Hard rock, goth and metal. Tattoos, piercings and dark artwork. Intrepid Fox is a cool alternative bar that is surprisingly friendly and enjoyable for almost everybody.

The Venue
Step into the unexpected: a seriously alternative bar nestled in the centre of commercial London. Intrepid Fox, split into two floors, is a highly decorated venue mixing different musical influences. The ground floor is where the main bar is located and has several odd tables and benches: the conservatory ceiling is covered in a military fabric from which skulls and other dark paraphernalia dangle. The stairs are covered with fantasy posters while the quieter first floor plays host to the dancefloor, pool table, big windows and a second bar. There’s even a small concrete patio outside. The decoration is consistent with the alternative mission of the bar all the way into the toilets.

The Atmosphere
It’s a well known fact that to enjoy an alternative venue you must either be alternative yourself, very open-minded, or drink more than you should. However, it is fair to say that the Intrepid Fox is a pretty friendly place and the door policy isn’t strict. You’ll feel less out of place forgetting your tie and wearing mostly black, but acceptance in any case is very forthcoming: a normal jeans outfit aren’t rare on busy nights. In fact, many tribes mingle over the two floors: goths and hard rock fans share breathing air with the metal addicted, genres becoming mixed as the night progresses. Most patrons may be mean-looking but they are all polite and drunk behaviour is rarely witnessed – unusual for a bar in this locale.

The tattoed bar staff are diverse and friendly and the only drawback to this place is the loud, pounding music: if pop is your thing, you are in the wrong place. On the contrary, if you are interested in a specific musical style played at Intrepid Fox, check the listings ahead since the music mix can be otherwise disappointing: occasionally there are also live acts playing upstairs.

The bar is open until 11pm during the week but you can get yourself a drink very late during weekends, when a 2am license is in effect. Fridays and Saturdays are very busy, especially downstairs, and it is probably the best time to visit thanks to the many regulars mixing with alternative residents.

The Drink
Surprisingly, there is nothing outstanding on the drink list, probably due to the fact that the Intrepid Fox has a capacity of 280 people, making the bars very busy. Beers and spirits are very standard. On the up side, prices are fair: a pint of the house beer will cost you £2.75, while any other goes for around £3. Since the drinks do not have anything exciting to say, let the patrons be the topic of conversation: it will surely make for an interesting chat.

The Last Word
Perfect for an alternative night in the centre of town: whether people watching is your thing or you’re into metal, goth and hard rock, Intrepid Fox provides top entertainment.

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