The Fox Inn is a
public house
A pub (short for public house) is a kind of drinking establishment which is licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises. The term ''public house'' first appeared in the United Kingdom in late 17th century, and was ...
in Green Lane,
Hanwell, in the
London Borough of Ealing. Built in 1848, it is a largely unspoilt and original mid-Victorian pub. It has received a 'local listing' from Ealing Council as a building of local interest.
Description
The pub is constructed out of local golden-yellow brick with more expensive red bricks used for detailing on corners and chimneys. Rich brown glazed tiles are used for the ground floor exterior walls with coloured stained glass in the fan lights. The upper storey has
Mock Tudor
Tudor Revival architecture (also known as mock Tudor in the UK) first manifested itself in domestic architecture in the United Kingdom in the latter half of the 19th century. Based on revival of aspects that were perceived as Tudor architecture ...
detailing, including
dentils on the two outward-facing gables.
Most of the interior is also original, although the dividing former off-licence sales door has been closed off and its wall removed to create one large 'L' shaped bar area. The present-day eating area retains its original wooden wall panelling. One end is used mainly by diners. At the far side of the other end it is also possible to play
darts. A wide-screen television is situated at the elbow of the bar for screening special sports events.
On the east of the building itself is a sizeable, sheltered beer garden with wooden decking. There is additional outdoor seating in front of the building and a well ventilated smoking area warmed by radiant heat lamps.
History
Built in 1848, it is a largely unspoilt and original mid-Victorian pub. The Fox was the meeting place for the local
fox hunt until the 1920s. The hunt would set off across Hanwell Heath, much of which still existed at that time.
[Ealing's New Plan for the Environment, volume 2 Chapter 10.1]
Locally Listed Buildings
Prepared by the Borough, buildings of architectural or historical interest. Retrieved 31 March 2014.
Green Lane, on which it situated, is a traditional name for a
cattle drove route. Livestock from the west were brought across the
River Brent
The River Brent is a river in west and northwest London, England, and a tributary of the River Thames. in length, it rises in the Borough of Barnet and flows in a generally south-west direction before joining the Tideway stretch of the Thame ...
(that is only 50 meters away) on their way to London, for slaughter. The drovers would drink here whilst their animals rested and grazed on the heath. Apart from modern street lamps, things look as they must have done 150 years ago.
The pub is at the bottom end of the Hanwell flight of locks on the
Grand Union Canal
The Grand Union Canal in England is part of the British canal system. It is the principal navigable waterway between London and the Midlands. Starting in London, one arm runs to Leicester and another ends in Birmingham, with the latter st ...
which is a scheduled ancient monument. It raises the canal by 53 ft over a third of a mile with a series of six locks. Kingfishers, herons and other wild fowl find this area a quiet sanctuary from the modern world. Formally a Royal Brewery (Brentford) house, it was saved from closure and demolition by strong local support in 2001.
The Fox has been named ''West Middlesex Pub of the Year'' in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
The Fox hosts a monthly vintage market in its garden, where local people and businesses can sell their products (as well as some from further afield). Outside the pub next to the main entrance to the garden is The Fox's craft barn, which is open at weekends and sells a number of hand-crafted products.
Annual events
Beating The Bounds
The ancient tradition of
Beating the Bounds of Hanwell Parish is re-enacted here each May Day Bank Holiday.
The walk starts and finishes at The Fox Inn, and proceeds go to charity.
Beer festivals
This establishment hosts a beer festival each autumn and Easter Good Friday/Saturday/Sunday.
Music
The Fox is one of the local pubs to co-host the Hanwell Hootie on the first Saturday of April.
Media
Due to its unspoilt character and easy access, it is listed as a film location.
References
External links
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Fox, Hanwell, The
1848 establishments in England
Buildings and structures completed in 1848
Hanwell
Pubs in the London Borough of Ealing
Fox hunting