and a range of drinks. Image credit: Nub News.

Opening times:

Monday – CLOSED

Tuesday – CLOSED

Wednesday 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Thursday 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Friday 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Saturday 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Sunday 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

See their menu for more tasty food options. Image credit: The Fox and Hounds website

Food is served:

Wednesday – Saturday 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Sunday 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Find the venue at 6 Somerby Road, Knossington LE15 8LY