The best pubs in King's Cross

This compact Victorian hole-in-the-wall pub with real-ale pumps and an astutely chosen handful of craft beers on draught is brought to you by the Mother Kelly’s team. With that knowledge, it’s hardly a surprise that the bottled beer selection is just as impressive. It’s usually cosy and blissfully music-free, apart from the odd hipster-trad jazz session around the old piano. 

Hidden from the outside world, this homely pub provides rare ales, many whiskies, a roaring fire and the day’s papers to the dedicated regulars who frequent it. In fact, if you had to describe what a pub was to someone from Pluto, this would do the job. We also approve of their strict 'no wankers' policy. 

Tucked up by the canal in King's Cross, this pub belongs to the Star family who also run the Star of Bethnal Green, the Star by Hackney Downs, and the Leyton Star. On any given night you can find music, comedy and a pub quiz here in either their back room on the ground floor or basement. In the kitchen you'll find Breddos Tacos cooking up excellent Mexican munch. 

There are two things on the agenda at Two Tribes: brews and tunes. An industrial-looking space (it’s as metallic as the inside of a spaceship), the brewery has a canny partnership with Island Records and a pretty good soundsystem, too. That silvery look extends to big brewing tanks sectioned off at the back, where Two Tribes creates its tasty range. The bar is designed for vertical imbibing, and much of this is done in a courtyard out front – also home to a mobile pizza oven, whipping up decent Neapolitan pies.

With an unashamedly retro feel running through the decor (wooden floor, plump Chesterfield sofas and mismatched chairs, swagged red curtains) and the bar, which boasts a selection of over 40 whiskies and numerous US bottled specialty beers, The Lexington is good place to both hear live music of an alternative variety (upstairs) and hang out (street level) until very late. 

This gastropub is a well-kept spot for a drink with a few decorative nods made to horse-racing (but not enough to leave you with a nagging feeling). Although a grazing menu may tempt you in, it’s the pub’s outdoor (and covered) terrace that will convince you to stay for another round.

This small but handsome wood-panelled pub specialises in interesting beers and tap takeovers from breweries around the world. There are around decent draught options and a good few more in the fridge. There’s also a fairly secretive roof terrace. If you arrived fresh off the train, you’d never guess this building was a grotty strip club up until not that long ago. 

Situated in a three-floor building in the redeveloped plaza behind King’s Cross station, The Lighterman has that feeling of being fresh out of the box. It’s doing the gastropub thing to a fault, but swish surroundings and attentive staff, plus a terrace overlooking the fountains of Granary Square make it worth a visit. 

A short walk from Kings Cross/St Pancras, this simply furnished corner pub of stripped wood and tables occupied by after-work regulars enjoys considerable local status for being a smart but unpretentious spot for a decent pint and a natter. Expect a good range of real ale, live music a couple of times each week and decent gastropub fare – including a well-regarded Sunday roast. And if you really can't bring yourself to leave? There are rooms upstairs, too.