A brush with excellence (Fox & Anchor)

Member Name: blueboxoffroad

Product:	Fox & Anchor
Date:	20/08/09 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A chance to see how a pub should be

Disadvantages: not the cheapest....

At last - a real pub with real ale and real character with really good staff! It never ceases to amaze me how few of these exist - I'm not that hard to please, yet the mix is rarely in evidence.

The Fox and Anchor, however, is one of those pubs that you wished you lived in staggering distance of (apologies for the syntax!) It doesn't look any more impressive than the (many) other pubs near Smithfield Market and I only found it by chance, but what a lucky find!

There are a few small tables outside for smokers' use, and in the eveninig the clientele spill out onto the road. Being a dead end to pretty much nowhere, this really doesn't cause a problem and on a bright summer evening it leads to a pleasantly "buzzy" atmosphere with little of the pretension of a Covent Garden or Upper Street.

On entering the long, cool narrow bar, the unfailingly friendly and helpful staff (who really do understand that they are there to serve the customers and therefore do it with a smile) will warmly greet you. Even on our first visit, we were treated impeccably - that perfect mix of interest and warmth without the processed "How can I help you, sir" so beloved of those who have passed their Customer Service Training Module 1.

There is a plasma screen discreetly mounted on the wall facing a few seats running the length of the bar, but the volume is down and it really does not intrude into a very old school interior. If the Ashes are on there will undoubtedly be about a dozen punters keeping an eye on the action, but this is by no means either a sports or tv pub.

The long bar usually boasts about 6 real ales, and the staff will happily advise as to the best choice, offering a taste if you want it. I have yet to have a bad pint here and the fact that the pints are often served in pewter tankards (with a glass base if you are lucky!) just adds to the olde worlde dickensian feel of the Fox & Anchor.

The food however has no such pretensions - Oliver would not want "more" here! Again unfailingly served by the happiest barstaff I have come across in years (compliments to the charming landlord on finding and retaining his team), a constantly changing menu is on offer - ranging from oysters and pies, through the carvery trolley to a range of delicious daily specials. The choice tends to be on the "posh" side, with slightly alternative elements (samphire, poaced duck eggs etc)but is unfailingly good, if a little pricey. The price, to be fair, is no worse than many other, frankly inferior, establishments in the area.

Seating for food is to the rear of the pub, where there are three small, private booths, the largest seating four or five, the smallest a little nook for two, with a couple of other tables in the open area. Service is polite (as you would by now expect!) prompt and helpful.

In my (now frequent!) visits, I have never been chased from a table once my meal has finished, despite the pressure on dining spaces at busy times. In fact a colleague and I have even left without paying (I don't recommend this!) before returning later, full of apologies! The landlord, Scott, and the duty manager of the day could not have been more understanding and found the whole episode highly amusing.

The Fox & Anchor not only offers great beer, good food, and tremendous service, but also has a six rooms upstairs. These are furnished to a really high standard, again reflected in the price, but in comparison to the dreary chain hotel rooms that compete around the mertroplis, they are a gem of a find. Each room is decorated in a different style, themed around the local attractions and equipped with high quality fixtures and fittings.

I have not stayed but if the rooms reflect the standards shown throughout the rest of the establishment, I would imagine a B&B stay here would be a delight.

The Fox & Anchr is a real gem and a testament to the landlord and his staff - they could easily run courses in how a good pub should be.

Summary: A slice of heaven on earth