please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I remember it from the days when it was the Wellington .
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The first thing that stood out to me upon entering this pub was just how remarkably clean it was. It had the layout and furniture of and old school boozer, but none of the grubiness. The service was so good that I can't think of a way it could be improved upon and this is probably what drives the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The only fault that I found with the pub was that the Guinness Cold was a bit naff - curious for an Irish place. Given the high standards on every other aspect of the pub I'm going to assume this was a rare occurance.
I will make a point of returning to this excellent pub.
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Friendly traditional Irish local in a quiet back street. Pleasant to sit or stand outside in good weather. Usually 3 real ales on. It is hidden away but popular with locals and commuters. The best pub in this area. I discovered this pub many years ago and have been coming back ever since.
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Some people reckon that this is the best pub in Kings Cross
that's not saying much
On a summer's evening sitting outside you could be in Parisian back street.
Well perhaps not.....
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On my recent UK visit I stayed briefly in the King's Cross area & discovered some new (for me) pubs near the hotel. I enjoyed McGlynn's because it seemed that most customers were locals enjoying punting, pints & banter, and the odd tourist (me) was made most welcome. Pride was 3.80, which was pretty reasonable.
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An excellent, traditional boozer attracting a good bunch of regulars which makes for a good atmosphere. Since its on a backstreet you avoid most of the passing Kings Cross trade but quite a few more choosy commuters do make up the numbers.
Landlord was a friendly old fella as well.
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Very nice pub in the Kings Cross area. Three well kept beers on pump. I had Courage and London pride and the friendly bartender gave me a taste of the Flying Scotsman. I had a fill pint the next time I visited during my holiday in from the States. They serve weekday breakfast but sadly no beer.
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Smartly presented Irish pub, hidden away on a quiet back street a stones throw from King's Cross station. Friendly, well kept beer. Worth finding.
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I've been coming over here from Germany for quite a couple of years now and I'm really happy to have found my local pub just around the corner from my hotel in King's Cross. Apart from exploring London my aim is meeting people and talking to them, which I found much easier at McGlynn's than anywhere else. I think this is mainly due to landlord Gerry who provides a most friendly atmosphere. I'm looking forward to another great time there. As I always have Guinness (they used to have some other good stout) I can't say anything about the other beers. Thank you, Gerry, and see you soon!
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Nice pub, good atmosphere and attentive staff. Food is basic but tasty and with huge portions. There is a strange set up with food that I haven't quite worked out. Menus are on the table but there's a sort of cafe room at the back with different things.. I may have to investigate what that's all about. Strongbow is expensive but you can't have everything.
Ann49 - 22 Aug 2012 17:15 |
Tried the Flying Scotsman and Courage Best and both were OK. Interesting mix of clientele here; I think some of Graham Norton's mates were staying nearby!! Worth a visit but pick the right road to get to the pub, if you don't you'll know what I mean!
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I've stayed in London four times and always end up back at this pub. I found it while staying at the Swinton Arms on my first visit to London by luck. My last time I was in London, I stayed in Camdentown and still ended up traveling half way across London just so I could visit this pub. They have the best pub food in Kings Cross and the draft ale is great and cold. About as friendly a place as one could find anywhere. Also great darts!
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Found McGlynns at the end of the street our hotel was on(believe me it was a good find).
Three cask ales on sale, good hot food at a reasonable price,clean interior and friendly staff what more could you want in a strange city.
If you find yourself in the area you must pop in and try their food!
Would certainly pop in again if we`re in London at all
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Our whole family (13) went to McGlynn's a number of times over the 12 days we stayed in London. Friendly and attractive place, we ate here several times and dropped in for drinks more often. Bumped into Gerry (the licensee) at church on Christmas and joined him for a free drink at the pub at noon! We had a great time.
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This was my local pub for my 10 days in London (HOTEL WAS RIGHT DOWN THE STREET), and I popped in on quite a few occasions. Friendly staff, nice cheery locals, and great pubfood. A couple of real ales on tap, and some decent selections of lager & ciders.
However, the place has such a distinctive character and such a warm vibe, that I find myself missing it now that I am back in the States. Definitely my favorite pub off of the beaten Euston path. I'll be back!
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Found the pub accidentally and popped in for a drink on a Sunday afternoon. It was the nicest little pub we have found in London. Although there was no food on offer on a Sunday afternoon, after speaking to Gerry Dolan, the licencee, he offered to cook us a meal. How good was that ! The beer was great and the staff terrific. Thank you for the experience. When we get back to Australia we will have fond memories of this little pub. Thank you Gerry and staff. We have attached a photo for all the world to see.
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very nice pub near kings cross,popped in on way home from the London drinker beer festival at the nearby camden centre,three handpumps offering courage best,a wychwood special and caledonian over the bar which was very good (although at �3.20 it should be)good cheap jukebox available and fast service 8/10
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First time visit, looking for somewhere new to wait for my train, I am clearly neither friend nor local. I can only echo the previous review and say I found the experience a friendly and utterly un-threatening one. Not a huge ale selection granted but who ever decided that was the be-all and end-all of everything. If you find ordinary working people being pleasant and civil to one another a scary prospect then I would stick to Hampstead if I were you otherwise I would recommend here.
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Popped in here on numerous occasions prior to catching a train back up to Edinburgh. Always found it quite a cheery, friendly place.
Never had any trouble with the drink in here although I'm not a real ale man.
Cheap, decent run of the mill pub grub.
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A nice glowing review of how well the CAMRA luvvies were looked after on their well planned little jolly. I can only go by my own personal experience though, the first time I had to switch to lager because the ale was dire and last week I found the ale hard going and went elsewhere. Seems like you need to organise an event to get a decent pint here.
anonymous - 22 Dec 2010 19:37 |
Reviewed on behalf of the North London branch of CAMRA.
We held our Christmas party here on Tuesday 14th December and can confirm we made a very good choice. McGlynns has been included on our socials a few times in the past and we have always enjoyed ourselves in this very traditional back street pub.
On the night of the party, as well as the usual Courage Best, two guest beers were available, Scrooge from Robinsons and Double Dark Oatmeal Stout from Caledonian, the latter being very drinkable with its sweet and smooth taste very detectable. All three beers were in good condition and were very popular with our members.
The buffet provided was more than ample and a good mixture of pub grub that more than soaked up the beer. The staff were attentive and friendly and the whole night went very well as remarked upon by our members since.
Our thanks to Jerry and his staff for a memorable evening. Do pop in if you are ever in the Kings Cross area. It is more of a traditional pub compared to the bigger pubs on the main roads. The beer and food are reasonably priced and the menu provides good pub grub for everyone.
John Adams,
Joint social secretary.
OldPH - 22 Dec 2010 18:59 |
Give this place another try based on the glowing reviews since I had last been only to find it even more miserable than before. The ale (Robinson's Scrooge) was a struggle to drink, the manager was giving some of the clientelle a warning over their behaviour and then later inflcited his personal chirstmas Karoake selection (at a loud level) on the handful of customers. The favourable reviews must be from locals/freinds as I can't find anything to commend this place for the casual visitor.
anonymous - 19 Dec 2010 12:27 |
A local pub for local people. I came on here after a visit to the Skinners Arms and the contrast was remarkable. Maybe if I'd come here first...
No food on, juke box cranked high, a clump of local-locals center stage - with a visit topped off by a sour poorly kept Courage Best. Nope, I won't be going back.
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Lovely friendly staff and regulars, felt welcome at once. Added bonus of Wicked Witch beer on tap at the time! Food excellent and really good value especially the Sunday roast dinners. Jukebox has a great range of music including loads of Christy Moore. Definitely be checking this pub out again next time I'm in London.
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Nice, friendly atmosphere! Food is lovely and reasonably priced, whatever you fancy they do most dishes from Roasts to salads. A great place to sit outside in the summer, try their beer and curry deal, Monday-Thursday.
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was in the pub last night and delighted to see a guest ale [wicked witch] and a very well kept an delightfull pint.
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It is, and has been since McGlynn took it over, a grand pub.
Courage Best at �2.70 is the staple beer and Deuchars is usually available although, as few people seem to drink it, I can't comment on the quality. Murphy's at �3 as well.
Poplular for food which is good value and filling.
Lots of regulars and visitors - everyone seems happy here. Best pub (along with The Skinners) in the area.
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another one of those pubs where you feel you've walked into someones front room - full of regulars......nothing special.
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LOVED IT!!! A little hard to find, but Jerry is amazing, Dave is awesome, the beer is fresh, and the food is tasty. We came from the US and the took us right in. So friendly, so delicious, and overall a great time. I walked out with a smile and a full belly every time. If Im ever in London again, Im going straight to McGlynns. Thanks a bunch guys!! We love Minnesota too!
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A pub called McGlynns with a bright green exterior and a "Cead Mile Failte" sign over the front door is not normally a pub I would venture into, but, in the light of previous reviews here, I did just that last Saturday lunchtime.
The pub is situated in a quiet residential side street on the south side of Kings Cross, just off the notorious Argyle Square. Outside, another sign says " A warm welcome in traditional surroundings awaits you". Whilst the surroundings are traditional, the alleged "warm welcome" needs working on as the welcome I received was distinctly muted.
It's a slightly old fashioned unpretentious street corner local which, despite the external appearance, appeared to have no real Irish emphasis. The interior is carpeted and comfortable but, apart from some unusually positioned farming implements adorning the walls, there is little of specific note. Seating is of the comfortable banquettes and chairs variety and, in contrast to an earlier poster, I liked the carpet.
Unusually, there's a separate restaurant area at the back, but it wasn't open on my visit. At the risk of sounding like one of The Dragons, pub management might want to review opening hours, since 3 separate groups of drinkers came in enquiring about food during the half hour or so of my visit ( they were redirected towards a pub called The Boot, which I'm not familiar with ).
2 of the 3 handpumps were in use during my visit serving Deuchars IPA and Courage Best. Perhaps surprisingly, for a pub where I didn't detect any real ale emphasis or custom, the Deuchars IPA - � 3.00p - was really quite good.
If you fancy a quiet pint in traditional surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the main line stations, you might want to seek this one out
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The area immediately around this pub looks almost like a village - very C19. It's a really obscure little corner, the pub invisible until you get very close. First time I went here, on a summer's afternoon, some women were peeling potatoes in the dining room. All very rustic. This time, on a winter's night fast approiaching Christmas the place was dominated by a very loud TV in the corner, even though none of the customers were watching it. We asked them if they could turn it off or turn it down, but we were told it was needed as background noise otherwise there would be 'silence'! Doubt it - the place was full and everybody was chattering. The carpet's horiffic, the barmaid could have done with being a bit more cheery and alert and the the whole place looks pretty grubby but... I still like it. Very old school and they look like they serve 'good honest' food as well - and at cheap prices.
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Ordinary kind of street corner local. A bit of a quiet haven from the bustle of the Euston Road. The ale (Deuchars IPA) was garbage though, had to switch to lager.. would have moved on had I not been in company.
anonymous - 16 Nov 2009 20:42 |
Unpretentious, traditional pub, serving good ale. Nice to sit outside - it's on a peaceful street with no through traffic. One of the best in the area, and I've been to them all.
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Popped in to see how it was. Had 3 good pulls on which were in good shape. Mostly a local's pub but the atmosphere was good and welcoming. About a 5 minute walk from the Kings Cross tube station albeit somewhat hidden. Still, worth a stop in.
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a nice Pub! The Crew is quite ok, but the owner don't. (Sorry!)
you get Blumers Cider from the tab and very good live Music every 2nd Saturday evening.
If you want to see local People - this is your Pub!
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Along with the Deuchars and Courage best this pub also sells some standard lagers and Amstel. I found the barman to be very polite and the other punters seemed like a nice lot.
The plasma up in the corner was showing the Fulham v Liverpool match on Setanta.
My Deuchars was good and I liked it in here so would go back if in the area.
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More of a locals pub, but served a well kept pint. Wouldn't want to take a large group in there, but great for crawling south from Kings Cross
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They had Courage Best and Deuchars IPA on when I was in there this week. The Deuchars was OK, and reasonably priced at �2.80 a pint. This is a fairly large pub tucked away down a side street near Kings Cross Station. You�re not likely to stumble on it by accident � but you never know in the Kings Cross area. Lemon yellow walls made it very bright on a sunny March day. There was a large widescreen TV on, tuned to some music channel. It was not on too loud to inhibit conversation, but personally I could have done without being subjected to more inane pop music. But maybe others appreciated it.
It seems to advertise itself as a restaurant, but there is a large pub area at the front, with the dining area at the rear. There were a dozen or so customers in for a bite to eat when I was in there at Friday lunchtime. I didn�t eat there but the food looked OK. It is comfortably furnished with red upholstered settles and stools. The service was friendly and polite enough. All in all it is a pretty decent pub, though not a great one. I would be happy to drop in again if I was in the area.
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Decent pub , nice beer ( Kroneburg in my case ) and not overly expenisive a real find in the middle of this part of London . I come here evry time I am in the city if I can . It's friendly and the juke box is ace !
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I used McGlynn's quite a lot a couple of years ago, when stuck in King's cross at the end of the week, waiting for GNER's off-peak period to begin, so it was a pleasant surprise to go back this week and find that little has changed - the toilets seem slightly cleaner and Deuchar's IPA is now on handpull, but that's about it. Free papers at the bar, cheapish food, a pristine exterior that's clearly been lovingly maintained, decent regulars (you don't get the stares on entering that greet you at the Dolphin) and a friendly landlord.
In fact, as I was leaving, the landlord suggested that if I liked his pub I should let other people know via BITE, so I just did. 9/10 for a genuinely good pub.
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9 years n still getting in there most eves, best beer n food in the area,in 1 place
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Was there last night, was quite a good pub, food was cheap and nice, friendly people in there as well one of the better pubs in the area.
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Went in last night. 3 pumps but only 2 beers on: Deuchars IPA and Courage Best, which were fine. Friendly service and atmosphere, sports telly on in the corner but not loud, and priority was given to the very good juke box (lots of 90s indie classics).
Food was good for the price (burger and chips for about 5 quid, steak and chips about 8-9 quid).
A large open-plan pub, with old farming implements on the walls, dark heavy tables and chairs and red leatherette benches. Toilets clean and civilised.
Nothing very special about the place, but a thoroughly decent pub, especially for this bit of town. Well worth an evening of anyone's life.
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Found myself in KK yesterday afternoon with a couple of hours to kill before meeting the 'trouble' at the station.
Most times when I'm here I don't get much further than The Euston Flyer, but thought I'd be a bit more adventurous and look away from the madness that is Euston Road.
Came across McGlynns and have to say I was impressed.
Nice location tucked away in a quiet area round the back of the Camden town hall, bench seats to sit outside, welcoming to the stray visitor and a great pint of Deuchars IPA to boot.
In fact, when the wife arrived I dragged her across The Euston road to McGlynns for another one
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After a day spend cycling around North London in the heavy rain of July 9th 8 of us arrived at McGlynns in the early evening, soaked to the skin. Our welcome was instant and spontaneous, tables were re-arranged in the eating area to accomodate us and good, hot, very reasonably priced food was produced very quickly. We thoroughly recommend this pub for its hospitality.
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OMG....the barmen are 3 of the hottest in London...if your single get down there soon as possible and check these 3 young stallions out.
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So what you gonna do about getting into the top 10 ,I went to the Mitre in Holborn ,not a patch on this place.No sunbathing area
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My best memory from our trip to London 19-23 dec 2007 is from Mac Glynns, both lunch and evening beer was exelent. Many thanks from 7 persons from Sweden
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It's a very welcoming pub for a stray visitor.
We seven Swedes felt at home right after walking through the doors and when we got our food the feeling of homeliness grew even stronger.
The only thing really differing it from home is the variety of drinks. I for instance just have 3-4 sorts of beer at home. That and the fact that I didn't have to to any washing up after dinner.
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Back again at this great pub and just as my last visit a great welcome, very impressive new french staff and a lovely new carpet. Gerry was the perfect host as always, and very pleased to see Jessy is still cooking great food,chicken curry,chips & rice plenty full for a great price of 5.00 ponds.
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Search this place out if you have some time to spare when waiting for a train at Kings Cross or St Pancras. Unusually for an Irish pub, it does serve real ale.
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Friendly pub with great food at low prices, Great service from most staff, one rather dodgy annoying bar man, tall dude with dark hair and attitude.
anonymous - 28 Aug 2007 12:48 |
This is now my pub of choice when I've time before my train. Well kept Courage (ie Charlie Wells) Best and Directors, and it does food, although I never tried any.
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this pub is ok but it needs new carpet and some females
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This is a hidden gem in what is a rough and ready area in all respects - pubs included. Tucked away in a back street, this has all the advantages of a friendly 'local' boozer which belie its central London location. A great homely feeling - not posh, polished or classy, but down to earth and honest and a welcome change from the clone pubs you find in London, packed with suits and with prices inflated. Enjoyable venue.
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Nice pub, though bit smokey for me (roll on the ban!!)
Beer wasn't brilliant but at least they did have some proper beer, which is unusual for an Irish pub.
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A good place to unwind on a friday evening after work.
The beer is smooth and it goes down well. Sound Pub.
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an absolute sensational public house!! Words fail to describe how good this pub really is.
If you like ale .... this is the pub for you!
If you like quiche .... this is the pub for you!
If you like majestic packing horses with cart as part of the decor .... then this is certainly the pub for you!!!!
Visiting this pub changed my perception on pubs and life in general and I have grown as a human being by experincing 1 hour of my life inside this establishment, which I only stumbled across due to fait and instinct!
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If anyone seriously thinks this is the best pub ever, they need to get out more. Prices are reasonable, but the beer wasn't great. Nothing special
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A wonderfull pub. Simply the best i have ever visited. During our stay, we sat there three days in a row drinking Guiness and whiskey; but also Strongbow and Pedigree(which tastes the same as a norwegian dogfood brand with the same name.) But anyway, it was superb there. The atmosphere, the mood and the people working there was great! Especialy the landlord, a cool spoonplaying chap. Keep up the good music (you know what we mean, the folk-stuf!) Or else, Eivind would be disapointed, and we would have to visit again.
Ps.
The only reason that it did not get the best rating, was that they also played pop-music. (Which doesn't belong in a pub like McGlynns)
Fair greetings and best wishes from your norwegian friends, the boys from Honefoss(Henfalls)!!!
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Imagine standing behind your bar when Harry Potter ,Hagrid ,Ron ,Hermione & a couple of other wizards turn up at your bar ,Gerry laughed took our order for 6 butter beers ,served them at our table & has been doing so ever since .
I have tried the other pubs in the area (sorry Mick n Marion )but this is the pub I feel most welcome in .If I go out of the square mile I always head back to here ,a lot of people think its my second home (Its not, he wont let me sleep there)
Cant wait to go to the US to meet the friends we met in the pub who have invited us to stay
This is definatly the place to go if u want to feel welcome & u want some home cooked food (I always bring my family here)
anonymous - 31 May 2006 01:04 |
wellcome to the friendship rings... we loved this pub very much..the owner was very nice and treated us very well, we felt like in home. he treated us like we were of his family and so did Diogo and Carlos and everybody in that pub. we hope to return.
greatings
Teresa Joana Andr� Pedro e Jo�o Maria
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This is, by far, the best pub I've ever been to. I loved it there, and the landlord is also a very cool guy. I was in London with my english class and we went to McGlynns every evening. Shame we had to leave so soon though, but I'll definitely come back! Another thing: their irish coffee is extremely good! I'm already looking forward to the next time I go to Londonm, even though I just came home.
This place is absolutely recommended!
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Good pub with a bit more heart to it than Chads down the road. Good beer and a place to relax away from the Euston Road and Kings Cross. No rip off prices either.
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Lots of shamrocks and stuff knocking about.Only realised (after getting my Guinness)that no one else was drinking it-not a good sign for an 'Irish' pub. Looks just like any other back street boozer to me.
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Proper boozer, mainly blokes, but didn't feel uncomfortable being one of very few women in there. Great Courage best and excellent pub grub. Couldn't believe I got change for a fiver for 2 beers and pie and chips for under a fiver - bargain!
anonymous - 30 Mar 2006 16:08 |
After over two years of not seeing my little brother, I was less than impressed by the neighbourhood I was walking through to see him again.
A busy train station, construction and drab B&Bs, with uniform front entrances and not in the least warm or welcoming.
Then I turned the corner on to Whidborne St. and there was this light on the corner, warm and friendly. Like an inviting oasis in the middle of a dark neighbourhood, McGlynn's is everything you would want from a local pub.
I'm glad I came to meet Gerry and the rest of the gang. I know my brother is in good hands.
(even if he does occasionally need to see the "Dolan fighting stance"!!)
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if unfortunate enough to be stranded in King's Cross, this is the place to flee for and take refuge.
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Lovely pub -Gerry and the gang are tops, well worth a visit !!
anonymous - 21 Apr 2005 14:33 |
I enjoyed my visit here. It is a slightly unusual place but all the better because of this. The beer was good even though I am not a great fan of Courage Best.There is a nice welcome and a good selection of 'real' people (if you understand my meaning)
Good to see that the gents is handy for the bar & the ladies have to trek down the stairs;makes a change
mally - 16 Apr 2005 13:53 |
Well what can one say about McGlynns its got to be the best Pub in Kings cross if not London. Gerry & his team are the best, Jessy is a fantastic cook and the portions are great too. We hate going out of the square mile as we get withdrawal symptoms fom our fantastic local.
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The best pub in the area, you meet the nicest people of kings cross, london and england (because of the builders) in this place!!
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I visited this pub while on vacation in London from the United States during the beginning of November. This is the best pub I encountered while visiting in London. The food was served in a separate room in the back and it was excellent and plentiful. There is a good selection of beer. The staff was attentive and courteous. There was one girl from the Ukraine and one from Poland and they were hard workers. The customers were friendly. I will return to this pub.
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I cannot believe the rating by Mike. I visited this pub several times for wonderful food, excellent ale and great conversation. I will go out of my way while visiting London to enjoy this pub. The staff were attentive and excellent, especially Oksana. The cusomers were hospitable and met one feel at home. This is the best pub in London in my opinion!
anonymous - 21 Dec 2004 03:22 |
Best pub food I have ever tasted. Chicken curry is top of the list and is served with Rice Or Chips @ �4.75 is unpassible.
Just over from Canada and know Erish pubs this one is an exception.
Jason - 14 Oct 2004 00:02 |
I can't believe the comments by Mike. The Pub is the best kept secret in the Cross. The food is excellent, the beer is first class and the pub has a friendly atmosphere. In my opinion as a someone who has lived in and around Kings Cross all my life it is the ONLY pub worth visiting in the Cross.
Jason - 17 Aug 2004 18:43 |
Everyone else must be having a laugh with this dump. It is without doubt the worst pub I have every been to. The burger and chips, me and my american buddy had was rancidious. It wreaked of fried grease, every glass was covered in lipstick.
Mike - 7 Jul 2004 17:06 |
Anna is the Swedish barmaid and she is gorgeous, well worth going to visit, not to mention the curly haired Kiwi vixen, oooh behave!
Anon - 14 Jun 2004 13:08 |
It's a great place. Everytime we're in London, we simply must pop round for at least a pint. Food is good, plenty and cheap. nice Swedish barmaid.
Preben - 19 Apr 2004 14:02 |
Went there last night. great pre-gig pub if you're going to Scala and don't want to surrounded by trendies. friendly staff and the food was great - loads of it and cheap.
Jim - 31 Mar 2004 14:41 |
Friendly people, excellent food, friendly helpful staff. Good place to go for a Gunness and a Paddy's, and a steak and kidney pie!
Jean
anonymous - 12 Dec 2003 15:39 |
Wonderful pub, welcoming owner Jerry is helpful and kind to travellers, as well as taking care of the locals with free food on the holidays. Patrons will chat with you and make you feel welcome. Best food in the area, home cooked, and cheap Sunday noon meal that is to die for.
Sandra - 8 Oct 2003 10:31 |
Excellent, best pub in Kings Cross
anonymous - 8 Aug 2003 14:00 |
