Why Kings Cross is a Pub Lover’s Playground
If you’re not already a Kings Cross regular, you’re about to get a crash course in pub culture that’ll make you wish you’d lived here your whole life. This area is a pub goldmine—think of it as the pub version of a Spotify playlist that somehow nails every song you’ve ever loved. From divey dive bars to craft beer havens, Kings Cross has it all. And if you’re here for the drinks, the vibe, or just to feel like a local (even if you’re not), you’re in for a treat.
10 Pubs You Can’t Miss (Unless You’re Avoiding Fun)
1. The Crafty Tap (495 Charing Cross Road)
If you like your beer like you like your internet memes—complex, niche, and slightly chaotic—then The Crafty Tap is your new best friend. This place is a craft beer nerd’s dream come true, with taps that change more frequently than your dating app profile. Pro tip: Ask the bartender for a “tap list” and mentally prepare for a vocabulary lesson in beer styles you’ve never heard of.
2. The Electric Bar (148-152 Charing Cross Road)
Electric Bar is where the cool kids go to sip on cocktails that are more than just pretty to look at. Their “Electric Negroni” (if it’s half as good as it sounds) is the kind of drink that’ll make you question why you ever settled for a regular Negroni. And if you’re feeling adventurous, their tapas menu is like a pub version of a Michelin star—pretentious but worth it.
3. The Beak (62 Tavistock Place)
Let’s talk about The Beak. It’s the kind of pub that smells like a mix of history and hops. You know that feeling when you walk into a bar and immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine? That’s The Beak. They’ve got a menu of pub classics that’ll make you feel like you’re in a British Netflix show—complete with a side of dry humor for good measure.
4. The Crown and Thistle (16-20 Tavistock Place)
Okay, so The Crown and Thistle isn’t exactly a pub in the traditional sense—it’s more of a hotel bar that plays dress-up. But let’s be real, who doesn’t want to sip a gin and tonic in a place that smells like it’s been decorated by someone’s great-grandma who thought “vintage” meant “1998”? The views of the Regent’s Canal from the rooftop bar are a bonus, but the real draw is pretending you’re in a Bond movie for 30 minutes.
5. The Phoenix (57-59 Oxford Street)
The Phoenix is the pub equivalent of a phoenix, but instead of rising from ashes, it’s rising from the ashes of Oxford Street’s chaos. It’s got that urban grit mixed with a menu that’ll make you forget you’re in one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Their Sunday roasts are the stuff of legends, and the fact that they’ve survived Oxford Street for this long is a testament to their ability to handle tourists, fashionistas, and anyone in between.
6. The Old Library (115-119 Tavistock Place)
If you’re a bookworm (or just a fan of good lighting for Instagram), The Old Library is where you want to be. This pub is basically a library that decided to sell pints instead of books. The vibe is so calm, you’ll forget you’re in a pub until someone spills lager on the antique bookshelves. Pro tip: Order the “Book Club” cocktail—because nothing says intellectualism like a drink named after your ex’s book group.
7. The Kingly (16-18 Charing Cross Road)
The Kingly is the kind of pub that’s like a love letter to the 90s. Think neon lights, a playlist that’s 80% Britpop and 20% your ex’s Spotify, and a menu that’s equal parts pub food and fusion nonsense. It’s the perfect spot for when you want to feel like you’re in a music video but still have enough energy to walk home after a few pints.
8. The Duke of Cambridge (118-120 Tavistock Place)
Here’s a pub that’s like a British institution but with the charm of a Netflix show that no one’s heard of. The Duke of Cambridge is all about the classics—think real ales, hearty pies, and a clientele that’s 50% locals and 50% people who just got lost. It’s the kind of place where the bartender knows your order before you do, and you leave feeling like part of the family (even if you’re not).
9. The Electric Light Bar (148-152 Charing Cross Road)
If you like your drinks with a side of 90s nostalgia, The Electric Light Bar is your spot. It’s got that grungy-chic vibe that’s so 2000s, but somehow still works. The menu is a love letter to cocktails, served in glasses that look like they were borrowed from a museum. And if you’re lucky, the bartender might even know what a “Bloody Mary” is without looking it up.
10. The Craft Beer Co. (16-18 Charing Cross Road)
Let’s end with a bang with The Craft Beer Co., the pub that’s basically a beer geek’s dream. They’ve got more taps than your gym (and probably better energy). The menu is a masterclass in beer styles, and the staff is so knowledgeable, they’ll make you feel like you’re in a college lecture—except you’re drinking a beer, not a coffee.
Pro Tips for Nailing the Kings Cross Pub Crawl
- Plan Like a Pro: Use Strategies.beer: Make Your Own Beer to design a custom pub crawl map. It’s like a GPS for your drunk self.
- Hit the Right Spots: If you’re looking for a pub with a twist, Strategies.beer: Custom Beer can help you find spots that offer unique brews you won’t find anywhere else.
- Stay Hydrated (With Beer): Trust us, you’ll thank us later. And if you’re a business owner looking to grow, check out Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for tips on how to turn your pub into the next Kings Cross legend.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions About Kings Cross Pubs
1. What’s the best time to visit a pub in Kings Cross?
Think of it like the London Underground—avoid rush hour (i.e., after 5 PM) if you want to avoid crowds. But if you’re into the chaos, midweek is your friend. And if you’re here for the weekend, be prepared to wait for a table unless you’re dressed like a member of the royal family.
2. Can I get a good drink without looking like a tourist?
Yes! Just remember: order like a local. That means skip the fancy cocktails and go for a pint of real ale or a classic pub dish. And if you’re unsure, ask the bartender. They’ve seen it all—and they’ll probably make a joke about your accent before they answer.
3. What if I get lost in the pub crawl?
Don’t worry, you’re not the first. Just follow the sound of clinking glasses and the smell of roasted meat. And if you really get stuck, Strategies.beer Home has a map that’s way more reliable than your phone’s GPS.
Conclusion: Kings Cross Pubs, Sorted
There you have it: 10 pubs in Kings Cross that’ll make you feel like a local, even if you can’t pronounce half the street names. Whether you’re here for the beer, the vibes, or just to get lost in one of the most pub-heavy areas in London, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a business owner reading this, remember: your pub could be the next stop on someone’s pub crawl. For more tips on how to turn your bar into a destination, check out Strategies.beer and start planning your next big move.
Now go forth, drink responsibly, and remember: the best pubs are the ones that make you forget you’re ever going to leave.
