The Surbiton Fox, a South London pub undergoing a £332,000 refurbishment, will reopen in November under new operators Paul Reynolds and William Walters, after Kingston Council's Licensing Committee approved a licence change allowing extended outdoor drinking areas for events.
The pub, previously known as The Fox and Hounds, will be dog-friendly and will serve pizzas from the operators' newly-created sister brand Adonis Dough, alongside wine, cocktails, spirits, lagers, beers, low and no-alcohol options, and coffee. The new look will feature a fox mural, cream chimneys, a picket fence, restored Victorian street lamps, vintage outdoor furniture, parasols, and plants on the terrace.
Licence extension and community focus
Star Pubs, the pub arm of Heineken UK, submitted the application to change the pub's name and extend the area where drinking is allowed. The approved licence permits alcohol sales until 10pm in the car park and outbuildings, in addition to outdoor seating areas, for occasional events and community activities.
Paul and William, who both grew up in Teddington, spoke at the council's licensing hearing on September 22 about their vision for the pub. Paul said: "When myself and Will started thinking about... what is a pub in the modern age, we came back to the idea of, community is the key asset really, and it’s something that we feel so strongly about - that we want to embed ourselves in the community and get to know everyone because it will be [the way to ensure] the longstanding success of the pub."
Residents' concerns and safeguards
The application received six objections from residents, who raised concerns about noise disturbance from customers. Resident John Gibbard supported the refurbishment and continued operation of the pub but wanted conditions requiring customers to leave the proposed extra drinking areas by 10pm and a limit on the frequency of events held there.
Mr Gibbard said: "Those safeguards... simply ensure that a variation sought for a limited purpose cannot gradually become something materially broader without further scrutiny from this committee."
Solicitor George Domleo, representing Star Pubs, said the venue had revised its original application to address residents' concerns, combining "effectively practical operational flexibility with clear safeguards for the licensing objectives." He added: "This is a limited, responsible and evidence-led proposal. It is supported by experienced operators, there is a substantial investment, practical management controls and a firm 10pm terminal hour for external alcohol sales."
The committee granted the revised licence with a condition requiring the pub to advertise outdoor events 10 days in advance. Customers must also stop drinking and eating at events in the car park and outbuildings by 10pm.
Planned events and community involvement
Following the hearing, Paul outlined plans for events: "Our plan is also to host fun events, such as a Pickle Festival, very much in step with Surbiton’s own quirky and unusual activities, like Ski Sunday and the Sardine Festival. We’re also looking forward to bringing back the psychic night, which is well known locally, along with plenty more ideas we’ve got up our sleeve."
He added: "We’re blessed with a great car park for alfresco events, such as cycling get-togethers, beer festivals and local markets. We also plan to put on lively quiz nights run by local quizmaster and old school friend Amy McMahon, as well as run club nights."
Will said: "We can’t wait to open the doors and meet our new neighbours and the wider community. I’m especially excited to finally have a permanent home for my pizzas, as so many people have asked over the years when that would happen."
He continued: "This really is a family-and-friends effort. Paul’s wife designed the logo, my mother created the illustrations and pottery, my best friend is helping with photography, and my brother is involved in overseeing the decor. We will also be working with local artists, produce suppliers and drinks brands to create a community hub."
The pub shut for the refurbishment on September 28 and is due to reopen in November, with more information on opening plans, menus, and launch events to be revealed in the coming weeks.
