Steamy Darwin is an unlikely place for a Brit-themed bar, but this pub pulls it off, combining olde worlde decor and hearty food with cold beer and crab races.
Despite the seeming incongruence of ye olde Brit-style pub set in the middle of sweaty, steaming Darwin, the Fox 'n' Fiddle successfully pulls it off.
This place features all the trademark British pub accessories, from the tile-fronted bar to the sound-muffling patterned carpet and the dark and cosy shades. Leather banquettes and a mounted deer's head add a hunting lodge touch. Only the subtle sheen of newness (and of course the sultry heat outside) counter the olde worlde tavern feel.
The drinks have a slight UK bent, although any jokes about the temperature of the beer are completely unsubstantiated. There are 15 beers on tap, from homegrown brews to Irish ales and cider. The kitchen offers plenty of stomach-lining pub grub, leaning towards British favourites such as bangers and mash or a beef and Guinness pie.
However, when it comes to the entertainment all British aspirations are thrown out the window in favour of eclectic Darwin-style fun. During the dry season hermit crab races are held nightly, where a few lucky contestants can pick a particular crustacean and pit it against its fellows for prizes. Monday nights feature trivia and Wednesdays are dedicated to wannabe musos who take to the stage for karaoke. Meanwhile, almost every other night of the week offers live music, predominantly played by cover bands.
Lily Worthington
