Fox & Anchor — Restaurant in London

Oh how I wanted to love this boutique hotel over a pub! The perfect quick stay for a unique London experience. The pictures of the beautiful decor and lavish roll top tub had me at first click. It was not a cheap stay ($655 for two nights) but I thought it was worth it for the ambiance and food!

Upon arrival, there weren’t many people in the pub but some how no one behind the bar was available to help. After finally catching someone’s attention, I was told check in was in 30 mins and to come back. They held my luggage while I stepped out to wait. I came back over an hour later and with many averted glances from the staff, still no one would check me in… Finally the only person who looked busy told me he was busy and would get to me when he could. Eventually someone else came, got my luggage but still didn't check me in. After becoming super frustrated as I was tired, cold and just wanted to check in, I finally stopped a super sweet lady and she got some one to check me in right away. I was ready to cancel and find a real hotel. Not a great start… but grateful for her.

I was prepared for the stairs as other reviewers left ample info about the trek. They are narrow and steep and I was on the topmost floor.

Taking absolutely nothing from the beautiful decor and tub in to Smithfield room: Sink drips constantly in a metal basin creating a constant soundtrack during stay. (It is very cold here and only slightly annoying) TV remote does not work and TV is mounted high so it is not usable. Went to take a shower/destress and the large shower gel bottle was completely empty. Tried to nap instead and had allergic reaction to throw pillows. Went to the pharmacy to get meds for swollen, itchy eyes and itchy throat. Then was able to nap. (For those with dust/ dust mite allergies… take throw pillows off bed and leave them off) The phone in room could not get in touch with anyone downstairs. I am not sure if the phone was faulty or if it was just not answered…but to be on the topmost floor and can’t reach anyone is not safe and is at minimum a hassle. I couldn’t order room service due to no phone, so I went to the empty pub for breakfast which was fine. I got the Eggs Benedict and it was ok… the latte was better. Spoke to downstairs staff about shower gel, tv and phone and they said they would momentarily take care of it all. They never had anything addressed. I saw the cleaner and asked for shower gel. She was super sweet and helpful.

I would not stay here again nor recommend it in good faith for anyone to stay. For the price…waste of money and beautiful decor to have such...

🚇 Barbican 🍺 £6.20 Estrella ❤️ Historic London pub in a historic atmospheric part of London. . Going for a drink in and around Smithfield Market has to be one of the best pub crawls in London. The choice and quality of pubs on offer is simply amazing and all set within sight of Smithfield Market. . Today’s visit was to the @foxandanchorec1 and it didn’t disappoint. The pub is easy to get to and just a short walk from either Farringdon or Barbican tube stations. On arrival I just marvelled at the architecture of the building, it’s just so beautiful, unique and detailed. As you enter, the bar is situated on the left hand side with seating down the right hand side, the box seat in here is at the back where there are three cosy booths with stained glass and candle lit which makes for an intimate experience. The decor is traditional with dark wood panelling, dark green wallpaper and sofas plus lots of artwork celebrating the area’s history. The atmosphere was relaxed and the pub was fairly busy. My pint was decent and the menu here is meaty with cuts supplied from across the street from the market.The pub has a market license, so if you fancy a 7am pint with your breakfast your in luck. This pub also has accommodation in the form of six boutique rooms, I have seen a number of pubs diversifying their offering to include accommodation and the reviews here are very good. . This @youngspub establishment is a excellent hostelry which offers its punters a great choice of food and drinks , they also offer a traditional pub experience with a modern twist. This is a must visit London pub. . 📊 Information correct on visiting 01/01/22

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Ordered the £50 per head Christmas lunch, big mistake.

Firstly, it's a small, old, character pub which is really enchanting and we were sat in a cosy, private room which snugly fitted 4 adults and a child. That part was fun and welcome.

Starters were mainly smoked salmon, a tiny amount of salmon (one layer per person), seemed a bit off but OK. I went with it hoping the main course was going to be more satisfying.

4 people ordered "Christmas lunch" which consisted of; hard, overcooked chunks of Turkey, unfresh tasting roast potatoes, hard undercooked brussels and one... yes just the one pig in blanket. The sausage was light coloured and only just about cooked wrapped with a translucent piece of undercooked looking bacon. There was some mashed up looking veggie but hard to tell exactly what they were. A massive disappointment.

One person ordered Devon crab & scallop tagliatelle which came with minor amounts of crab and two scallops. Heavily laced with double cream which tasted slightly off.

The desserts were Christmas pudding which came with ice cream and no brandy butter (even though it was described as such). Apple, fig & chestnut crumble with lemon thyme custard. And chocolate brownies. These were underwhelming and pretty average.

The service was overall quite slow. Wasn't a huge pub and even though it had punters in it, maximum maybe 40 people. So surely not that hard to serve.

I complained about the food and three meals were comped from the bill I still paid £50 upfront and a further £150 for the balance (included drinks) however, I cannot recommend Fox & Anchor and will...