Intrepid Fox, Soho, W1

I came here about once around 1988. This was a legendary live music venue and noted rockers' pub. I doubt I would have visited again, but this was one of those places you visited just to say you'd been.

Not so much as a pub but a Metalhead Mecca. The normal rules of the planet should be left outside. Here tatty, ugly and broken are seen as positive aspects. Any note taking beardo types looking for Real Ale here will have his head sliced off with a well aimed Korn CD. Here you will have the Sex Pistols and White Zombie overlooking your table but rather perversely I always find the music at a tolerable level - certainly enough level to have a decent conversation. Unless you have a wad of tattoos, a few piercings and haven't washed your hair for a few weeks, you will feel decidedly out of place. It's basic, it's rough, it's weird, it's relatively cheap and it's out of bounds to all but the most ardent metal fan. Do NOT wear a James Blunt T-Shirt in here. There are enough characters to write a book about and don't expect great service if you look normal. As a pub it leaves a lot to be desired but it's definitely an institution that must be visited at least once in your life for the experience.