Central Station, Kings Cross, N1

Situated in a King’s Cross backwater in what once constituted the area’s Jundland Wastes – not to be trodden lightly, but now an increasingly gentrified area. This Victorian pub was once – appropriately enough – called the Prince Albert and in its current 23-year guise, is a noted LGBT venue. Very plain inside with a free pool table. Not large either, there’s a staircase that leads up to a restaurant and roof terrace. A [wo]man on stage was doing a cabaret drag act to a small appreciative crowd, most of whom seemed to know one another. A friendly barman, I didn’t spot any ale as the bar was quite blocked, but apparently there’s Caledonian’s Deuchars IPA so I didn’t miss much, taking a half of fizz. I suppose this pub offers something different, especially if you visit the basement’s fetish club. Not explored.

Official site of Central Stations - www.centralstation.co.uk

Official site of Central Stations - www.centralstation.co.uk

I was the only customer during my fleeting visit to Central Station, which wasn’t really surprising for a Monday afternoon. The young lady working the jump was very friendly and was gone to change a barrel just long enough for me to have a proper nose around. To the right of the entrance in front of the front window is some seating on a stage. From advertisements on one of those annoying ad screens I gleaned that the stage is probably the setting for various events such as karaoke, DJ and cabaret nights. Basic, easy to move furniture is found around the bar area and at the rear is a pool table. Some background music was playing and other than the ad screen there were no other TV screens. A flight of stairs lead up to a function room with its own bar and a roof terrace. These are both available for hire. This pub opens daily at noon and has extended closing times. Supported at the bar was a lone hand pump that was drawing Deuchars and a standard keg range was also available along with Greene King IPA and Theakston Peculiar. Drink promotions are available throughout the week. Food is available with a standard burger coming in at £9.50. The generic lager that I received was the first out of the pipe so it was not in the best condition. After a couple of mouthfuls I decided to dive out the door, probably never to return.

Formerly the Prince Albert, this single-bar pub has a raised seating area at the front and a compact pool room to rear. Small, square, wood-effect tables in a light shade. Eclectic decor, mostly Union Jacks and black and white prints of old telephone boxes and trolleybuses. Plenty of LGBT printed material about the place, but not an overtly 'gay pub'. Roof terrace and function room upstairs (not visited). Just one handpump, offering Deuchars IPA (£3.90). Just a quiet corner pub when I called by in the early afternoon, but I imagine things get rather livelier later on.