The Fox - Shoreditch - Pub Reviews

Nestled in the heart of Shoreditch, The Fox is a traditional East End corner pub at 28 Paul Street that has been “lovingly restored with a modern twist”. This kerbside boozer seamlessly blends old-fashioned charm with contemporary flair, making it a popular rendezvous for locals and visitors alike. Just a short stroll from Old Street’s “Silicon Roundabout” tech hub, The Fox stands out with its unique offerings – from an Asian-fusion food menu to a private karaoke den – all while retaining the warm, convivial atmosphere of a classic London pub. With a ★★★☆☆ (3.8/5) average rating from patrons and a moderate ££ price range, The Fox promises good value and a memorable experience in one of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods.

History & Heritage

The Fox occupies a historic East End corner building with a distinctive tiled façade, reflecting its Victorian-era pub heritage. The pub’s building dates back to the Georgian era, and for generations The Fox has been a local public house in Shoreditch. Its ceramic-tiled exterior is a relic of classic Victorian pub design, so notable that recent renovators drew inspiration from it to craft the pub’s new interior details. By the late 2010s, however, the establishment had seen better days – the business had become dilapidated and in need of a full refurbishment. In 2018, new owners (Glendola Leisure) stepped in and undertook a complete makeover of The Fox, aiming to rejuvenate the venue while enhancing its existing architectural features. This refurbishment reconfigured the interior layout (even repositioning the bar) to better use the space, all while preserving historic touches like the exterior tiling and a cosy fireplace inside. Today, The Fox proudly wears its history on its sleeve – from the original tiles on its façade to vintage-inspired decor – even as it embraces modern design elements and amenities. The result is a pub that honours East London’s heritage (indeed, it’s often called “the pub on the corner, where everybody goes”) yet feels fresh and up-to-date for today’s crowd.

Interior & Atmosphere

Inside The Fox, a blend of vintage charm and modern design greets patrons – note the wooden floors, classic wooden bar with bespoke fox-head tiles, and contemporary globe lighting. The Fox spans three floors, each offering a slightly different ambiance. On the ground floor, you’ll find a classic pub setting: polished wooden flooring, a long wood-panelled bar adorned with custom ceramic fox-head tiles (a playful nod to the pub’s name and history), and walls decorated with tasteful prints and local art. There’s even a fireplace and stripped wooden tables that add a touch of old-world cosiness on cooler days. Despite the traditional touches, the space is open and inviting, thanks to the 2018 redesign that opened up sight-lines to passing trade. The ground floor bustles with energy during peak hours – by evening it fills with the after-work crowd enjoying pints shoulder-to-shoulder at the bar or huddling around high tables.

Upstairs, the first-floor function room provides a more intimate setting. This floor houses a second bar and flexible seating, making it ideal for private events or overflow on busy nights. The décor upstairs continues the mix of contemporary and classic: think comfortable banquette seating, more framed artwork, and even some quirky vintage accents. It’s a spot where you could host a birthday gathering or just snag a quieter table for a group dinner. Adjacent to the first floor is an outdoor roof terrace, a true gem in this urban location. The roof terrace offers open-air seating and even a glimpse of the City skyline, giving a “fantastic city view” as noted by visitors. In summer, this terrace is perfect for enjoying drinks in the sun, surrounded by Shoreditch’s urban scenery and the buzz of the streets below.

One of The Fox’s most talked-about features is its private Karaoke Den. Tucked away (reportedly on the upper level), this karaoke room can accommodate up to 20 guests for a sing-along party. Decked out with a sound system, screens, and comfy seating, the Karaoke Den lets patrons unleash their inner rockstar in privacy – a rare novelty among London pubs. It’s become a highlight for groups looking for a fun, interactive night out. In fact, The Fox offers a free bottle of prosecco with every karaoke booking on certain evenings to get the party started, underscoring how central this feature is to the pub’s identity.

Atmosphere-wise, The Fox manages to cater to a diverse crowd. By day, it’s a relaxed spot where you might see local office workers and tech entrepreneurs (from nearby Old Street) having lunch or an early pint. Come evening, the vibe ramps up to “fever pitch with the post-work crowd and weekend thrill seekers”. You’ll encounter young professionals unwinding after work, Shoreditch creative types meeting up with friends, and even tourists who’ve ventured east for an authentic pub experience. Despite the lively buzz, The Fox maintains a friendly, casual atmosphere – it’s easy to strike up a conversation at the bar or find a corner for your group. Background music plays at a pleasant volume, enhancing the mood without drowning out chatter. The combination of spaces (cosy corners, standing room by the bar, a breezy roof terrace) means you can have the kind of night you want, whether that’s a rowdy reunion or a quiet catch-up. The pub’s slogan of being everyone’s favourite Shoreditch boozer feels earned, as it truly offers something for everyone.

Food & Drink

One of The Fox’s standout features is its Asian-inspired menu, a refreshing departure from typical pub grub. In fact, The Fox doesn’t just serve food – it hosts a pop-up kitchen residency called “The Coop,” specialising in creative Asian fusion dishes. This means patrons can enjoy the comfort of a pub setting while digging into flavours more often found in trendy street food markets. The menu has garnered praise for its bold and tasty offerings. For example, the crispy K-pop chicken wings – sticky soy-garlic glazed wings topped with crushed peanuts – have quickly become a signature item and a customer favourite. These wings are so popular that “Wing Wednesday” is now a weekly event: every Wednesday, The Fox offers unlimited K-pop wings for £15 per person (for up to 90 minutes). It’s a finger-licking midweek treat that draws in regulars craving a spicy fix.

Beyond the famous wings, The Fox’s menu features a range of Korean and East Asian-inspired dishes. According to recent descriptions, you can find gyoza dumplings, fluffy bao buns, Japanese karaage fried chicken, Gochujang-glazed thighs, and even katsu or kimchi-topped waffle fries on the menu. Burgers get an Asian twist (think fried chicken fillets with exotic sauces), and there are even some lighter options like Asian-style salads and wok-fried veggies for balance. Traditionalists, fear not: while the focus is on Asian street-food flair, the portions are hearty and the food still hits that comfort food spot – just with new flavours. Many patrons have commented on the quality and uniqueness of the food, noting it’s “adventurous for a pub menu” and a big part of The Fox’s appeal. It’s not every day you find kimchi fries and Korean wings at your local pub, after all.

To wash down all that delicious food, The Fox boasts an impressive selection of drinks. The pub is “famous for its fantastic selection of world beers and London gins”. On tap, you can expect a rotating line-up of beers from around the globe – from crisp continental lagers to hoppy craft IPAs. The Fox doesn’t tie itself to a single brewery, so the beer range caters to all tastes: there are likely familiar British ales, trendy craft brews, and maybe the odd local micro-brew available. If you’re a beer lover, the choices are diverse; if you’re not, the bartenders can recommend something to suit your palate. In addition to beer, gin is a point of pride here. The bar stocks an array of London gins, celebrating the city’s distilling renaissance. You might find gin from well-known makers like Beefeater or Sipsmith, as well as small-batch East London distilleries – perfect for a classic G&T or one of the pub’s signature cocktails. Of course, a full bar of wines, whiskeys, spirits and non-alcoholic options is available too. In fact, The Fox is “renowned for its selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits”, covering all bases for a pint or a cocktail.

The pricing on both food and drink is moderate for central London. Pints are reasonably priced (in line with Shoreditch averages), and while some speciality craft beers or imported bottles might cost a bit more, most visitors feel they get good value. Mains and sharing plates on the menu fall into the ££ mid-range category – not cheap eats, but fair given the portion size and quality of ingredients. Do note that a few patrons have commented certain dishes or drinks can feel a touch pricey (for instance, speciality cocktails or large sharing wings platters outside of Wednesday deal), but overall The Fox positions itself as affordable indulgence. With its unique menu and broad drink selection, you’re paying not just for sustenance but for a distinct twist on the pub experience. And considering the central Shoreditch location, the prices won’t give you sticker shock.

Amenities & Accessibility

As a pub that strives to welcome one and all, The Fox provides a range of amenities – but also has a few limitations to be aware of. Firstly, parking is not available on-site, which is common in this part of London. The pub is on a busy corner in Shoreditch, so if you’re driving you’ll need to find street parking or a nearby car park (and on weekdays, that can be challenging). Luckily, public transport access is excellent (Old Street Station is just a 5-minute walk), so most patrons arrive by Tube, bus, or foot without any trouble.

Inside, The Fox is generally accommodating. The ground floor is spacious and on one level, which suggests a degree of wheelchair accessibility (and the venue has disabled-friendly restrooms according to some listings). Entrances are standard width double doors; while we didn’t find a specific statement on wheelchair access, the recent renovations likely improved accessibility. The upper floors (function room, roof terrace, karaoke den) are reached by stairs – something to keep in mind if mobility is an issue, as there’s no mention of a lift. That said, staff are reportedly helpful in assisting guests as needed. If you have specific accessibility needs, it might be worth calling ahead to ensure the ground floor or an appropriate space can be reserved.

The Fox is dog-friendly, welcoming canine companions in the bar area. It’s not unusual to see a pub patron with their dog curled up under the table as they sip a pint – especially during daytime hours. This pet-friendly attitude adds to the homely, relaxed vibe. Families are also welcome; during daytime you might see the occasional family stopping in for lunch, though in the evenings the clientele is almost entirely adult (as is typical for pubs in Shoreditch’s nightlife scene). The overall dress code and atmosphere are casual and unpretentious, so everyone should feel comfortable popping in, whether in office attire or jeans and a t-shirt.

For entertainment and extras, The Fox focuses on what it does best. Sports fans will be pleased to know that major live sports tournaments are shown on the pub’s screens. There are a few well-placed TVs (particularly on the ground floor), and during big matches (think World Cup, Six Nations, Premier League, etc.) you can expect a lively, but still civil, crowd gathering to cheer on their teams. Unlike some sports bars, The Fox balances the sports viewing with its regular atmosphere – so you can watch the game without feeling like you’re in a rowdy stadium. Just don’t expect pool tables or dart boards; the pub doesn’t offer traditional pub games, likely due to space constraints and its focus on other entertainment (like karaoke). Free Wi-Fi is available for patrons (handy if you need to send off a quick email or Instagram your plate of wings), and the venue even runs as a bottle shop – anecdotally, there’s mention of a “Fox Bottle Shop,” suggesting you might be able to purchase select beers to take home, which is a nice touch for beer enthusiasts.

Customer service at The Fox earns mixed yet generally positive reviews. Many patrons have praised the staff for being friendly, attentive, and efficient, even during busy periods. The bar team is knowledgeable about their beers and gins (they’ll gladly help you pick something from the extensive menu), and the servers often check in to ensure you’re enjoying your food. The management clearly puts an emphasis on “awesome service” as part of The Fox’s appeal, and it shows in the number of repeat local customers. However, as with any popular city pub, not every experience is perfect. A few reviewers have noted less-than-satisfactory interactions – typically on extremely busy nights when the staff are stretched thin, or isolated incidents of brusque service. These seem to be exceptions to the rule, but it’s worth acknowledging that service can occasionally vary. Overall, though, the vibe is welcoming and the staff strive to make your visit enjoyable. If you visit during a peak time (Friday 7pm, for example), bring a bit of patience and you’ll likely still be met with East End conviviality and perhaps even a bit of friendly banter from behind the bar.

Surrounding Area & Attractions

Shoreditch is one of London’s most vibrant districts, and The Fox is ideally situated for anyone looking to explore the area. Paul Street connects the pub to the wider Shoreditch scene – step outside and you’re minutes away from street art-adorned alleys, hip coffee shops, and vintage boutiques. Old Street Station (Northern Line) is roughly a 5-minute walk, making The Fox easy to reach from anywhere in London. In fact, The Fox sits at the confluence of Shoreditch and the edge of the City of London, at the corner of Paul Street and Scrutton Street “between Shoreditch and Old Street’s ‘Silicon Roundabout’”. By day, this means the area bustles with tech companies, startups, and galleries. By night, it transforms into a playground for bar-hoppers and foodies.

If you’re visiting The Fox, consider pairing your trip with some nearby attractions. Spitalfields Market – a historic covered market turned shopping/dining hub – is about a 10-15 minute walk to the south, offering everything from artisan food stalls to fashion boutiques. Even closer is Shoreditch High Street, lined with cocktail bars, clubs, and eateries; it’s a great place to continue your night out after a pint at The Fox. Just beyond that, you’ll find the famous Brick Lane with its curry houses and street art, as well as the Columbia Road Flower Market (if you happen to be around on a Sunday morning). For art enthusiasts, local galleries and pop-ups abound – Redchurch Street and Great Eastern Street often host street art murals and installations, giving the neighbourhood a creative edge.

Public transport puts wider London within easy reach. From Old Street or the nearby Shoreditch High Street Overground, you can get to Liverpool Street Station (a major rail hub and gateway to the City) in a few minutes, or to tourist sights like Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral in short order. However, one of the joys of Shoreditch is simply wandering its streets. Many visitors use The Fox as a convenient rest stop amid exploration: you might spend an afternoon browsing the quirky shops of Boxpark Shoreditch (an artsy pop-up mall), taking photos of colourful graffiti in Hoxton, then refuelling at The Fox before an evening of live music at a local venue like the Old Blue Last pub (another Shoreditch icon). The Fox’s central Shoreditch location means a stop here can easily complement a day of sightseeing or a night of bar hopping – it’s a welcoming waypoint between adventures.

Notably, The Fox’s proximity to the financial district (the City) also makes it a great meeting point if you’re coming from different parts of London. Friends coming from work in Moorgate or Bank can walk over, while others coming from the West End can hop on the Tube to Old Street. In essence, The Fox is both a neighbourhood hangout and a convenient destination pub. Shoreditch is constantly evolving, but The Fox manages to encapsulate much of what draws people to this area: a sense of history, a dash of trendiness, and an energetic social scene.

Conclusion

The Fox in Shoreditch encapsulates the spirit of London’s East End while offering a thoroughly modern pub experience. It’s more than just a place to grab a drink – it’s an immersion into a community hub that balances heritage and innovation. From the moment you see its historic tiled exterior and step inside the wood-accented bar, you feel the character that only a longstanding local pub can provide. Yet, you’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the forward-looking touches: Korean-style wings on the menu, cutting-edge craft beers, and a karaoke room waiting upstairs. This blend of old and new gives The Fox a unique identity among London pubs.

Whether you’re a Shoreditch local seeking a dependable spot for after-work pints, a foodie hunting down the latest fusion flavours, or a tourist eager to experience authentic pub culture off the usual tourist trail, The Fox has something for you. Enjoy a plate of addictive K-pop wings with a pint of ale, sing your heart out in the Karaoke Den, or simply relax on the roof terrace with a gin and tonic in hand – all under the roof of a pub that has seen decades of change around it and adapted beautifully. The friendly buzz of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the mix of music and laughter spilling from The Fox on any given night confirm its status as a Shoreditch staple.

The Fox is a must-visit East London pub that delivers a little bit of everything: historical charm, a contemporary twist, hearty food, quality drinks, and good old-fashioned hospitality. Its location amid the galleries, startups, and street art of Shoreditch makes it an ideal start or finish to your East End explorations. The Fox shows that you can teach an old pub new tricks – and in doing so, it has cemented itself as one of Shoreditch’s favourite boozers, where memorable nights are virtually guaranteed. So next time you find yourself in Shoreditch, follow the sounds of merriment to that tiled corner on Paul Street and experience The Fox for yourself – a pub that truly blends tradition and trendiness in the best possible way.