The Faber Fox

Craft Ales & Scenic Views Await!

Tucked away in the leafy borough of Crystal Palace, this pub restaurant crafts an ambience that promises vibrant city views and a famously hospitable charm. Upon entering, diners are greeted with a selection of local craft ales that stir curiosity—so why not start with their inviting small plate special? The beetroot hummus, a highlight in this colorful trio, pairs well with the halloumi fries and gently crisped squid rings. On another visit, I found myself raving about the five-plate mix for £25, particularly enchanted by the tender pork belly and deftly crafted dips. The garden remains a haven, offering a panoramic canvas of London, best enjoyed at sundown.

Yet, diving deeper into the menu can lead to variable experiences where minor blots unveil. Finding cohesiveness in service might be a quest as certain details let slip. A mismatch between ordered lager and delivered IPA was met with an uninspired shrug, leaving me ponderous of the never-ending interface between enthusiasm and apathy behind a bar counter. Delays at table service, underscored by a surprisingly tepid bottle of white on a blazing summer’s day, underscore the need for refinement. Menu items depict culinary adventures more effervescent than the underwhelming reality, quite like the soggy Cesar that swam unabashedly in its dressing, its imperfections accentuated by visually striking sports screens above. And yet, while these unearthed quirks flirt dangerously with dismay, regulars embrace the warmth of amiable giggles over Aspalls on tap, reaffirming a notion that amongst the complex layers of a dining journey, it thrives primarily in its social essence and welcoming hearth. — Clarissa Cuisinier