On the road to recovery...

In these dark days of pub closures it is gratifying to see the renaissance of a former classic York pub.After being released by the defunct Exhibition Group The Fox was run by indifferent tenants who let it slip towards oblivion. I went in around 6 months ago and was shocked to be one of only 4 clientele on a Saturday night.Thankfully, the personable landlord who turned both The Golden Lion and The Olde Starre into huge successes has returned from a sabbatical in Southport and things have taken a tectonic change for the better. On a quiet post -Christmas Saturday in January it was humming with the quiet chatter of local people in 2 small bars and with the sound of a decent guitar-vocal act in the main large bar.I like the small front Snug Bar with photos on the wall that remind you of the pub's heyday when York Carriageworks used to pack it out with teatime drinkers slaking their post work thirsts. It serves 4 bitters (Tetley and TT Landlord being the best), 2 lagers and the usual spirits and a couple of decent wines. Sadly at the moment the landlord is hamstrung by being locked into Punch Taverns drinks roster but he is looking at creative ways of varying his offering.Three stars for now - as even by the licencees estimates they're only 20% down the road to boom time success, but very good portents for what's to come.

A User - 10/01/2009 | report this review