The Boot is a traditional venue, with the seductive lure of a pool table to top up its basic attraction.

The Venue
Located on a quiet street in between Russell Square and Kings Cross St Pancras, The Boot's beige tiled façade doesn’t stand out, leaving the picnic benches and umbrellas to pull in the punters. Once inside, the pub’s appeal is quickly evident from the displayed array of tatter and trophies and there are bits and pieces nailed all over the back wall. A quick glance around shows you a large expanse for standing drinkers and some tables and chairs for reclining.

After the initial scan of the room, your eyes are lured to that back wall, where the magic happens! Far more comfortable-looking seats sit in front of the tangerine slats of wooden paneling on the wall and all around them are dozens and dozens of badges, ribbons and medals: a shrine to sporting success. Beneath this area is a large pool table, framed by a flat screen TV that shows a looping news channel. The bar itself stretches at length between the walls, helped by a strange old sandwich bar next to it, complete with old fashioned sneeze guard. All in all, the look is quaint and old fashioned.

The Atmosphere
Akin to plenty of other similar pubs, The Boot doesn’t add much to the basic offering of its true duty - to serve alcoholic beverages. Whether it’s day or night, everything follows the same pattern and little here seems to change. The TV accompanies you as you eat or drink and there's a little music that occasionally takes over. There's little to steal the imagination really, the old crowd are a local bunch and the pool table makes for some excitement but it doesn't justify a trip out of your way.

The Food
The bar menu is surprisingly large for such a venue, with all types of pub grub on offer. Low priced dishes of sausage, chips and beans, pies and burgers are all around £4.50, while the mixed grill and rump steak is £8.00. It's hearty if not original.

The Drink
Both Caffreys (£2.90 a pint) and Guinness nod to an Irish connection and as for the lagers, they match the simplicity of the place. Fosters, Stella (£3.20 a pint) and Carling (£2.95 a pint) are on tap along with John Smiths (£2.80 a pint). Prices are very reasonable for the area.

The Last Word
The Boot is a no-frills pub with the attraction of a pool table but if you're looking for more than average you'll want to venture elsewhere.

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