A London pub that appeared in a Harry Potter film has reopened after four years and a £1.35m refurbishment. The Fox in Palmers Green, North London, has undergone a complete makeover, with new décor, quality food and drink, live sports and a function room.
Star Pubs & Bars which owns The Fox, has revealed the reopening has created 20 new jobs under the leadership of manager Tony Curran. The investment in The Fox on Green Lanes was undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and experienced operator Austin Whelan.
MyLondon says that while there has been an inn called The Fox on the site for over 300 years, the current pub was built in 1904. Its claims to fame include appearing in the film Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban when Harry is whisked through the streets of London on the Knight Bus to get to the Leaky Cauldron.
The Fox also became the first Asset of Community Value in the London Borough of Enfield in 2015. Its makeover has renovated the historic pub, restoring the outside with its distinctive turret and decorative plaster relief work, while the interior’s new look retains the high ceilings and wood floors.
An Asset of Community Value is a commercial land or building that has been listed with its local authority as property that is considered to further the social wellbeing or interests of the local community.
The pub has a traditional bar, while its lounge can be converted into a private function room for up to 120 people. The pub has a menu focused on pub classics such as fish & chips, sausages & mash, and steaks, with Sunday roasts a specialty.
Austin Whelan said: “There aren’t many pubs in Palmers Green compared to other parts of London, and The Fox is a very prominent and well known pub, so there’s been lots of interest in the plans from residents. We’ve gone all out to make it a pub that Palmers Green can be proud of."
Michael Lee, area manager for Star Pubs & Bars: “We’re delighted to have joined forces with Austin to bring The Fox back to life. He is a highly experienced operator with a track record of running popular and successful pubs. The Fox has had a massive investment, and it really has the wow factor."
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