please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
RIP Diane Pearce-Harvey.
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A little gem, and another welcomingly normal pub in one of London's poncier districts. I guess the poncy types don't do pubs because this, and the other 3 Belgravia beauties I sampled on a mid week afternoon, were (thinly) populated by friendly customers & staff, & I would be happy to call any one of them a local. My pint of Young's Bitter was 3.70; I was expecting it to be a pound dearer. Lovely pub.
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An attractive pub, almost a throwback to the 1980s for all the wrong reasons. The beer was dreadful (Youngs Ordinary and Truman Invicta), the barmaid was bored, the landlady was keener to talk to her obnoxious friends rather than serve the customers, and there was no food. It is little surprise that the place was deserted at 7.30pm. Under proper management this pub should be thriving
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My experience was almost identical to the last review.... I came on a Camera pub walk (great book) which keeps leading me to gems like this. Apparently this was London's last beer house, with no spirits licence.
The pint of Young's I had was the best from that brewery I have had.
Superb.
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This is a hidden gem. Possibly not to every one's taste nut if you like friendly, cosy, traditional, bit eclectic then well worth settling into.
It is small (almost tiny), though has amazing leather chesterfields to snuggle up on, and the books, prints, stuffed fox all work for me. The bar maid was great, and best of all no music! The clientele was mixed, though clearly local - ranging from arty bohemians to couples enjoying glasses of wine.
The beer was standard Youngs, but had run out of food when i washed thru
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Have visited this pub many times and always found it to good.
Very small and cosy and very busy at 7pm on Saturday but became comfortable at 8pm. The barmaid really had to work hard when it was busy and she did this very well and cheerfully.
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Youngs have turned many pubs into slightly upmarket eateries. Thankfully, that hasn't happened here. The Fox and Hounds - a quick walk from Sloan Square tube station - is remarkably traditional and welcoming. And small. It's REALLY small. Being on a little side road though, it doesn't attract the hoards of tourists and so (at least on a Friday lunchtime) seems cosy, not crushed.
This pub is clearly frequented by locals. As I type this, the customers are happily chatting (having no problems with the occasional interjection by yours truly) on a variety of topics - just as a local pub should be.
One of the first things you may notice when you walk in is the presence of two large German Shepherds. Fear not, they are as friendly as the staff and locals...though you may struggle to stand up as they lean on you hoping for some love (be warned - one of them is white - not a good mix with black trousers!).
This is a Youngs' pub, so the choice of beer seems limited to Youngs' Special, Bitter or St Austell Tribute, but the beer is well kept and reasonably priced, especially for the area (around £3.70 a pint). Given its size, food is not its priority. I'm told there are sandwiches available during the day (though not in the evening). There are also the typical bar snacks on offer (crisps, nuts). I didn't sample a sandwich so cannot comment on them.
Despite its small size, there is a surprising amount and variety of seating, from stools, to tables and chairs to a couple of leather sofas. The toilets are adequate - clean and, predictably small.
All in all, this is a lovely, cosy little pub. I gave it a 7; it would have received a 9 from me had it been a free house. Ah well, you can't (always) have everything.
Highly recommended.
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Visited this pub on the merits of the recent comments and very pleased I did so.
Delightful little pub. Good beer, friendly efficient service, pleasant ambiance.
Highly recommend.
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Very fine, atmospheric pub away from the chinless bustle of Sloaneville. Mercifully unrefurbished by Youngs.
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Truly awesome pub ,great regulars, stunning bar staff ,well kept ale,this place is a hidden gem.
On the pricey side im afraid but thats Sloane square..........
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A tiny pub and for someone who thinks that small is beautiful, it gets a good rating from me. It's good to see this place survive at a time when several pubs in this area have closed. The barman was a bit indifferent but this was offset by the decent Young's beers.
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Anything to say about the pub, foghorn?
Personally, my favourite pub in the Sloane Square area.
Plenty of character, good beer and decent service.
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Situated in a quiet, residential side street and in close proximity to Sloane Square underground is The Fox and Hounds, a pub whose main claim to fame is that it was the last "beer only" pub in London. A full licence was not granted until 1998.
It's a cosy, characterful, street corner pub with a small frontage, although it extends back further inside than you might expect from the outside. It's traditionally furnished, with much wood panelling and a profusion of fox hunting prints and pictures. A smallish room at the front, where the bar counter is situated, leads into a slightly larger room dominated by a couple of sofas, but with still a traditional feel. Just inside the pub, above the bar, rather incongruously, hangs a Yard of Ale and we are told that the pub record for downing this is 11.08 seconds.
There's no music, TV's or fruit machines to detract from the fine atmosphere.
On my recent Sunday early afternoon visit, the pub was dominated somewhat by several groups of smartly dressed people of both sexes and, since they included several people in dog collars, I presumed that they had just come from a nearby local church service. Despite being my usual well-behaved, affable self, an elderly Miss Marple type, who was in one of the groups and was sitting in the corner sipping red wine, say fit to look at me in a rather disapproving and sniffy manner. It was, with great difficulty, that I resisted the temptation to respond with a biblical quotation along the lines of "we're all equal in the eyes of the Lord".
Formerly a Charringtons house for many years, it's now a Youngs tenancy which, on my visit was serving Special, Ordinary and London Gold. The Special - � 3.35p - was in good form, although I appeared to be virtually the only customer not drinking shorts.
I quite like this pub, but I'm hoping for a wider customer mix next time I drop in.
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as others have said, nice pub, couple of good ales on duty and nice to have a proper pub which like so many in the area have been turned into wine bars and dining rooms
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Popped into here last Saturday while killing time to catch the coach home from the nearby coach station. Cracking place and a great pint of Youngs bitter. More character than many of the pubs in the area. great find alround!
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Long live pubs like these! Small, tucked away and without a bit of pretention plus an excellent pint of Youngs to be had. My first visit in a couple of years was on Saturday and it hasn't changed a bit. Well done all.
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Lovely. Small and unpretentious.
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Extremely pleasant backstreet pub at the southern fringe of Belgravia. It's a Youngs pub and it's pricey. But the interior is traditional and atmospheric. The clientele appears to be mainly locals. No sign of a guest beer on our visit - Young's Bitter, Special, Kew Gold and Bombardier occupied the 4 handpulls.
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Complete surprise to see Deuchars IPA available last night - and well kept, too. Was told that a guest beer will now be available at all times, subject to change on a monthly or seasonal basis.
Otherwise no other changes to report, pleasant albeit brief call at the F&H.
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The quality of the Youngs beers kept here has improved immensely if my visit last night is anything to go by.
Really enjoyed reminiscing on past good times at the F&H and it was a great pleasure to meet Gordon (local) who has not changed since last seen a year or two back. Sad to hear of the loss of Lionel and the well-decorated chappie who used to populate the corner seat at the front of the bar with his half-pint jug of ale.
Still attracting a very pleasant clientele, and friendly, warm staff at the bar were very accommodating to my special-needs friend who accompanied me on this memory-lane trip.
I am pleased to say that a guest ale (albeit St Austell Tribute last night) is now offered regularly.
Long live the Fox & Hounds.
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Called in for 1 on way through this evening - always a pleasure to visit this tiny backstreet amospheric place. The way central London locals used to be.
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Dropped in here recently for a pre dinner drink (the fabulous Hunan if you must know) for the first time in many years
Refurbishment seemed fine and it still has the great atmosphere of being in someone's front room. Belgravia has a number of very good pubs and this is one of them
Well worth a visit if in the area
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Traditional, local pub just a short distance away from the fancy eateries and overpriced emporia in and around Sloane Square. Worth seeking out (but don't leave it late - they call 'time' by the pub clock which is at least 10 minutes fast).
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This is definitely a locals pub, but be patient. They are quite an interesting group, and after my second visit, I was very warmly welcomed. The locals are a varied group of professional types, Chelsea Pensioners (bless them), and musicians, and you are guaranteed an interesting conversation. Good lunch menu, but food is only served between 1230 and 0230. Not a beer expert (cider is my drink), but there is a nice variety of wine and the interior is very nice. Well worth a visit.
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Did indeed have ale on yesterday ( Sunday ). After a spell some years ago, when the interior resembled an Amsterdam "brown bar", this is now a traditional pub again, with the fox and hounds theme reflected in some large attractive paintings. It's small, but cosy. The pub was almost empty however, yesterday afternoon, presumably because they weren't showing the rugby - this is a TV free pub. The pub is a short walk from Sloane Square Tube Station and is well worth popping in for a pint if passing by, but not worth going out of your way specially to visit
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Generally fine all though Landlady and staff could be more friendly. However on last visit on a Sunday had run out of ale. Not a good sign!
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Spent a pleasant mid-afternoon hour or so in here recently. Quiet and very comfortable. Decor looked right. One of the best pubs in the area, but not a lot of competition. Looks like it ought to be the sort of pub where you could prop up the bar chatting to whoever was in - but I was the only drinker in on that particular afternoon. Unfortunately the Draught Ram Rod was off, but definitely a pub worth another visit
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Certainly a locals pub but not unfriendly. The beer and wine was reasonably priced.
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Indeed and less choice around town for the likes of me.
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Alas, Mitomighty, Youngs & Charles Wells are now one and the same, and Bombardier is a "Wells & Youngs PLC" brand now. That's why it's there.
Youngs beers have not been brewed at Youngs Wandsworth Brewery since last month, and all Youngs beers are now brewed in Bedford.
Some say they are not particularly changed. You'll have to judge for yourself.
End of an era, as they say...
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I'd never been to this pub before so have no idea of what it used to look like but I imagine the back area has been done up judging by the slate tile flooring. However, it is a nice little boozer which still has a traditional feel and is nicely decorated (not the usual yellow that Young's seem to be using for every other pub refurb). People didn't seem too nobby either and beer was fine on my visit.
However, Don't see why they have to have Bombadier there though!! That annoyed me a bit. Young's have plenty of good beers and shouldn't be stocking that when they don't have a full (or near full)compliment of their own beers on (only Ordinary and Special). It's not like Bombadier isn't in every other pub in London!
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Thought it would stand out more, just tends to blend in. As does the beer--OK, but not stellar.
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I used to be a regular in Diane's day and remember all the "fixtures & fittings" (Liam Downey/Gordon McNeill, etc) the toasted sandwiches and the SUPERBLY kept Adnams/Harveys/Bass. I was very upset when the original team left, and remember the them putting hankies out on the bar as some of the regulars were in tears.
This pub is certainly not what it used to be going by my last visit on 31/10/2005 when the Young's bitter was flat and sulphuric in taste. Ohh if only......
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Until eight or nine years ago this pub had been run for decades by Diane Pearce-Harvey, with the help of her father Lionel "Tunbridge" Wells. Both are still with us, as is Lionel's wife Julie, who did the books, and Diane's husband Roger, who...er...well, anyway, was an abiding presence. All have moved to the West Country, and time has moved on. After a couple of false starts, the pub has settled down. It's been subtly refurbished, and is reasonably comfortable. It's not the same, but then, it couldn't be. I would say that in Diane's day it was very much a local pub for local people, but the atmosphere was friendly - strangers were spoken to, and made welcome. They could even come back years later and be remembered. That that may not be the case now may be more down to the changes the area has undergone rather than the capable landlady.
The Sandman doesn't get in as often as he used to, having moved on himself, but when he does go, he often bumps into old friends. And even though the bar staff don't know him from Adam, he still has no problem getting served. Perhaps bar-staff hostility is in the eye of the beholder...
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I really like this pub.
I remeber when it used to have just a beer and wine licence. It's been tarted up a bit since, but it's definitely kept its character.
What make this pub really interesting is the mix of punters. From your Foxtons fools to your retired career boozers [Pinstripes to sheepskin - if you know what I mean].
The one draw back is the quality of the ale. In recent visits the Young's bitter [inc St Georges] has been poor, as has the Guinness. It doesn't stock the excellent range of Young's Bottled Ales either.
So perhaps a place to visit, but not to dwell to long.
I'd like to give it a 7, but because of the beer 6.
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Thought i'd give this pub another go but sadly wish i never.A waste of a pub this is especially as it is surrounded in history.I think a change of ownership would be gratefull.The beer has not improved.
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The locals don't see exactly thrilled to see you when you walk in the door. Can't say that the staff were much more welcoming. That being said after sitting down and making ourselves at home things got comfortable shortly and soon it was a warm enough place. Had a nice Youngs Special. Cozy little place - looks good inside and out. Worth a look if you are out and about.
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Aviod if your not a local. You WILL be made to feel unwelcome. Me and a friend came here after a meal around the corner and left almost immediatly. Came here a few weeks ago and thought it would be different. We were mistaken.
anonymous - 25 Aug 2005 14:44 |
Nice looking pub from outside but thats it. I was not impressed with the beer i was served and i felt like i was annoying the staff member by asking for a drink. (the look was severe). One to aviod in future.
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Third pub on our pubcrawl and a huge dissapointment this pub has become. It was a lovely pub when we came here last but the atmosphere and friendly welcome has disappeared. Beer was ok. Such a waste. We quickly moved on.
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A neglected jewel.
anonymous - 23 Feb 2005 02:51 |
What a great little pub this is. What is that blokes John's problem. I was in on Sunday night and the place was packed and the girl behind the bar was freindly and polite. You can't ask for anymore than that. I spent a time speaking to the landlady and she was lovely. What a great place to while away the night. Definately be back with my friends next time.
dave milner - 16 Nov 2004 08:12 |
Have to disagree with the last comment. I was in the Fox on Saturday night. And I was, as usual entertained by Julian the verger. I've been going to the pub for the last ten years or so and it has been in the same hands for the last two years.Still is. Dee the landlady runs probably the best little boozer in the area. It's not often in London let alone this area you find such a quaint down to earth pub. So when you do you become very protective of it. So John give the new staff another chance. I think there great. If they weren't I'd say so. After all barmen come and go all the time but the Fox is still there a hundred and fifty years on and counting. Still the best pint of young's around.
Bill Muir - 15 Nov 2004 20:34 |
Great little 'local' and an unexpected treat. Such a change from some of the bars in the area. Excellent beer and friendly staff. Well worth the walk from Victoria Station if you have an hour to kill.
Greg - 11 Nov 2004 12:14 |
I came across this little pub with a group of friends last week on a pub crawl from Bath .We were looking for old fashioned pubs in central london.We had a few pints and a nice meal.It is rare to find a welcoming little pub like this. P.s i would like to thank Stuart for the poem he printed us.(There's poems in the mens loo's). We'll certainly be back.
Jack Conner - 4 Oct 2004 13:06 |
Me and a few friends popped in this pub on reading the beerintheevening reviews.Good choice.Its a little cozy atmospheric pub just off Pimlico rd.They serve Youngs bitter and believe me it's a good pint.The toilets have old fashioned guinness posters and is a treat to read the poems.They don't have a garden but you seem to be able to stand outside.The only off putting fact was the landlady's bleeding nose!May i suggest next time the washroom at the back of the pub.Apart from that it's a lovely pub and will be back soon.
J Cooper - 28 Jul 2004 16:59 |
I found this pub by mistake while dining at L'incontro on pimlico rd.I'm glad i did as it is such a lovely little hide-away from the rest of the pubs in the area.The atmosphere was very welcoming and the staff seem to genuinly speak and listen to the customers.The drinks were nicely priced.I will be back soon for a visit with some friends.
Tamzin Swaith - 1 Jul 2004 16:42 |
What a lovely little pub! I only happened upon it by chance. Should have stayed in there instead of going anywhere else. Decor is 'nostalgie de l'empire' - guys check out the 'Green Eye of the Little Yellow God' and its parody in the toilet.
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I think i've just found the best pub in london.I dont normally drink in pubs off the Kings rd but i'm glad i did.It is hidden very well just off Sloane Square.I came in with my uncle and aunt from Boston who was looking for traditional london pubs and we found this great place.The beer was youngs and was excellent.We stayed for an extra drink but had to move on as it was their last day.The barman was very friendly and funny and i loved his scottish accent.You don't find many pubs like this.I will definatly be back.A lovely lovely pub.
sarah - 25 Apr 2004 20:48 |
I visited this pub after a colleage told me where it was. I found it very relaxing as I had my lunch which was good tradiional pub food. Also I thought they had a great selection of wine. I didn't want to go back to work, I could have stayed there all afternoon. A delightful little pub with a friendly atmosphere.
R Baxter - 27 Mar 2004 20:36 |
to me this is the best little pub around by far. Great beer, good food, and rivoting conversation. Just listenng to the banter from the staff is fun. Well worth a visit by anyone!!!!
brian - 17 Mar 2004 21:41 |
Just round the corner from Sloane Square station, this well-hidden pub was once unique in London as the only surviving hostelry with only a beer and wine licence. It was run with enthusiasm for thirty years by Diane Pearce-Harvey who afforded a warm welcome to locals and regulars alike. Tears were shed in 1997 when Young's took the pub over and much of its character was lost for good. Following three changes of management, the pub has been restored to some of its former style, with dark wood pannelling, royal red painted wallpaper, green ceiling and subdued chandelier lighting. It is quiet in the sense there's no jukebox or gaming machines or tv, but boisterous conversation often makes up for that. The Youngs Bitter, Special and seasonal beers are in excellent condition, and I believe this pub once again is returning to the good old days. There's a charming Scottish manager with a wry sense of humour, and the pub is welcoming to all. Go on, give it a try.
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