Popular landlord of the Fox at Boars Hill died following car crash
Tommy Pritchard, popular landlord of the Fox Inn at Boars Hill, died in hospital on January 17 from injuries suffered in a car crash. The head-on crash on the A338 on Christmas Day tragically killed another driver who died at the scene, 61-year-old Jean Houston.
The pub did re-open after Christmas but closed earlier this month, and will remain closed until further notice. It is owned by Heineken’s Star Pubs and Bars division, which is expected to re-open it under new management in the future. The staff working there have been paid off following a review of the business.
Tommy, 31, had re-established the pub not only as a dining venue but also as a drinkers’ pub, with four real ales usually provided. Oxford CAMRA visited the Fox on January 6 as part of a tour of village pubs in contention for the Good Beer Guide 2025, and it stood a good chance of inclusion. Two real ales from Oxford Brewery were usually served plus one from Timothy Taylor (usually Boltmaker) and a rotating guest beer. Tommy was also head chef, and popular among customers and staff alike.
Before taking on the Fox he worked at various pubs including the Bear Inn, Punter and Plough at 38, and the former owner of the Plough at 38, Chris Mulhall, was one of those paying tribute.
“Deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Tommy ‘Pritch’ Pritchard, who died of injuries sustained in a recent car accident,” said Chris. “Our thoughts are with his mother and father Sarah and Paul in these saddest of times.
“Tommy took over the Fox Inn in Boars Hill at the beginning of 2022 and immediately made an impact, not just with the locals but far and wide. His love of real ale made him a great friend of CAMRA, which he supported with great interest, enthusiasm and knowledge. The Fox had suffered over many years with little investment and Tommy put it back on the map in a short space of time.
“As with any good landlord, a big attraction to come to the pub, not just the great beer, was the landlord himself. If there was an award for the best, friendly host, Tommy would surely have won that and who would argue? Tommy introduced Aunt Sally to the Fox, a first in many, many years, a darts league, and much more. An accomplished chef, often in the kitchen, he excelled, and Tommy always ensured the real ale was in tip-top condition, plentiful and an amazing selection.
“Tommy was a great supporter of Oxfordshire’s local breweries. He is a gargantuan loss to the industry, and his infectious personality will be sorely missed.”
Oxford CAMRA also extends its deepest sympathy to Tommy’s family, colleagues and friends, and to the family and friends of the other victim, Jean Houston. The best professional tribute to Tommy would be to see the pub re-open as he ran it – not just another country dining venue but a “proper pub” as well.
