Intrepid Fox, St Giles, WC2

The new Intrepid Fox may have the same approach as the same as the old Wardour Street site but the posey modern glass fronted building in the shadow of Centre Point is a far cry from the dingy hole of the original Fox. These days the Fox appears to have become little more than a tourist novelty than the selective back street institution that it once was. The interior is suitably dark and gloomy with minimal lighting and a gradually increasing collection of gargoyles and skulls to give it a pseudo gothic edge. In a nod to the Hard Rock Café, the front of a car pokes out over the bar. There are (and never have been) any Real Ales, just the usual kegs and lagers although draught San Miguel does at least offer something a bit out of the norm. Prices are quite reasonable and I have found the service from the copiously decorated and pierced bar staff is usually very good given that it can get packed when there is a show on at the nearby Astoria. There is the London rarity of a Pinball machine but it never seems to be switched on when I am in there. Naturally the music is mostly rock, punk and metal and they have the occasional live band upstairs. Metal posters adorn the walls and a trip downstairs to the loos is almost worthy of a trip in its own right to view the decorated walls. There are some seats outside if the noise or the yearning for a fag is too much. For something a bit different, a trip to the Fox is an interesting experience, just don't wear a suit and tie. Unfortunately, for me, it is too contrived and the ambience too far removed from what went before.