Imagine dropping £106 on a pub lunch—yes, you read that right. But here's the twist: it was at a pub owned by none other than British music legend James Blunt. Was it worth the splurge? Let’s dive in.
Earlier this year, I found myself at the Fox and Pheasant in Fulham, a pub co-owned by Blunt, where the bill for one starter, two mains, and five pints totaled a staggering £106. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite the eye-watering prices, the food was undeniably delicious. And this is the part most people miss—the pub was packed on a gloomy January weekend, smack in the middle of 'Dry January.'
James Blunt, the self-deprecating star behind the 2005 hit You're Beautiful, is no stranger to poking fun at himself. But did you know he’s also ventured into the hospitality industry? When asked about his achievements, Blunt quipped, 'They named a ski ride after me in Verbier and turned a phone box into a museum for me in Herefordshire. Your turn.' Classic Blunt.
On the surface, investing in pubs seems like an odd move for a celebrity. But here’s the kicker: the pub industry is in crisis. In 2025 alone, 378 pubs closed, potentially costing 5,600 jobs. Falling alcohol consumption, rising costs, and uncertain tax breaks have left many landlords struggling. So, why would Blunt dive into such a risky business? And more importantly, how is the Fox and Pheasant thriving?
Securing a table here isn’t easy. I booked the last available slot for the weekend, with a £20 no-show fee and a commitment to order at least two mains. The pub seats around 40 diners, and if everyone spends like we did, it’s clear Blunt’s investment is paying off—at least for now.
The atmosphere is undeniably charming. Located on a private street where Blunt has lived for over 15 years, the pub boasts a tastefully refurbished exterior with hanging flower baskets and emerald wall tiles. Inside, the double-sided bar and cozy drinking area are perfect for a winter evening, especially if you snag a spot by the crackling fire. The dining area, housed in a bright, conservatory-style room at the back, keeps the traditional pub vibe intact.
Our meal started with a shared celeriac tartare starter, which left my friend—a baked beans connoisseur—wondering if it tasted like celeriac dunked in a tin of beans. Is gourmet food always worth the price tag? The mains, however, were a different story. My Roquefort and walnut salad with chips was solid, but my friend’s chicken, chorizo, and mushroom pie stole the show—though its depth (a mere 6cm) was surprisingly shallow. 'Where’s the rest of the pie?' we joked. Despite this, the flavors were spot-on, and the service was swift.
But here’s the real question: Is the Fox and Pheasant worth the premium? While the ambiance and food quality are top-notch, the limited vegetarian options and steep prices left us divided. My friend, a veteran of London’s upmarket dining scene, reckoned it was £40 overpriced. And Blunt’s absence, despite rumors of frequent visits, felt like a missed opportunity. The only nod to the singer was a 'You're Beautiful' cocktail, which I sadly couldn’t try.
So, is it a shrewd investment or a celebrity vanity project? The pub’s success speaks for itself, but whether it’s sustainable in a struggling industry remains to be seen. What do you think? Is £106 too much for a pub lunch, no matter how good the food? Let’s debate in the comments!
