The best pubs in King's Cross, from the Queen's Head to the Scottish Stores

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Harry Fletcher17 June 2019

Long gone are the days when King's Cross was just a stopping-off point, a mere terminal for getting in and out of the city.

The area has thrived over recent years, with dozens of great bars and restaurants popping up close-by the station, and some huge investment in the area too – not least Coal Drops Yard. There have long been plenty of pubs to drink in, too.

Whether you’re after somewhere easy to grab a quick pint before catching a train, or somewhere to linger a little longer, there are more options than you might think in the surrounding streets.

These are our picks of the best pubs in the area.

The Star of Kings

The Star Of Kings does just about everything: here you’ll find top-notch Sunday roasts, pub quizzes, comedy and karaoke. It’s run by the team behind the Leyton Star and the Star of Bethnal Green — both among the most likeable pubs in their respective areas. The Star is also decked out with a Funktion One soundsystem, hosting regular DJ nights, so it's always popular come Friday and Saturday evenings. A straightforward boozer? Not by any means.

126 York Way, Kings Cross, N1 0AX, starofkings.co.uk

The Parcel Yard

Step past the Harry Potter fans queueing up by Platform ¾ in the station and press on up the stairs to the Parcel Yard. This Fuller’s pub is about as convenient as it gets for travellers, but it’s good enough to attract regular punters too. It might be a little pricey, but the pub has used its space to full effect, with an airy seating area flanked by plenty of comfy alcoves for weary travellers to find refuge in. Make sure to check out our guide to the best pubs near London train stations, which the Parcel Yard features in, too.

Kings Cross Station, N1C 4AH, parcelyard.co.uk

The Barrel Vault

JD Wetherspoon

It goes without saying that this, the newest Spoons in the capital, is among the most affordable option in the area, with the kind of prices you’d expect. It's light and spacious, with a solid selection of beers and spirits behind the bar. In truth, this place does exactly what it says on the tin — serve thirsty travellers without fuss or fanfare. You can't say fairer than that.

Unit 23, St Pancras International Station, N1C 4QP, jdwetherspoon.com

The Norfolk Arms

Ewan Munro/Creative Commons

If you’re after an old-fashioned boozer, look elsewhere — this smart gastropub on the corner of Sandwich Street and Leigh Street is one of the most upmarket choices in the area. The Norfolk Arms has a great tapas and prides itself on its wine selection. The pub also does a good line in sharing plates and a la carte menu options, all served in sleek surroundings.

28 Leigh St, Saint Pancras, WC1H 9EP

The Scottish Stores

This plush pub has come a long way in a short space of time. It was a strip club called the Flying Scotsman until a few years ago, but relaunched after an extensive refurbishment in 2015. With its smart wood panelling and comfortable surroundings, you’d think it had been here for decades. The emphasis is placed firmly on quality craft ale, with 10 cask options on rotation and knowledgeable staff behind the bar. There’s also a nice terrace, well worth checking out around the back on summer evenings.

2-4 Caledonian Road, N1 9DU, thescottishstores.co.uk

The Lighterman

Take a relaxed walk up to Granary Square, and you’ll find the Lighterman — a pub-cum-wine-bar next to breakfast hotspot Caravan. Part of the development that has smartened up the area around the station dramatically in the past decade, the angular building is an architectural feat in itself. The sleekest of exteriors gives way to a welcoming bar, with a good beer and wine selection and sophisticated seasonal dishes on offer from the kitchen. Sitting on the Lighterman’s canalside terrace on a summer's day, with a glass of something cold and the warmth of the sun on your face, is pretty hard to beat.

3 Granary Square, Kings Cross, N1C 4BH, thelighterman.co.uk

The Queen’s Head

It’s a 10 minute walk from the station, but this quirky little boozer on Acton Street is well worth making the trip for. Inside you’ll find a shabby chic delight, with mismatched furniture and curiosities on the walls. Behind the bar, there’s a rotating selection of well maintained craft ales and an impressive array of whiskies and spirits. Ask behind the bar for a board game and while away a few hours.

66 Acton St, WC1X 9NB, queensheadlondon.com

The Fellow

Like all Geronimo pubs, The Fellow is blessed with smart interiors, and a decent wine list and spirit selection. It was given a spruce up a little while back, and now the place has a Scandi-inspired retro look, with plenty of wood and leather. The result is a well turned out corner boozer with lots of space. The lovely little roof terrace is aways a good option on warmer days, too.

24 York Way, N1 9AA, thefellow.co.uk

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