Lincoln Arms, Kings Cross, N1

Like many of the pubs that I used to frequent when I worked in the area, the Lincoln barely resembles any of my old memories of the place. The old Lincoln Arms name may still be depicted in the ironwork over the old entrance but the Lounge for Arms replacement in the name pretty much sums up what has happened to this and a large percentage of the traditional pubs in Kings Cross. The old basic boozer that I remember now has the oh so familiar sofa and coffee table wine bar type setting that is beginning to overtake the pub world. That said, this is one of the more endearing efforts and whilst I wouldn't come here by choice, I wouldn't necessarily steer away from it either. The interior is fairly small and has a certain quirky randomness about it. The rear courtyard with its large pub mural has been integrated into the pub so it is a bit larger than it once was and there are still remnants of the original features although for the most part they appear to be obscured by tables and bookcases. Candles are a big thing; big ones, small ones, long ones, wax encrusted bottled ones, enough to keep Swan Vesta in business for years. Not really much on the beer front. Upmarket lagers and just 1 ale - Bombardier on both hand pumps although more reasonably priced than some of its more upmarket neigbours. Most of the Kings Cross pubs that I knew has now disappeared beyond recognition but, despite the changes, this is one that I would revisit, albeit at a push.