King’s Cross.
Sounds like he could do with a drink.
And there’s probably no better place than one of the finer pubs encircling north London’s international rail station. And these are the best of the bunch…
On the corner of Caledonia Street and York Way, and literally next door to King’s Cross station is this multipurpose gastropub, which seems to suit any occasion: there’s a pub/restaurant on the ground floor with a food menu that caters for both snacking and midweek dining (think cornflake chicken wings for one or for the table; beef chilli with homemade tortillas; and flat iron steak with chips, rocket & peppercorn sauce, etc.). On the second floor is a cocktail bar, and above that there’s a roof terrace for the warmer months.
Last train dash time: 3 minutes.
Details: 24 York Way N1 9AA | Book here
The Queen’s Head is where the old meets the new. A tiny, traditional Victorian pub meets the modern beer scene. Owned by the same group who own craft cathedral Mother Kelly’s, expect an eclectic selection of brews from the UK and beyond that rotates seasonally. Also featured is a long whiskey selection, complete with flavour notes so that you don’t get any peaty or smoky surprises.
Last train dash time: 7 minutes.
Details: 66 Acton Street, WC1X 9NB | Call 0207 713 8328 for bookings
Part of the impressive Granary Square, The Lighterman is the sleekest and bougiest of King Cross pubs. It’s more ‘gastro’ than ‘pub’. In fact, the three storey, open plan retro dining room is not at all reminiscent of a pub, except for the bar at one end. The focus is on food, and you can expect upmarket British plates such as a 45-day dry-aged Dexter beef burger or yellowfin tuna steak. Panoramic views over Granary Square, and a canal side outdoor area make this the most picturesque choice.
Last train dash time: 5 minutes.
Details: 3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH | Book here
King Charles I is known by the locals as “the craic house”. Tucked away on Northdown Street, this pint-sized Kings Cross pub is cosy and friendly. Taxidermy adorned walls give it an eccentricity, but the wooden panelled bar and smell of booze and crisps refocus its authentic feel. An open fire contributes to the atmosphere (and the temperature in the winter months) and while they don’t have a food menu, the generous staff let you order in from the outside world.
Last train dash time: 6 minutes
Details: 55-57 Northdown Street, N1 9BL | Find out more on their website here
Slightly off the beaten track, The Norfolk Arms entices with cured Jambon legs hanging in the window. With a daily menu of British food (Lyme Bay crab, roasted mackerel, or pan fried goats cheese) and a separate, changing tapas menu there is plenty of variety depending on whether you’re looking for a midweek dinner or a snack, pre journey home. A good wine selection, several beers on tap and Victorian high ceilings keep this place firmly in the pub sector, despite the food heavy influence.
Last train dash time: 6 minutes.
Details: 28 Leigh Street, WC1H 9EP | Book here
Traditional boozer-turned-night-out-destination. This quirky, fun Kings Cross pub has great craft beer, a proper cocktail list, food residencies (currently Yeah Burger), a pub quiz, Rokaoke nights (that’s rock karaoke), comedy nights and to top it all off, there’s a club built into the cellar with various DJ sets.
Last train dash time: 8 minutes.
Details: 126 York Way, N1 0AX | Book here
Weighing in as the biggest pub in Kings Cross (well, that’s made this list), The Driver (named after cattle drovers who used to shepherd cattle down Caledonian Road to Smithfields Market) has a whopping five floors, each of which has been kitted out with its own individual boutique design. On the ground floor is the main pub which serves craft beers and Mediterranean food (grilled chorizo salad, lamb steak with fennel; and courgette and prawn risotto); above that is another, smaller bar, then a saloon, a penthouse and a roof terrace, all of which can be hired for private events.
Last train dash time: 8 minutes.
Details: 2-4 Wharfdale Road, N1 9RY | Book here
If live events are what you want, The Harrison is the spot. As well as the pub and restaurant serving classic pub grub including a burger, a three bean stew and a ribeye, they also have a basement venue that hosts gigs (mainly musical, but sometimes comedy or poetry) three or four times a week. And if you really can’t bear the schlep home – it’s also an independent hotel.
Last train dash: 7 minutes.
Details: 28 Harrison Street, WC1H 8JF | Book here
Looking for somewhere to have dinner in the area? Check out Coal Office…