please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Well - the pub was next to a wonderful area for walking dogs, and people do walk dogs and then they did go to the pub. The theme of "smelling of dogs" seems to have taken off, but I never noticed it and I'm not really bothered. I like pubs that accept dogs and would not go to one that didn't. OK - that's dealt with - if you didn't like dogs, you shouldn't have gone to a dog walking pub.
The essence of the place was that it was unaltered from time immemorial - this is how pubs were: bare boards, nooks, small rooms - it was great. I've been quite a few times in winter and there was a huge log fire burning - perfect!
The staff were always friendly enough to me and other customers. The restricted opening times did make a difference but I reckon the landlord had other things to do the rest of the week - why shouldn't he have opened when he wanted to?
The beers were always the same - Ridgeway and Toad - never had a bad pint, and it was cheap enough.
You will note that this review is in the past tense - The Old Fox closed about 9 months ago - rumour has it that it has structural problems, so whether it will ever open again as a pub nobody knows. I hope it does. I always felt that I was one of a select group who knew of this very traditional and isolated pub that had been trapped in a time warp and I appreciated it.
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Dont use this pub. Only opens three times a week if are lucky. Very rude owners and pub smells of dogs and toilets are a disgrace.
Live 250 yards away but would not go there. Also do no food other than crisps and nuts.
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has been closed the last few times I passed. shame as they were dog friendly, and they were not rude. if you hate dogs why go to a country pub that welcomes them? I hope this isnt the end of the old fox. I went there as a kid first, and often stopped by with my dogs.
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Can't comment about the beer (Ridgeway and Side Pocket on at £3.20 a pint) but there was definitely a funny smell about the pub when I finally managed to visit.
Lovely location if you can sit outside, and will have to pop back on a sunny day to try and ale or two when I'm not driving, but can't imagine spending an evening there in the height of winter.
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You wouldn't think such a beautiful and secluded location existed within the M25, but the mile long approach from Bricket Wood to this pub along a country lane is lovely. Sadly, the positives end there. Whilst I did manage to get a grunt from the sullen landlord, he clearly lacks communication skills. Hopefully his regulars get a better service. The beer was in poor condition - I chose the Ridgeway Bitter from Tring. Maybe the other beer on - Side Pocket For a Toad was in better condition. The pub also smells of dogs. There were a few canines around on my Monday afternoon visit. But the smell was overpowering. Such a shame. Much more could be made of this glorious location.
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Walked through the woods of school lane to get to this hidden away pub and we were glad we did. Lovely friendly welcome and some local Tring beers in excellent condition. Real fire, dog-friendly, very chilled out atmosphere. Very small inside, though in the summer I imagine it would be a great place to site outside and have a few.
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Don't be fooled by the 'Chocolate Box' location, this pub has an incredibly rude landlord, who's son who is not only rude, he's also aggressive, abusive and violent. AVOID!
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Wurzel and Aunt Sally run a pub, beer is off and the place smells like old dog...Avoid!
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Who are Ken & Lea?? Never heard of them and posted my review purely down to the awful service we experienced at this establishment.
Don't know if it's still open for business but would certainly be surprised if it was.
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I would like to assure everybody that we (Ken and Lea) have never asked any person to post derogatory remarks on our behalf about the Old Fox. None of the comments on this pub, good or bad, have anything to do with us and putting them down to us is malicious and unfounded. Our friends know that we would not do anything like that
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Is it just a coincidence that the negative comments are posted by "Ken and Lea's" friends?? GET OVER IT!!
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Real shame, now full of smelly "do-as-you-likeys" !
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Just a real shame about this pub, got huge potential but just being run into the ground by the present owners. I can only assume also that they want to turn it into a private house rather than have it as a business.
Went there recently and on a Friday evening at 10pm there was only 1 other person in there, says it all in my opinion. Seemed a real inconvenience us being there.
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Happened upon this pub whilst out for a drive, was not impressed! Was not able to get into the carpark due to a group of men who were standing in the entrance drinking and who would not move out of the way. Couldn't park outside due to it being blocked up with white Transits. Entered the pub and was confronted by a number of dubious characters, the interior is very run down and unpleasent. Beer (Tring Brewery) was acceptable. Benches outside are in a pleasent peaceful location but this was spoilt by young men messing around on trial bikes along the lane outside and other drinkers staggering out of the pub trying to light cigarettes, shouting, talking loudly on 'phones etc.
Overall this place was unwelcoming and not very nice. I know a landlord can't really choose his clientele but judging by the other comments here it would seem to have been like this for some time. Don't think I'll bother making the journey to go there again.
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hi as i have known this pub for many years ,i for one can tell you that i have known and seen changes ,yes with walkers horse riders ramblers and so on ,,,,,but now we come to the crunck? this new land lord has dun this pub in < what a shame did have 3 log fires now two left ,also the inside of the pub well thats it they dun it in ,it so sad ,i know a lot of pubs are being sold up, this is another one down the pan ,very upsetting ,i wait to see what if when this old fox gets shot dead ,and is no more ,,,,,,?
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londonnw7 I don't know if you have visited the Old Fox Bricket Wood or the old fox in cloud cuckoo land jovial owner I dont think so!! Big plans I dont think so its well known that he wants to de-regulate the pub and turn it into a private house Fine selection of beers Blonde and Doom nice beers when they are looked after Last time I had a Doom I had to throw it away as for food I think not
He has ruined the interior knocking down internal walls(listed building)
Having visited the pub for the last 20 years I have to say that the current owners are the worst landlord and landlady that I have seen its a country pub walkers with dirty boots dogs with muddy paws have been visiting for years and in the winter keep the pub going so by not having dogs walkers and ramblers in during the winter time means the pub can run at a loss and it can be de-regulated and turned in to a private house 2 years down the line this pub will not be here and another little gem will be lost for ever
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That is undoubtedly an inside job posting ! 'Jovial Owner' and 'first rate welcome' ? You are surely not serious. Would that explain why some nights you will be in there on your own ?
As for 'fine selection of beers and wines' - you have TWO real ales Blonde and Doom and they haven't changed in a year with everything else gas filled crud (John Smiths/Carling extra cold etc) and the wine extends to one corner shop standard Merlot (unless you want the aeroplane type mini bottles which of course are known for their quality aren't they. This is definately NOT an ale lovers location.
There is no food available at all and don't hold your breath for it as the planning applications to get this up and running are years from being approved due to local hostility!
Great location for a pub but you can't help thinking in the right hands it could be SO much better !
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Visited the pub recently, been a long time since I have frequented this establishment. This is due to the fact of the dogs all over the carpet and furniture, which meant the pub smelt. However much to my surprise the place has been revamped, no more dogs stinking the place out, and you can actually get to the bar for not treading of one of them. (Although well stocked up dog bowls outside for the dogs, who are still welcome). I had a conversation with the jovial owner who has big plans, to add to all the improvements he has already made. I will most certainly be returning to this particular gem of a pub, that makes everyone so welcome, with their first rate welcome, and fine selection of beers and wines. This family run pub will go from strength to strength especially once the food menu (which is on its way) comes into play.
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Ive been a frequent customer over the years and have posted positive and negative notes regarding this pub, tried it again on sunday after a long walk with the family and the dog we stopped by not expecting it to be open, it was 12.10pm, but the pub was open and yes both fires were lit and roaring, the lady behind the bar couldnt of been more welcoming and helpful, met with a lovely smile and even carried drinks outside for me because my hands were full. Beer was on top form just wish i'd had the time to have more than just the two I hope they are doing something at easter, appears a lot of renovation is underway so maybe looks good for the future, praise where praise is due.
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Whoa hang on a sec but I smell a rat - the 'roaring fire' was removed (from a grade 2 listed building so good luck with that) the week before and this pub is positively FREEZING !!. It completely lacks any welcome, any charisma or any reason to visit it!
The night before the 'roaring fire' posting I as a group of four shifted from one end of the pub to the other just to try and get a bit of warmth! In the end we had to leave beore frostbite set in!
The landlady has a smile but the landlord doesn't have a clue as to hospitality or running a pub but then that shouldn't come as a surprise when the plan is to run this pub into the ground for 2 years then apply to turn into into housing to satisfy current planning laws. So if you want a drink here make it soon as this will be a pub for not much longer and in its current state thats probably not a bad thing !
Such a shame when the previous incumbents popularly supported were turfed out for complete clueless amatuers !
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We went to this pub today whilst out on a bike ride with the family. What wonderful friendly people. The fires were roaring and the welcome was just as warm! The pub is undergoing some renovation and unfortunately can't do food at the moment. Can't wait for summer as the garden is huge!
anonymous - 6 Mar 2010 22:45 |
I recently walked by the pub on Saturday afternoon and found that it was shut and speaking to a couple of dog walkers they tell me that the pub is rarely open these days so much so that most of the remaining regulars now drink at the Dog and Partridge at Hunton Bridge
When the pub does open I have heard that dogs and ramblers are now allowed in if the landlady is in a good mood!!
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Intended to go here with my daughter friday lunchtime blackboard outside said not opening till 2pm, it was 1.30 didnt bother to wait anyone who cant be bothered to open doesnt deserve my custom, will thing very carefully before i return
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I visited the old fox for the first time in about 1 year, what a great pub and have to say what great news that no dogs are allowed inside the pub it was starting to smell, i love dogs and have 2 but would never dream of taking them into a pub especially when food was being served after speaking to the owners they have some great ideas for the pub i think once finnished it will be a fantastic true drinking pub .
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Nigerian Lager = Guinness
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Nigerian lager? WTF?
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Still not good. The inside of this pub and the seats really need cleaning, and the pint of Doom Bar I had this afternoon was definitely below par. Could be a really good pub, but somehow there's always something that keeps it down.
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Just heard that Lea & Ken are taking over the Dog & Partridge at Hunton Bridge within the next couple of weeks.
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I visited the Old Fox on Tuesday afternoon without the dog and was surprised to see three people in there
The pumps have been refurbed with John Smiths smooth Fosters Bulmers cider and Nigerian larger
Adnams which wasnt very good Sharpes Doombar and Im glad to see Tring Blonde which Im told was put on due to popular request
There was a guy outside with a whippet X who had to huddle under a large umbrella when there was a sudden downpour
It would seem that most of the dog walkers now use The Gate pub further along in Bricket Wood
I cannot for the life of me see why the new owners are still persevering with the NO DOG rule as trade seems to have dropped right way and it is the peak season for their trade and with autum and winter fast approaching the ramblers and dog owners now using other local pubs just who will drink in there during the dark months??
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What a pity, what type of customer does he think he's going to get then out there in the middle of nowhere its only dog walkers and ramblers that would ever make the effort to go there a sad loss when Ken and Lea left what a pub they turned it into a really friendly home from home good luck to Ken and Lea whever they go, and i think ill be taking my custom elsewhere Stanley certainly wouldnt want to go somewhere where he is not wanted and neither would I. (stanley is my dog by the way)
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UPDATE
I popped in at lunch time today Monday and as we all suspected dogs are now banned
Still no beer on tap apart from lager, John Smiths in a can and Marston Pedigree in bottles �3.20 a shot
Talking to the new owners he told me the bar is being refurbed soon and all of the ale pumps are being removed and dog walkers and ramblers will be discouraged as the are not the types they want in
Dog hairs and muddy boots make the place look untidy
So good luck to us all on finding a new dog friendly pub!!!!
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Just as the pub was getting back on its feet good old PUNCH TAVERNS
has sold it and the news does not sound good it appears that the excellent selection of real ales will make way for John Smiths smooth and no doubt the usual mix of lagers
The cream teas are now a thing of the past and I suspect the fruit machine will make a comeback!! Ken and his good lady Lea really made a difference in the short time they run the place and they will be sadly missed trade really picked up and on saturdays and sundays there was a lot of customers who made return visits we even had a coach full of ramblers from Suffolk not to mention the increase in dog walkers
Watch this space as the pub is now closed for "refurbishment"
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Been back to this pub every sunday and a few days in the week keep telling myself that walking the dog is good for me but dont really know whether its the friendly welcome, good beer, and all round welcoming atmosphere i get at the old fox at the end of the walk or the exercise, who am I kidding this pub is great a complete turnaround, well done the new landlord and landlady.
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Paid my first ever visit here on Saturday 21st March for the classic car gathering. well worth the effort and an intersting location with great promise.
The beer was ok (a little flat) - perhaps just the way it was being pulled ?
The service was a little slow (but very jolly) which made up for it. The main hold up seems to be the location of the till - it's buried in the corner where everyone is falling over each other to get at it.
Best of luck - will be back
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The Old Fox is back..!!
A proper pub again as it should be. Great selection of ale, fire is always lit, proper landlord & lady and very dog friendly. Can't wait until the summer to sit out in the garden again.
Give it another try, you won't be disappointed.
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New landlord makes a great difference - good choice of beers (real ales - not lagers!), friendly atmosphere. Still the most dog-friendly pub in the area! Quite transformed.
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Stopped by here on saturday 28th feb with the wife kids and dog after a long walk, yep new landlord in place and very friendly too, had a wonderful couple of pints of blacksheep in superb condition, pub seemed to be very busy, word has obviously got around, large variety of bottled ales as well as draft, and what was a really nice touch was being offered the choice of a straight glass or a jug, you dont see that much anymore, would recommend this traditional english country pub to any one, will definately be back
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Just read on the Watford Observer website that this pub is opening under a new landlord and is planning to specialise in real ale and home cooked food with childrens activities at easter and opening up the large beer garden with bbq's in the summer hope he makes a success of it as i used to love visiting this pub before it went drastically down hill, if he pulls it off ill defintely be back dog an all
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Attempted to have a pint and a sit by the fire on monday 2nd feb after spending all morning in the snow with the kids, doors were all locked and the lights turned off, at least a dozen other people were hanging around at the same time hoping to get a pint either its now closed, or just couldnt be bothered to open
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one of the most atmoshperic pubs and stunning locations in hertfordshire. Ive been there are few times, and come accross some appallingly rude bar staff, but the current lot (well ex lot now as they got booted last month).... were really friendly and had a gorgeous boxer dog.
a very dog friendly venue.. landlord told me they get more dogs in there than humans..and that would be about right judging by the times I have been there. drinks were not extortionate, and fires are lovely..there are a few hardcore locals there, but make friends with their dogs and they wont be a problem!! it will be a tragedy if this pub goes under... which remind me..I had better go there and give them some support!!
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This pub has been a great place to meet in the past. Horse riders would tether their horses. Lots of dog walkers and many locals. Over the years the landlords and staff have been so miserable and poor business people the pub has almost commercially gone under. With the right management I am sure it will become a great place to go once more. I understand the present management have been kicked out. I will wait and see if any new people are allocated the pub. Also, they should get rid of all old staff.
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Bad vibes in this pub. Many of the regular drinkers have fled, and there are rumours that the owners have run up major financial losses. This is very disappointing, since this part of Hertfordshire is hardly swamped with decent pubs; anyone with some business acumen should make a killing. Oh well.
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�3.10 for a pint of strongbow, not even a good pint of strongbow, a pity because its in such a lovely location
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I camped near this pub, so had to use it. My, what prices! The landlady says the landlord is a miserable git, and she should know! Nice, interior, with mixed old furniture.
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Been under new management for just over a week, evidently. Friendly, pleasant family-run pub. They're still working on the menu, evidently, so too early to comment on food, but reasonable selection of ales (Spitfire, Black Sheep, Speckled Hen). Big garden, nice to sit outside in this recent warm weather.
anonymous - 11 Jun 2007 00:58 |
I went there for lunch about 2 weeks ago. I ask for the menu and the rather abrupt reply was have a look at the board.The food was very poor, worst food for a while. Its a real shame as its a great location but the staff are just not interested
anonymous - 9 Apr 2007 22:35 |
After a seemingly endless drive through a lifeless forest, we were relieved that this pub was actually open. Seeing as the place was near-deserted, the welcome was far from warm as the barmaid seemed put out that she had to serve someone! The pub dog did come and sit with us though.
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Better than I feared. My pint of Spitfire was fine, and the greeting from the barlady was friendly enough. But the pub is just so remote, and not surprisingly some of the regular drinkers appeared to be barking mad.
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Eye watering prices !!
Staff need humour bypasses as a matter of urgency !
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Now this is one odd pub. Definately not the welcoming type place and the large bird behind the bar is as miserable as sin. Also doesn't know dry wine from sweet and very expensive !
The food (ploughmans) is miniscule and the decor is like something out of Heartbeat !!!
Rock hard uncomfortable furniture - all in all a drab afair !
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