Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 3 and Version 2 of Parcel Yard, N1C 4AH

A large Fuller's station pub to the rear of the new concourse at King's Cross Station. It is situated on the upper two levels of one of the original station structures (presumably the former parcel office), between platforms 0-8 on the east and platforms 9-11 on the west, and there are views over both sets of platforms from the pub. This replaces an earlier pub (The Duke of York), which was located on the platform level by platform 8, but closed in 2008 when refurbishment work started.

Being set in an older building, there's been a good use of polished old wood surfaces, panelling and exposed brickwork, with sturdy tables and plants positioned attractively. On the entrance level is a large courtyard reaching up through the centre of the building to the roof, with rooms on either side overlooking the respective sets of platforms. On the east side, is a large and very long room, with lower lighting, while the west side (along which people enter to get to the bar) gets busier quicker with smaller rooms and tables.

There is a second floor, arranged around the western side of the courtyard, which features tables laid out for dining and which has table service. There is a second bar on this level, directly above the first, offering all the same ales and beers.

At the bar, there are 12 handpulls, featuring almost exclusively Fuller's beers (there was one guest on when Ewan visited a week after opening). The ales included Chiswick (£3.55/pint), Pride, Discovery, ESB, Bengal Lancer, Front Row, HSB, Seafarers, and others, all of which had run out within a few hours of a busy Friday evening service (their first since opening, so hopefully that issue will be sorted out swiftly). All ales are well-kept. They also have severl draught keg beer options, including Fuller's London Porter and Honey Dew, Leffe, Kozel and Meantime London Lager. Pricing is in keeping with the prime location.

This is a pleasant drinking environment on the whole, and while service will no doubt be improved over the opening weeks, tables were cleared frequently, and service at the bar was not too slow. The only drawback will be for smokers, who need to leave the pub and then exit the station concourse.

Accessibility: It is reached via stairs to the rear of the station concourse (and there are further stairs to a second level), but there is a lift for accessible access to both levels of the pub photo. There is also an accessible toilet on the level of the bar, and no internal steps.

See also:

• Pubs Galore comments

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