please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The only 2 good things about this pub is the STAFF and some off the bands that play there at weekends apart from that the place has no character since they refurbished as per normal the prices of the beers around the high st are above the national ave and the food in here is also worth avoiding as my roast dinner the peas were doing breast stroke the gravy shame really this used to be such a great pub another pub that need changing or will fade away with the the ever decreasing customers
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A little disappointed with this compared with other pubs in Carshalton. Not much character: mainly just 'dining' tables and chairs. Four real ales: two from Scotland and two from Cornwall. There's nothing wrong with this pub, but it's nothing to write home about either.
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Service great, but the paint scheme has ripped out all the character from the pub. Won't be back
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Having declined to buy a pint in two other local pubs was heading for the bus stop and decided to stop in here. Decent beer and was offered a taster by the polite and attentive bar staff when I went for another pint. Nice pub.
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Popped In as a friend's band was playing. BIG MISTAKE! Sign outside states real cask ales available. This would be the dishwater you served me then proceeded to charge me an arm and a leg for then? Stayed to listen to the band and thought I'd try one of the other two ales you have available, that was even worse and even more expensive. Took a few mouthfuls and left. A soulless dive of a place despite the recent renovations. There's other pubs in the area with a nicer atmosphere and better real ales. £10.00 for a pint of dishwater and wine you wouldn't insult your chips with. Try this place if you dare. Personally I think you'd be better off with four cans of Special brew from your local off licence.
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New Management, mmmmm, very rude and not very welcoming preferred how it was before at lest u could get a cheap pint!
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Such a waste.
Under new ownership. Yes it needed doing up, but now has lost all character. Pub is bland, atmosphereless and characterless. Manager is an Irish fella who is so in love with his own hype it is boring. He can't be older than 40 and yet you would think that he knows everything there is to know about everything. Food is well presented but it is Kings Road prices. Pub is way too bright and it is very hard to feel relaxed in this place. Won't be hurrying back there as there are other pubs locally that have more to offer at the same extortionate prices. Even thought the old Fox and Hounds was grubby, at least it was welcoming and had character. Shame, but who cares.
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Up for sale have been told,watch this space.
Be appy
anonymous - 31 Mar 2013 17:14 |
This pub is awful - sticky tables and bar, threadbare chairs and stools, TVs everywhere, exceptionally loud music, no real ale because it had run out (twice in a week), difficulty getting in past the smokers, indifferent bar staff. Now the good point - there isn't one. How a pub can get so bad and still do business is beyond me.
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Very spacious inside, loads of alcoves, but definitely no bar billiards table here. The barmaid advised us it went about five years ago.
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Kicked off an ale crawl here. Barman recommended a pint of Greene King London Glory which I enjoyed. There was football on big screens around the pub and so we left after one coz that's not our scene. Shame to see a lack of live music here these days. There used to be jazz and decent bands on Sunday nights. Still, there is a jukebox and that's a rarity. Last time I came in somebody was selecting so many decent tunes we stayed all night.
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Reasonable pub on a summery evening visit.
Got a bit of a rough and tumble atmosphere compared to other pubs in the area but did enjoy the visit here.
Has a digital jukebox added which is never a bit thing.
Good place to visit for a crawl after a couple of drinks but wouldnt become a regular
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Forgot to add, lost marks as despite there being hand pull taps no real ales were available. When there are so many real ale pubs around this is something that needs to be addressed
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Popped in recently.... if I had to sum this pub up in one word it would be "STICKY", the table I sat at felt like it had never been wiped. It was a Saturday night but the bar staff were not busy, there is no excuse for not wiping tables unless you are rammed to the joints. Deocr is ok and the crowd seemed ok, probably more people out front than inside (another reason for no excuse for dirty tables). Music was at a a level where conversation could still be heard but then somebody said they liked a song and music was raised to a level where song was the only thing that could be heard. Didn't try the toilets, didn't want to stick to the floor.
On a positive note, cold Stella, well served, in the correct glass for �2.50, I can't knock that!!!!
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Cheap but not that cheerful and faily rough. Still, at �2.35 for a pint of Beck's Vier (well over �3.50 for an Amstel in The Greyhound and The Woodman), you've got to take the rough with the smooth.
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oh crist no!!!!!!!!
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Got drunk and ended up in there a week or so ago (sat night).
The place stank of sick/dead bodies.
A staff member opended the cellar door and the stench intensified to a level that turned my beer-filled stomach.
This place is filthy and a health hazard. I will not visit again.
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This is probably the most disappointing pub in town and a place desperately in need of some TLC. There are a few redeeming features and with a bit of effort it could become a half decent place. The exterior displays plenty of neglect with peeling paint and decaying woodwork which is hardly a good advert to start with. The interior has been knocked through but still retains hints of character like the old paneling and latticed windows but generally it comes across as a gloomy and uncared for pub. There are a couple of areas that are tucked away from the main body of the pub but no matter where you go you cannot escape the TV�s that intrude into every corner. The front area contains a piano and a range in the old fireplace and an interesting display case with old bottles of ales and stouts bearing the inscription of King Gearge V. A darts area to one side of the bar isn�t quite so intrusive. There is a huge potential for ales but of the 10 hand pumps, only 1 was operational (Pride), 2 were off (Youngs and Bombardier), 5 were redundant and 2 pumps were completely broken off. The ale quality was drinkable but certainly not sufficient to warrant Cask Marque accreditation. With a decent facelift and an overhaul of the ales, it could have a better future but until such time, it is probably the one pub to miss in town if you have to miss any.
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It's cheap...........
As someone said below:
An attempt to be a Wetherspoons, but lacking the budget for a couple of cleaners.
Ok to get tanked up with a mate, but not a place to take your Mrs unless you hate her!
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Cheap prices yes. But ale is crap. Can't keep a good pint. Been in twice and same rubbish. Avoid.
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This pub is hilarious ! The Dante's Inferno version of a 'spoons ! The staff are so disaffected one expects a mutiny to break out. An object lesson in how NOT to run a pub. Other than the Hope Carshalton pubs lack any of the basic requirements of a decent boozer.
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Easily the worst pub in Carshalton and quite possibly the worst in England. Where to start? Surly staff who choose to open and close as they see fit regardless of the time and a crowd of thirsty punters coming through the door at 10:15pm. Waiting ages to get served, went outside with drinks to be stared at by some of the locals and then asked to leave for no reason whatsoever by the staff. Distinct lack of beer choice, expensive, aggressive, dirty. Why anyone goes here when the Greyhound is 3 minutes walk away will forever be a mystery. People visiting the Charles Cryer theatre next door,be warned about your choice of post show beer!
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the real ale is ok, nothing to write home about, there is some choice which is better than the normal fullers or youngs in the area and with sky tv its not bad, stone flooring a nice touch this could be a great pub how it used to be
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Usual lagers. Fruit machines & darts. Sky Sports on various TVs. No longer has bar billiards or pool which is a shame. Nothing to write home about, but one of the best pubs in Carshalton.
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A stonking 10 handpumps, although only GK IPA and the better 6X were on. Everyone else was drinking lager though.
Certainly not as nice as some of the other pubs in the area.
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Not sure it's just a mans pub i think its a great pub
anonymous - 27 Sep 2006 22:04 |
Not a great deal of atmosphere, though you get the feeling it could be quite threatening when busy with football on the big screens.
A man's pub, when men talking men's things.
Not great.
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Had a couple of dodgy ales in here, but they were more than happy to change. More of a lager drinker's pub really. Noticed it had a Pro Evo tournament over the summer - wish I'd gone!
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Now allegedly bought by 'Orchard' pub group, we live in hope!
anonymous - 7 Jul 2006 12:41 |
Better since the change of landlady, but I can't wait for Spirit to dissapear. Once Punch turn it into a tenancy things should really improve including removing the insulting and stupid screen behind the bar.
It's struggling, but so are most Spirit pubs, Hurry up the changes!!!
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Hey I was one of the guys who had to keep that lot apart! Luckily that was totally out the ordinary. I'm an Arsenal fan myself but those lads were totally out of line, and we made it clear to them they were no longer welcome after that day.
Thanks for the plaudits and I'll mention your comment about the ventilation to the boss tomorrow - you dont notice behind the bar with those low hanging lights
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this is my local.. There was a bit of trouble at last weeks televised Arsenal v Chelsea match which was unnecessary and hopefully an isolated incident (its essantial to keep characters like that out). The toilets as mentioned in many other reviews are just disgusting and perhaps the brewery should put the money up to fix them. The bar staff are very friendly but will someone please sort out the ventilation (keeping the door open doesn't help!) On the whole this is a decent pub with a better atmosphere than the overpriced greyhound down the road and that dreadful attempt at a wine bar on the high street.
To the bar staff.. keep up the good work!
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I play at this pub. It's had it's share of management problems over the last few months but that should all clear up in the future.
It's a great venue to play because the punters are pleasant people. The beers are varied and pretty good (being a bitter man myself).
The problems here are more to do with the Sprit Group than the pub. They cut back on everything leaving their managers to run a pub on a shoestring budget.
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I would just like to second 'Hatman's' biog of the Fox and Hounds.
I play in a band here around every 2 to 3 months and during my most recent visit in October, I instantly noticed a mammoth change to the whole atmosphere of the pub. Not only are the bar 'staff' friendly but so are the new proprietors. I haven't once known there to be a brawl in there and the punters just go about their own business.
Yes, the toilets have a slightly pungent smell about them but that does not reflect the cleanliness of them and as 'Hatman' says its down to the drains and not the cleaning of them. Perhaps the people who are complaining should go directly to the brewery and give the Fox and Hounds some support in getting their drains fixed!!!
Lastly I'd like to say to the landlady, a huge thanks for all her efforts to keeping music live in here. Recently the pub was threatened by the brewery to stop bands all together but the landlady fought hard to keep it going and has now come to a compromise with the brewery. I Think the brewery should look at investing some money in fixing what needs fixing (like the toilets) before making cut backs to things like live entertainment that people enjoy. They might then start to notice the takings going up when people start returning to a pub that is now definitely back on track to being a great place to go in Carshalton.
I'll get off my soap box now!
anonymous - 23 Nov 2005 23:30 |
I just had to register to reply to some of these comments as I work at the Fox and Hounds.
Firstly the toilets. This is rather simple. Despite cleaning them twice daily, the men's toilet perpetually stinks. There is a major problem with the plumbing and has been for some time, and the previous manager spent untold time trying to have this repaired, as is the current boss, but Spirit Group simply don't seem to care and have not arranged anyone to come and sort it out (the problem with Brewery run pubs!)
Secondly the beer running and bad Guiness issue. Rubbish. I have ONCE known a single lager to run out, and that was the Carlesberg LAST NIGHT (November 13th 2005). Up until then I have NEVER known the pub to run dry of any draught beverage. As for the Guiness, at the time that report was posted there was a different couple running the place, and not only were they skimming off the top, stealing spirits and fiddling the books, but also had a habit of not cleaning the lines. Under the last 2 managers this has been done with strict regularity, as have all hygeine procedures, and now the only problem you'll get from the Guiness is if I try to draw a little picture in the foam, as I inevitably fail (I MUST learn to do that soon!)
Third point - These "aggresive" locals. Where? Who? EVERYONE in that pub knows everyone else, it's like a meeting ground for people with nothing to do of a Saturday, and simply through working there I know the regulars so well now I'll easily stop for half an hour chatting if I bump into one in the street. The one occasion an argument has broken out it was between myself and another member of staff, which I admit is not a great way to behave, but it was a one off incidentand nothing else.
The comment of "Staff don't seem to care". In my experience I read this as "Staff won't bend over backwards to make me feel like the only person in there" because I've never known our attitude to be criticised (okay maybe the ginger guy's is)
by anyone except those who think they should walk in, sit down, wave us over, and we should approach them at a table, take the order, fetch the drinks, collect payment and return with change. You want to be treated like that, go up town and pay �6 for your pint. If however you have a problem and raise it with a member of staff WITHOUT being rude every one of us will do what we can to help. All it takes is a simple "'Scuse me could you wipe that table mate". I don't even ask for a simple "please", just no rudeness. As has been said I'd challenge you to have 20 people barging each other about and screaming orders at you in the manner of "Oi two carlings!" when you're already serving someone and smile non stop.
Plasma - The day you speak of I was working. Who was it served you if the beer was bad? Generally it's fine but one pump is a pain in the proverbials and if you get the wrong drink in the wrong glass it can pour very very flat (Carling is terrible for it!).
Anyways do pop back in and see what's changed, the place is cleaner than ever, friendlier, now has a large non smoking area, dart board and pool table. And if you see a guy in a big straw hat behind the bar, that's me. Mention this website and I'll........... well I can't give free drinks but I CAN give you a smug smile because someone actually read this little rant and came in to see us after it.
Peace out, be good, go home before 11:20 and buy the barman a drink occasionally!
"Hatman" (as one regular has taken to calling me)
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I dropped by last Sunday for a quick beer and while it seemed pleasant enough the beer was very average and the smell from the toilets was horrible. I cant believe they didnt have time to clean the place after whats was obviously a busy Saturday night, or perhaps they just never clean them.
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Have previously worked in this pub - theres now been a change of managment so things should get better. I rather resent the comments about the staff (though I won't say its entirely untrue in some cases... :/ ) Im sure any one who has worked behind a bar on a busy night can know how difficult it is to get everyone served and served in order - especially when everytime you look up from pouring a drink theres a bank of about 20 more faces all staring (or shouting) at you and you have no idea who was there first - its a case of trying to remeber people serving the cloest (or whoever is the pushiest...!) at the quickest speed so no one is waiting too long - though this pub has been badly understaffed during busy nights and this is sometimes just impossible. And surely the blame should also be on the selfish drinker who pushed in front of you... So gives us barmaids a break! (OR a drink! ;) ) As for badly poured guiness - the pump is pretty crud but I personaly always serve my guiness with a smile (literely - I draw a smiley face on it...! :p)
Now I've had my little rant, I think if you give this place a couple more weeks it will really turn around - after 2 weeks the new mangers have made a huge difference and apart from the beer, the place has some great things to offer - theres some great live music every Sunday, and Karaoke on Thursdays. There are a few troublemakers at the busy times but I think thats the case in almost every pub these days. Best time to go is during the afternoons or on a summer evening - the garden is lovely and its peaceful (the road aint THAT busy) - the food is also delicious and good value, as I have always thought even before my employment. Recomend giving this pub a chance when its had time to get on its feet - though without me there it may just not be the same! ;)
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Gone from bad to worse. No beer and badly poured Guinness. Staff don't seem to care. Best avoided.
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Mr Molyneux is sadly spot on. I have stopped going in as its run by their kids, who have no idea what they are doing. Full of the aggressive types who inhabit this once pleasant suburb in too lareg numbers. Asfor the Cask Marque....ha, ha!
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Currently dire,dirty and dangerous. Hopefully the 'manager' will get removed soon, because he doesn't!
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It would be nice to see more efficient staff at busy times. I think you can judge most pubs on customers who are waiting to be served, noting their place in the queue. Here, people are quite happy to push infront of others and the staff do nothing to discourage it.
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Not the nicest of pubs in Carshalton. Always seems to have a crowd with attitude making out they're the Big 'Un. Better in the day during the summer when you can sit outside and watch the world go by.
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The testosterone charged, jock strap smelling den that bills itself as the refurbished Fox and Hounds, basically dissappoints! The chalkboard of 'todays specials' was reassuringly empty. We felt like chalking up: poor service,no change in the till,flat cider and smelly toilets.The only hint of refurbishment was the odour of the sludge brown paint used to cover up the toilet doors. Do not wear white by the way as the chairs were obviously also exempt form the clean up. No way will we be returning!
anonymous - 29 Nov 2004 13:17 |
I dunno about the ale, but the lager is significantly cheaper then the Greyhound up the road.
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As a CAMRA member I'd say the beers are very inconsistent- as is the clientele- OK during the day, full of 'yoofs' at weekend evenings. sorry clare but the 'old flagstones' date back about ten years! Beers are just as pricey as the Greyhound . The guv nor has juts left so there may be changes...
Rob - 17 Nov 2004 23:09 |
been drinking there for a few years now, great beer and staff, even better regulars. great music venue on sunday nights, rock and blues, the jazz nights have now gone - together with its offensive followers. now running a jam night once a month - brilliant!
bar fly - 30 Jul 2004 18:20 |
Nice little pub this. Always quite busy when I've been in, but not too busy to be comfortable. Gives it atmosphere.
Has a nice beer garden, even if it does overlook a busy road.
Has a couple of big screens, so good for watching sport in, and has a range of real ales- but as I drink more lagers can't vouch for their quality.
Mr. - 5 Jul 2004 20:27 |
Jazz Pub? Three old boys with beards stretching a pint of bitter over several hours don't pay the bills mate! Fortunately the live music policy caters for some really great bands on a Sunday Night when it's usually rammed. I don't do packed pubs, but this is worth breaking that rule. Good beer, good service, given the level of demand at the bar tho would be nice if the Guv'nor smiled a bit more!
ARG - 20 Jun 2004 06:49 |
Been a regular for a few years now and I have to say, I think its great! Nice place to meet up with friends and really lively on a Friday night. Friendly staff and good value for money.
Regular - 18 Jun 2004 16:37 |
I't's a comfortable pub, warm and inviting with guest beers on all the time, good food, good screen for sport, live music, quizzes, and great place for a summer drink with lots of ouside seating. Great old flagstone bar area too!
Clare - 16 Dec 2003 12:13 |
I played billiads and won! its a great game. Nice pub too. Big and spacious and livly atmosphere to celebrate winning the Rugby world cup!
Jim - 25 Nov 2003 11:34 |
Formerly a jazz pub, this has now stopped to the great relief of jazz fans, who now don't have to go anywhere near this dreadful place. Offensive manager, who once threatened me for gently suggesting he could change a barrel mid-evening when the pub had run out of all bitters.
Jazz fan - 31 Jul 2003 14:45 |
billiards table? does anyone even know how to play billiards?
local - 7 May 2003 15:15 |
