Smithy's Wine Bar, Kings Cross, WC1

Wine bar and restaurant housed in a block of converted stables, hidden away in a quiet side street location away from hustle and bustle of nearby Kings Cross. The tall ceiling, bare cobbled floor, mixed but sparse furniture (including some basic wooden bench booths), limited decor and low lighting all help give the bar a somewhat spartan feel when quiet. However, although the theme is similar, the next door restaurant looks rather more enticing. Mid-level music. Just one of the three handpumps was on, dispensing a slightly cloudy pint of Doom Bar (£4.25) so that was a bit of a disappointment.

Official site of Smithys, contains menus, beer list and event details - www.smithyslondon.com

Official site of Smithys, contains menus, beer list and event details - www.smithyslondon.com

The rather austere grey and brick exterior bellies the delights inside. There are cobbled floors and basic/original walls and ceilings but it has been fitted out very nicely. There's plenty of wood panelling, loads of comfortable seating and the whole bar is decorated with a plethora of old interesting prints and mirrors. They had one real ale on, Doom Bar, which was pulled through as it was the first of the day, Star and Peroni also on tap and an extensive wine list. Not my sort of place for an evening out but it was pleasant enough for a quiet lunchtime pint and I got a friendly welcome.