The Barrel Vault (JD Wetherspoon), N1

I guess that if we had visited at a more sensible time, rather than at around 6.00 PM on a Wednesday evening, it would have seemed a bit more welcoming. But in the rush hour it was heaving; no seats to be had which was a shame as we were looking for a bite to eat; a scrum at the bar; and noisy as hell. Even ignoring all that, it struck me as a characterless drinking barn. At another time it would serve the usual 'spoons purpose, in providing both cheap food and beer. But there was a good selection of ales, with guest ales at £1.39 a pint, and in good condition. I'll probably end up in here again sometime, probably for a late morning brunch before heading off to visit other pubs.

This recently opened Wetherspoons pub partly occupies the part of St Pancras station once given over to the storage of beer barrels brought down on trains from Burton-on-Trent. The pub has a wide, open plan entrance, reminiscent of its airport bars, but once inside, it has much more of a pub feel to it thanks to some high spec decor and a large post-work crowd generating a lively atmosphere. The servery is over to the left on entry, with a pleasant counter front and typical ‘spoons bar back, and it sweeps round in a curve, running a fair way back into the room. Opposite, there is a large, fairly featureless area filled almost entirely by plush looking chairs and mid-sixed tables, plus a few banquettes along the right hand wall. The pub’s most notable feature is its nod to the past, which sees numerous overhead racks stuffed full of old barrels of various sizes – a nice feature to tie in with the room’s history. Beyond the bar, the room narrows but continues back a fair way, where more tables, chairs and banquette booths can be found under walls decorated with the same design as the bar counter. There’s also an open kitchen back here and a door out one side to a small pavement seating/smoking area, manned by some hopeless doormen, who seemed more interested in chatting up the patrons than whatever it is they’re employed to do. The ceiling at the rear is covered with a metal grill, from which a wide variety of decorative lamps are suspended. Considering the pub’s location and the chain’s reputation for disinterested staff, the guys behind the bar seem to be a cut above and were well drilled in keeping queues to a minimum and providing helpful, friendly service. There were nine guest ales and three ‘Spoons regulars to choose between, and I opted for Enfield’s London porter, which was in good nick, if not the greatest porter I’ve ever encountered. St Pancras always felt like a bit of a weak link amongst London’s railway termini, in terms of having a decent pub, but this place has gone some way to redressing that balance. I’ve been here a few times now and it’s always packed, the beer is always in good shape and the atmosphere is always buzzing. I’m sure I’ll be stopping off here regularly, as it offers better value than most station bars and has a better ale selection to boot.

A reasonable modern station bar beneath the South Eastern platforms. The bar and front area are decorated with numerous overhead barrels, marking the original use of the station arches in housing ale brought down from Burton. Above the barrels is a nasty black neo-industrial ceiling. The side area extending back is in more of a typical Spoons style, with tables and booths. Good to see a nice selection of mainly London guest ales, and at £3.55 good value compared to other local hostelries. Certainly more useful than most of the retail outlets down here.

I didn't know this was a Spoons until Mrs Ale pointed it out, I have to say this outlet was very trendy and I especially liked the bar area with a cream coloured marble bar counter and the different types of timbers making up a concentric patterned bar front. This style of timber was also found in the dining section, the use of empty barrels was also of interest and made good reference to the history of what was once a barrel store. Two banks of six handpumps with the usual suspects, still we managed to spot a Bedlam Brewery Primo, which was decent enough and at a reasonable price. Glad we called early on Friday as it was rammed on Friday evening on our return train journey.