Shadingfield Fox
Local licensing authority for Shadingfield is East Suffolk
CAMRA North-East Suffolk branch.
last updated Jul 29th, 2025.
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Shadingfield Fox
East, 52.40931,1.5787
Currently closed - may reopen?
closed due to ill health.
London Rd, NR34 8DD
grid reference TM 434 850
The pub is shown on this old OS map from about 1903 (interactive map)
Now back under management of owner and reopened 16th April 2025. Three of the Six hand pumps are in use with scope for more at busy times. Situated in a tiny village on the edge of Sotterley Park, this inn dates back to the 16th Century. The original arched doors and carved fox heads have been retained. The interior comprises a bar with comfortable seating leading to a conservatory and a separate restaurant area. Outside, a patio and small garden are popular in summer months. Border Bus 522 now goes through Shadingfield, but Mon-Fri only.
Generally referred to as being in Shadingfield (and indeed the signage says "Shadingfield Fox"), the Fox is actually just inside Willingham St Mary. Past boundary changes may have caused this confusion.
Facilities
Beer garden or other outside drinking area
Bus stop nearby (see transport links for details)
Evening meals: Wed-Sat
Family friendly
Lunchtime meals (not just snacks): Wed-Sun
Parking
Pub sells beer from local brewers
Quiet pub - no electronic games, piped music or jukebox
Restaurant or separate dining area
Separate bar
Smoking area: on rear patio
Railway station about 3.6 miles away (see transport links for details)
Gallery
Ringsfield Tavern 1.99 miles
Racehorse Inn 2.6 miles
Butchers Arms 2.9 miles
Ingate 3.0 miles
Three Horseshoes 3.1 miles
Swan 4.0 milesHistorical interest
Owner/operator: free
Two bars and separate pool and dining rooms. Go back 200 years on Thurs nights, when it is lit by just the log fire and candles. No food Wed or Sun eve.
Beers: Adnams Bitter, Old, BroadsideCAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
Auction of the Fox in Willingham Street (Shadingfield), with a general shop, Slaughter house, Stable & loft over, & other outbuildings & Yard, also a garden adjoining the house, lying in Shadingfield, occupied, with Fox Meadow, by Mr Robert JORDAN, at an aggregate rental of £30 - Sold under the Will of the late T.C.SCOTT esq.Ipswich Journal, July 21st 1855***
An inquiry was held at the Willingham Fox, into the death of Harry William West, aged 5, son of the landlady…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(some old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
(*** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
