The Old Fox & Hounds, Croydon

I popped into the Old Fox and Hounds just after noon on Saturday a couple of weeks ago which happened to coincide with St Patrick’s Day. The governor and a couple of staff were blowing up balloons at the bar and a couple were tossed my way as it was all hands to the pumps. It wasn’t that busy and the regulars that lined the bar were all of grandparent age, but there was a buoyant atmosphere. Being a Greene King pub Abbot and IPA were both available with a third pump being unused. There is also a standard draught selection and although I didn’t note any food advertisements I would be surprised if the kitchen doesn’t knock up some sort of solid nourishment. At some point the saloon and public bars have been knocked through to create an L shaped bar area to the left and a rectangular seating area to the right. At the rear of the right hand side is an area with tiled flooring and a door that leads to a back garden complete with picnic tables. Televisions are located throughout the pub and Sky Sports is shown. Live music was advertised for after the Six Nations rugby that was taking place during the afternoon and I got the vibe that there is regular live entertainment here at the weekends. This pub is opposite West Croydon Railway Station so if I have time to spare when next catching a train I will make a point of having another beer in here.

Interesting Greene King pub, with plenty of noteworthy features both inside and out. The clientele tend to be a bit older and calmer than many other pubs in central Croydon. Traditional furniture and decor. The main bar is 'L' shaped but there is further seating to one side. Plenty of TVs showing sport. Two of three handpumps operational, offering Abbot and IPA (£2.29). Overall, it is a fairly reliable place to get a seat for a quiet pint just a short distance from the busy town centre.

Located directly opposite West Croydon train station, this Greene King pub has a very pleasing and surprisingly large, traditional interior. The two rooms are fitted out with plenty of seating, although the locals tend to congregate at the bar where they can watch muted Sky Sports News on one of the many TV screens. There was only Greene King IPA and Abbot Ale on offer ale-wise, but the IPA was a satisfying £2.25 and in pretty good shape too. There is a pool room upstairs and a beer garden out the back. Live music is a regular feature and on my recent visit, some of the TV's were blaring out tunes from a music channel. Certainly worth a look for the interior (including an interesting collection of old fashioned advertisement signs) and a viable alternative to West Croydon's only other decent pub - the nearby JDW Ship of Fools.

Good review from Mr Thompson,I would only add that the pub has ESPN sports TV coverage in the left hand bar for which there is a £3 charge on the door.If not interested in the footie,head to the right of the entrance.Lively atmosphere when matches are on but people are all well behaved here,somewhat unusual for West Croydon.

This pub has a fantastic interior with wooden, carpeted and tiled floors in different parts of the pub. There's a lot of wooden fittings and a nice marble fireplace. The whole pub is covered in old advertising signs for Hovis, milk, cigarettes, Brasso etc. The seating is both sturdy and comfortable and there is a small outside courtyard plus an upstairs pool room. A mainly elderly male clientele gave the impression they wouldn't stand for kids coming in causing trouble. Just GK IPA and Abbot which was a bit of a letdown and the service left a bit to be desired. Good pub though and worth a visit. Right opposite West Croydon train station.