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Bloomsbury

By Ghostlight

THE OLD FOX TAVERN
   In an out-of-the-way corner of Bloomsbury is the modest Victorian façade of the Old Fox Tavern, marked by a shingle featuring a running fox. It is likely a pub stood here since the mid-1700’s, but the place was renovated in 1895 and has changed little since.  The latest owners bought it in 1989.
   The pub is small compared with more popular establishments. The wood panels are dark with age and smoke; the tables have chips and cracks.  Along the walls are decades-old signs advertising drinks at ridiculous prices, as well banners of football teams.  A handful of old photos line the walls, depicting the owners and regulars of bygone days in sepia and faded colors. A TV sits on the edge of the bar, usually tuned to some match or another.  A fire crackles in season. The bar stocks a fair variety of beers and real ales in addition to liquours fine and foul.  Pub grub is also available – nothing fancy, but filling and satisfying.
   It is a comfortable pub. The regular clientele are all locals, aged 20 to 70; the Old Fox never makes the tourist lists, which is just the way the regulars like it.
  The owner, "Old Bill" Marley, is a stout, slightly paunchy man in his mid 50s.  His black hair is thinning, but his eyes are keen.  There are many rumours about his past, usually involving a youth of crime and violence.  The rumours are fuelled by occasional offhand comments about capers and the people he knew.  He and his wife (Mary, the cook) live above the pub.  Also working in the pub is Roger "Rugger" Watkins, a stout man in is mid 40s who was a famous rugby player until he popped his knee.  He bartends when Old Bill is off or in the office, and serves as bouncer on the rare occasions one is necessary. The final fixture of the place is Dodger, the Jack Russell terrier that spends its days watching the world from his bed on the window sill, or dozing by the fire.
Q & C BOOKS
  Opened in 1971 by Nigel Blackburn, Q&C Books sells mostly second-hand and out of print books; it carries books on most any subject, but esoteric and occult titles are the specialty.  It is currently run by Nigel’s daughter, Janet.  The plaster walls are lined with mismatched antique bookcases, and comfortable chairs and sofas are scattered across the hardwood floor.  The proprietor serves tea and biscuits to the browsers; it’s a homey atmosphere that suits an afternoon’s browse.  In addition to books, various other tools and magical oddities can be found here, from tarot decks, incense and crystals to vials of vampire dust and even stranger things (the more esoteric are available by request only, of course).  Besides Janet, the store is occupied by her assistant Margo Chapman and Tabatha the cat.
Open Mon-Sat. 9.30-18.00
THE OPEN GRAVE
   A demon bar on a quiet side street in the East End.  The only sign is a simple headstone in the wall (used as building material).  The entrance is actually a stairway at street level, descending to the basement doorway (during the day, the stair is covered by a slab to appear as part of the pavement. 
    A powerful spell is cast over the establishment: anyone who attacks – by blow, throw, shot or spell – another patron will suffer the full damage instead of the target. However, there is a large room adjoining the bar where violence is permitted; grievances, hard feelings and boisterous moods are carried out there on a regular basis.
Hours: Monday-Saturday: Dusk-Dawn; closed Sunday.