The Fox & Hounds — Restaurant in Borough of Runnymede

The pub itself was lovely, amazing outside area which caters for those of us who smoke or vape. The food was excellent and reasonably priced for the area. Service was swift and staff in the whole were polite and accommodating. It should’ve been the perfect ending to a date with a beautiful Russian lady I had been out with that day. Sadly the poor rating comes from an incident which happened in the covered area outside. A man came across from another table and threateningly told me that vaping was not allowed as his children were there. This man came across as very aggressive, I have extensive experience in the management rod violence and aggression and am able to recognise the signs of someone who is close to an explosive outburst of violence. The table he was sat at appeared to be consuming large amounts of alcohol. I checked with the staff at the bar who reassured me that this was the smoking area and that smoking and vaping was permitted. The aggressive man then came over to the bar area and continued to act in a threatening and aggressive manner. Whilst I appreciate that in normal circumstances this would not have been the fault of the pub itself, on this occasion the man who threatens stated he was a guest of the owner of the establishment and that was who he was sat with. He then pointed to a man who appeared entirely unconcerned about the behaviour of his guest. The man then went behind the bar and helped himself from the ice cream machine and began to help the staff cover up the outside bar area this giving further credence to his claims. After giving us a further mouthful of his aggressive abuse he then went and sat at his table and stared fixedly at us until we felt no option but to leave. It was a very sad and disappointing end to what should’ve been a perfect day. I do not come to a pub like this expecting to be threatened by drunken friends of the pubs owner. Whilst it was distressing for us I actually felt more sorry for the embarrassment this man caused to his family and children. It’s at times like this I’m grateful I am not...

I don’t write reviews, good or bad because generally can’t be bothered but the only good thing about our dinner this evening was the company, everything else was terrible. Used to love coming to this pub, yes it was always on the more expensive side but the food was good, good size portions with a welcoming team. In fact we went most weekend after our group dog walks. Now, couldn’t be more opposite if it tried. It’s a country English pub, now trying to be an on obnoxious French boutique. Extortionate prices, small portion sizes, you’d get more at a Michelin star tasting menu!

States dog friendly, barely, incredibly rude manager informed us of this when we turned up for dinner in the outside area, only to be told they’re now only allowed in a tiny unsheltered area. And as for horse friendly, not sure where the horse would go anymore as they’ve crammed lots of benches into the small ‘dog friendly’ space, obviously very animal welcoming people….:..

I don’t mind paying expensive prices if the food was good but it was not. The burger was rare but still dry (obviously bad quality meat), fish pie was ridiculously small for £23, the petit Camembert starter came with cucumber, lettuce and pepper to eat it with for £13, the £5 side salad was literally about a quarter of a bag of mixed leaves you’d get from Tesco - nothing else to it!!! The one vegetarian meal that is on the menu, they did not have. After dinner coffee was then ordered with the desserts, but never brought out, until we asked, there were maybe 3 other tables with customers… NOT busy.

Overall an incredibly disappointing dinner. Will not be returning and feel that the new owners/management do not understand the wants of the locals so will be surprised if the...

Great location, large choice of drinks and really delicious food. However, the cherry on the top of this particular visit experience was the service. It was a French gentleman running front of house on the day I visited with my wife and daughter where quite simply he demonstrated a master class on how to do it expertly.

With a warm smile, a cheery word and particularly rapid foot work he was greeting new guests and getting them settled, checking in on existing drinkers and diners, taking orders, handing out food and drinks, cleaning and setting up tables and slicing up and serving fresh bread and butter. In the excellent weather we enjoyed, I'd have been happy sitting at my table in the extremely pleasant garden surroundings for the remainder of the afternoon admiring the sheer skill in how this guy worked.

Anyway... we found the menu to be extensive with choices for everyone. There was also a specials board where I chose the hot lobster dish which was particularly special. My wife and daughter also thoroughly enjoyed their meals. Decent sized portions, (my daughter took half of hers as a takeaway), and top marks for visual presentation.

We were in the area as our daughter was starting Uni locally. While it was a slightly tense day having built up to her departure from home, after getting her settled in her Uni accommodation that terrific pub lunch trip really helped reduce the stress levels and add an extra positive boost for us all.

When we visit her, we'll definitely return to the Fox & Hounds as after just the one visit we already have a fond and...