Lincoln Arms, Kings Cross, N1

There were two ales on in here - GK IPA and Bombardier (£3.80 for two halves). I didn't see any sign of food on Thursday afternoon. Apparently this is the oldest building along this stretch of York Way, and I can believe that as this looks like a backstreet (i.e. cheaper to build) Victorian pub. The ironwork at the front still bears the pub's original name of the Lincoln Arms. It's a shame they haven't gone the whole hog and restored its name to the original, as it's not really a lounge any more - at least any more than any pub is just a lounge. The DJ music system is still there, and the ukulele cabaret is still advertised, which is unusual as far as pub live music is concerned to say the least. The mural and old map of the world are still there. Being a quiet afternoon we were able to chat to the guv'nor about how the pub has changed over the years (bringing the area at the back where the mural's sited into the pub; changing an area including the inside stairs into inside toilets) which usually adds value to a visit. To be honest you wouldn't visit this pub just for the ale choice, but it's just about different enough to warrant a quick visit.

The Lincoln Lounge is a thin bar with a bar counter along the right hand wall that faces some sofa seating that sits under a huge world map that has been on the left wall for a number of years. At the rear is a graffiti art decorated seating area that houses low tables and stools. During my visit on a recent Monday afternoon there was some background music playing. I didn’t spot a television, but World Cup Rugby deals were advertised so there must be a screen somewhere. I noted a couple of hosted events which were a DJ every Friday and ukulele cabaret every second Tuesday of the month. Free wifi is available through the Lincoln’s own account. The bar is stocked with premium keg products and the two hand pumps were drawing Bombardier, and Greene King IPA. Bar snacks such as sausage rolls, scotch eggs and pies were available for £4 or £6 with an accompanying Ploughman’s. I found the service here to be friendly enough, but this lived in bar isn’t a place that I will be actively searching out in the future.