Dining at a British music legend's London pub can leave a serious dent in your wallet, as one journalist discovered when a simple lunch for two cost over a hundred pounds.
A Pricey Visit to a Celebrity Boozer
On a grim January weekend in the heart of 'Dry January', the Fox and Pheasant in Fulham was packed to the rafters. The pub, owned by singer James Blunt, required a firm booking secured with the agreement to order at least two main courses and a £20 no-show fee.
The final bill for one starter, two main courses, and five pints of beer came to a staggering £106. The journalist and his companion secured the last available table that Thursday, finding themselves squeezed into a corner with a prime view of the condiment station rather than ample elbow room.
"I think £40 less than that feels about fair," concluded the writer's friend, who had years of experience working in upmarket central London restaurants.
Inside Blunt's Fulham Investment
James Blunt, the singer behind the 2005 mega-hit 'You're Beautiful', is part of a trend of high-profile figures investing in the pub trade. He rescued the Fox and Pheasant from potential conversion into flats in 2018 and has lived on the private gated street for over 15 years.
From the outside, the pub boasts a tastefully presented facade with refurbished signage, hanging flower baskets, and emerald wall tiles. Inside, a clever layout separates a traditional, intimate bar area with a fireplace from a brighter, conservatory-style dining room at the rear.
Despite the challenging climate for pubs—378 establishments closed in 2025, threatening 5,600 jobs—the Fox and Pheasant appeared to be thriving, even during a traditionally quiet period.
The Food: Hits, Misses, and a Shockingly Shallow Pie
Mindful of costs, the duo shared a starter of celeriac tartare with tomato relish, hazelnut cream, and horseradish, which one compared to "celeriac bits in a tin of baked beans".
For mains, a Roquefort and walnut salad with chips was ordered alongside a chicken, chorizo, and mushroom pie served with creamed leeks and mash. While the pub didn't skimp on pastry, the pie's lack of depth was startling. At its deepest point, it measured a mere 6cm.
The flavours were delightful and the service swift, but the limited vegetarian options beyond salads were noted as a disappointment. The only nod to the pub's famous owner was a cocktail named 'You're Beautiful' on the menu.
The Verdict: Quality at a Premium Price
The atmosphere was pleasant, filled with "towering finance men and impeccably attired women" in one of Britain's most expensive postcodes. Online rumours suggest Blunt is a frequent visitor and public opinion credits him with doing a good job managing the venue.
However, the core takeaway from the experience was succinct. The Fox and Pheasant is a cracking pub with clever design and good food, but the final judgement was simple: too expensive.
The visit highlighted the precarious state of the wider UK pub industry, which is battling falling alcohol consumption and significant tax pressures, despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves reversing a decision to slash business rate relief.
