Overview
First Impressions
Walking up to The Fox & Hounds on Kirkdale, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into someone’s beautifully renovated Victorian home rather than a hotel. This unique boutique hotel without official star rating sits quietly in Forest Hill, and honestly, that’s part of its charm — it doesn’t need to shout about what it is.
The Neighborhood Feel
Forest Hill isn’t your typical tourist hotspot, which is exactly why this place works so well. You’re about 15 minutes by train from central London, but the vibe here is completely different — tree-lined streets, local pubs, and that village-y feel you don’t expect this close to the city. The Horniman Museum is just down the road if you fancy something quirky (their walrus is genuinely impressive), and honestly, the area feels more like real London than the bits most visitors see.
Inside The Fox & Hounds
Each room here has its own personality — I mean, really distinct character, not just different colored cushions. The one I stayed in had this gorgeous original fireplace and windows that actually opened properly (you know how rare that’s becoming). The beds are seriously comfortable, and they’ve managed to keep period features without making you feel like you’re sleeping in a museum. There’s free WiFi that actually works, which shouldn’t be noteworthy but somehow still is in many places.
Food & Drink
The ground floor restaurant serves proper British fare with a modern twist — think fish and chips that wouldn’t look out of place in a food magazine, but still tastes like comfort food. Their Sunday roast is something locals actually come for, which tells you everything you need know. The bar stocks local ales alongside the usual suspects, and the staff seem genuinely interested in what you might like rather than just pushing the most expensive option.
Why Guests Love It
What strikes me most about this place is how it manages to feel both distinctive and unpretentious. You’re not paying for marble lobbies or doormen in gold braid — you’re getting something much more interesting. The service feels personal without being intrusive, and there’s parking available (which anyone who’s tried to drive in London will appreciate). It’s the sort of place where you might end up chatting with other guests over breakfast, not because it’s forced, but because the atmosphere just encourages it. Perfect for travelers who want to experience London beyond the obvious tourist trail.
Guest reviews
"Comfortable rooms in a very clean pub with attentive pleasant staff. Would stay again"
The rooms are very comfortable and the staff are very pleasant and attentive. We had some issues that were very quickly sorted. Its very clean. very comfortable mattresses. Loads of tea and coffee. Nice shower. Very close to lots of buses. Very good Vietnamese restaurant a few doors up and a Tesco over the road.
What could be improved: Its midway between 2 train stations. Very steep stairs which are a challenge for anyone with limited mobility. Felt expensive but thats London over Xmas I suppose.
1 January 2026
"a good choice"
lovely but simple room - the double bed was comfortable and i had a good nights sleep although the mattress was softer compared to what i normally sleep on. Room was lovely and warm even though it was very cold outside. Bathroom was a very spacious wetroom with a nice shower. Tesco Supermarket very near and a couple of restaurants if you don't like mexican food which the pub serves.
What could be improved: key didn't work to get in at 2am, but a quick call and we were let in.
24 November 2025
"Nice hotel, good location."
Great location. Nice room. Friendly staff.
What could be improved: Quite pricey, but a nice hotel.
5 October 2025
"Very good"
Super friendly welcome, great room with a very comfortable bed and good sized bathroom. Easy arrangements to get in and out of the property.
What could be improved: A couple of minor teething problems but they have only been in charge of the pub for less than two months!
1 September 2025
"Very good"
Very friendly host who explained how everything worked.
What could be improved: Nothing
8 August 2025
"Newly renovated, clean, and comfortable! Will return."
The staff were very kind and helpful. It looked like both the pub and the rooms had been newly renovated - I could tell a lot of effort had been put in to make the stay comfortable. The bed was very comfortable and lots of amenities in the room. It was a good sized room and had a good night's sleep.
What could be improved: The water pressure in the shower was very weak. Really my only complaint.
28 July 2025
"London Trip."
We turned up really early, the staff were really friendly and helpful. They even checked us in and put our bags in the room for us. The room was clean, comfortable, and spacious. It was a really warm day, and they had provided 2 fans.
Handy for train station.
We found a local cafe for a really lovely breakfast 😋
What could be improved: No air-conditioning. I am sure in time this will happen, as they are new owners and are in a refurbishment.
24 July 2025
"Superb"
Very comfortable and clean. Really friendly staff
Highly recommended.
22 July 2025
"Great South London stay with quiet, well appointed rooms, run by two great guys"
Under new management, the guys running the Fox & Hound couldn’t have been any nicer or considerate. The refurbishment is well done, the room was very comfortable with access either through the pub or 24hr side door. I know Sydenham really well but for those that don’t there is great food nearby (including some of the best pastries and coffee just 4 doors down the road). There’s only a handful of rooms, they’re on the third floor so very quiet and peaceful. The room also had two air fans which worked perfectly in the hot weather which was super thoughtful and appreciated.
What could be improved: Nothing really.
If I had to quibble, the water pressure was a little low in the shower, but the bathroom is otherwise very well appointed with good quality toiletries provided.
19 July 2025
"A perfect stay. We enjoyed everything, especially the pub quiz."
Excellent. We feel at home there and very well taken care of. Excellent.
23 May 2025
