How often do you get the chance to run your local pub? Phil Mellows meets a woman who did just that

Julie Howell behind the bar at the Fox and Hounds

Ever thought it might be nice to run your local pub? It can happen, as Julie Howell has discovered.

When the pandemic closed the dance studio she’d run in Stratford for 25 years, it brought an abrupt change of career. At a loose end she went to help her daughter behind the bar at her Craft Union pub in Chingford.

She quickly learned the ropes, and when the Fox & Hounds in Forest Gate came on the market with the same pub company she jumped at the opportunity.

“I had to,” she says. “I live very close to the pub in Station Road, and it had been my own local for years. I was already part of the family here.”

Julie is now celebrating her first year as manager of the Fox & Hounds and enjoying its latest refurb. “It’s made it brighter and cosier, and I think it’s definitely attracted some new customers.”

The pub is a single room that goes back further than you think, arranged around an island bar. There are screens showing live sports all round, but they’re not too intrusive, and a pool table at the end. Beyond that there’s a decent-sized garden with its own outdoor screen.

And there are tables out front, too, for those who like to watch the world go by. It’s always busy on this corner opposite Forest Gate Station.

Julie is serious when she talks about the Fox & Hounds being “a family”.

“Everybody knows everybody and we have a truly diverse crowd here. Children are allowed in until 8pm, and I’m proud of the fact that women feel safe to come in on their own.

“We have a star team of staff who take care of people, but really everyone looks out for each other.”

Like any good community pub, it raises a lot of money for charity, including more than £300 for Great Ormond Street Hospital at Christmas.

“The people here are very generous,” says Julie. Last Easter customers brought in dozens of Easter eggs for children at Newham General. And this Easter the Fox & Hounds is staging a Fun Day for families, with egg-hunts, face-painting and more.

That’s on top of regular entertainments such as Friday karaoke, Saturday DJs and quizzes and bingo mid-week.

“You’ve got to keep giving people reasons to come in,” says Julie, who clearly enjoys throwing a party!

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