Big Chill, Kings Cross, N1

Official site of Big Chill - bigchillbar.com

Official site of Big Chill - bigchillbar.com

We only went in here because this was once a pub called the Bell, dating back to at least the mid-18th century with the current incarnation probably dating from the 19th and very fine it is too with its pink granite pilasters to the ground floor, those on up with Corinthian capitals capped with swags and a crenelated parapet. Inside however, it's very obviously a pub no more. Rather it's a very spacious slightly industrial bar/nightclub which thankfully was almost empty on our visit at around 9.00 pm. As mentioned, it's very gloomy in here, illumination coming from hanging oversized industrial lamps with candles on the tables, furniture being high tables and chairs made from wood and something resembling small bore scaffolding with a modern bar on the left side. At the halfway mark, there's what seems to be a recessed snug of sorts with curved leatherette banquettes and above, there's a first floor gallery which if original, could have been fantastic in times past. There's a DJ area to the rear of what doubles as a dance floor which is bare throughout. Also of note is the roof terrace, not explored. Given the nature of the venue, the piped disco music was surprisingly muted but the place is very noisy due to the terrible acoustics resulting from all the hard surfaces. Unsurprisingly there's no real beer here, so we opted for the Truman's Roller IPA at a banging £2.80 a half; it tasted ok once it had warmed up a bit. This really is a club or perhaps bar at quieter times and would appeal to the huge number of affluent students who occupy the two AHMM-designed blocks up Pentonville Road, drawn by the very late Thursday to Saturday licence. However, a return visit is off the cards for this old codger.

A student bar formerly known as The Big Chill House. Excessively loud music prevents anyone whose hearing still works from enjoying being there. It has no real ale and is too dark even to lip-read. Anyone who looks like a complete twat could get lost in the crowd there. Best avoided unless you are deaf, blind and/or are plotting something rebellious.