The Doric Arch, NW1

This pub was built near to the site of the Builders Arms, a 19th century hostelry that was demolished around 1963 to make way for the redevelopment of Euston Station. As part of the surrounding Richard Seifert-designed complex, this trading unit was probably opened in whatever form on 14th October 1968, formerly the Head of Steam, the current name dating from 2006, taken from a great big – and to some much missed – ugly lump of an edifice about 200 yards to the north, demolished to make way for the current, equally ugly structure, the website describing this place as being a ‘historic pub’. My dimpled buns it is. As mentioned, the meat of the operation operates on the first floor: it’s a fake ‘ye olde’ affair, looking like a Victorian-style hotel bar, with only about four customers at the time of my Saturday 9.45pm visit, having come from the comparative party atmosphere of the Euston Tap next door: ‘Sorry. We’re closed’ grovelled the barman. As I was to find out, the neighbouring drinkeries didn’t suffer this problem: Captain Flinders, Euston Tap, Parcel Yard and especially the Barrel Vault, where getting a seat was a challenge, even when I left at 11.30pm, revelry continuing ‘til 1.00am. On the ale front, there were the usual Fuller’s offerings, then Hophead and something from Siren. Hemmed in by a near impenetrable steel palisade fence and overlooking a bus depot, by station bar standards this is a bit of a pathetic place and not without superior competition.

It's been over 10 years since I've been in the Doric Arch. The pub sits adjacent to the bus station just outside Euston station itself. The bar itself is on the first floor, with only the toilets and the entrance at ground level. Little appears to have changed in that time. There is still plenty of railway memorabilia on the walls, customers are still very transient (although seemingly fewer in number than I remember) and the toilets still require a keycode. Fuller's beers still dominate, with Fuller's London Pride, ESB & Oliver's Island & Dark Star Hophead being permanent fixtures, Guests were Oakham Citra, Rudgate York Chocolate Stout & Wild Beer Millionaire. The cider was Norcott's Rhubarb Cider. A 15% CAMRA discount is offered. Still one of the better pubs near Euston station.

Very much as described below, I found this shrine to our railway past somewhat studious on my Sunday afternoon visit. After the infernal amplified music, both inside and out at the Euston Tap, I was able to enjoy my pint of Box Steam Soul Train in peace. A good line up of Fuller's beers was complemented by Titanic Plum Porter.A 15% CAMRA discount is available, though I didn't realise this until after my purchase.Yes, a decent place to await one's train.