The Fox & Goose Inn at Wigley is one of the oldest pubs in Derbyshire – offering great views over the surrounding area.
The Derbyshire Times was invited to learn more about the history of the Fox & Goose – and these photos show why you should make plans to visit over the coming weeks.
1. Fox & Goose
Restaurant manager Ryan Turner and head chef Connor Thompson are pictured here. Photo: Brian Eyre
2. Industry experience
Craig Lynch is the owner of the Fox & Goose Inn at Wigley. He said: “I was previously a senior executive for a hotel and leisure group, and then I moved here around 2000 - I operated Brampton Manor from 2004 until its recent closure. I took on the Fox and Goose back in 2008. It was a pub that was struggling. It was the height of the financial crisis and it needed investment - but it had great potential.” Photo: Brian Eyre
3. Historic venue
Craig said: “The pub has a great and colourful history, with plenty of historic features to look at as well. We went about renovating the property, we put around £200,000 into the refurbishment. We added the orangery and we reopened in 2010, and at that point, pub dining was really strong then.” Photo: Brian Eyre
4. Pub, restaurant and wedding venue
Craig said: “We also went into the wedding market, which is the main strength of the business now. It’s a multi-functional pub, restaurant and wedding venue. The great thing is that the weddings and functions allow us to keep things affordable for our customers at the old pub. We can keep it as it is, and has been for goodness knows how long.” Photo: Brian Eyre