Star Pubs, the pub division of Heineken UK, has lodged an application to change the historic Fox and Hounds name to The Surbiton Fox as part of a £350,000 revamp that will require the venue to shut temporarily.
Alongside the rebrand, the licence request seeks permission to sell alcohol until 10 p.m. in the pub’s car park and outbuildings, in addition to its existing outdoor areas, for occasional events and community activities.
Mr. Reynolds, representing Star Pubs, said the aim is to “embed ourselves in the community and get to know everyone because it will be the longstanding success of the pub.”
Local resident John Gibbard expressed support for the refurbishment but urged that any licence include conditions requiring patrons to vacate the newly proposed drinking zones by 10 p.m. and to limit how often events can be held there.
Mr. Domleo, also speaking on behalf of the applicant, stressed that the additional drinking spaces would not become permanent venues and that the pub would be run responsibly if the application is approved.
If granted, the expanded licence would allow the revamped Surbiton Fox to host a broader range of community gatherings, potentially increasing footfall while also raising concerns about noise and late‑night drinking that the council will need to balance.