Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 2 and Version 1 of Fox, E8 4DA

A gastropub on Kingsland Road, at the edge of Dalston.

It's housed in a grand Victorian pub building dating to 1881 (though with a longer history), and is set out with a blend of distressed leather couches with low tables, and larger wooden dining tables and chairs, along with eclectic decor as is to be expected from this type of establishment. The main room is on several levels (the bar is up a few steps at the back), and there's a small ante-room to the side with a few other tables and a TV screen. There are also several tables outside for smokers and those taking advantage of the sun.

On Ewan's Sunday visit in June 2009, the place was almost empty except for a few other people, so there was no shortage of places to sit. Soul and easy listening music was playing perhaps a touch too loudly in the main space (there was a Rod Stewart compilation playing at the point we decided it would be sensible to leave), but it was a little quieter in the side room (the TV sound was not on).

Service was extremely friendly and gracious. They tend to focus on table service here, which explains why the bar is somewhat hidden at the back, and as such service is added to the bill as a matter of course.

There are two handpulls for ale, with Landlord and London Pride available on Ewan's visit. They also have draught taps for Fuller's Honey Dew, Freedom lager, keg Courage Best Bitter, and San Miguel, amongst other usual suspects. As one might expect, there's also a pretty extensive wine list, as well as some cocktails. Pints of Coke were priced at £2.95.

Happily proclaiming itself a gastropub, the Fox serves an Italian food menu (pastas and pizzas included) for prices which are perhaps a little higher than to be expected in this gentrifying area, bordering nearby De Beauvoir Town. The menu is pretty long, and on Sunday is augmented by roasts (the vegetarian option was an aubergine dish). Ewan and Jo took advantage of the pizza offer (two large pizzas for £15) and were perfectly happy with the (very crispy) thin crust pizza. The Greek pizza was topped with halloumi cheese and olives, and chilli oil and pepper were offered without asking.

See also:

• Beer In The Evening comments
• Fancyapint review
• Qype comments
• London Eating comments

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