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Fox, Twickenham

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user reviews of the Fox, Twickenham

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Cosy little pub between the centre and the river. Beer was good, a comfortable place to have a drink.
rainlight - 1 Sep 2015 08:57
Seemed a nice enough pub - then you meet the staff. Oh dear. What appears to be some creature impersonating an older head bar man was truculent, vulgar & then just downright rude. The only staff with customer service was the young girl - but the owner of this pub needs to consider getting rid of this bar man - truly awful. When the bar area is also occupied by the staff's equally loud & rude mates - you know you're in a very badly run pub indeed. First time in here - and as not a masochist - definitely the last.
Racer777 - 22 Aug 2015 13:21
Nice centrally placed pub, surprisingly quiet at midday. Coal fire, choice of free newspapers (though all right-wing!), good selection of beers, food not tried. Staff very friendly and pleasant but knew nothing about the beers when asked!
Trev - 2 Jan 2015 20:14
The Fox: yes, I can't help but agree with Lipster (26/9/13) about the polite, but inexperienced staff. I don't think anything has changed much on that front in the last 7 months.
I had a nice little drinky here, not long ago, but the actual bar area at the front is quite 'pokey', with not many seats to choose from. If there's a group of you, you may not get a seat.
I noticed an old wooden money-box secured to the bar itself. It has some old-fashioned name (..like Ebenezer..!) inscribed on it & Billingsgate fish market...!! So i asked one of the young barmen what this box was all about. He looked quizically at me, and then informed me, he'd been working here for 2 years and never seen the box before..!! :o( TJ
TeeJay - 29 Apr 2014 21:23
terrible from the word go , arrived at 12 30 on a sunday afternoon with my family for a roast lunch and a few beers . we were drawn in by the new conservatory and eating area to be disappointed by mess everywhere ! the bar staff looked and acted like they had been out all night on the sauce , no management structure and people standing around looking bedazzled ?pub is run like a student bar by bloody students ! the food was medioca at best , a unpleasant experience never to be repeated
davey147 - 20 Oct 2013 17:08
I think The Fox could be a cracking pub - the glass extension on the side really adds to the lovely old original bit, but I have to agree that the staff (whilst lovely) do seem like kids left in charge. There's no sense there's an experienced manager behind the scenes and very often the attention to detail fails. It's busy at weekends regardless so I guess from a business point of view that no-one cares what goes on then, but on week nights TW1 is very quiet and there's not enough drinkers to go round: get the service right and the few punters in town will come here (the food's good so the profit margin is there to be had - owners take note...).

Ale-wise, I like the Windsor & Eton, Twickenham and Ascot Ales; but all a bit predictable - why not have 3 dependable beers and 3 wildcards?

Summary: decent pub, but could do better. Currently a 7/10 but could so easily be a 9/10
lipster - 26 Sep 2013 19:44
One of my haunts on a typical Friday night pub crawl. This is one of the better pubs in Twickenham in term of ambience, beer and entertainment. However my last few visits have been tainted by poor service and not a great selection of real ales.
MadDog62 - 27 Aug 2013 15:32
This pub has been expensively refurbished and is now quite decent, the miasma from the loos has gone, it looks nice,
BUT,
The service is appalling, slow, amateur, slapdash and infuriating.

It is spoiled by the service which needs to be improved. Get rid of the students and bring people in who know what they' re doing.!!
stmargaretsman - 8 Aug 2013 12:16
Happy to report the cask ale has had a dramatic improvement. Had a really good, fresh pint of Naked Ladies. Nice to also see some good bottled beers from Oakham, BrewDog and the USA. Haven't eaten but heard good things.
THE_Ale_TEAM - 28 Dec 2012 09:50
Agree with the last poster with regard to the beer.
I was there yesterday lunch time and had a very poor pint of Red Squirel Hop fest and at �3.50 a pint they have to do better than this.
Didn't try any of the others.
bjbrummiejohn - 16 Jul 2012 07:36
Visited last night. Not having known the place before the refurb, we thought that the place looked great. It was pretty busy, possibly as there was a band setting up, and there was certainly no shortage of staff!

The beer was a bit of a disappointment. 6 handpumps. 2 were off when we arrived and another had to be put off when we returned our second pint. I thought the beers were OK but nothing great. �3.50 a pint. Worth a visit but the beer quality would have to improve to attract me on a regular basis.
cheshirecat - 23 Jun 2012 09:22
Most of my friends are distinctly unimpressed with the refurb and the consequent change in clientele it's attracted. However, I think it looks fabulous and the clientele weren't that amazing before anyway. They've really done an excellent job on the facelift, a nice mixture of modern and traditional and a much better use of space. Love all the photos of old Twickenham on the walls. I don't drink the ale in here due to being spoiled in The Sussex and inevitably disappointed elsewhere, but the Peroni was fine. To concur with a previous reviewer, far better than becoming a Tesco Express!
Cleversaz - 14 Jun 2012 15:49
I've been to The fox twice in the last month.
On the first occasion, along with a couple of mates, we found the Naked ladies in undrinkable condition even though it had been served up as if in good condition.
So we opted for Jennings Lakeland stunner which looked like beer but, quite frankly, tasted more like lakeland water.
On my second visit last week I had a pint of the local stuff-Twickenham Sundancer
which looked OK but again tasted quite watery. I'm seriously beginning to smell a rat here.
Anyone else noticed similar at this pub?
TheHopHunter - 23 Apr 2012 12:25
Nice pub with some good local ales on, I dont think a pub can be criticised for doing coffees and attracting in different clientele anymore, with pubs turning into Tesco expresses and flats everywhere you look, publicans need to make money and cant just rely on old gits mumbling into there pints anymore. The times they are a changing.
paddypint - 8 Apr 2012 14:16
I agree with TW1 below. There you are waiting for a pint and the two ladies next to be served ask 'are you doing coffee?'

NO, BUT STARBUCKS DOES LOVE!
Grumbles - 15 Mar 2012 13:21
During the day, the glasshouse appears to be an extension of the local coffee houses, full of kids & yummy-mummies. Avoid if like me, you think childen shouldn't be in pubs... well, certainly not in these noisy, badly behaved numbers! Creche.
TW1 - 15 Feb 2012 09:31
Relatives have visited since the refurbishment and tell me that the atmosphere and appearance has been well and truly wrecked. When I'm up there, I'll pay a visit and find out for myself.
Paul_Rochdale - 4 Feb 2012 09:44
I never used to go here often, generally preferring the Eel Pie. But I think they've done a fantastic job....still has character but much more practical, and still has a fantastic range of beer. Whether the clientele changes remains to be seen - my wife can be a bit particular about pubs and prefers beautiful cosy pubs to proper old boozers and she loved it so that might tell you something, but I still think it should appeal to everyone....
TheMortyVicker - 1 Feb 2012 22:08
Good beers with a few local breweries on the pumps. Also a good range of bar snacks - scotch egg particularly good. Definately worth a visit if in the area
OldRogue - 2 Jan 2012 16:56
Reading the previous review that the Fox's (needed) restoration wouldn't change it from being a real boozer gives youu pause for thought. The work they've done on this great old 16th C pub is extensive - including glass partioning the side into an interior and moving both of the kitchen and toilets upstairs. In short this must have cost them an arm and a leg.

What it does do is to create far more space than there previously was, even taking back the stud walling to reveal the original fireplace in the corner. Personally I quite liked the leaky candles, uneven floor, battered side door, strange little pictures behind the bar, wobbly stools; but I can be happy that the knackered kitchen extractor fan has gone and the eye-wateringly unsanitary toilet facilities have been mercifully brought into the 21st century.

I suppose the question is, has the Fox 'done a White Swan'?

The feel inside is certainly different. Brand spankingly shining and new fawn leather upholstery replaces the homely, beaten up, threadbare familiarity of the saloon bar. Dark, chic wall colours reflect the idea that this has been designed rather than organically grown and lived in. I hear one patron say that it 'needed to be roughed up a bit' which I agree with, but then after such an extensive refit you wouldn't forgive the owners from wanting it to be pristine.

I'd be interesyed in hearing other people's opinions. Is the Fox still a boozer? Or is it all fur coat and no knickers?
Grumbles - 13 Dec 2011 13:16
The Fox has closed for a much needed restoration. This was a great pub with a very friendly atmosphere and varied clientele, it was what pub means, public house, open to everyone. Good beer, good food, good staff. I really hope when it reopens it keeps the feel of a boozer. The company running also run the Royal Oak and Sussex Arms so have faith they know what they are doing.
8/10, was head and shoulders above most of the pubs in Twickenham.
THE_Ale_TEAM - 21 Sep 2011 08:13
The Fox is closing around the 19th Sept for a major refurb re-opening sometime in November. I hope it will retain its old boozer ambience.

mim - 31 Aug 2011 16:01
I called in here the other day, it was busy, but the bar staff where chatting to one another then spotted the person behind me and served them first. Hardly competent staff in my book. Then to add insult, the pint on Timmy Taylors Landlord was warm. i only had the one.
tmitch - 17 Jun 2011 17:05
Quite simply the best pint in Twickenham. Friendly, competent staff who actually care and a mixed clientele - what more could you want? Well, maybe a little more lighting - it really can be a bit dingy during the day. The Naked Ladies, Betty Stoggs and Village Idiot were in top notch condition the last time I went in and apparently the cider was also in fine nick.
theloafer - 23 May 2011 22:43
Another smashing night in the Fox last night. Tried the food for the first time and was very pleasantly suprised with both the quality and value; far better than the Barmy or the White Swan and a good few pounds cheaper.

Both the Pride and the Naked Ladies were in good shape and there were three other ales on plus a cider. The Fox is the standout best pub in Twickenham, a good mixed crowd, atmospheric interior, and decent beer.
barclay - 28 Apr 2011 11:14
Very good little boozer with friendly & varied clientele. One of Twickenham's better pubs.
Stoned_Moses - 18 Apr 2011 21:45
Previously an old man's ale pub, The Fox has recently had a light refurb and (I guess) a change of management. It also seems to have collected a few refugees from the old Red Lion (ie old rockers and trendy musos). It has a friendly, laid back atmosphere, friendly and efficient bar staff, and the new dimly lit decor makes it a nice place to sit in a dark corner nursing a beer and listening to the music and banter. They also do food, which looks decent enough from what I've seen.

One drawback about this place is it is tiny. When the place fills up it becomes quite hard to get to the bar and, if you are lucky enough to get a table, watch out for people sending your drinks flying as they try to squeeze past.

They also have live music some evenings and weekends, but when they do the place is invariably rammed, so I haven't managed to check the bands out yet.
dingdangdo - 23 Feb 2011 11:52
A very small and old pub in a Twickenham sidestreet, The Fox is a fine old place. Several real ales on, non-matching furniture etc assure you you're drinking in a real pub not some marketing man's idea of what an old pub looks like. If you known Sean's bar in Athlone, Ireland, you'll get a good idea of what this pub is like. If you've ever wondered what a load of guitarists jamming together sounds like, go upstairs on a Sunday night. Well worth stopping off at on a crawl.
JDchaser - 19 Feb 2011 17:03
What an excellent pub! Unable to get food opposite at the Eel Pie, we tried the wonderful Fox. Excellent chicken burgers, super real ale and friendly staff. A really super place.
Paul_Rochdale - 2 Jan 2011 20:28
it is excellent. All the drunks who run the other pubs in Twick should be dragged here by the nose and shown what a pub can be
Someonewhocares - 23 Oct 2010 17:07
My type of pub, a proper old boozer of which are few and far between now sadly. This pub is the perfect example of what pub stands for - public house. The punters are from all ages, backgrounds, jobs and musical tastes which gives it a real local feel. If you were a drinker in the White Swan over the past few years and wonder where all the regulars are nowadays they are here. Live music every Thursday and every second Tuesday plus the Twickenham Jam session every Sunday night in the upstairs room. Staff are capable and more importantly very welcoming. Food is standard pub grub but done well and at a very reasonable price. I had a hot roast beef sandwich on fresh crusty bread with salad and real hand cut chips -�5!! Bargain. Heaving on rugby days and with a nice garden for the summer. The pub has been in decline the last few years and it was very sad to see the old guv Tom leave but glad to say that the trade and atmosphere has returned. I was told by one of the staff that it is closing for a restoration NOT a refurbishment and I do hope this is true as it would be a shame to see a lovely atmospheric pub lost to a corporate template. Only gripe is no Sky to watch the rugby on but hey hum, the Eel Pie shows the rugby and is practically next door.
the_light_knight - 19 Oct 2010 16:53
Went there with therichieboy's dad recently and I agree. It's back on track with a decent pint. Glad to see that in redecorating it (or was it just a damned good clean?) its 'dive bar' feel hasn't been totally lost - it is after all a couple of steps down from the street.
billynibbles - 13 Jun 2010 15:46
Since changing hands yet again, The Fox has shed its mange and is getting its bushy tail back!
Now managed by the staff White Swan's new management ejected (presumably because they didn't want to spoil their Tack-enham theme pub with bar staff who know what they're doing), the service is fast and friendly, the beer's perfect and plentiful and there's an atmosphere returning.
Once more feels like the pub I loved to drink in when I was a nipper.
Well done Lee and co!
therichieboy - 10 Jun 2010 15:22
They may have done it up but they have destroyed much of the character - who gave them permission to take out the fireplace - think that was illegal?

Tom who ran it before may not have been perfect but think Banana man is the ape - good choice of name Banana. Tom was one of the most well loved local characters and did a lot for locals especially those in need. It is a tragedy that this pub is yet another victim of Enterprise Inns which is run by a bunch of greedy speculators who know nothing about pubs or who uses them. I hope they go bust - then we may get some real Landlords running their own pubs who genuinely care about their locals, like Tom.
Frodos_mum - 26 Apr 2010 12:38
The Fox is getting there but if I have one more horrifically bad pint I'm going to have to say something...
therichieboy - 25 Mar 2010 12:15
Currently in a 'transitional' phase as new owners are in the process of smartening the old place up a bit. The flowers dotted around the bar and more modern, intimate feel about the place are clear indications of the direction the place is moving but in fairness the place had become a shambolic hole in the latter stages of 2009 with only a very suspect London Pride on tap - something had to be done! Hopefully this place will rise like the proverbial phoenix from the flames....
LondonWolf - 18 Feb 2010 12:07
Went in the week before Christmas - the pub much improved by a change of hands and a new brush.

Good variety of ales - Twickenham & TTs - sampled them all and they were all excellent.

I've wanted to give this pub a good note for yonks. The last fellow was an ape man who nearly destroyed it; the new guy looks like he knows what he's doing.

Well done - I'll be back.
BananaSundae - 6 Jan 2010 18:04
My first time in this pub for ages and I can second the last writer's thumbs up of the 'new' Fox- basic lower bar but clean and nice old prints, with top class ale (tried the Twickenham Grandstand) and a guv,nor who seemed keen to promote his 6-ale range including TT Landlord. Great to see it back and a worthy addition to the delights of Church St (can't let the Eel Pie have it all its own way, can we?)
bosstick - 20 Dec 2009 14:50
I was in the re-opened Fox yesterday and was very impressed. The vestibule at the entrance is still there and the inspection door to the old beer engines under the counter hasn't been touched, ( it still opens ) The old rotting lino has gone and English Heritage are going to be overseeing the entire restoration. To top it all, the Twickenham beers are back and they are on magnificent form, so I think the pub is safe now.
Mancini - 16 Nov 2009 13:46
My God, this place sounds awful. I'll stay with the Eel Pie, or just go to the always-good Prince Albert near The Green.
BillJ - 6 Nov 2009 23:26
You could eat your dinner out of the toilets in "The Fox". In fact your dinner's already there so long as you like mushrooms. This might well be the oldest pub in Twickenham but it is a dark and dismal affair, full of crooks and nannies ( and no I'm not slurring) and up to now has been vastly over-priced. I can wait for it's re-opening.

StrawhillJ - 13 Oct 2009 22:50
Closed. following the retirement (?) of the landlord. Re-opening is promised soon.

Must say I always found it abit of a dank and dirty hole, though it has the character and location to be areally good pub. Here's hoping that its improved but not ruined.
strongarm - 13 Oct 2009 09:40
How the mighty have fallen.
MeurglysIII - 19 Sep 2009 13:32
The presence of Twickenham Ales used to jutify the odd visit here, sadly only a decidedly average 'London Pride' remains on tap (lagers-apart) on the evidence of my last couple of visits, so best look elsewhere. Where once I appreciated the place for it's 'character' it really is beginning to look rather shabby. Not quite a write-off yet but hopefully the apparent downturn in customers will prompt a bit of a managerial rethink.
LondonWolf - 9 Sep 2009 15:57
Really want to love this pub because of the good selection of Twickenham Ales and old feel, but I can't. The last three times I've been in there, the staff were grumpy and locals were weird and aggressive.
drunkintheevening - 5 Apr 2009 16:17
Used to be good but seems to have gone downhill. Only one draft - mediocre London Pride. Looks as if it has now been taken over by the local students.
phil_27 - 28 Mar 2009 13:05
I payed another visit on the off-chance that The Fox would have it's beer back in order. Expectations were tempered by poor standards on several recent visits, but - hey - Twickenham Brewery produces an excellent selection of ales, so it's worth the risk, especially with the Eel Pie just across the road.

What's the worst that could happen?

Alot, actually. Sadly, things have got worse. Considerably. All the real ales were off, bar one, which came out the barrel a cloudy puff of dirge and bowel gas; a mixture of bin juice and nasal scrapings that a girl guide would have spotted was pining for the fjords...quite simply it should not have been served (tip: train your staff).

It took 20 minutes to tap a barrel (Sundancer), which is frankly attrocious going. An old fellow who had the audacity to complain to the landlord (who had, shall we say, indulged in one or two small shandies) got foul obscenities yelled at him and aggressively pushed out the door - despite the gentleman (who looked about 70) appearing sober and well mannered. Maybe landlord, punters don't like been treated like the supine mugs you take them for? (tip: if you have anger management issues, stay off the booze). In fact if you run a failing pub, stay off the booze.

I'd give my dosh to the Eel Pie across the road and avoid this poorly run gaffe in future.

It does not deserve the points it has and I sincerly hope that the guy running it becomes a bouncer, security guard or one of the many other professions where aggression, bullying and insulting behaviour are seen as assets. Oh, and incompetence.
BananaSundae - 15 Jan 2009 20:49
I'm a fan of the Fox - makes it easy to know where to head before the rugby with the Eel Pie close at hand as well. Nice atmosphere and well worth a visit if in the area
murgatroyd - 14 Dec 2008 20:02
Difficult to compete with The Eel Pie 30 seconds away. Went for a few during the TW1 beer festival and was impressed. Back a few weeks later and the bitter was off. How come? Atmosphere is Old School boozer with mixed clientel.
BananaSundae - 13 Dec 2008 17:45
Have popped in here several times recently, including one Sunday before going to watch Harlequins RL, when we treated ourselves to one of their roast dinners - excellent!

Tom the landlord and his staff are very friendly and helpful. The reral ale is excellent too - supplied by the very fine Twickenham Fine Ales.

Thoroughly recommend this pub. I also recommend the hire of the function room - have a word with Tom, he will sort you out.
beehave - 29 Oct 2008 20:49
A nice pub, I was here for the beer though and the 'beer miles' is about zero as it is sourced from the Twickenham brewery. I must say the beer was in excellent condition and a nice end to the evening.
Abteilung - 26 Oct 2008 13:09
Came here after we had a few at the Twickenham beer festival, nice pub with about 4 (?) Twickenham ales on, I had the Grandstand bitter & the original - both spot on & no topping up needed.
Booze_Allen - 26 Oct 2008 11:19
Nice drop of ale in here. Helpful bar staff too. Nice garden area.
nickthefish - 6 Aug 2008 06:25
Bit more characterful than the standardised Youngs pubs round here; local beer good.
mtaylor40 - 29 Feb 2008 21:26
This is the place to go to try the excellent beers from the Twickenham Brewery at their best. And it's a good pub on top of that.
Dave_the_Bee - 10 Nov 2007 01:09
Sorry,
my mistake totally. I was referring to "The Fox" where "Pride" is indeed �3 a pint.
StrawhillJohn - 9 Nov 2007 23:44
You don't get London Pride in the Eel Pie, its a Badger Pub - you're the one who needs to get your facts straight, Mr John
JohnBonser - 9 Nov 2007 11:33
Yes it bloody well is, for "London Pride" anyway. Average local price �2.70, so there. Get your facts straight.
StrawhillJohn - 8 Nov 2007 21:05
It's not �3 per pint in The Eel Pie
JohnBonser - 6 Nov 2007 16:50
I have drank in this pub quite a lot recently - I would not say its over priced - all the other pubs charge �3 for a beer - the Bear, the Grand Union, The Barmy (not that I would drink in there). If you want a cheap pint go to Wetherspoons or stay at home with a can!!!!

The Fox is a great pub!! I will def be making it a local! Keep up the good work!
anonymous - 24 Oct 2007 16:20
4 out of the last 5 postings on this pub are complaints about overpricing. There's a message there for the pub management if they bother to read this site
JohnBonser - 16 Oct 2007 13:04
I used to go here regularly with a group of friends after Harlequins matches, but we stopped when they put the price of a pint up from �2.70 to �3 in one go.
Rich66 - 13 Oct 2007 20:25
Only previous visit was on an Autumn evening when it was busy and had a good warm atmosphere, selling a nice drop of Deuchers IPA. Re-visited on Saturday afternoon, (14/07/07), and found it pretty empty and the Twickenham 'Naked Ladies' beer far too warm to enjoy. Given it was �3 a pint, I was expecting a lot more. Overpriced and disappointing, probably one to avoid on warm Summer afternoons.
wee_jock - 16 Jul 2007 09:09
Nice pub, you walk down a couple of steps and it feels homely, not sanitized like most pubs have become. Had a few pints of the local Twickenham brew which went down nicely and played a few games of cards/poker from the small selection of games they keep out for customers' use. All the cards and pieces were where they should be! I guess it shows that if you put faith in your customers, more often than not they'll pay it back.
ChrisBass - 10 May 2007 16:14
Unless you have bottemless pockets do not visit this pub you will be change an obscene amount og money for your drinks.

I went with 2 friends today ( sinday 22nd April ) an we were charged �9 for 2 bottles of pils and a half of cider. If you are near this dpub go to the Eel Pie instead you will not be ripped off as you are here
anonymous - 22 Apr 2007 20:06
As others have indeed commented, this is a nice traditional pub, serving a good variety of real ales. I visited yesterday lunchtime, first time for ages. Sorry to be a dissenting voice, but I'm afraid that I don't think it acceptable to charge as much as � 3 for a pint of locally brewed Twickenham Advantage with an ABV of only around 4% and I told the barman so, asking him to relay my comment to the boss.

If you are the boss reading this, happy to read and consider any comment you may wish to make on the subject, but, in the meantime, I won't be coming here again
JohnBonser - 2 Apr 2007 17:11
One of the best pubs in Twickenham,Fountain is the worst.
GDH
photogh - 13 Jan 2007 19:04
Good "old pub" feel to it, compared to some pubs on the main street through Twickenham. The telly is small and up in one corner, so it doesn't take over the whole place. Doesn't seem to get too crowded, and an interesting selection of beers.
CaptainHook - 2 Jan 2007 13:59
Sad to hear about only 2 beers on - there's always 3 or 4 when I'm in. In answer to the comment below, yes the eel pie is packed but it's lost a lot of its character in last couple of years. Management just 'manage' it fiscally - there's no personality running the place day to day in punters' view - the girl with the purple hair is the only person you'd really know as a regular. The management don;t engage with the puiblic at all - you wonder why they run a pub if they obviously dislike being in one so much.It just stinks these days of 'pub co.' At least the Fox is a real local pub with a real pub guvnor who is always there, always helpful and always gracious to his female staff.
anonymous - 24 Dec 2006 23:55
Only two of the five handpulls on last night - pretty poor management with the Christmas season underway, especially with the Eel Pie in full throttle just over the street!
Quinno - 20 Dec 2006 23:00
I've already commented last year, but this is becoming my pub of preference in Twickenham, especially since they serve Twickenham Brewery ales, which I find delightful. Someone earlier reckoned that there was no contest with the Eel Pie just down the road - I agree but not in the way they meant! The beer here is way superior, and staff are only too happy to take your word for it if you think there's anything wrong with your pint. I love the feel of stepping DOWN into it - there's a cellar dive bar feel to it. Loved the Irish music evening last time I coincided with it. A positive gem - things are looking up all round. Even McDonalds has closed. We're 'warming up' for our office party there next Tuesday so beware!
billynibbles - 16 Dec 2006 16:19
Great pub, better now than ever in my opinion which only goes back 15 years tho. Cozy, friendly, warm, papers always on the barrel at the back, fire on, a lovely very old traditional pub in the best street in town, a pub that is top drawer these days and has at last overtaken its neighbour across the road in every way. Great beer too with well known and local ales. Can't be faulted really except for the odd member of staff that will persist in swearing loudly even when the place is quiet, which is tiresome in such a nice place but overall this is still a top drawer pub and should be on your list if coming to this town.


anonymous - 15 Nov 2006 00:08
Excellent little pub, quite trad inside with a good range of real ale, including Tiwckers. Also has SKY sports.

Well worth a few visits.
Quinno - 24 Oct 2006 17:27
Beer was very ordinary and I was not impressed. Duechars IPA was so so and the Twickenham brown liquid. Not quite bad enough for me to complain to Cask Marque about them.
bedfont - 12 Oct 2006 10:36
Best pub in Twickenham by a mile
KingRaama - 5 Oct 2006 15:36
The anonymous poster must have been on a really bad day when he visited The Fox, because I don't recognise his description at all.
Fox-hunting may have been banned, but Twickers drinkers are seeking out this traditional boozer in ever-increasing numbers, it seems. Not surprising, as they do a decent pint including a range from the local micro-brewery, Twickenham Fine Ales as well as the usual national brands, wines and spirits and quality cappucino and other coffees, supplied by Tchibo, the German ground coffee retailer.

The pub is located in Church Street, Twickenham's most popular street for eating and drinking which in recent years has acquired something of a continental ambience thanks to the encouragement of the local borough council, Richmond upon Thames. As a result, outdoor eating and drinking is positively encouraged and the street is a pedestrian-only zone on Friday and Saturday nights in the summer. The Fox has a smallish garden at the rear, but tables are also put out on the street on those warm summer nights.
This is a good spot to adjourn after a tasty Indian in one of the numerous local curry houses. Can get rather busy and, pending the ban at least, rather smokey in the evenings.
beerbaby - 27 Sep 2006 09:10
Nice beer garden, good beers attentive staff
zagreb - 27 Aug 2006 13:52
Great place for a an unassuming and relaxing drink, much underused considering it's nice location.
KatrinaD - 22 Aug 2006 10:53
Please bring back Bang-On, the Irish band! They played every Friday and it was great. I know they are big in London now and are playing the big gigs but it would be so good to have them back!
rorykavenagh - 30 Jul 2006 01:48
The previous person hit the nail on the head, this pub's biggest strength is that it is not the 'Barmy Arms'. This pub has a lovely ocation with nice beer garden.

I went in at the start of July and recounted my boring day at work to a friend, whilst waiting to be served.

I was eventually greeted by a 50-something man who looked more like a startled accountant, who had drunkenly staggered behind the bar to help himself to a Swan Lager - than a barman. He was useless, serving a pint of draught lager from a tap not 1 foot from his befuddled face proved too much. It was like watching one of those contestants off Treasure Hunt looking for a book whilst Anneka Rice frowns in a castle. There was a box of McCoys' crisps behind him, I asked for one bag and rather than hand them to me he waddled off upstairs like Mr. Blobby just hearing the news of a friend's death. 5 minutes later I paid for the drinks.

Despite all this I did try to get a second pint - but this time I was completely ignored, my friend thinks it was because I used the f-word whilst playing the games machine at the bar - and Reginald Perrin behind the bar took exception. What a shame. We had to walk all the way to the Eel Pie and then put up with instant service.

anonymous - 29 Jul 2006 11:07
Stonking and small traditional tavern close to the (horrid and bigoted) Barmy Arms and also The Eel Pie (poor ale). A tiny L-shaped room with a room upstairs apparently. Also sells fruit wines (lethal) and was a former Watney's nose-picking establishment. Well recommended. Crawl quota: two pints at least.
BeerHeaven06 - 6 Jul 2006 15:29
A good traditional pub, thank christ they have finally binned the Thai meal theme, that scared lots of people off for ages, myself included.

Back to being a proper pub, Irish landlord has a mightily impressive beer gut, well done that man! Barmaids were friendly, and very attractive too!
TheGP - 7 Apr 2006 17:48
ok. mixture of old men and twenty somethings with funky popstar haircuts. fosters and a small tv.
anonymous - 18 Mar 2006 23:10
Nice little old-fashioned pub. Five real ales on handpump, including several from the local Twickenham Brewery to which I've become rather partial.
Rich66 - 13 Mar 2006 22:00
Aww, this pub is really quite cute! Traditional and nice friendly bar man.

Watch out for scary old man with some teeth missing and dodgy eye.. if your female and aged between 18-80, he WILL try and kiss you!
XXXXX - 6 Mar 2006 11:28
In Twickenham on Friday, popped into The Fox early evening. Lovely atmosphere, old fashioned boozer. Please keep it like this. Irish landlord, amusing and entertaining. Beer lovely. If you are in Twickenham don't forget The Fox.
LordNelson - 25 Oct 2005 18:38
Nicely furbed pub,with a local boozer atmosphere.
EdgarBriggsMI5 - 18 Sep 2005 09:56
It seems like years since Guy and his son Tom were running it I wish the new lads would bring back the Irish bands on friday nights it gave the pub a sense of welcomeness and diversity and was great craic watching a banjo played at mach 3 speed and the bullfrog looking guy screaming his head off like he was pushing one out MUSTANNGGG SALLLLYYYY ooh there it goes the kids are dropped off in the pool
anonymous - 15 Sep 2005 13:20
Only re-acquainted myself with this pub a few weeks ago after an absence of 15 years or so. What a pleasant surprise - not a lot's changed (except the bloody prices, of course). Never knew it had a back garden/patio until last month
billynibbles - 6 May 2005 23:15
A old-style pub without being an old man pub. An unassuming, unpretentious boozer. I like it.
mike2004 - 25 Apr 2005 11:06
Quite an un-twickenham like pub, old and traditional, but this is a good thing. You could quite happily shuttle back and forth between here and the Eel Pie over the road.
TheGP - 12 Apr 2005 08:49
Nice little place to visit for a swift one on your break. But the Eel Pie is only fifty metres up the road. No contest surely?
BadgerBest - 17 Mar 2005 06:53
What a delightful little pub. There's something about this place that's really nice and welcoming, makes you feel at ease. Nice pint, great little garden in summer and indeed it is on the nicest street in Twickers. Highly recommended.
Cleversaz - 24 Jan 2005 18:41
This place used to be a bit tired but its now transformed into a fantastic little pub. Great food, fantastic beer and great bar staff. If you appreciate good beer, you'll love this place. They routinely have 5 or more real ales available. One of the best pubs in South West London
anonymous - 7 Jan 2005 16:35
Freindly chatty pub in the best street in Twickenham.
Nice Beers good food no piped music but a quite telly showing sport. Upgrade decor for a 10.
Jon - 30 Sep 2004 11:58
The function room was free for my 21st Birthday (but that was 1972!)Nice little Boozer, but please keep on top of the Real Ales.
The Pub Ghost - 30 Aug 2004 15:59
This place has improved tons from being not worth going in to being really good on certain nights. Would have had a big party there except they wanted a load of money to 'allow' me to bring 120 people into their upstairs bar. I took it somewhere else where someone was happy for me to bring them a load of custom and not penaliase me for it. They've done a great job with the pub but maybe they have to think about whether they're actually in business or not.
David - 18 May 2004 01:22
Best pub in Twickers - full of charcater and beer well kept
PJ - 19 Feb 2004 13:06
That's the Intrepid Fox to you Sir! Great the way you have to step down into this pub. Nice traditional boozer which, like 'Chats' says, is unfortunately becoming a rarity in Twickenham these days.
Good for: taking shelter from the elements and consuming more alchohol tha you intended.
thenationofjames - 17 Dec 2003 16:03
A proper english pub which is rarity today in Twickenham, serving good food and beer with a mixture of live music at the weekend and quality outside bar and BBQ during the summer- highly recommended!
Chats - 28 Aug 2003 16:56
Busy place on Friday nights, great atmosphere and music.
Roger C - 10 Jun 2003 13:26
Live Irish music on Friday night, which is reall good and makes a nice change from usual theme pub stuff, and they do diet lemonade for my gin!
Ali - 16 May 2003 02:07
The Fox has just changed ownership and is being restored to a it's former glory as an historic inn dating back to the 17th century. Friendly service and traditional pub food are already attracted new customers.
Guy - 7 Sep 2002 00:52
The Fox is a great little English boozer, my father has owned the lease on it for the last ten years and has kept it as traditional as he can, I love working there as it has a great atmosphere and friendly regular trade
Jon Marsella

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