Duke of York

Our rating 

StarStarStarNo StarNo Star

User rating 

StarStarStarNo StarNo Star

 1 review

Venue Image
Platform 8, King's Cross Station,
Kings Cross,
N1 9AP

0872 148 3921
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.

The ViewLondon Review

StarStarStarNo StarNo Star
Review byRory Blyth30/08/2007
Tucked between M&S and a busy Kings Cross platform, Duke of York is windowless, dark and almost nobody’s destination of choice, but like the sign for platform 9 ¾ just around the corner, it has a quirky, bustling charm all of its own.

The Venue
Duke of York stretches along Platform 8 of Kings Cross station, exuding a dull, orange glow from its open front. Inside, the bar stretches along one half of an old, slightly dingy pub. This is a resolutely old fashioned bar and carries all the hallmarks of a disappearing age in station drinking. There are inexplicable nooks, crannies and pillars that disrupt what should just essentially be a rectangle, and the wooden boarding and seats are uncomfortable. It’s more likely that you’ll be forced to stand, because the pub is always busy, with drinkers spilling on to the platform most match days and rush hours.

The Atmosphere
Duke of York still feels smoky long after the ban. The lack of light, grimy feel and archaic corners and pillars lend it the feel of a 1930s thriller and the less said about the toilets, the better. But this combines with friendly staff, good food and a varied clientele, to encourage a charm beyond what initially seems an underlit watering hole of weary travellers and crumpled businessmen. A station bar never makes you want to settle down to an evening’s drinking, but good security keep newspaper sellers and other bothersome sorts at a distance. Outside their busiest hours, there is rarely any trouble and the busy banter gently bubbling along in the background is almost pleasant. Altogether, the Duke of York offers a curious nook in a bustling station and an ever-changing array of punters to watch, over an ironic pint.

The Drink
A few varied ales and a few good wines that you wouldn’t expect in a ‘lager and crisps pub’ like this. Ask behind the bar to see what they have in, as the barrels and bottles on offer can change fairly frequently. The prices are rather standard for the City, which means steep for out of town travellers.

The Last Word
Duke of York is an institution that feels as old and British as the House of Lords. It’s busy, grubby, dark and quite uncomfortable, but if you can take it, there might be no better place for a quick pint to start your night and finish your day.

Duke of York has been reviewed by 1 users

Most Read Today

image
01 Queens Jubilee Bank Holiday Events

Celebrate Her Majesty's 60 year reign with a four ...

image
02 Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant

See over a thousand boats sail the Thames to celeb...

image
03 Queens Diamond Jubilee London

Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 as the capit...

image
04 Free Summer Festivals in London

Don't be put off by little things like money, part...

image
05 Queens Jubilee Thames Flotilla

Cheer on the Queen as she leads a thousand boats a...

Content updated: 29/05/2012 01:38
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Guest Blog

BarChick's Best Bars for Bourbon

It's not just cocktail bars that have a taste for bourbon - Pitt Cue and Meat Market make it into BarChick's most rated list.

Pub & Bar Hire

Planning a party?

Find your perfect pub or bar here to get everyone together for a great time.

.

Top Venue Hire

  1. Flute Bar and Lounge
    ****-
    Soho
  2. Los Locos
    ***--
    Covent Garden
  3. Angelus
    *****
    Paddington
  4. Zander Bar
    ***--
    Westminster
  5. Henry J Beans
    ****-
    Wimbledon

This Week Try With A View® Card

Adventure Bar

2-4-1 cocktails all day Sunday to Thursday with View® Card.

Latest Pubs & Bars User Reviews

  • Adventure Bar
    My partner and I came here on sunday for cocktails with our livin...
    StarStarStarStarNo Star
    carl1704 on 28/05/2012 @ 23:31
  • Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green
    Just came to paradise for a drink while I waited for someone and ...
    StarStarNo StarNo StarNo Star
    Jong90 on 28/05/2012 @ 23:23
  • Hemingways
    Lovely little bar in Wimbledon Village. Not too far from the stat...
    StarStarStarStarNo Star
    stephaniejain on 28/05/2012 @ 22:50
  • Danson Stables
    I felt I had to write a review on this 'restaurant'. We experien...
    StarNo StarNo StarNo StarNo Star
    Clowee on 28/05/2012 @ 21:46
  • Anchor Bankside
    Dreadful place. It looks good but it's just tourist trap rubbish...
    StarNo StarNo StarNo StarNo Star
    carolinewestbury on 28/05/2012 @ 15:19