An artist's impression of what the Fox will look like after reopening
Notices were displayed in the windows of the Fox on Wednesday morning, announcing that the pub would be reopening in January and advertising for staff. Rather oddly, the notices referred to "The Fox Wood Green", but the windows they were in were definitely in the Fox Palmers Green. However, by 4pm the notices had disappeared - hence the question mark in the headline. (Perhaps they were relocated to the Fox Wood Green?)
An edited version of the notices displayed in the windows of the Fox on Wednesday morning, that had disappeared by 4pm.
But let's assume that the notices were in the windows of the right pub and didn't disappear because the plans to reopen the Fox have fallen through, but for some other reason.
It seems that the Fox will become part of Akw Pubs, a small chain run by Austin Whelan, whose signature adorned the notices. However, from research on the internet it appears that the chain trades under the name Whelan's and its pubs are leased from Star Pubs & Bars, a subsidiary of the international brewing giant Heineken (the "Star" in the company's name was the logo of Newcastle Breweries, one of hundreds - thousands? - of companies swallowed up by the black holes at the centre of the international brewing industry).
Whelan's, based in Sawbridgeworth, currently have three "Irish Traditional" and five "Whelan's Premium" pubs, most located in London suburbs. The About page on their website states that:
Whelan’s Pub Company was set up in 2007 and we now operate eight pubs across London and the south. Each is either a Whelan’s Irish Traditional or a Whelan’s Premium pub.
All have the same aim: to deliver a warm and vibrant Irish welcome to all our guests.
Music and the top sport action are at the heart of our offering; big screens and the very best of live – mainly Irish! - music features throughout the week at each of our venues.
Our brand thrives in town centre locations, and we love our huge mix of guests – from students to families, fans of football, racing and rugby to those looking for a quiet pint!
Whelan’s. Perfect pubs, whatever the occasion.
So it looks as though the reopened, smaller Fox, boasting its splendid weatherfox, will have more in common with the Fox as it was before it closed than we might have expected: a renewed Irish welcome, and big screens showing sports.
