King's Cross has a fair bit going for it, thanks to a multi-million injection in to local luxury shopping destination Coal Drops Yard, that gorgeous canal-front and of course, a whopper of a train station.
But don't let all the activity fool you, it's also a great place to wind things down in a pint-friendly setting, from relaxed boozers overlooking the canal to lively locations serving craft beer. So if you're looking for the very best pubs King's Cross has to offer? Our helpful guide has got you covered.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Situated on Euston Road, Rocket is a top choice for anyone after cheap pubs in King's Cross. Boasting deals like a meal and a drink for just £9.25 on weekday lunchtimes or pizza and bottomless drinks for £30, you can count on these guys for an absolute bargain.
There are eight HD TV screens that are ideal for watching all the biggest sporting events on, alongside a cracking sound system. Plus, they host weeky live music performances and DJs on the weekends if you fancy a boogie.
The Racketeer might disguise itself as a pub, but it is so much more than that. Hidden away behind a number of King's Cross streets, you might be forgiven for thinking this was any old boozer, because you'd be wrong. A red-wine and cocktail destination with a romantic edge, it's the vintage interiors and candlelit glow that give The Racketeer its 5-star reputation.
Having been around since 1840, this Victorian gothic-style space is a great choice of old pubs near King's Cross station. Formerly known as The Carpenters Arms, its current name is taken from 19th century pickpockets who would get away with it by causing a racket in the street. It's not all historical here though, as the drinks have a modern twist - thanks to ingredients like pineapple and strawberry-infused rum or smoked honey making their way onto the cocktail menu.
When station pubs have a bad rap? They look to Parcel Yard for advice on doing better. Set right in the heart of King's Cross station, this two-storey destination has all the Fuller's traits you're looking for: great pints, ale, and of course, British cuisine you can count on.
And when you're not heading in for a Sunday roast or a hearty beef burger? Admire the industrial interiors that feature some cool original station components, from vintage signs and posters to luggage racks.
For a good old night out, you'll want to head to The Star of Kings. From cool karaoke rooms to a cracking Funktion-One sound system, this is a great spot to have a little boogie. As for drinks? Expect a top-notch bar serving pints galore.
Boasting both a roaring fore for the winter and an outdoor terrace for when the sun's shining, there's something for everyone at this lively boozer. Feeling peckish? They also serve delicious Mexican fare thanks to kitchen residents Breddos Tacos - think loaded nachos, spicy fried chicken burgers and tacos filled with smoked pork shoulder or braised mushrooms.
From live sports showings to wallet-friendly drinks, O'Neill's King's Cross is an ideal spot any day of the week. Head inside, where you'll be met with low-hanging lights and wooden features, alongside plenty of non-stop live music come Friday or Saturday night.
From breakfast right through to dinner, they're experts in the food department as well. Chow down on Southern-fried chicken burgers, stone-baked pepperoni pizzas and mac 'n' cheese, or take advantage of their three small plates for £17.25 offer.
Two Tribes Brewery & Campfire Taproom has made quite a name for itself as one of King's Cross' best boozers. Boasting a fabulous indoor space and terrace, mouthwatering fire-cooked food and live music events, this crackin' watering hole has it all.
Just a stone's throw from King's Cross and St Pancras train stations, The Fellow is a gem worth visiting. Whether you're popping in for a succulent roast dinner complete with rosemary roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings or catching the rugby with a pint in hand, this venue is bound to impress.
There are three floors of fun to discover here, from a relaxed boozer downstairs to the first floor cocktail bar and a private dining room upstairs - and there's even a heated rooftop terrace that promises alfresco sips all year round.
Think you can't move for great Fuller's boozers in this area? You'd be right. Another fan favourite, Doric Arch continue to be a local staple for both the after-work and weekend crowd that know where to get a great pint. Don't miss out on their food menu either, which features the likes of chorizo and wensleydale pies, buffalo mozzarella and pesto toasties or roasted tomato soup.
Benefitting from its location at the front of Euston station, it's a great tourist stop off too, with Harry Potter World waving its magic nearby, alongside some magic of its own with interiors littered in railway memorabilia. And if you're after King's Cross pubs to watch football in? Their multiple screens have got you covered for that.
Fronting tasty small plates, cosy interiors and stunning Sunday roasts that'll keep you full for hours, The Somers Town Coffee House is a great choice of gastro pubs in King's Cross for many reasons. On top of that, there are also themed spaces decked out with rugged wooden tables or comfy armchairs.
They serve an all-day menu that includes breakfast, and if you visit between 5 and 7pm on weekdays then you can nab £2 oysters alongside two-for £12 cocktails. There's a real focus on sustainability here too, as their seafood is caught along British shores and they use as many local ingredients as possible.
Found on the first floor of St Pancras station, The Betjeman arms is a colourful venue that's filled with bookshelves, quirky ornaments and cosy leather booths to enjoy a pint or two in. The bar offers up a great selection of craft beers, real ales and fine wines from all over the world, whether you're drinking among the hustle and bustle of the station or on their spacious outdoor terrace.
The kitchen is slinging out all kinds of hearty British favourites, perfect for a meal before hopping on the Eurostar. Tuck into maple-baked Somerset camembert with toasted sourdough, Cumberland sausages and mash or a pan-roasted Gressingham duck breast, and don't forget their sumptuous Sunday roasts.
Situated on Northdown Street, close to King's Cross station, the King Charles I is a traditional, LGBTQ+-friendly boozer that's popular with students and locals alike - listed as an Asset of Community Value in 2021. The intimate venue boasts a roaring fireplace and dark wooden decor, with unique ornaments dotted all over the walls.
They specialise in rare ales and whiskies, and you're welcome to order food from local businesses while you're here. Expect brilliant quiz nights and a regular lineup of live music, from independent bands and artists to DJ sets. Plus, you can even bring your dog along.
For fans of craft beer, there's nowhere better to be than The Euston Tap. This intimate boozer has been around since 2010, promising a great evening out in a cosy space - from the barstools downstairs to the comfy sofas upstairs on the mezzanine level.
They offer a whopping 47 different lines of draught beer and cider from all over the world, 31 of which are kegged and the rest change on a regular basis.
A cosy boozer on Acton Street, the Queen's Head is a Victorian pub with a modern twist to it. They host a weekly lineup of live music, as well as other fun goings-on like open mic nights, quizzes and singalongs around the piano.
Their collection of ale, lager, stout, porter and cider is enviable, with a rotating selection of guest brews to enjoy. Pair these with handmade pork pies or meat and cheese boards, sourced from independent suppliers.
An award-winning pub between Angel and King's Cross, The Lexington offers something for everyone. Downstairs, you'll find a chilled lounge bar that serves delicious pizzas, cocktails and craft beer, but if you head upstairs then you'll find some of the UK's best DJs, live bands and musicians playing.
They host regular club nights that cost as little as £8 to enter, as well as quiz nights and a weekly selection of musical performances. They've even had big names like Charli XCX and Wolf Alice play there in the past, so you never know who you might see.
Nestled right on the waterfront in Granary Square, The Lighterman is an all-day drinking and dining destination that promises stunning views from all three of its floors. Take a seat by the window and watch the world go by, or relax on their sun-soaked outdoor terrace on a summer's day.
There's a great choice of craft beer, wine and carefully curated cocktails available. And if you're hungry, tuck into everything from chicken schnitzel to line-caught yellowfin tuna or wild mushroom risotto.
