THIS was always regarded as Croxley Green's "village local" with a die-hard clientele that ate, drank and breathed the Fox.

It had three separate bars in the old days, each with its own character and its own characters who frequented it.

But that was a good 20 years ago. Now, it has one big walk-through drinking hall with a galleried upstairs area for those with lofty aspirations.

There's a pool table, darts, a couple of TVs and a big screen for big events.

Considering New Road is a narrow, cottage-filled street, there's a lot of parking, a dozen spaces at the front and 30-odd to the rear. There's a tiny beer garden too - more like a window box.

It's a Greene King pub so expect Greene King beer and Greene King shrink-wrapped, fast-frozen food. It heats up in a jiffy.

Sad to report, on my visit, the bar staff were not very quick I waited ages for a £2.25 pint of cider. An apology from barman Spencer was small consolation for my frustrating wait.

The loos are basic: practical rather than pretty. And, judging by the message scratched into the door of the gents, Nobby really should start going to bed wearing boxing gloves.

There's currently £180 up for grabs in "guess the key" and, according to the huge chalkboard for events, Saturday night is Karaoke night whoopee-do.

FA

June 26, 2002 12:30