Bars & Pubs

By Ben McFarland

This new opening here puts forward a compelling case for the continued gentrification of the notoriously 'edgy' area located round the back of King’s Cross station.

Spread over five floors and with décor alternating from urban to intricate, this soaring yet svelte Swiss army knife of a venue flits between a gastro-tastic pub-style restaurant, small roof terrace, a members’ bar resembling the Dragons’ Den set, a la-di-da lounge and a dining room that, later on, transforms – Bugsy Malone-style – into a dancefloor with decks.

While most pubs in London position their gardens on the ground or possibly on the roof, The Driver has given a green-fingered salute to convention by planting one vertically on the outside wall. This garden features more than 200 different species of plants and puts your average hanging basket to shame. Must be a nightmare to mow though.

The wine list is filled with familiar names, and there's a load of lagers but, in a poor show for a pub, there’s just the one real ale (Landlord). The grub is your standard smart pub food – steak and chips, burgers, seared scallops. Nothing too fancy, and all served with frightening briskness and efficiency by the European waitress.

For the best seats, head to the roof – if the wooden elephant is taken, the beanbags may appeal.

Time Out London July 2009