About The Fox
The Fox Café Bar is a small independent pub-venue tucked in St Philip’s, central Bristol (11 Victoria Road, BS2) (whatpub.com ). Housed in an old brick building (formerly the Old Fox Inn/Guardsman), it was converted into a café/diner in 2013 and relaunched as a café-bar/music spot in 2019 (whatpub.com ). Today it holds roughly 100 people (www.skiddle.com ), making it an intimate and cozy space. The interior retains a nostalgic, “stepping back in time” charm, with wood accents and simple pub décor, while an undercover courtyard out back turns into a covered dance area in better weather (www.ticketfairy.com ). This mix of “classic pub” and warehouse-party venue – complete with a proper sound system – is part of The Fox’s draw. Visitors and local media have praised the friendly, authentic vibe: Bristol24/7 dubbed it a “must-visit” spot for its consistent quality and warm atmosphere (thefoxcafebar.menu-res.com ).
Events and Programming
The Fox is best known for daytime/evening club nights and electronic music events, rather than live bands or classical shows. The calendar features multi-genre DJ parties – think acid techno, drum & bass, hardcore and jungle – often structured as afternoon-to-early-morning sessions. For example, promoter pages advertise summer events like “Intrigue Summer BBQ” (drum & bass sets from 3pm onward) (www.skiddle.com ) and acid-house fundraisers like “We R Acid” on NYE (www.ticketfairy.com ). These parties typically start in the afternoon (around 2–4pm) and can run 10–12 hours or more, with several DJs on the bill (www.headfirstbristol.co.uk ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Recurring series (often every few weeks or months) include charity-themed acid and club raves, plus seasonal one-offs. Because the venue is so small, some nights (especially sold-out parties) can feel very full and energetic, while quieter shows have a more local ‘house-party’ vibe. Typical ticket prices range from about £5–10 for standard club nights (advance sales) to around £20 for all-day special events (www.headfirstbristol.co.uk ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
The Fox does not have its own box office; all tickets are sold online through event organizers (check official listings or social media). Shows often sell out quickly due to limited capacity, so buy early. Listings and promoters will note if entry is strictly by pre-sale only – in past events pages, organizers explicitly warned “limited tickets available / strictly pre-sale only / none on the door” (www.ticketfairy.com ). For popular parties there is generally no door-sales availability. Standard tickets for weekday or weekend gigs are usually in the single-digit pound range in advance. Just get them as soon as they appear on sale (often a few weeks before the date). We recommend subscribing to the venue’s newsletter or following local music outlets so you don’t miss announcements. If an event isn’t sold out, sometimes a small number of tickets pop up or are held at the venue, but don’t rely on it.
Seating and Layout
The Fox is essentially one big open room (with a bar at one end and a small stage or DJ booth at the other) plus an outside courtyard. It’s mostly general admission standing-room. There are a few bar-height tables and stools around the edges, but no fixed seating rows. The dance floor is in front of the DJ platform, and during club nights the whole space turns into a spontaneous mingle/dance area. For best views of DJs, grab a spot near the front or by the sound equipment – almost everyone has a clear line if you stand up. If you prefer to observe, you can perch on a stool by the bar or step outside into the covered garden/yellow area – often described as a “teensy tiny micro-venue with an undercover oasis of a garden/dance floor” (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, there are no assigned seats or VIP sections. It’s an intimate layout, so even people at the back still feel part of the show.
Getting There and Parking
The Fox sits just south of the Old City, on Victoria Road in St Philip’s (BS2 0UT) (whatpub.com ). It’s an easy walk or short taxi ride from the city centre. If arriving by train, Bristol Temple Meads Station is about a 10–15 minute walk away (along Bath Road then North Street). Several bus routes run close by – look for stops on Bath Road (A4) or St Philip’s Causeway which link the venue to Broadmead shopping area and beyond. Driving in has no dedicated car park at the pub, so on-street parking in the area is limited (check signs for resident zones and pay parking on Bath Road). For convenience, many visitors use taxis or rideshare drop-offs on the main roads (Avon Street/St Philip’s Causeway). The venue is also a few minutes’ drive from the M32/Trenchard Street interchange, so you can reach it from city ring roads relatively easily.
Inside the Venue
Inside The Fox expect a cozy, unpretentious pub vibe by day and a lively house-party atmosphere at night. If you’re visiting for an event, staff will usually check IDs at the door (18+ rule on event nights) and may inspect bags quickly, so travel light. The small bar area serves a range of drinks – beers on tap (ciders, ales and lagers), wines and cocktails – and the bartenders are known for friendly service. There’s no cloakroom, so leave bulky jackets at home or hung over your seat if available. The décor is warm and vintage: wood paneling, a fireplace, perhaps some game machines or a TV. Sound and lighting are geared toward club nights: expect decent PA and dim party lights on dance events. Facilities include basic restrooms near the back. A great insider tip: The Fox has a kitchen that stays open during events. In fact, event flyers brag that “Rich will have food available” in the kitchen all night (www.ticketfairy.com ), so you can grab pub-style snacks or meals late into the party. Overall, it feels like a friendly local pub that just happens to transform into one of Bristol’s most memorable mini-clubs once the night starts.
Nearby Amenities
The Fox’s St Philip’s location has a few local amenities within walking distance and the wider city centre is close by. Steps from the venue are some craft beer hubs (for instance, the St Philip’s Brewing Co. beer hall is in the area), and you’ll find a handful of cafés and takeaway spots lining nearby streets. For a sit-down dinner, most people head 5–10 minutes northwest to Bristol’s Old City or Cabot Circus areas, where restaurants and pubs abound (think King Street or Broadmead). If you want a pre-show meal or drink right near The Fox, consider the cozy pubs around Bath Street or the nearby Wapping Wharf/Harbourside eateries. As for hotels, Bristol Temple Quarter (around Temple Meads station) has several chains and boutique options that are within a 10–15 minute drive or easy taxi ride. If you’re planning to stay late, late-night buses and taxis are available on Bath Road or Gloucester Road; rideshares can drop you off right outside The Fox’s door on Victoria Road.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Fox stands out in Bristol’s music scene precisely because it’s so small and unglamorous yet full of character. It’s a place where local DJ crews can book all-day sessions and where fans can feel connected rather than lost in a crowd. Its friendly, inclusive atmosphere (often compared to a “cafe/bar/house party” vibe in promotions (www.ticketfairy.com )) makes both performers and audiences feel at home. The undercover garden-and-porch dance-floor is a nifty novelty (rare for city venues) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Culturally, The Fox has carved out a niche for underground and charity events – for example, recent New Year’s Eve parties have been fundraisers benefiting the Children’s Tumour Trust and other local causes (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). This community focus, combined with its vintage pub roots and robust sound setup (like the “Double Bass Sound System” used at big nights (www.ticketfairy.com )), gives The Fox a unique edge. In a city of big theatres and arenas, it remains a beloved secret spot that both veteran ravers and curious first-timers treasure.
Visitor Tips and Information
If you’re heading to The Fox, here are some helpful pointers: First, check the event age policy – most club nights are strictly 18+ (www.headfirstbristol.co.uk ), so bring valid photo ID. Dress is totally casual; Ravers usually wear sneakers, jeans, t-shirts or hoodies. The space is very small, so arrive early for sold-out shows. Remember, there’s no official cloakroom, so leave bulky bags or coats at home. Cash can be handy for quick purchases (though cards are accepted), and earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to bass. On weeks with late-ending events, booking an Uber or taxi in advance is wise because public transport slows down after midnight. Also, if you need accessibility info (step-free access etc.), it’s best to contact the venue directly – old pubs like this sometimes have thresholds or tight turns. Finally, as a piece of local insider knowledge: the kitchen often runs through events, so even if you get hungry late, you can grab pub fare on-site (www.ticketfairy.com ). Above all, enjoy the laid-back vibe – The Fox feels like hanging out at a mate’s place, just with music and dancing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of The Fox?
The Fox is very small and intimate – it holds about 100 people. In event listings it’s classified as a “nightclub” with capacity 100 (www.skiddle.com ). That means any show there is quite packed, so big events tend to sell out quickly.
What kind of events are held at The Fox?
The Fox focuses on club nights and dance events. Expect DJs and electronic music (techno, drum & bass, jungle, hardcore, etc.), usually in afternoon-to-evening sessions. It doesn’t do live bands or theatre; instead it hosts weeks where multiple DJs play one after another. Many events are themed (charity acid-techno raves, summer BBQ parties, etc.), and they typically advertise on local club/event pages.
How do I buy tickets for shows at The Fox?
Tickets must be bought in advance online. The Fox itself doesn’t have a walk-up box office, so check the promoters or the venue’s social media for ticket links. Big events often sell out and are “presale only” (no tickets at the door) (www.ticketfairy.com ). For smaller nights there might be a few tickets on the door, but it’s safest to buy weeks ahead when the event is announced.
Are tickets sold at the door?
Generally, no – most popular nights are sold out in advance. Event listings explicitly warn “none on the door” for big shows (www.ticketfairy.com ). If a show isn’t sold out, there might be a very limited number of doors tickets, but you should plan on presale. Never rely on buying at the door for a guaranteed entry.
Where exactly is The Fox located?
The Fox is at 11 Victoria Road in the St Philip’s area of Bristol, postcode BS2 0UT (whatpub.com ). That’s just east of Bristol city centre, off Bath Road (A4). It’s a few minutes’ walk from Temple Meads station or the hotwells area. Look for a brick corner building with “The Fox Café Bar” sign.
What parking options are there at The Fox?
The Fox has no private car park. Street parking in St Philip’s is limited, often permit-controlled or metered along Bath Road. On busy nights it’s very hard to find a space nearby. If driving, you may need to park a few streets away (or in city centre car parks) and walk. For convenience, many visitors use buses or taxis.
Which public transport serves The Fox?
Several bus routes run near St Philip’s Marsh. Look for buses on Bath Road (A4) or St Philip’s Causeway – these connect to the city centre and suburbs. The nearest train station is Bristol Temple Meads (about a 10–15 minute walk). Taxis and ride-hailing services also drop off right outside. Late at night, trains and trams are limited, so consider a taxi after events end.
Are there hotels or restaurants near The Fox?
The immediate area around The Fox is light-industrial, so dining spots are sparse. For restaurants or hotels, you’ll head towards the city: the Old City (toward King Street and Welsh Back) is a 10-min walk and has many pubs and eateries. Temple Meads district (to the southwest) has hotels like Premier Inn and boutique options. If you want to eat near the venue, try the few cafes or pubs on Bath Street, or grab something on the go. The nearby St Philip’s neighborhood also has a well-known brewery taproom for craft beers.
What is the seating layout inside The Fox?
The Fox has no fixed seating layout. It’s basically one big open room (plus a covered outdoor area). There are a handful of bar stools and tables around the edges, but most people stand. The floor is flat and open, and there’s no balcony or seats to reserve. In other words, it’s general admission – arrive early to grab a good spot if you want to sit at a table, otherwise it’s standing-room by the bar or on the dance floor.
Is The Fox wheelchair accessible?
Because The Fox is a converted old pub, its accessibility can be limited. There may be a step or two at the entrance, and the interior space is tight. If wheelchair access is critical, it’s best to contact the venue directly or check their social feeds for details. Note that during events it can get crowded, which may be challenging. Always let staff know ahead of time if you need assistance.
Are there age restrictions at The Fox?
Yes. The Fox’s club events are generally 18+ only, so you must have valid ID (passport, driving licence, etc.) for entry (www.headfirstbristol.co.uk ). (The café/pub side might welcome all ages during daytime hours, but any scheduled music night is strictly over-18.) Always check the event listing age policy before buying tickets.
Can I bring children or pets?
For nightlife events, no – it’s 18+ only. During regular daytime dining hours, The Fox is family-friendly and even has a play area for kids (according to its pub info). As for pets: the outdoor area is dog-friendly when it’s a standard pub day, but during evening club nights, animals are not allowed for safety and noise reasons. Basically, kids or dogs belong to daytime visits, not to the packed music parties.
What is the dress code?
There is no formal dress code. The Fox is very casual – feel free to wear everyday club/rave attire. Jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, and casual jackets are all fine. Keep it comfy, as you’ll likely be dancing or standing. (Of course, no sports team jerseys or overly rowdy gear that could violate normal club rules.) In a small venue like this, you’ll just look right in line with the friendly crowd if you come casual.
What items are prohibited at The Fox?
Common club rules apply. Don’t bring large bags, outside alcohol (no BYO), weapons, or hard glass. Photography with phones is OK for personal use, but professional cameras or recording devices might not be allowed. Also no illegal substances (they do ID checks on entry). The venue typically has a security check at the door; if you’re unsure about something, it’s best not to bring it. Other than that, just bring your ID and ticket, and enjoy.
Are food and drink available inside?
Yes. By day The Fox operates a full café/pub menu (the “Big Fox Breakfast” is famous!), and on event nights the kitchen stays open. In fact, event pages note that “Rich will have food available” throughout the night (www.ticketfairy.com ). So you can buy bar snacks, burgers, fries, etc. even late at night. The bar serves beers, ciders, wines and spirits – many local cask ales may be on tap. Drink prices are typical pub rates. There’s no ATM inside, so a bit of cash can come in handy for quicker orders.
Is smoking or vaping allowed?
No indoor smoking. Bristol law bans them inside, so smoking/vaping is only allowed outside. The covered garden courtyard often serves as the smoking area during events. Just step out back if you need to smoke or vape – staff will direct you there. Fire safety means the outside area must be used; do not light up near the dance floor or entryway.
What facilities does The Fox have (restrooms, cloakroom, etc.)?
Facilities are minimal. There are basic restrooms (usually two or three cubicles) toward the back of the pub. There is no formal cloakroom – people generally keep coats on chairs or hang them. There are a few tables where you can set personal items. You’ll find standard pub seating (stools, bar tables) but expect most of the venue to be open floor. Everything is on one level (except maybe a step into the garden), so it’s straightforward layout-wise.
How early should I arrive for an event?
Shows often start in the afternoon (anywhere from 1pm to 4pm). Check your ticket or event time, but plan on getting there 15–30 minutes before the listed start to beat any queue. On big nights, people sometimes line up well before doors open to ensure entry or good spots. Pubs can hold a few dozen humans, so during sold-out events even an hour’s queue is not unusual. Arriving early also means you can grab a bite from the kitchen before the crowd builds.
What time do events usually finish?
Most events at The Fox end around 1–3am. The posted times (for example, a typical night might list 2:00pm–2:00am) give the window. The license often requires you be off the premises by about 3:00am. If a party seems to start late (evening), double-check last-entry or closing times on the ticket – often last entry is around 9–10pm. By early morning, music will stop and people will be asked to leave in an orderly way.
Are there COVID or health safety measures?
As of 2023–2025, there are no special COVID-era restrictions widely in place. The Fox operates like any normal pub/club under Bristol's health regulations. Of course, standard hygiene is observed. If local health guidelines change, the venue will update its website or social media. For now, just dress warmly (it can get chilly in crowded spaces) and the usual courtesy (no sharing drinks, etc.) applies.
