The Old Fox-now Open St Albans Reviews

There’s a special kind of magic when a new pub opens in your town. It’s like getting a new neighbor who promises to be cool, but you’re still a bit suspicious. You know, the one who might borrow your lawnmower and never return it—or in this case, never pour a proper pint. Well, let me tell you about The Old Fox in St Albans, which has just flung its doors open. I went there, I peered around, and I survived to tell the tale. Spoiler alert: I’m already planning my next visit.

First impressions? Walking in felt like stepping into your grandad’s favorite armchair—if your grandad had a very trendy interior designer. The place is old-school cozy, with low ceilings and exposed beams that look like they’ve seen a few centuries of gossip. But then you spot the fresh menu boards and the hipster lightbulbs dangling on cords. It’s like a history book decided to spontaneously get a tattoo. And I mean that as a high compliment.

The Vibe: Not Too Posh, Not Too Sloppy

You know that awkward middle ground where a pub tries too hard to be a cocktail bar? The Old Fox dodges that bullet like Neo from The Matrix. It’s casual. The kind of place where you can show up in your gardening trousers and nobody blinks. The music was low enough to hear your mate complain about work, but loud enough to avoid awkward silences. It’s the Goldilocks of pub atmospheres—just right.

I spotted a group of lads in suits celebrating a promotion, and a woman reading a paperback solo at the bar. That’s the sign of a healthy pub: it hosts both celebration and solitude. Nobody was staring at their phones, which in 2025 feels like spotting a unicorn. I half-expected to see someone pull out a flip phone and call it “rad.”

The Food: Comfort Food That Hugs You

Let’s talk about the menu, because I’m a simple creature. I ordered the beef and ale pie, which arrived looking like a golden pastry football. The first bite? Actual steam. Not the fake “it’s been microwaved” steam, but the real, slow-cooked, “your grandmother would approve” kind. The mash was buttery enough to make a cardiologist wince, but we’re not here for health advice.

My friend got the fish and chips. The batter was so crispy, you could hear the crunch from three tables away. It sounded like crunching autumn leaves, but with tartar sauce. They even gave us mushy peas, which I maintain are just green, sad hummus—but somehow, it worked. For dessert, we shared a sticky toffee pudding that was basically a hug in a bowl. If you don’t like sticky toffee, we can’t be friends.

The Fox Pub London Colney - Hibiscus Tea Benefit

The Drinks: More Than Just “Beer or Wine”

I’m a lager guy, but The Old Fox has a rotating ale selection that made me feel sophisticated. I asked the bartender, “What’s dark, strong, and makes me look intelligent?” She pointed to a local porter called “Badger’s Revenge.” I drank it, and for a moment, I understood the appeal of tweed jackets. My wife ordered a negroni, and it arrived with a giant ice cube that looked like a diamond. She said, “This is a grown-up drink,” then spilled a bit on her jumper. See? Relatable.

There’s also a wine list that doesn’t require a mortgage. A glass of something from Sicily was £7, which in St Albans is basically a steal. They even do a “Splash & Sip” half-glass option for the indecisive. That’s smart. That’s pub psychology.

What Could Be Better? (Nothing Is Perfect)

Okay, fine, I’ll nitpick. The toilets were fine, but the hand dryer sounded like a small jet engine taking off. I nearly lost a contact lens. Also, the seating near the window was a bit drafty—I saw a woman wearing her coat inside, which is either a vibe or a design flaw. But honestly, in a charming old building? That’s part of the charm. You want a sterile, airtight pub? Go to an airport.

NEW Venue Pub Social and Find Out More Evening - St Albans The Colney

Service was friendly but not overly chummy. The waitress called me “love” and my friend “boss.” That’s the perfect ratio. Nobody wants a monologue about their day. Just bring the pie and the ale, please.

The Verdict: Go. Now. Bring a Friend.

The Old Fox isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s just a really good wheel—with a nice paint job and a cushion. It’s the kind of place where you can take a first date, your parents, or your grumpy uncle who “hates new places.” The staff are patient, the food is honest, and the beer is cold. What more do we want from life? A pony? That’s next week’s review.

So grab your coat, forget your diet, and go see the fox. I’ll probably be there, trying to pretend I know what a “porter” is. See you at the bar.