Surbiton Local To Be Transformed And Renamed Following £332,000 Investment

The Fox & Hounds on Portsmouth Road in Surbiton is to close for eight weeks on 28th September for a major £332,000 revamp by new licensees Paul Reynolds and William Walters, in partnership with Heineken-owned Star Pubs. It will reopen in early November as an independently run, high-quality, family- and dog-friendly neighbourhood pub and will be renamed The Surbiton Fox. The investment will create 15 jobs.

Both partners were born and raised in Teddington. Paul, who lives locally, owns the highly acclaimed cocktail bar So Bar in Richmond, located on Brewers Lane just off Richmond Green. William, who will live at the pub, runs the renowned and much-loved Pitch-up Pizzas, which residents will know from Surbiton Food Festival and other local events. He also owns a barista horsebox trailer serving speciality coffees and has worked with some of London’s leading pizza operators, including Dough Hands, fine-tuning his skills as he sets out to create one of south-west London’s most talked-about pizzas.

The duo is building on their expertise and coming together to create a unique independent pub, The Surbiton Fox, offering a relaxed atmosphere, great drinks and London-style pizzas from their newly created sister brand, Adonis Dough.

Halfway between New York and Neapolitan styles, Adonis Dough pizzas are on-trend London-style pizzas featuring thin, crispy bases with bubbly crusts. They are made using 72-hour double-fermented dough and cooked more slowly at lower temperatures than standard Neapolitan pizzas.

The curated drinks menu at The Surbiton Fox will feature low-intervention, organic and distinctive wines, including orange wine, simple but high-quality cocktails, a comprehensive selection of low- and no-alcohol options, barista-quality coffee, and a strong range of premium spirits, lagers and beers.

The look of The Surbiton Fox will be distinct from other pubs in the area. While retaining traditional character and a strong community feel, it will have a design-led, independent look with a touch of East London influence. The duo visited 50 pubs in North and East London to gather inspiration for the individual style they wanted to create.

The layout will feature a snug and a relaxed, informal bar where people can kick back with a drink and/or enjoy pizza. Inside, dark timber, deep green and rich velvet-red tones will be layered with warm brass, worn gold finishes, red velvet curtains, vintage lighting, framed artwork, antique mirrors from France and carefully chosen curiosities to create a space that feels collected over time rather than newly designed.

Outside, the pub will be redecorated in a deep oxblood colour, with cream chimneys, a picket fence and restored Victorian street lamps, as well as new Surbiton Fox signage.

A major part of the exterior transformation will be a bespoke fox mural by local resident Tom, better known as SkyHigh. Tom is a well-known London graffiti artist and organiser of the Kingston Street Art Festival, and he has a personal connection to the pub and the local area. His work will turn the side of the building into a standout feature on Portsmouth Road, creating a recognisable local landmark and giving the pub real street presence from day one.

An eclectic mix of reclaimed vintage outdoor furniture, parasols, planting and greenery will add character and provide seating for 74 people on the terrace, making it the perfect spot for sundowners.

Paul says: “We’re really excited to be creating a distinct eating and drinking experience at The Surbiton Fox, where every element has been carefully selected. 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.

“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.

“Between us, we understand different types of pub visits, from family lunches and early-evening meals to after-work drinks, events and late-night socials. We’re also well located for people wanting to pop in for a drink or a bite to eat when walking along the Queen’s Promenade or cycling the Olympic cycling route.”

Will adds: “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.

“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 décor. We will also be working with local artists, produce suppliers and drinks brands to create a community hub.

“The Surbiton Fox feels very personal to us. We want it to be independent and full of character, a proper community pub with delicious pizzas, great drinks and lots of fun and offbeat ideas on the horizon. We’d love people to come in, say hello and tell us what they think.

“Further down the line, we’re also looking forward to offering takeaway and delivery pizzas so locals can enjoy Adonis Dough at home, too.

“You can follow the refurbishment journey and find out about opening plans, menus and launch events, including free pizzas, on The Surbiton Fox and Adonis Dough’s Instagram pages in the coming weeks. To stay in the loop, follow @thesurbitonfox and @adonisdough.”

Star Pubs’ Business Development Manager Theo Goring says: “We’re delighted to be investing in Surbiton, helping Paul and Will realise their dream of creating a standout local. They know the area really well, so they understand what would appeal to people living in and near Surbiton and what is currently missing from the local hospitality scene.

“They have fantastic experience, high standards and great attention to detail. I am sure The Surbiton Fox will be a runaway success, and I look forward to visiting it. I wish them well.”