Walking into the Fox Hotel in Collingwood, your eyes can not help but make their way across all the things that make this pub special. The memorabilia scattered across the walls that’ll keep you occupied for hours. The make-shift ping pong table that serves as a centrepiece – a must on any visit. The Southpark pinball machine tucked into the corner. The shelves stacked with beer cans. Shirts, taxidermy foxes, table games, board games, Pulp Fiction art. This is more than just a pub. It’s a living, breathing home built by three incredible hearts; Bridie, Clodagh, and Tracy.
Welcome to The Fox Hotel.
Their goal was simple enough. Create a space where everyone feels welcome. Perhaps now, more than ever, sentiments like that carry a certain weight. All three women understand the importance of inclusivity. But here’s the thing. There are a lot of places that put inclusivity at the forefront of their message. A lot of places that push their doors open and welcome people from all walks of life with gimmicks and distractions. But there are only a few places where the spirit of those who built it, run it, and provide it, is the reason the seats are filled.
Sure, The Fox Hotel is a wonderfully interesting place to sit in, to enjoy a drink, a cocktail, or a delicious meal. But it’s these three women, their warmth, strength and humour that people are drawn here for. Everything else is just a bonus. And there’s a lot of bonuses.
The food served is pub fare at its best. Delicious smells wafting from a busy kitchen run by Nichole Hendriks. Plates are filled with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. And Nichole, who’s been an integral part of the Fox heart from the beginning, always comes up with a tasty special to treat yourself with. Try the Moreton Bay Bug & Prawn Pie (grilled bug tail, mash, broccolini, garlic butter) or the Grass Fed Porterhouse Steak that’ll make your mouth water. The Wagyu Beef & Bacon Burger is a must. Or sit back with a cold brew and a classic Fish & Chips and watch the footy with new friends, old friends, and good friends.
Always looking to do more, The Fox Hotel is never out of events. Another reason why this place has become a Collingwood staple.
There’s Beers 4 Queers – complete with the Gay Stuff Markets where you can buy a bunch of knick nacks and support your community – every month. Twice a Monthly Trivia for all those wacky enough to test their wits. Comedy nights for a laugh, weekend DJing for those young at heart. On and on it goes. This old-style pub is a perfect gateway for pub lovers with friendly vibes looking to share a laugh and take a break from life’s worries for a while. Clad in old wood and old brick, a rooftop where you can sit under the stars and share a drink while listening to that old-style rock ‘n roll.
In a city brimming with fancy high-end bars, even fancier restaurants, and glitz and glamour from every angle, places like The Fox Hotel serve as the pillars that hold communities up. And behind that pillar, are the three women who made it all happen.
Take the memorabilia away. Strip the cans from the shelves. Roll away the pool and ping pong table, turn off the games, and switch off the pinball machine and every seat will still be taken. The people will still come. Because Bridie, Clodagh, and Tracy are the hearts behind The Fox Hotel, and the reason we’re all here.
Thanks for the memories, and here’s to a few more.
Address: 351 Wellington Street, Collingwood, VIC, 3066
Phone: (03) 9416 4957
Website: thefoxhotel.com.au
Instagram: @thefoxhotel3066
