King Charles I, Kings Cross, N1

Haven’t been in this one for a fair few years, so thought I’d look it up again last Saturday evening and great to find it in rude health. Yes it’s only a small one roomed affair internally and it was Saturday evening, but still good to find all internal seating and the external benches being fully utilised. But we were fortunate to be blessed with an unseasonably warm evening so perfectly happy to stand outside with an excellent pint of Hophurst Brewery Sonnet Pale Ale. Hophurst Brewery APA and Hammerton N7 were on the other two ale pumps with the fourth pump double clipped with ciders (Ascension Mothership from the pump and Seacider Blood Orange from a Polypin in the fridge). Friendly pub with lots of conversation and amazingly (given the space available) a couple of local musicians were setting themselves inside at the far end up to provide a live music set. I’m a great fan of local musicians demonstrating their art in a pub on a Saturday night, but I do understand there are philistines who are not. Sadly we had another engagement to get to and couldn’t stay long enough to find out if they were any good.

The King Charles I is tucked away on a side street just off the Caledonian Road. Looking for a swift pint before taking a train from King's Cross, I noticed that I'd scored the pub a 7/10 on my last visit in 2011. So, I thought we should give it another try. Thinking back, I vaguely recall being here before and indeed, I will still score it a 7/10. It's a lovely traditional boozer which has a single bar with lots of wood panelling. A couple of customers were stood at the bar, but most others were sat outside the front. Three real ales were on - Greene King Abbot, Park Killcat & One Mile End Salvation. The cider was Pulp Apple Craft Cider. I catch trains often enough from King's Cross to come here more often. So, I must make more of an effort!