The Fox & Goose Inn, Pudding Pie Hill
It is believed that an Inn or resting place was established at the top of the hill climb out of Chesterfield on what is the old London to Manchester road over 500 years ago. The name Fox & Goose was given to the Inn by the Monks of Beauchief Abbey who often visited. Fox & Goose is the name of a board game played by Monks of that time.
The name Pudding Pie Hill is used in other parts of England to mark the site of a Neolithic Burial Mound however the residents of Wigley and Wadshelf named the hill after a different phenomenon. For several hundred years local farmers spread burnt limestone on the farmland to add calcium to aid plant growth on the higher ground. The resulting smoke and vapour gave the hill the appearance of a giant steamed pudding! We hope you bear this in mind when you try our secret recipe Authentic Pudding Pie for dessert or to take away.
Those with more recent memories of the Inn will recognize some of the various pictures, memorabilia and even menu dishes of previous landlords and occupants that have been discovered and restored. Some of Don Newsome’s unique beer pump car grills are on display and our tribute to his famous Steak Sandwich (originally cooked on the copper grill still in situ behind the bar) is on our menu. You may think the picture of Badger the dog relates to former Landlord and Sheffield United star Len Badger but by coincidence Badger was a visitor in his own right as was Boddington the cat who turned up one day and stayed for 18 years!
Incidentally as with all ancient Inn’s the Fox & Goose has its friendly spirits. Don sadly passed away on the premises and is said to still take a keen interest in its visiting patrons……..
Compiled by Foxy Lady Heather Hastings
Associated with and working at The Fox & Goose Inn for over 50 years.
