Former British and Irish Lions star Gavin Henson swapped the roar of the stadium for the clink of pint glasses when he took over The Fox in St Brides Major, a village perched on the coast of the Vale of Glamorgan. The transition, announced in May 2019, wasn’t just a career change – it was a full‑on lifestyle reboot for the 41‑year‑old who once sailed his yacht to Cardiff night‑clubs during his rugby heyday.
From International Rugby to Rural Hospitality
Henson’s résumé reads like a rugby textbook: 33 caps for Wales, 242 points, three test matches on the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, and stints at Ospreys, Saracens and Toulon. By the height of his playing days – roughly 2005‑2008 – he was pulling in about £1.2 million a year. Yet as the contracts ended and the applause faded, the former fly‑half looked for something steadier, something with a community feel.
That search landed him at the historic 17th‑century building formerly known as Fox and Hounds. After a £250,000 refurbishment – new beams, a refreshed bar, and a kitchen upgraded for 18 main courses ranging from £14.50 to £28.50 – the establishment re‑emerged simply as The Fox. Henson, now the landlord, says the name change reflects “a stripped‑back, no‑nonsense approach” that mirrors his new daily routine.
The Fox: A Community Hub Restored
Located at 1‑3 High Street, the pub serves a catchment of about 1,200 locals and draws roughly 500 visitors from surrounding towns each week. Revenue estimates from council business records put the annual takings at around £450,000, a respectable figure for a rural venue with a staff of 12 full‑time employees.
Local resident Eleri Jenkins, 68, smiled when asked about the change: “We’re delighted to have Gavin here – he’s very hands‑on and has really improved the quality of food and service.” Regular customer Dai Morgan, 52, added, “It’s become a real community hub since Gavin took over, whereas before it was struggling.”
- Renovation cost: £250,000
- Opening hours: 12 pm‑11 pm daily, Sunday from 12:30 pm
- Menu: 18 mains, locally sourced within a 20‑mile radius
- Annual revenue: ~£450,000
- Staff: 12 full‑time members
Personal Life: From Cardiff Fame to Country Calm
Henson’s private life has been tabloid fodder for years. In the early 2000s he dated Welsh singer Charlotte Church, with whom he has two children – Ruby Megan (born 20 September 2007) and a son born 11 January 2009. The couple announced their split on 31 May 2010. After a brief stint on reality TV’s “The Bachelor” in 2011, Henson met Katie Wilson Mould, daughter of racehorse owner Raymond Mould. They married on 28 September 2019 at St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Guiting Power, Gloucestershire, and welcomed a son in December 2020.
The shift from high‑profile relationships to a quieter family life mirrors his move from celebrity pubs to a genuine neighborhood establishment. He now starts his day at 7:30 am checking inventory, holds staff briefings at 10:00 am, and often leans over the bar to chat with patrons during service.
Economic and Social Impact
Hospitality analyst Dr. Helen Price of the University of Cardiff notes, “When a high‑profile figure invests in a rural pub, the effect is two‑fold: it brings immediate media attention, but more importantly it can catalyse sustainable growth if the owner commits to local sourcing and community events.” The Fox now hosts a monthly “Welsh Farmers’ Night,” drawing producers from nearby towns and showcasing the region’s artisanal cheeses and ciders.
Beyond the bottom line, the pub’s revitalisation has sparked a modest tourism uptick. Weekend hikers heading to the nearby coastline often stop for a pint, and local schools have booked the venue for after‑school gatherings, further cementing The Fox as a social anchor.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Gavin Henson and The Fox?
Henson hints at expanding the venue’s reach. “I’m looking at a small adjoining property to add a weekend bistro,” he said during a recent interview with OB News. Plans include a modest outdoor seating area to accommodate the growing summer crowd.
Meanwhile, his rugby roots remain visible. The walls feature framed memorabilia – a Lions cap, a signed Ospreys jersey – and he occasionally hosts charity matches for school teams, keeping the sport alive in the valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gavin Henson’s ownership affect local employment?
Since taking over in 2019, Henson has maintained 12 full‑time staff members and created several part‑time roles during peak seasons, boosting job stability in St Brides Major where seasonal work is common.
What menu changes did The Fox introduce under Henson?
The kitchen now offers 18 mains, all sourced within a 20‑mile radius – think locally raised lamb, sea‑caught fish, and seasonal veg – priced between £14.50 and £28.50, a shift from the limited, generic fare the pub served before 2019.
Will Gavin Henson return to rugby in any capacity?
He has ruled out a playing comeback but remains involved as a mentor, occasionally hosting youth training sessions at the pub’s back garden and appearing as a pundit on Welsh sports panels.
How does The Fox compare financially to other rural pubs in the region?
With an estimated £450,000 annual turnover, The Fox sits above the regional average of £300,000 for similar establishments, a boost credited to Henson’s brand draw and the upgraded menu.
What future developments are planned for the venue?
Henson is exploring a weekend bistro expansion and adding an outdoor patio to accommodate summer diners, with planning applications expected by early 2025.
