please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Rapidly turning in to a normal Fullers pub and not the semi Free House it was after it was bought. The list of guest beers now appears to be fixed (please correct me if I am wrong) and their availability is reducing again.
One of my reasons for still using this pub is the availability of light hoppy beers. The usual selection being one or two of:
Dark Star Hophead, Phoenix Arizona or Castle Rock Harvest Pale.
I have visited the pub on the last two weekends and found none of the above to be available. The nearest they could offer was Summer Lightning, which is definitaly not on the light side. Not sure if they are keeping the "good stuff" for the weekday trade or just reducing the amount that they stock. Either way, if you are visiting on a weekend, don't expect a full range of beers.
ajsqs - 16 Jun 2008 13:57 |
i'am the donkey round here! The cute one :-)
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What's all this stuff about pigs and donkeys about?
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The doric does not seem as "donkey" friendly as it used to be.
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Pretty good, but often pretty packed
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A ok place to kill an hour if you are waiting for a train, only problem as I have mentioned before it positevely stinks of farts and BO. Please repeal the smoking ban
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Good thing it was honey and not KY jelly!
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So what happened to the pig then ?
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Superparkerman must have been on the Quink! - or the Dark Star stout if it was on! Food has always been lovingly prepared on my previous trips!
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Strange place, I heard yesterday that the chef was sectioned under the mental health act, after he was found chasing a live pig around the kitchen with a cleaver in one hand and a jar of honey in the other.
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Had a splendid evening here last night (1800-2030) with three friends. A hearty session was enjoyed in the "snug" area. Fullers' Chiswick and Discovery on particularly good form; Dark Star Hophead was the best. Left before I could try the Harvest Pale! Noted four guests and five Fullers beers on in total at the time.
Food was very good. I had a delicious warm tuna spring onion baguette, and a friend seemed to love his lasagne.
Will go more frequently in future.
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Mintyboom was lucky to be able to sample the Harvest Pale. On both of my recent visits, the choice has been Fullers or nothing.
The guest beers sell quickly and nobody thinks about replacing them. Not sure if this is deliberate or just lack of experience. The end result is the same. The keypad is to keep the dregs out of the toilet and is therefore for the customer's benefit. It is also a great source of amusement to the staff who watch people struggling via the CCTV
ajsqs - 10 Apr 2008 13:40 |
Excellent ESB, found the staff a litle off-hand, but the beer and unusual layout of the pub more than made up for that. Often stop here when in London.
schaf - 29 Mar 2008 17:44 |
With reference to the poster who commented on the keypad lock used to gain entry to the toilets, I would hazard a guess that it is there to stop the dregs from getting in and isn't intended to be an inconvenience to the punters - it was like that when I first went in the place over 10 years ago. On a general note, I was there the other day with a colleague and the beer (Harvest Pale) was spot on as it usually is. You could do a hell of a lot worse and I'll continue to be a regular visitor to the place.
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Nice place to relax after arriving back in the smoke, always a decent selection of hand-pull, prefered the old name!
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Stopped for a quick one before trip to Liverpool. Rather dull Gales pint but fair enough as a stop off.
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Good pub, nice atmosphere shame about the toilets what with having to use a keypad to gain entry.
What with all those hopheads drinking their pints of real ale there was a lot of wind being broken, If I had struck my lighter I seriousley believe that the whole pub would have gone up. Please bring back smoking in enclosed places.
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luv the pub,luv the girls,especially kat
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Good waiting room for Euston - the London Porter has outlasted most other locations this year but is still very drinkable.
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This pub offers a wide range of real ales which appear to be well kept. Being a carling extra cold drinker myself i can confirm this is excellent, The pub is genarally well kept but some times the bar can be a bit sticky which can cause problems when one is doing one’s crossword. Also i feel compelled to point out that some of the bar stools can be a tad on the hard side so would not recomend to anyone with haemorrhoids. The bar staff are a friendly and entertaining bunch with special mention to “ola” who is a real cutie and an absolute delight to talk to. The food is basic pub grub with the exception of the fishfinger sandwhich, the idea i am lead to believe came to the chef in a vision. The toilets are not the best in the world and sometimes the floor can be a bit wet, maybe the management could toy with the idea of employing a ferryman or somebody similar. On the whole i would recomend this pub to anyone for the wide selection of ales and the cutie barmaid.
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this pub is found just outside the mainline station by the bustops
anonymous - 15 Nov 2007 11:46 |
I like this public house very much the ale is good and the staff are friendly. but unfortunately there seems to be a bit of a crisis going on with the management team, I do very much hope the new manager is a more friendly and relaxed type rather than the "hair today gone tomorrow" breed.
anonymous - 14 Nov 2007 12:12 |
I went in a couple of days ago just to see the "ola" that everyone is talking about and i was lucky enough to be served by her. She is extremely pretty and looks very much like kate moss. Perhaps next time i go in i will ask to have my photo taken with her. the hophead was excelent a credit to the cellarman.
anonymous - 12 Nov 2007 13:53 |
Couldn't find this pub. Is it inside the station?
anonymous - 11 Nov 2007 16:20 |
The pub is indeed under new management. Dave the landlord has finally gone and will not be missed. James is in charge on a temporary basis at the moment. The regulars hope that Fullers will see sense and give him the job full time.
I was in last night and there was an excellent atmosphere. A lot of people in drinking good beer and enjoying themselves. For the first time in months, they had a full range of nine real ales on, including the excellent Fullers London Porter and the equally palatable Castle Rock Harvest Pale.
I will be using the place more now that I don't have to risk seeing the ex landlord in his usual foul mood drinking Lager at the end of the bar.
ajsqs - 11 Nov 2007 16:08 |
I popped in on friday and it was the busiest i had seen it for a very long time. There seems to be a completely different atmosphere in the arch almost euphoric. Could it be that the pub is under new management! Nice to see that ola is still there as it always makes my visit worthwhile. Excellant london porter
anonymous - 11 Nov 2007 10:22 |
i agree,the little polish girl is loverly.but so is james;
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Personaly, i am not that bothered about the beer. The deciding factor for me is the little polish barmaid, she is so cute and sweet, every time i see her i just want to ask her to marry me.
anonymous - 8 Nov 2007 12:39 |
Yeah simon, it is not so bad for me being such a big lad. If it looks like it is about to go off, james gives me a shout to sort it out, plus i can normally rely on james and joe to back me up if it gets a bit messy. But touch wood, i have always managed to deal with things myself without putting james or joe in danger.
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Thats why i could not work behind a bar, i could not handle all that violence. Its not so bad for you "superparkerman" as i know you are a bit tasty and can handle yourself in a brawl. Its the girls i feel sorry for as it cannot be nice to work in an envoirment like that, obviously you look out for them but you cannot protect them all the time, after all you are only human ( no pun intended superparkerman ).
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What is all this about fishfinger sandwiches, i have not seen them on the menu, or are these only available on the cellar tour. Ola is a wonderful girl, only a 11/10 simon63, i would make her at least 15/10.
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Great pub, good hophead. Simon63 is spot on about ola, she is absolutely gorgeous. Is the fishfinger sandwhich available with extra cheese?
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An odd comment Biker, your reviews are normally very sensible. The only times I have seen hostility and threatening behaviour [when it was the Head of Steam] was precisely because they weren't being served. You've been there so you know the layout, short of employing a full-time bouncer downstairs how can they stop the already inebriated from entering the premises?
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Good meeting point for yesterdays football trip. The usual good range of beers available, nice pint of Dark Star Hophead and the excellent all day breakfast for £5.95. Reasonably busy and buzz of chatter at 11:45 yesterday. A good pub providing excellent choice in what is a bit of a difficult location. Not like most "station" pubs.
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Fish finger sandwhich. The chef has done it again. He took a traditional old favorite and turned it into a modern mastgerpiece. 10/10. Yeah ola is lovely, a true asset. 11/10
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Posted by superparkerman, "Every day we have to deal with hostile and violent customers" Why are these people being allowed on the premises or served ? I would suggest your management needs to re-read the rules ! No rating left, not been in the Doric for at least 3 years.
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You do not realise what a hard job we do. Every day we have to deal with hostile and violent customers, we are in constant danger.
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great pub,but the menu is a bit pricey.perhaps they could do things like fishfingers or something a bit cheaper
anonymous - 3 Nov 2007 10:20 |
beautiful ola
anonymous - 3 Nov 2007 09:36 |
me too, joey69 is spot on. the manager is a decent bloke.Not heard of this dunkery before, anywhere in london sell it?
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sorry dexter79 but icannot agree,david is a very charming man who does a lot for the local community. and always gives a very warm welcome
anonymous - 2 Nov 2007 10:25 |
carling please, extra cold sir,yes please just like daves personality.
anonymous - 2 Nov 2007 10:18 |
Sorry to disagree with you dexter79, but i am with joey 69 on this one, dave is a diamond geezer. Anyway i can confirm it is definatley not dunkerys, as my mum lives in exford and i often visit her. Whatever it is, it is certainly strong, It is a tribute to dave that he can stand up straight after giving a couple of tours.
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landlord good and enthusiastic? he's killing just by lookig at you. let alone saying something he doesn't like. he will refuse serving you and kick you out. staff is ok, but i feel sorry for them 'cause they have to work with this drunken man. beer is good though and food not bad. thanks
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oh my god,i have had the good fortune to stumble upon a gem of a real ale venue.an array of exquisite ales all kept in great condition by the landlord, whos name i think is dave.a very good and enthusiastic man of good knowledge and humour. i recommend a visit
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I think the mystery ale is "DUNKERY ALE ", but the landlord would not confirm it, he just gave me a knowing smile. My hat off to him a wonderful afternoon!.
anonymous - 2 Nov 2007 07:39 |
There's a good selection of real ales (about ten). Personally I'd prefer more guest beers and fewer Fullers beers.
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After getting a tip off from a collegue, i ventured down the doric arch, bought a pint and seeked out the govenor at the end of the bar. I felt a bit awkward, but came out with it "any chance of a tour of your cellar". "of course came the reply and i was duly lead down the cellar. WOW, It is massive, and the tour begun. It was not long untill we made our way to the "special barrel" which i was told was not available upstairs. After a few half pints and a lot of chat i was eventualy lead back up stairs. 10/10 I would recommend this watering hole to anyone. Perhaps a more experianced hand could tell me the brew i was drinking, because the govenor would not let on.
Many thanks.
anonymous - 31 Oct 2007 12:36 |
a visit to this real ale mecca is amust.if you come in early morning dave the guvner will only be too pleased to give you a personal tour of his very fine cellar and will talk for hours about his true passion please just ask
anonymous - 31 Oct 2007 12:32 |
I have been using this pub for several months now, and the only downside to it is that you have to walk down 2 flights of stairs for the toilets. There is wide range of ales, normally about 9, which are very well looked after and are often varied. The bar staff are an amusing bunch who seem to know their jobs very well especially the two girls who have such nice personalities, both of whom i would recommend. The landlord is a extremely friendly chap, who tries to make customers feel very welcome and would bend over backwards for anyone. It is easy to see that the landlord is held in high regard by his regulars and staff alike who affectionatley call him uncle dave. It can sometimes get very busy, and i would recommend the best time to pop in is early afternoon when the landlord is not to busy and available for a chat and a tour of the cellar.
anonymous - 29 Oct 2007 15:28 |
I spent a week working in london and used this pub as my tempory local, the beer was fantastic. I could not believe it when someone behind the bar pointed out that the drunk guy sat at the end of the bar all week was infact the boss! They could make videos here on how a landlord should not behave. A horny gorilla has better people skills than this freak. I feel sorry for the rest of the staff, even the chef who looks a bit like Fred Wests evil brother. All said, this pub is still worth visting, just avoid eye contact with the raging bull at the end of the bar after 9 pm. Enjoy
anonymous - 21 Oct 2007 13:54 |
I'm not an ale drinker but most of my friends are, and they do seem to have a better selection here than in most places I go to. I agree about the staff being friendly, although the toilets are a bit dingy and could do with a refurb. There was a faint smell of stale sweat in the air when we arrived on Friday which is probably a combination of the pub being popular and warm, and years of people chain-smoking there. Still loads of train memorabilia on the walls... I wonder how long this will survive?
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Great pub this. A Superb range of Fullers Ales and guest ones too!! Nice and relaxing. If you are interested in Railway Memorabilia, this is the place to be. Will be going back very soon.
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Haven't been here very recently but seeing as I am rounding up some reviews I will do this one. Apart from the Fullers they often have Hophead, usually Batemans Mild, Summer Lightning and Castle Rock Harvest Pale. Either this or Bree Louise are the places to go if you are killing time at Euston. I like this place. Food ok too.
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This pub has great beer (I recommend the hop head) and the staff are friendly, however the boss is best avoided, especially when he has had a drink, so stay on the right hand side of the bar! Enjoy!
anonymous - 4 Oct 2007 20:01 |
Any Young Members fancy a social here? (I organise these you see).Contact the North London or SE London (or any other) branch/es.
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Beer range may not be as good as Head of Steam standards but is probably more sensible given seeming lack of appetite for real ale in most of London (most sales were lager and Magners while I was standing there). Hophead was welcome change from Adnams/Landlord and was very good.
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Two guest ales on when I last went, which is very poor compared to this pub in it's pre Fullers days.
But the Dark Star hophead and Fullers discovery were both very well kept, and the bar staff are friendly and knowledgeable so not going to mark this pub down too much. Would give it 7/10 now, it's still massively better than most station pubs and the pit that is the Britannia on Euston concourse. But it isn't comparable to the pre Fullers era for beer range.
mps77 - 13 Aug 2007 13:23 |
Still a decent place to visit for a good pint but it doesn't have the range of beers it used to boast.
Then again there aren't that many places that do.
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Took a friend from Italy here for a couple of pints last night. The pub seemed quite empty even for a Monday evening, but Dark Star HopHead was absolutely on its best form.
Found staff quite friendly and jovial, and it was fairly relaxed at closing time - another improvement on previous visits.
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Harvest Pale on good form again last Friday afternoon - good to see a decent selection of guest ales alongside the Fuller's range. Let's hope they keep it up.
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Popped in on Saturday night (23rd June) - there were a few people in without it being too packed and, echoing previous comments, the Castle Rock Harvest Pale was on excellent form.
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Excellent pub by Central London/rail terminus standards, and well worth a visit.
Can't comment on the food - haven't ever eaten there - but can compliment the cellar staff for maintaining a superb range of Fullers and micro-brewed beers at (by Euston standards) modest prices.
Have popped in roughly once a week over the last couple of months, and in addition to the reliable beer, have noticed that after a few visits the staff begin to recognise you. (Most of them have been around since before Fullers bought the place which is encouraging).
The only drawback I can think of is the two-flight journey down to the gents loo...but most of us could do with a bit of exercise couldn't we?
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As far as station pubs go this is very good. There are a few fruit machines and other annoyances [you need a code from the barman to use the loo downstairs], but there's an excellent range of beers and all the ones we had were very good. The "Harvest Pale" was worth the visit all by itself...
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ladnewton: Only £2.60/£2.70 a pint? Some people don't know they're born ;-) There are a lot of £3 pints in Surrey now and I paid £3.30 for one pint in Hersham village the other day!
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Try the Castle Rock "Harvest Pale" bitter which is normally on - absolutely ace !
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Excellent impromptu session early on Wednesday evening (30/5/07). Hophead and Phoenix Arizona of particular note. The pub was buzzing and my friend and I found the atmosphere more relaxing than it has been in a long while.
Note that many of the ales are now in the £2.60/£2.70 bracket.
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Surprisingly OK, given the location - right next to Euston Station. Some real ales, decently kept - and you can irritate other posters here by smoking. ;-)
anonymous - 17 May 2007 10:55 |
It's alright. Decent ESB.
Nothing to write home about. They've probably sensed as much, I didn't see any postcards for sale.
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An unusual sight tonight, I saw the guv’nor behind the bar and he was actually serving someone. Normal service was soon resumed however as he retreated to our side of the bar with his pint. If only everything in life were as reliable as a Volkswagen.
anonymous - 1 May 2007 23:13 |
I keep coming back here cynically expecting that every time I return, one more generic 'buy anywhere in London' Fuller's tap will have displaced another excellent unusual microbrew but I have to admit so far my cynicism has been misplaced and Fuller's seem to be treating the other beers with respect. The only remaining problem is the extreme, constant, cigarette smoke that makes the place stink to high heaven. What's that, you say? A total smoking ban from 1 July? Then the Doric Arch will truly become one of the best pubs in London, and one which I will visit far more often. Bring on the ban!
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ales are not rotated like they used to be, many are served way too cold,
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Good beer quality - Dark Star Hop Head and Castlerock Harvest Pale. About the best beer I have drunk in a station bar. Shame it's spoilt by the pony-tail guy behind the bar whose attitude to sensitive customers is a bit disappointing. The rest of the staff are very friendly but you do have to wait at busy times.
Worth visiting on a crawl but not the place to finish one due to rigid pub clearance at 11.20
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I see what the previous comment meant re star arrangements - I walked round the place twice because I couldn't find an obvious way to the bar! Paid off though, nice pint of ESB, nice ambience in what can be a bit of a "dodgy" area.
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As good as you're going to get this near a station. If only we had one near Victoria. I guess the stairs and loo arrangements are too complex for the usual station low life to navigate. Nice guest beers as well as usual Fullers range of reasonable quality, someone knows what they're doing behind the scenes. Bar service is typical central London hopeless.
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Decent beer in a decent place before boarding the train home which is surely all one can ask of a place like this. Railway Station bars tend by nature to be dodgy in one way or another but this place is ok.
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Popped in at lunchtime, food was good, beer excellent-Dark Star and Cottage. Sadly some road/building works going on nearby meant, it was not the most relaxing of lunches-this may only be temporary though.
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Paid two visits to the Doric Arch last weekend (early afternoon followed by a late evening visit after a disappointing few hours at Mabel's Tavern over the road).
Hadn't been in since the Fuller's takeover and refurb. Was overjoyed to see that, in addition to 3 (I think) Fuller's ales, there were at least another 6 handpumps in operation with various guests. Tried the mild (Batemans, was it?) and Dark Star Hophead (an old favourite) and they were both excellent. Prices for both seemed very reasonable for central London - £2.60. The previous night, I paid £3.10 for a pint of Deuchar's IPA down the road. Make of that what you will.
In the afternoon it was pretty rammed for the rugby, but not intimidating at all. Returned at 9.30pm or so, and it was quiet but not dead. Just how I like it.
As someone else mentioned - what a shame the bar is still smoking since the refurb. Roll on July.
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I find the bar staff very efficient everytime i have been in this pub the staff are always very friendly, They also seem very knowledgeable about the beers and are always very helpful.
The management will always point you in the direction of the Euston flyer at 11:01 as their closing time is still 11:00PM but where they are i can see that Dave is a very intelligent man who knows how to run a good pub. Exellent Beers courtesy of Steve who is always rushing up and down stairs to change them, and the entertainment is always brilliant from James and Kofi (I hope i spelled that right) 12 out of 10 for this pub. No idiots exellent beer great staff need I say more
anonymous - 20 Jan 2007 01:38 |
Not much spent on the refurb but the beer prices quickly adjusted upwards nevertheless. Beer quality is still there, the variety is not. The staff as wackily miserable as ever. A place in gentle decline, but still well ahead of local competition.
mally - 12 Jan 2007 00:18 |
Good beer and better value than the other Fuller's pub along the road, the Euston Flyer.
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Quality ales - both Fuller's and guests. Shame that after the refurb last year smoking is still allowed at the bar. Echo earlier comments about staff attitude!
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As mentioned in other reviews, very little has changed since the refurb - there's still a decent selection of guest ales along with Fullers' offering. This place will continue to bde a favourite haunt of mine as the ale is usually spot on - however, it wouldn't do any harm for the staff to raise the odd smile now and again.
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Yes beer is good and the setting interesting - we had a panorama of the bus station complete with a tramp passed out flat on his back! An amusing accompaniment! Very handy if you're waiting for a train.
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Beer as good as it ever was, staff are as warm, friendly and welcoming as a wet fish - No change there then!!
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It has great beer
Other comments however have some validity
anonymous - 18 Dec 2006 12:57 |
I can't understand why this place has such a devoted following. It is a complete dive, is a nightmare to get around, unfriendly staff and has dreadful beer. It also has an odd smell and using the toilets is a hassle (although I fully appreciate why).
anonymous - 18 Dec 2006 00:33 |
As a station pub it's a bit of hassle getting into the bogs in a hurry but does have a great selection of beers on. Only my second visit but I'm sure i'd pop in a lot more if I had to pass by there.
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It's good to see that Fuller's haven't spent too much money "improving" the Head of Steam - the seats may be a bit more comfortable, and the place is slightly less cluttered, but the Doric Arch retains much of its quirky charm and railway memorabilia. Excellent range of guest beers, as before. (PS - Remember to get the door code from the bar staff before venturing towards the toilets downstairs.)
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Certainly last 2 visits the beer is on the up in the last year. My mate had ESB and as he is a cider drinker his 6 or 7 pints or so say it was as good as it looked. The Summer Lightening was good not great say 6/10 and the Bateman's Dark Mild an 8/10 and probably as good as it is.
At 7pm it seemed to have a sensible crowd.
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So what has happened to the railwayana that is no longer there?
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Thankfully the beer range seems to be as it was before the refurb. Some of the heavier railway items have gone and the place looks a bit brighter.
I forgot to see whether the toilets had been spruced up and repaired - not one of the pleasantest places to visit.
Be nice if they installed a few smiles on the bar staff...
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I haven't been in since the remodel and rename, but by all accounts not much has changed.
Certainly the Head of Steam was always a good bet if your train was delayed; or, if you were meeting someone at the station, a good reason for turning up well before their train arrived. Great range of beers (now including the full Fullers range in addition to a good range of guest ales), decent food, a few screens for watching the sport, and lots of railway memorabilia. As long as all of this remains the same in the Doric Arch, it will be worth drinking in.
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Goodbye Head of Steam, hallo Doric Arch or 'The Doris' as it's now known by us gay blokes. Don't turn up expecting anything different, Fullers haven't been flashing the handbag about! There are 2 nice flat screen tellys to watch footie on, the chairs don't creak or collapse when you sit on them anymore, it's been painted and they jiggled the ornaments round a bit. So it's nice and fresh, and outside is painted dark red. The reason you come here is for the beautifully kept beer, and in this department nothing has changed. There are always 3-4 Fullers beers, great if you like 'em (I do) and 4-5 guests (best pint of Summer Lightning in the Milky Way), reel cider and all the usual. Now carry on drinking.
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Great pub. good range of real ale & railway memorabilia to boot
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I was in a couple days ago and was able to confirm that the remodel will be limited to a scrubbing and a few drops of paint, plus, possibly, re-arranging some of the railway memorobilia. Assuming the fellow gave me accurate info, this will remain the best pub near Euston Station. Pub is scheduled to re-open about two weeks from today.
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OK, OK, so it's got a great range of (well-kept) real ales but it's like drinking in a series of shoeboxes decorated with railway memorabilia.
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As long as they don't get rid of the Railwayana!!
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Spoke to someone who works here yesterday and they confirmed they will be closing for a couple of weeks next month (October) for the long-anticipated change to the Doric Arch.
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1st class watering hole. Spent many a pleasant hour in here.
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The available beers are usually listed on blackboards at each end of the bar, so I make a point of checking what's chalked up first. Hop Back's Summer Lightning is often available, and Holt's Bitter and Archers are usually good. I was there a week or so ago - and noticed the seating had been much improved - at least in the raised seating area. The railwayana material seems to have been reduced.
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I'll definitely remember this little gem for next time my train is delayed. A great selection of ales (plus the standard Fullers fare) - don't miss the ales at the far left of the bar like I did! Only noticed them on my way out. A good mix of people, students, old boys, commuters, tourists. It's a bit shabby, but that adds to the effect. Shame about the constant drone of the sky sports news presenters from the TVs. A great little pub.
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Thanks to reviews on Beerintheevening and a follow up phonecall, discovered that there was going to be MILD here. We were not dissapointed, had a few pints of well kept Batemans Dark MILD (£2.50 a pint). Had a lengthy chat with the barman about the availability of MILD in London, confirming its scarcity. I like this pub, ideal place for train spotters, the coach compartment seats are a novelty. Excellent model of 9F 92004 and other railway memorabilia are of interest. Very few in early evening so pretty quiet. Friendly atmosphere, the old guys on the table next to us were supping bitters and were quite dissapointed when they realised they had missed out on the MILD. Perhaps the MILD pull should be bar centre rather than hidden away down the far end.
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For the MLF only a pint of MILD will do and after the success of the PORTER at the Euston Flyer, Stus.search.4.mild and I were again rewarded with a most enjoyable few pints of Bateman’s Dark MILD in comfortable surroundings with room to spare.
Lots of railway memorabilia and an impressive 5 in gauge 9F in a case on the wall.
Friendly informative bar staff who took the time to answer our queries of further availability for MILD. No guarantee that on a successive visit we would be successful but for now this pub gets a good score from us and no need to enact our motto of – NO MILD WALK OUT.
After emptying the tanks the MLF prepared for the hike through the nether regions of Clerkenwell. Intelligence reports suggested that the Old China Hand may have some Porter.
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An ale haven in the living hell that is Euston station, above the outside foyer with its commuters and various deviants peddling drugs. Various rail memorablia adorns the walls, as do a couple of tv`s with the football. They still had 5 guest ales on and sometimes is one of the few places in central london to find a Mild, aswell as the usual Fullers/Gales Brands (Festival Mild in London is one happy outcome of the recent Gales takeover i suppose), staff are always spot on. The pies/burgers were not that great really. Toilets can be a hazard after a few and trying to remember the code.
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Since the take over by Fullers I have seen no sign of a change of name to the Doric Arch - am I blind or have they just failed to order the new signs???
The ale selection was fairly decent when I was in here on Friday night - only one hand pull was unused, about 7 beers in total I think. I must admit however I smashed three pints of Fullers/Gales Festival mild, not really a guest ale in the true sense!
I like this place - its a good laugh, full or rancid characters. Despite one of the comments below about this being like drinking in a staff canteen, I don't actually agree and find it surprisingly pubby. If you are a commuter it must be a godsend. However as a non commuter who lives in central London I don't often have cause to go here.
anonymous - 9 May 2006 10:06 |
only 2 fullers beers available so plenty of choice, well kept beers, always worth stopping by
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I popped in to meet a friend after work last week, in order to "wet the baby's head" - my first trip since the changeover to Fullers. No change seems to have occurred - "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"
It wasn't broke, it's not been fixed, so it's still a jolly good pub as far as I am concerened.
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the problem with the head of steam, is sometimes closed for unknown reasons, I visited of 0/02 at 18.30, it was closed with no notice of when it was to reopen ?
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Still good but not as good as it was. The beer choice follows a fairly predictable rotation ( obviously what Dave is allowed on the Fullers choice list) but even that is halved by the permanent Fullers inmates.
Where is the adventure and variety that used to be a defining feature of this place?
mally - 11 Feb 2006 01:17 |
This pub created a buzz when it first opened. And for a couple of years it was kind of exciting to go to a clean, modern and buzzing real ale pub, rather than a tired, run down and scruffy real ale pub. But it gradually started to look a little tired and scruffy, and there was a sense of the inevitable about the news that Fullers had acquired it. Still sad though...
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Had a look to see what it was like. OK inside, but nothing special. None of the guests actually took our fancy so we both took down an ESB. The Wenlock Arms is a better experience as they do unusual Milds, Stouts, as well as good lagers and a fruit beer on draught, rather than just a selection of similar ales like this place.
anonymous - 4 Jan 2006 14:20 |
Whenever I go to London, I try to visit this railway pub. It is still a good place for the good range of real ales, including Fuller's Red Fox. But the London Pride was not as it used to be.
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Nice little Real Ale pub with lots of old Railway memorabilia - Well worth a stop off before going home at the end of a day in the Big Smoke!
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No less than 10 real ales available here and those that I managed to sample were all well kept. The place has a pleasant atmosphere, but you have to compete with football on the TV and memorise the access code for the loos.... which latter task becomes perversely increasingly difficult to achieve, as you work your way through the real ales and the the need to bring it to mind becomes more and more frequent.
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No sign of the new 'Doric Arch' branding yet. But obviously mainly Fullers beers now. Quite acceptable, and a better menu than previously, all served until 8pm. Whether you will get a seat - particularly in No Smoking - is anyone's guess though, because no two nights are alike. The pub, and loos, are a bit scruffy so hopefully there'll be an overhaul soon.
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The pub is unfortunately not so exciting to visit since the 4 of the pumps are allocated to Fuller's. Still an OK pub - and the beers are well kept.
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I was once a student and had to work extremely hard for my exams. A pint of beer was a luxury. I funded my existance with a Saturday job and money was tight. The Head of Steam was not known to me at the time or else they would have had my business. There's nothing wrong with a pub having a student discount as most university towns have such pubs. The beer is not overly expensive in the Head of Steam (or now the Doric), and as an adult drinker I never felt that I was "subsidising the workshy", but glad to share the pub with those who wished to broaden their horizons and make themselves better people. (So long as they were studying brewery chemistry and pub management, that is!) The pub, although not London's absoulte best, is still high in my estimation and gets an easy 8 out of 10.
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do you sport a beard? are you a member of CAMRA? yes, this is the place for you. a marvellous selection of real ales. a roaring fire too. this is the place for those cold winter afternoons. situated in a tower block next to euston station.
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Didn't actually know they offered a student discount but delighted they have stopped it. Maybe the price of beer will reflect the fact that we no longer have to subsidise the work-shy (not that I see many tree huggers in here anyway). If anyone is looking for a student discount go to the abomination that is The Rocket (qv) just down the road. I agree about the state of the toilets, they are dreadful, and let's hope the Fullers influence does something about it.
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Went there beginning of sept: They've stopped doing student discount! Maybe they will put the extra cash into piss-smell elimination + toilet seats/paper?
Beer was better than before though :-)
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Pub is now known as the Doric Arch. Fullers now runs it as a "freestyle" pub, with the full range of Fullers plus about 4 guest beers on.
I stopped in for a pint a few days ago, and it's not been ruined as I originally thought, but its early days yet guys. Staff are friendly, and all the station sign boards are still up.
The gents could do with a spruce up tho...
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thankfully retained most of its character and beer range despite the fullers take over,
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Standard and range of ales seems still be good. Only thing to have really suffered is the good range of bottled beers that they use to have - and now no longer have.
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i got called a "Ginger Muslim" by some meathead in here the other night,..for leaving my bag unattended at the fruit machine (for 30 seconds or so whilst getting change)!.......wouldnt'a minded so much but im fcking strawberry blond,.....stawberry blond!!,...i shoulda held them cherries as well....
Wouldnt like to say that the geezer was typical of the patons in the pub,..cos thats the nature of station boozers,..thats whey we like em,..the drinking equivalent of a lucky dip. Neanderthals on one table,..chinese tourists on another and the Boca Juniors cheerleaders on the next!!,...
"La Chicas fuego si,...Check em out,..Juanitas a la reche!"
"no,..not you pal!,...yeah yeah,..i reckon you'll beat arsenal on saturday yeah"
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Did return on Saturday and i can see no major changes. Two Fuller's beers and all usual guests available. Only thing i did notice was two tables had gone from the No Smoking area. I can live with that.
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A bit concerned by the take over, but to be honest Fullers are hardly the worse chain in the world when you compare them to turd churners like spoons, S&L and the rest of their Satanic cousins.
As long as the place retains its atmosphere (the key to why its a great pub) and keeps the ale selection on the right side of heavenly we havent got much to worry about ...
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Talking to the assistant manager last night and he insists the only major change will be the regular stocking of three Fullers beers. Guests WILL be stocked and the fixtures/fittings will remain. As Mally put's it, "wait and see". Also heard the pub will change it's name to the 'Doric Arch'.
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Fears confirmed.Shut Monday & Tuesday next week for 'Fullerisation' of cash systems and suchlike. Apparently 3 Fullers beers to be stocked & 6 guests.Wait & see
mally - 28 Jul 2005 23:26 |
Do not sell OUR pub to Fullers! They have a pub in Euston already and this is a valued Free House, one of very few in London!
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Very worrying news about the rumoured sale of the Head, as there is surely no way Fullers would retain the unique character of the place. I also agree with the comments about the recent improvement (or rather return to form) brought about by new management and staff - Tanya summed this up very succinctly in her posting. But then again, it's always a good idea to agree with her if you want to be served in this place!
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Rumour of sale to Fullers very soon. Hopefully just a rumour. If I want Fullers there are plenty of places where it can be found. However this place is almost unique in Central London for beer quality and variety. Does anybody know more about the sale?
mally - 23 Jul 2005 13:42 |
The clientele here can be awful sometimes, but that's par for the course in a railway station! I find the staff here are always polite, and often friendly. But what really counts is the quality and the range of ales - and over several months I've never once been disappointed. If you want a reliably delicious pint of beautifully kept ale in Central London, then this is your pub. And thanks for the passcode: it has certainly raised standards downstairs. Rating increased to 9/10 (for ale quality).
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Used to like this pub for its good ale and proximity to Euston. However, frequented by very rude clientele and not helped by the bar staff who do little to discourage anti-social behaviour by middle aged men who should have a modicum of manners.
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Two minutes from the platforms at Euston, so perfect for that last minute pint. Fantastic range of real ales, and friendly service. Can get very crowded, but hey- its a railway station. TV screens, major sporting events shown.
Food very reasonable, but not spectacular. Better than any of the stuff on offer at the station though!
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If you like beer (and this isn't some snide code for 'if you're an alkie', I do mean 'if you like beer') this is a good place to go. A range of real ales local and out of town as befits a place by a railway station. As is the decor, which together with the beer might make the place a bit blokish, but it seems to avoid that pitfall also. The toilets are downstairs from the pub so you need a passcode to access them, so people can't get into them from beneath.
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I'd agree about the atmosphere, it can get very smoky but I guess that adds to the real pub feel that is evident throughout. I think you probably were unlucky with the quality of the beer, whilst the service and enthusiasm of the staff can be a bit variable, I have rarely had a bad pint. Hope you'll give it another chance soon.
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bit of a smog even in the non-smoking area, not been here for a while and was disappointed by the pint of vinegar i was served that was passing for real ale - i am trusting i was just unlucky...
anonymous - 5 May 2005 13:24 |
Its good that they always offer a student discount and there are usually some good guest ales available. The place does seem to attract a somewhat geriatric clientele, there are few younger people around despite the student discount. The staff can be fairly irritable at times but this doesn't detract too much from the overall experience. Prices are good given that its so near to a major railway station.
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The Head is the best choice when waiting for trains at Euston, in my opinion but nothing special and certainly not worth travelling to!
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Tucked away between a sandwich bar and the bus rank outside the station is the best pub in the Kings Cross/Euston area – a shining oasis in a parched desert of bland chain run bars. Everything about the place oozes character, from the most understated entrance in brewery history (basically a small bland door) through to the remarkable bunch of characters of all kinds that it counts as clientele (tramps, squires, clowns, doctors, you name it!) and finally the genuine 70s “old boozer” feel that pervades throughout. It is not I would like to stress a grotesque themed bar, quite the opposite, and the identification I make with the era of kipper ties and pre-commercialised bars may just be a personal thing. But for me there’s something about the wall to wall railway memorable, the old wooden chairs/tables, the large range of ales, the patterned carpet and the thin haze of cigarette smoke that just screams 1975.
Of course, all of this makes it something of a bloke`s gaff and not as a consequence the sort of place most of us would want to take the wife or the new girlfriend. But apart from this slight draw back its simply brilliant – 10/10.
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its a long walk to the toilets in here
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I also agree with Tanya - this has improved inredibly since last October. Has wide selection of real ales. Great non-smoking area where you can sit by the window and watch all the nutters go by! 7/10.
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I agree with Tanya that the atmosphere has improved recently. The cask ales are always good, though I would like a bit more variation in style. The prices excellent, especially for students.
A disappointing development is the marked decrease in the selection of bottled beers, but that doesn't take away from the fact that this is an excellent pub.
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This is a wonderful pub. There is a permanent beer festival at reasonable prices. There are enough odd characters too keep oneself entertained if drinking alone. A place where they have got their priorities right by concentrating on beer quality & variety. Bar food available, Sky TV can be a bit noisy
mally - 25 Mar 2005 12:47 |
Out with the old, in with the new! The HoS is under new management, and the difference is startling.
The place, which used to be where I worked and spent a lot of time, went seriously down the pan in the last year. The new atmosphere is cheerful and welcoming, the old regulars are coming back and a whole load of new people are in. There's always plenty of beer on and the new staff are competent. In fact, I'm so impressed by the upswing, that I may just go back to work there!
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A marvellous welcoming interior, totally belied by its exterior. Plenty of railwayana on display. Well cared for Proper Beer served in excellent condition by friendly staff. Because of its proximity to a major terminus, there is always a good selection of ale from all over this great realm of ours.
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The Beer is great, the venue is WIERD.
It's like getting pissed in a staff canteen.
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This place sells nice beer. The real ale selection is always changing and interesting. I never find the place a hugley comfortable environment to sit in...not sure why really, but i wouldnt go there for a whole evening. Definitely agree on the Gandalf The Wizard lookalike statement! Also on a few other statements below that will go unmentioned.
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Arrived at about 8.40 pm on a Sunday and was told they were shutting at 9.00. Had a quick pint of Holt bitter which tasted good. I like the railway signs and pictures. I think they are genuine railway relics, not fakes as suggested by another user. If you get a window seat you can watch the buses pulling in and out of the Euston bus stands.
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Straaange... the first floor of an office building converted into something approximating a pub. Scruffy, cheerful and very crowded with CAMRA types on a Friday night. Decorated with phoney railway platform signs and homemade posters offering discount deals on take-home ales. Obviously run on a shoestring, with no budget for toilet paper (or toilet doors for that matter). Upside: a good range of well-kept real ales at reasonable prices.
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The first couple of times I tried this pub it was excellent. Friendly staff who let me try some of the beers I'd never heard of and a great crowd of people. Didn't get quite the same welcome the last time, but am sure that was a one off. Shame the toilets are such a nightmare! Puts me off a nights drinking there. But by far the best pint of beer I've ever had in London.
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Isn't Becky, thats the new Becky, rather splendid what?
I have a complaint which I shall take to the trading standards commision. Wurzle took the piss out of my tank-top. I wish him an 'orrible new year! The bounder.
Review: Its one of Londinium's premier, thats premier real ale emporiums. Always guaranteed to see characters. Usualy a Gandalf the wizzard look-a-like. Staff are courtious and I can't spell to sacve my life! Aint she sweet!
Oh, the lock is off now!
Good luck W and all the wewy bestist 4 zero-five.
As a regular
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To whom it may concern, Being the "nobber" in question I take a great deal of offence to the remarks made in the last few posts.
I agree that at times I can be slightly abrasive but after the fith 16 hour shift in a row tempers get a little frayed.
But when it is 11:40pm and you have been asking people who know the law and should know better "to finish up and make a move" start kicking off I don't like it and to the certain people who didn't even have a bloody drink at the bloody time who started giving ME abuse and calling me a cunt it doesn't put me in the best of moods.
So to all those people who think I am a twat and the pub is a shit hole plenty more in this big ol' city and to the rest of you I will keep working the hours that I have to put in to keep the beer flowing and for you to enjoy your selves.
Merry christmas folks.
Just think of the staff when you are all out enjoying your selves getting pissed and abusing the people who get payed feck all just so you can have a good time
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Went here yesterday evening to find it shut.
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The beer here is really good and changes a lot - the staff are mostly alright except for that idiot nobber talked about in Travis' post. He is an arse - pure and simple.
Martin - 6 Nov 2004 20:53 |
POPPED IN THERE ON WEDNESDAY WITH A COUPLE OF MATES FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME - BEER WAS EXCELLENT AND THE YOUNG LADY WHO SERVED IT RATHER EASY ON THE EYE TOO! ONE OF MY LONG TIME FAVOURITES AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE SO.
BOOMERS - 5 Nov 2004 22:00 |
In there a couple of Saturdays ago on the way home from footy and very disappointed that only 2 real ales were available. Admitedly the Banks's was rather nice :-). Thought at the time perhaps it was an 'off' day but reading below I'm not so sure now :-(.
Darren in the City - 3 Nov 2004 17:45 |
Seems alright, lots of beers but I was a bit knackered and it was a sunday evening.
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This pub has slowly and sadly decayed over the past year. Usually a real ale haven, I've been in there at times when there's only two available - although admittedly that's two more than many other places, whilst the toilets are rank (I think the security code on the door is to keep the overwhelming piss-smell in), and the staff are indifferent, unknowledgable, unfriendly and ever-changing.
There was a guy in there claiming to be the manager with his "name above the door" no less, despite having never seen him before in years of going there semi-regularly. He was so utterly disagreeable, he had to be seen to be believed. He's graduated from that offensive 11:10pm tactic of snatching your beer before you've finished it, to actually lifting your chair up whilst you're sitting in it - and did it to a woman no less. Unbelievable is the only word I can think of in hindsight, although I did let fly at the time.
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I love this pub :) It has a fantastic choice of beer and a rather lovely view over the bus station so it's excellent for bus spotters, or if you're not particularly interested in buses (like me), it's great to spot bus spotters spotting buses! Sometimes have a student discount too, and often have a random beer festival. Piss smell is gone now, last time i checked!
edd - 9 Sep 2004 17:42 |
Always a good choice of quality beers served reasonably well.
Sit in the alcove for more privacy.
FatPhil - 2 Sep 2004 17:59 |
Cant count the number of times ive walked by this place on my visits to London. Eventually paid a visit at the weekend. Great pub!......great beer!. Friendly service. Will make it my first call on future visits. And to think I used to use that shite-hole The Brittania!
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Interesting and welcome. Mildly quirky mix with occasional Goths guest appearances, a mix of railway fans, railway professionals (drunk managers?) and weary travellers. Watch the world go by from the top tier windows or spend all evening trying to guess the combination on the loo door. One entrance persistently stinks of piss. Service is good old fashioned 'when I'm ready mate' yet the beer is nice nice nice. Try also the Exmouth Arms nearby.
If you are leaving London by sleeper train get a head of steam up here.
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Excellent beer, both range and quality, and a good atmosphere. I have to say I've had experience of the staff being a bit off-ish as well.
John - 22 Jun 2004 14:37 |
I read all the great comments about the HoS on this web site before I visited London. Thanks to all who said good things. You are right... the place was awesome! This is one Yank who loves great beer and I WILL return to this wonderful pub on my next trip. Cheers!
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I'm sorry to hear Alison's story - which doesn't match my experiences - though I, and I suppose the vast majority of drinkers at the HoS, pick the pub for its wonderful choice of real ales. In fact, I think the pub's a gem - an oasis in the Euston desert (excepting the Fuller's pub outside New British Library, of course) - with 6, every changing, real ales on the go all the time. The understated entrances sppear to ensure that the pub is never heaving and, even given it's location, the clientele are friendly and eclectic. Why not give it another go, Alison, and try one of the real ales this time?
Simon - 5 Apr 2004 10:52 |
As a non-beer drinker who accompanies my real-ale drinking friends for a drink occasionally I think this pub stinks. I was given a glass of corked wine and on requesting it be replaced was faced with an argumentative manager who has no concept of customer services. After 20 minuts of argument I left having had my evening ruined. The only red wine on offer is cheap and nasty 1 euro from a Calais supermarket table wine. Apparently by her own admission if you have the audacity to complain about the beer you'll get into a similar argument with her. This pub is definitely to be avoided!!
Alison - 25 Mar 2004 09:50 |
Excellent beer, definately the best pub in Euston. Although to fair the competition isn't all that strong.
Nigel - 29 Jan 2004 16:34 |
A handy stop after the journey into Euston Station.
Bob - 29 Dec 2003 18:46 |
Great to see a pub in London with such a wide range of real ales.
Well worth popping into if you're in the area.
Darren in the City - 29 Sep 2003 12:41 |
This pub is a haven amongst dodgey surroundings. If you want to escape obvious students, yuppies or braying windbags this is the place to go. Admittedly it lacks finese, but i think that a real pint, reasonably priced and a view over the bus depot more than makes up for that! Its easy going and not pretentious and (eh hem) gives student discounts.
edd - 5 Sep 2003 17:23 |
Recently started going to the Head of Steam and was mightily impressed by the range of beer and cider they had (10+ beers and 2 ciders). They're kept well, as well. The only negative point is the mens toilets smell a bit because of vandalism. Hopefully this'll get sorted out...
Edd Almond - 2 Sep 2003 11:21 |
Made another visit to the Head of Steam recently and it's still a pretty good place to drink. If you can put up with having to ask for the code for the toilets and the sometimes indifference of the bar staff you'll be rewarded with some excellent and decently priced ales.
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great selection, some decent lagers as well, fair prices for a station pub, wish more station pubs were like this !
ian - 11 Jul 2003 13:24 |
A little cliquey which takes the edge off it a little. For a better atmosphere and just as good a range of real ales take the northern line to Angel & walk down City Road for the Wenlock. Staff and locals are friendly here!
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Great pub with one of London's best selections of real ale. If you need a pee you'll have to ask the bar staff for the combination, but contrary to other comments it isn't full of winos and crack addicts. Mostly suits in reality.
Mike - 5 Jun 2003 17:46 |
Great Cigars
Richard - 29 May 2003 13:54 |
Great beer, fantastic atmosphere. Loved the chilli on chips. Friday lunchtime just can't come round soon enough.
Milo - 29 May 2003 13:48 |
Excellent Pub, excellent beer.
Unique info - if you need the loo you must ask the bar staff for the combination for the lock.
Carl Blackburn - 9 May 2003 10:42 |
Great pub. Decent staff and lots of real ales. This place is much better than Coopers inside Euston Station.
John - 16 Apr 2003 13:20 |
A fantastic range of ales with up to eight on handpump at a time. Interesting Seabrook crisps in some exotic flavours. A raised snug and a mezzanine area give the interior a unique character, whilst railway memorabilia bedeck the walls and ceilings. Quiet tv, usually sport. A few gaming machines. Mild often available, usually from "up the west coast line". Food served most of the time until about 7 or 8 in the evening. The only downside is that come 11:10 you are hurried agressively to finish up by 11:15 - they need to "chill-out" a bit. I for one would visit more often!
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