Surbiton pub to close for £350k refurbishment and name change

The Fox and Hounds pub in Surbiton is scheduled to temporarily close its doors for a significant £350,000 investment. The venue is set to reopen in November under new management and a new name, with operators aiming to establish it as a central community asset. The pub's final trading day under its current management is Sunday, September 27.

Plans for refurbishment and name change

Star Pubs, the pub division of Heineken UK, submitted an application to rename the establishment The Surbiton Fox. The application also sought permission to extend the areas where alcohol can be served, including the car park and outbuildings, for occasional events and community activities. The pub currently has permission to sell alcohol indoors from 12pm to 11pm on Sundays to Wednesdays, and from 12pm to midnight on Thursdays to Saturdays.

Resident objections and operator assurances

The licensing application attracted six objections from local residents concerned about potential noise disturbances. One resident, John Gibbard, expressed support for the pub's continued operation but requested licence conditions to ensure customers leave the proposed extended drinking areas by 10pm and to limit the frequency of events. George Domleo, representing Star Pubs, stated that the application had been revised to address these concerns, balancing operational flexibility with safeguards for licensing objectives. He highlighted that the project is expected to create 18 jobs and revitalise the premises as a high-quality community pub.

New operators Paul Reynolds and William Walters emphasised their commitment to community integration. Mr Reynolds stated at Kingston Council's licensing hearing on Tuesday, September 22, that community is the pub's key asset and that embedding themselves within the neighbourhood is crucial for long-term success. He added that they rely on good relationships with neighbours. Mr Domleo assured the committee that the extended drinking areas would not become permanent spaces and that the pub would be managed responsibly, with a firm 10pm terminal hour for external alcohol sales.

Next steps

Kingston Council's licensing committee is expected to publish its decision regarding the plans in the coming days. Further details about the pub's reopening will be released in due course.