The Fox and Goose - Ealing - Pub Reviews

The Fox & Goose’s characterful exterior – a timber-and-brick corner pub on Hanger Lane in West London – hints at its centuries-old roots. The current building incorporates elements dating back to the late 1700s (some sources even trace the pub’s origins to the 1680s). Once a coaching inn on the old Ealing road, it now operates under the Fuller's banner, offering both a traditional pub and hotel. Inside, original features like stone-flagged floors and exposed oak beams still remain, giving the place an old-world charm despite modern updates. Fuller's famous London Pride ale flows freely here, drawing loyal locals and visitors alike. (In fact, the pub advertises its Fuller's Master Cellar-man status, ensuring every pint is well kept.)  Patrons give the Fox & Goose solid marks for atmosphere and food – it scores around 4.0/5 on most review sites – and the staff pride themselves on combining old-fashioned hospitality with today's comforts. The front lounge and bar are cosy and lively, while a separate dining area handles meals and larger gatherings. Even the pub’s back beer garden – edged with planters and blooms – feels like a quiet oasis when the afternoon sun comes out.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Fox & Goose is equipped for a wide range of guests. Parking is available on-site (a rare advantage in central London), and the pub is fully accessible: step-free access, lifts and even accessible restrooms are provided. It’s officially dog-friendly too, so it’s not unusual to see a well-behaved pup curled up by its owner’s feet. Families are welcome (baby-changing facilities are listed among the amenities), and the long garden gives kids room to move on sunny days. Although many pubs boast dartboards or pool tables, The Fox & Goose does not – the focus here isn’t on games, but on conversation, meals and sports viewing. In fact, live sports are a big draw: multiple large screens tuned to Sky and TNT Sports show popular football (and occasional rugby or cricket) matches throughout the week. On big game nights the pub buzzes with supporters in Fuller's woollies, but on quieter evenings the mood is more laid-back. Overall the amenities strike a good balance – solid traditional features (wood furniture, open fire) paired with modern comforts and tech.

Food on Offer

The kitchen at The Fox & Goose sticks to hearty, familiar British pub classics done well. The menu runs through all the usual favourites: crispy beer-battered fish & chips, rich steak and ale pies, juicy burgers and mixed grills. Each dish is made from fresh ingredients and cooked to order, with portion sizes that reviewers often describe as generous. One highlight is the Sunday roast: every Sunday the pub serves up big plates of roast meat (beef, chicken or lamb), crispy roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, Yorkshire puddings and gravy – a proper, comforting spread that regularly sells out. Diners note that the gravy is especially tasty and the meat cooked well, making it a weekend must-try. Vegetarians and vegans are also catered for: you’ll find options like nut roasts or plant-based burgers, along with fresh salads or veggie pies on the menu. Specials boards add variety (for example, seasonal pies, curry nights or fish specials), so even regulars have something new to sample. Overall, the food is unpretentious but solid – the kind of classic British fare that comes piping hot and satisfies big appetites. In short, whether you’re craving a burger-and-chips or a full Sunday dinner, The Fox & Goose delivers on quality and quantity.

Beers on Tap

As a Fuller's pub, The Fox & Goose excels at serving cask ales and beers. The flagship ale is always Fuller’s London Pride – a malty amber bitter – poured to perfection. Alongside Pride, you’ll often find one or two rotating guest ales on tap (frequently from local London breweries or seasonal Fuller's specials). The pub brags about having Fuller's Master Cellar-man status, which means the beer lines are well-maintained and pints are served properly. Beer aficionados appreciate this care: each pint tastes fresh and well-carbonated. For lager drinkers, the fridges hold mainstream German or European lagers and some craft lagers, so there’s something for every beer preference. The bar also stocks a sizeable wine list – over 50 fine wines are available – as well as spirits and soft drinks. But it’s the ales that steal the show here. The bartenders know the beer menu well and will happily suggest a pint of the day or a stout if you’re undecided. In practice, this means you can expect a reliably good pint of bitter or ale any time you visit. Even traditionalists will find comfort here – while the beer selection isn’t overwhelmingly trendy, the focus on quality means you rarely, if ever, get a bad pour.

Price Range & Value

The Fox & Goose positions itself in the comfortable mid-price range. Most main dishes come in around £12–£18 apiece, and a pint of ale typically falls in the £5–£6 range. This is quite reasonable for Ealing – reviewers frequently remark that portion sizes and quality justify the cost. A full meal plus a pint here feels like fair value; you’re paying for good ingredients and the relaxed pub setting. The Sunday roast, for example, is considered a good deal given how much food you get. Regulars also like the brewery’s loyalty card: after you buy nine drinks, the tenth is free. All in all, diners report that “you get what you pay for” – the food is filling, the pub is nice, and you aren’t expected to break the bank to enjoy it.

Customer Service

Service at The Fox & Goose is generally friendly and attentive. Customers often comment that the staff are welcoming – bartenders and servers greet regulars by name and newcomers with a smile. The pub is family-run under Fuller's management, and the team takes pride in keeping guests happy. During my visits, staff were quick to explain menu items or recommend beers. Efficiency is the norm: even when busy, orders are taken promptly and food comes out in a reasonable time. Of course, as with any popular pub, there can be slow moments (especially on a Sunday afternoon or a match day when all hands are busy), but most people find the staff apologetic and accommodating in those cases. According to feedback on review sites, the consensus is that “staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable”. Whether it’s grabbing another round at the bar or tending to a special dietary request, the team seems willing to make your visit a smooth one.

Events & Special Nights

The Fox & Goose isn’t a nightclub-style pub, but it does put on the occasional event, mostly centred around sports and seasonal celebrations. The biggest draws are live sports broadcasts – if England is playing rugby or the Premier League is on, the pub will definitely have it on TV and may even run extended hours for big matches. There isn’t a regular quiz night or live music here, but they do host the usual bank-holiday roasts and festive menus (e.g. Christmas and New Year dinner specials). One perennial feature is the loyalty card (a nod to old-school pub perks): after you purchase nine drinks, the tenth is free. This reward system keeps locals coming back. The pub’s noticeboard and website sometimes list upcoming events – for example, charity fundraisers or community meetings – but generally the vibe is “drop in any day for a good meal, pint, and watch the football.” In short, if you come for themed pub nights or DJs, you may be disappointed, but if you come for live sport and a solid pub atmosphere, you’ll find it here.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Stepping inside The Fox & Goose, you’ll immediately notice the blend of old and new. The interior walls are clad in warm wood panelling (recently painted a lighter hue) and vintage-style decor: look for etched glass panels and retro signs that hearken back to the pub’s heritage. In one corner there’s a fireplace (occasionally lit in winter) that adds to the cosy feel. The bar itself is fairly open-plan, with a few snug booths and tables. Even after the 2018 refurbishment, many of the original features remain visible: a stone-flagged floor underfoot and sturdy oak beams overhead are still on display, reminding you this isn’t a cookie-cutter chain pub. However, the overall colour scheme is brighter now, thanks to new lighting and paint. The effect is a friendly, “local living room” vibe – it’s lively without ever feeling raucous.

The crowd here is mixed. On a typical evening you might see young families at dinner tables, local workers grabbing a pint after work, and sports fans huddled around the TV or big projector for the game. This variety gives the pub a comfortable, all-comers atmosphere. It doesn’t take much to strike up a conversation – regulars often chit-chat with strangers about the match or the day’s headlines. The lack of loud music or wild entertainment helps keep the noise level at a moderate hum; it’s easy to relax and chat with friends. On especially busy nights, like a sold-out game day, it can get quite packed, but the layout has a couple of distinct areas so there’s usually a less crowded corner somewhere.

In terms of comfort, seating is adequate but not luxurious – mostly wooden tables and chairs, with a few cushioned benches along the wall. If you come in peak time (e.g. Friday night or Sunday lunchtime), it’s wise to arrive early to secure a seat. Otherwise, on off-peak afternoons the pub is very laid-back, almost a quiet refuge except for the fireplace crackling. Staff do help by clearing tables and catching empty trays, so turnover is reasonable.

Accessibility is surprisingly good for an old building. The ground floor has no steps at the front entrance, and the pub offers level access throughout. The accessible features list notes an “Accessibility Lift” and “Step Free Access”, which mainly applies to the attached hotel portion, but at least the public areas are easy to navigate. There are disability-friendly restrooms as well. (The hotel’s rooms are definitely accessible, but the upstairs bedrooms are a separate section with its own lift.) If you need assistance, the staff are more than happy to help – for example, carrying a drink around if you can’t easily move through a crowd. Dogs are officially allowed inside, so you might see a couple of friendly pups padding around, which adds to the homey charm. Outdoors, the flower-lined beer garden (at the back) is a nice bonus in summer, with patio tables and even a small kids’ play area on one side. It fills up quickly on warm evenings, but is a lovely spot to sip a pint al fresco when available.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Fox & Goose is located in the heart of Hanger Lane, just off the North Circular (A406) in Ealing (W5 1DP). This puts it at the junction of a bustling intersection, yet the pub itself feels oddly sheltered from the traffic noise. It’s extremely convenient for public transport: Hanger Lane Tube Station (Central line) is only about a 5-minute walk away, and multiple bus routes (such as the 95, 226 and 297) stop nearby. The pub’s own parking lot is small but free, which makes driving feasible in this part of West London.

One of the biggest local landmarks is Wembley Stadium. In fact, The Fox & Goose is just a short bus ride or 15-minute walk from the stadium complex. Many sports fans and concertgoers pick the Fox & Goose as a meet-up or wind-down spot because of this. If you’re attending an event at Wembley, you can easily squeeze in a pre-game pint here (especially if you catch the No.83 bus or walk down Forty Lane). Another advantage of the location is access to Park Royal, the large business and industrial area nearby. Many businesses are based there, and it means the pub gets lunchtime traffic from office workers, or occasionally even small corporate events in the private room. Further afield, the neighbourhood of North Acton is just east, and Ealing Broadway (a major shopping and theatre district) is a few miles west; both are a quick car or Tube ride away. For a more leisurely outing, Gunnersbury Park and Pitshanger Park (with its café and mini-market) are within a couple of miles and offer open green space.

Within walking distance, the local area has a mix of other amenities. You’ll find takeaways, a Tesco Metro, and a few other small pubs and cafes along the way to Hanger Lane itself. The junction where the pub sits has a cluster of fast-food spots and a larger complex (including a gym and cinema) a few minutes’ walk down Western Avenue. In summary, The Fox & Goose serves as a little local hub – easy to reach from all over Ealing/Acton, close to Wembley for entertainment, and part of a community that blends residential, commercial, and industrial West London.

Overall Impression

The Fox & Goose Hotel manages to be a classic West London pub and a comfortable hotel all in one package. Its historical charm – centuries-old bones, a storied past and Fuller's brewing legacy – gives it character you don’t get in newer pubs. At the same time, the renovations (though not to everyone’s taste) keep it feeling clean and welcoming rather than dark or dingy. The beer is reliably top-notch, the food is hearty and well-executed, and the staff genuinely seem happy to have you there. It’s the kind of place locals recommend for a good Sunday roast or for a pint before a game, but it also rolls out the welcome mat to visitors in town.

No pub is perfect, of course. The Fox & Goose can get quite busy during match days or Sunday lunch, making the atmosphere festive but also a tad hectic. Some ale aficionados might wish for a broader selection of microbrews beyond the Fuller's staples. And if you’re looking for pub games or boisterous nightlife, you won’t find them here – it’s all about chill evenings, hearty meals and sports. But these are small quibbles. Most guests leave with a smile, whether because they savoured a proper roast dinner, discovered a new favourite ale, or simply enjoyed the pub’s friendly banter.

In the tapestry of London pubs, The Fox & Goose stands out as a well-kept example of historical continuity: a place where you can feel 300 years of Ealing history underfoot while watching 2025’s Premier League on TV. It’s a genuine slice of London village life on Hanger Lane. If you value good beer, solid pub food, and a laid-back vibe with a touch of heritage, this pub won’t disappoint. Come for a pint (or a weekend stay in the hotel), and you’ll likely leave planning your next visit.