The Fox & Grapes Wimbledon

I can’t rate the rooms as we just booked it for a New Years Day pub lunch after a walk on the common. The food was lovely but the service was pretty rubbish. We arrived about ten minutes early and were told our table wasn’t ready but we could get a drink at the bar. The bar was served by a woman who looked like she’d be happy if the place burnt down. No smiles, no welcome, just pretty surly abrubt service. We then perched at an empty table and were told to move. No apologies or effort to make us comfortable. It didn’t really feel like a pub where you could stand at the bar - it was more like a dining room and we were in the way. A child’s scooter and bike were propped against the bar causing a bit of a hazard. I booked it because the location was right by the common and it looks like it will be a cosy pub for lunch, but the vibe was off - the two young waitresses were lovely but there seemed to be a bit of an oppressive manner with the older members of staff. The food was great. Really tasty. But if you’re looking for ambience and friendly service I’d go to o w of the other excellent pubs on the common.

We had a very comfortable room, with well thought through stocked fridge and breakfast basket. The team was very friendly and welcoming and we enjoyed an excellent lunch on our arrival. All this in a very quiet and pleasant location.

Tried to book a room on the website, was not working so called The Fox and Grapes direct, was told i would be called back but it didn’t happen. Ended up booking on booking.com with option to get a refund, called the fox and grapes the next day, again was told someone would call me back, again did not happen… Stayed in room as I had a wedding around the corner, bed was comfy but there was a few problems… 1. Light to left of mirror in bathroom was dead. 2. Shower had no water pressure, was difficult to use and needed a pump. 3. Room felt like it had not been cleaned properly, found someone’s broken tassels from a handbag or shoe in the room and an earbud. 4. No decent breakfast being served in the morning. 5. Checkout is at 11:00 am but pub does not open until 12:00 pm, so no breakfast/ lunch unless you wait outside. 6. Landing, stairs and hallway from room is slippery due to kitchen area, this is a bit dangerous. 7. You have to enter / exit at back of pub down a dark alleyway, crowded by beer keggs, this needs to be changed. 8. Tall dark haired women in bar, was very unfriendly, unwelcoming, and miserable… we was gonna return for lunch but were totally put off by her and went elsewhere.. Such a shame as pub had a nice look from outside, and looked good on website.

Man behind the bar was very lovely. No parking available Very rude woman who works there. Singing obnoxiously to herself over guests trying to eat. Complaining loudly that the music wasn’t working. Expected us to sleep in a bed with no covers and no pillow cases! Not to mention a sink wrapped in clingfilm so it couldn’t leak! Have to walk through kitchen and staffing areas. Complete let down of a place that needs a new manageress.

I had a great roast around a year ago at this pub. Though I was initially taken aback when the bar steward not only ignored my request for a lager top, specifically in the top, by pouring the lemonade first but then barrated me for explaining the difference (one drinks the beer through the lighter lemonade on top) by shouting 'I know what a top is!'. Whilst pouring a very strong shandy

We booked for a large group, in advance, for a family wake. The staff were really helpful and service was amazing. We had the taster bowls, which were delicious. Fox and grapes took great care of our group in our difficult time. Would definitely recommend a visit or booking an event with them.

We originally booked a table for 2. When we arrived, we knew it was a long shot to turn the table into a table of 5 and made it clear we would be happy just having a drink if it wasn’t possible. When I asked the waitress, she told me there was no way then loudly, in very close proximity to me, started talking badly about me to another waitress re what I had asked. We managed to get a separate table of two from another waitress when my boyfriend asked, then watched as a couple were given the empty table next to the party we arrived with, overhearing that they were a walk in and hadn’t booked. Throughout the night, we heard the younger staff being spoken down to by the older staff. I’ve been coming here for over 10 years, and it’s really sad to see the environment that’s been created by these new managers (?). There used to be a lovely blonde woman with short hair who made every visit a joy. Only leaving a review in the hopes that this feedback is actioned on because this used to be a weekly highlight. I understand that job can be difficult, but there’s really no excuse for what we experienced and witnessed

A big thank you for the staff today who managed to find us (walk-ins) a table with our disabled, OAP friend. You really made our day. The food was wonderful!

Quaint pub just out of Wimbledon, I ordered a platter to share and the others ordered fish and chips. We believe our order got lost because our food never came out despite the constant flow of dishes being carried to tables, this was quiet surprising considering it wasn't overally busy (around 2pm). The staff were apologetic and gave us extra focaccia bread and a bowl of green olives. We did go on to order coffee and desserts which were brought out promptly in comparison. I got the coconut cheese(less) cheesecake, however there was no coconut flavour :( mainly the sweetness from the date base (think raw food dessert) and was small for price- £7 Overall not a totally bad experience, food was good, when it arrived :)

Um.....is there another way to say, "over-rated"? Service - a nightmare. The woman who waited on our table looked at me square in the eyes and continued on her little walk to the kitchen. It took ages to order anything and then ages still to get the bill. Decor - a brightly lit pub. No more creativity than that. Food - I had the tagliatelle with Cod. A terrible combination. Also tried the pumpkin risotto which was boring. The creme brulee was served in weirdly huge ramekins. Some food writer is talking this place up. But why?

Being a Westcountry boy at heart, I don't normally expect to find pubs like these in London. When I do, I rarely want to leave them. Situated on the edge of Wimbledon Common, and a few hundred yards away from Wimbledon Village high street, it looks like the kind of place you'd find on a winding Devon country road, and it feels just like one two. It's very traditional and wooden inside, although there is a big screen as well. There's a good range of beers on pump, friendly staff and free wifi, plus it's not too expensive. I've not tried the food and it'd be interesting to head in when it's not mid-afternoon on a Saturday, but it's a perfect watering hole after a long walk on the common and a great place for anyone who lives in London and misses proper country pubs.

After a quick walk through Wimbledon Common, there is no better destination than the Fox and Grapes. As soon as you open the door the atmosphere floods your senses, and the place is usually crammed! Offering a good range of ales and wines, and some interesting French food, the Fox and Grapes' main claim to fame are the fantastic Sunday roasts. Super beef with yorkshire pudding, and excellent pork with crackling. I haven't had a bad meal in there, and I've now been half a dozen times. Interesting crowd, lots of families, and great character. Give it a go, it's a winner!

Having only recently moved down to the Wimbledon area I was more than pleased to find that typical English pubs were still alive in London without being full of old men in string vests! I've been to the Fox and Grapes twice and on both occasions the service has been great and I've really enjoyed myself. It's a very 'cosy' atmosphere and both the food and drink are great - they certainly keep their pipes clean! I would definitely recommend this both as somewhere for a couple and also for a group of friends. Probably not great for kids as not that much space.

Stumbled across this gastropub while on a walk in Wimbledon Common. It's an excellent genuine British country pub. The food is upscale but worth it, while the atmosphere is friendly and homey. It seemed to be populated by a good crowd of Authentic Local Characters, who made the whole experience more enjoyable. My sole complaint is that there was only one vegetarian option on the menu, which seems to be somewhat below par for this class of gastropub these days. It was an excellent risotto, but still, more options would be nice.

Friend of my lives around the corner, so I've been here a few times. Stuck in an enclave of houses slap bang in the middle of Wimbledon Common, you're in an island of village life in suburban London. Good crowd at the pub, no village idots :-) Popular on Sundays following a walk around the Common. Must say the mists on winter evenings freak me out a bit, along with staring into the black undergrowth of the common. But that's because I'm a city boy at heart plus I've watched "Carry on Screaming" too many times!

Was walking around Wimbledon Park for the first time and noticed this small "pub". Just wanted to pop in, relax for a few minutes while enjoying a pint. The restaurant was mostly empty; however the bar stools were occupied around the bar (4 seats). After ordering our drinks, the bar man asked if we were interested in having food. We explained that we just wanted to have a drink and we weren't hungry. No worries there. We found a table with just two seats to seat my boyfriend and I (tucked around the corner). A waitress came up and asked if we wanted any food. We explained we just were having a drink and there was no seating in the bar. She walked away but came back a moment later. She said her manager said they had a reservation coming in 48 minutes so if we could be done by then that would be great... the restaurant was nearly empty mind you and we were in the back of the restaurant. I have never felt so rushed and unwelcome in a pub/restaurant before. We left before the "48 minutes" were up, unpleased and definitely not returning back here.

Booked a table successfully here and made the trip all the way across to find out that there was a private party and we weren't allowed in the door. The staff were far from apologetic and offered nothing in return. Won't be back.

Wimbledon has lost a great pub to an overpriced, uninspiring menu. Served up by moody foreign exchange students. To cap it all, the manager doesn't realise that service charge is at the customers discretion - nice touch. Avoid.

Obviously a serious foodie venture, much improved interior but no longer a welcoming place after a stroll on the Common. Atmosphere was quite unfriendly, we are clearly not the customers the waiter wanted. We do need better restaurants in Wimbledon but this is the wrong location for such a great chef.

This re-opening lives up to its promise. I have visited three times so far and not been disappointed once. Particularly like more unusual dishes such as ox tripe gratin while classics like fish and chips and pork pie are reassuringly available. A glass of good red wine and great flavours in the food made a delicious meal each time. The vanilla junket with pear diced and layered on top and served with cinnamom shortbread is my favourite pudding so far. I am working my way through the menu and it will be some time before I can exhaust all the choices but that pudding is already a personal fixture.

Visited early on a Sat night 6pm with party of 5. First impressions were good as what appears to be a no expense spared refurb impressed us all. This was however short lived... Being the only dinners in the place and with what can only be described a small army of staff one would expect perfect service... We were seated and given menus promptly but were not offered drinks and had to call over the waitress for drinks and a wine list. We only ordered mains but were not offered any starters or bread. When the mains came they were very disappointing. Some examples.... Fish and chips- very average, poorly presented and generally on a par with a Weatherspoons, despite costing an eye watering £13.50!!! Sausage and mash- Lovely cumberland ring sausage on a mash which had the consistency of soup, honest! This was completely hidden to the eye by the erroneous amount of onion in the gravy doused on top. Again nothing spectacular, and very over priced. We did not opt for deserts!!! Bill was £154.... £17 of which was a 12.5% service charge which I asked to be removed due to the poor service received. I did explain I would like to leave a tip of a lesser value however. The waitress then called the manager Cedric Bosi over who initially very rudely said he would not remove it and that we had to pay it as it was written on the menus??! I then educated him regarding the law and he reluctantly removed it. If you are reading this Claude Bosi I advise you to act fast on these fundamental flaws!!!!

Like the refurb very bright and airy and very nice they allow dogs anywhere in the pub. Found the food very disappointing, and overpriced. Some of the starters were unimaginative and poorly presented. Although the main course was delicious as was the dessert. The waiting staff were very friendly and attentive. Would def be visiting again for a drink but would be expecting much better food for that price, even giving it is Wimbolden.