Beer + Burger, Kings Cross, N1

Facebook page of Beer + Burger - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Beer + Burger - www.facebook.com

If you like craft beer, this is undoubtedly a place where you are likely to find something different. The range is very good. However, this place felt much more of a restaurant/cafe to me. Burgers cooked from an open kitchen at the right-hand end looked and smelt very tempting, but we were here for the beer. The full selection of beers (all craft) was Pohjala Sun City, Trial & Ale A Saison Apparent, Deviant & Dandy And The Beat Gose On & Ghost Town, Standard Brew Co. Table IPA & #004, Track Sonoma & Made In The Shade, Northern Monk A Little Faith, Deya Steady Rolling Man, Fermenterana Hoppy Friends, Wiper & True These Days, Three Hills Co-Ordinates, Brew Point Ink Well & Beak Jurgen. I would certainly come back here and try the burgers if I was looking for something to eat, or would also come back for a drink if I was passing. But it lacks the atmosphere of a pub or bar. So, I couldn't feel comfortable having a session here.

After two less-than successful previous experiences with this small chain of craft beer bars, in Dalston and the O2 Arena, I was just about ready to give up on them, but decided to have one more try when I randomly walked past this Kings Cross branch. Thankfully, this was a case of third time lucky, as this turned out to be a great little bar in a bright, modern unit that was fitted out much better than the other two venues I’d previously tried. It’s a typical craft beer bar, with a grey skimmed floor, large floor to ceiling windows down two sides, several unadorned concrete pillars through the room and plenty of cable trays and the like running under the ceiling. High tables and stools fill the space to the front left, with some drinking ledges over to the far left, whilst to the right of the entrance there are rows of long, lower tables and one very long table in a partly screened off space that looks like it might be possible to hire for larger groups. Neon signs in the window spell out the pub’s name and ‘Bottle Shop’, and there are several large fridges to the rear left, full of bottles and cans for customers to take out, or drink in if they choose. The servery is centrally positioned along the rear wall and has a plain counter front with inlaid lights beneath the counter top and the usual extremely ugly hand-wrtitten beer board in the middle of the bar back, next to a white tiled section of wall with another neon pub sign. To the rear right, there is an open kitchen area that was bashing out the burgers to punters and takeaway drivers in equal measure - a pillar to the right having the full menu listed on it. Beyond this, to the far right, there is a large partitioning wall with a modern art mural on it, screening off the toilets. Music was playing in the background, but quietly enough so as not to disturb and there was a good crowd on a mid-week evening, creating a nice vibrant atmosphere. I counted twenty keg lines, all operational, dispensing craft beers ranging in strength from 0.5% to 12.5% and covering pretty much every style you might care for. Brewers represented included Kernel, Big Drop, Pohjala, Two Tribes, Tartaric and Liquid Light among many others. I tried a pint of Deya Steady Rolling Man (5.2%) which came in at a very reasonable, by London craft beer bar standards, £4.50 and was quite easy drinking. The staff were very attentive and friendly, working efficiently as a team to keep the bar area clear of customers. I was really surprised by this place, which far exceeded my expectations with its bright, modern interior, friendly, helpful service and sensibly priced craft keg selection. It’s by no means a traditional pub and cask ale isn’t going to be making an appearance any time soon, but as craft beer bars go, I thought this was one of the best around and this will be my regular port of call whenever I’m in the Kings Cross area.

I like this chain of beer and burger joints.Great range of keg beers -no cask.Thirds served.One side of bar is set for drinkers with a few tables and chairs and the rest set for diners.Basic interior ,no frills but the beer speaks for itself.(it says drink me.)Cash accepted as well .How retro for a craft bar.

The name says it all really, although there are 18 beers plus a couple of ciders from the two banks of ten craft keg taps on the bar-back and numerous interesting bottles and cans in the fridges. Furniture and decor are light and - as expected on the fringes of the N1C area - very modern. Great range of styles available, but after some dithering, I went for the Saison Été from Burning Sky (£4.20, schooner, and very tasty it was too).