The Fox and Hounds, Toys Hill

This pub is under new ownership and I visited on Sunday and was very impressed! I've known the Fox and Hounds since Ron and Hazel's days and did a few stints the other side of the bar in my youth. The new landlord seems to be doing a great job on the food and service, our 3 course Sunday lunch was excellent and the service was really friendly.

The pub had a good buzzy atmosphere with quite an array of dogs and a few children, everyone seemed to be having a great time and it managed to avoid being chaotic.

Definitely worth another try if you've been put off over the last few years, we had a great time and will definitely be going back.

17 Nov 2015 11:11

The Railway Telegraph, Forest Hill

This is a large pub and it was always going to be difficult to refurbish it in a way that made it cosy/welcoming, but I think the new owners have done a great job. They've created smaller areas, kept the dartboard and locals, while appealing to a wide range of new people who wouldn't have gone in in its previous incarnation. I like that it has a good mix of people, some there to drink and some there for food, and everyone seems to coexist well.

I like that they are dog friendly, the food and wine list is good and personally I don't see why you can't play Sinatra or jazz just because you're opposite Topps Tiles and a storage depot on the south circular! Lots of candles lit at night and comfy sofas. A good example of how to do a pub up without losing its charm.

13 Feb 2015 13:56