Best Breakfast Serving Pubs

The Water Rats in London stands as a testament to how a pub can transcend its role as merely a place to drink, transforming into a living chronicle of cultural history. Nestled near King's Cross, this venerable establishment has been witnessing and shaping London's social fabric for over five centuries, with the current Victorian-era building dating back to 1878. Few venues can claim to have hosted both revolutionary political discourse and groundbreaking musical performances, yet The Water Rats in London has done exactly that. Its walls have absorbed the theoretical musings of Karl Marx and Lenin, who frequently gathered here, as well as the early sounds of Bob Dylan's first UK performance. This extraordinary duality of intellectual heritage and artistic innovation continues to define the venue's unique position in London's cultural landscape. The pub's name derives from its connection to the Grand Order of Water Rats, a prestigious theatrical charity whose membership has included entertainment luminaries from Charlie Chaplin to contemporary artists. This association, formalized when the organization purchased the venue in 1986, has cemented The Water Rats' reputation as a proving ground for emerging talent. The intimate back room has witnessed countless memorable performances, from The Pogues' early days to Oasis's raw beginnings, and even hosted international pop sensation Katy Perry before her global fame. Today's Water Rats skillfully balances its storied past with contemporary offerings. The menu reflects modern London's culinary expectations while maintaining traditional pub foundations. Their Sunday roast draws particular praise, featuring perfectly cooked meat and crispy roast potatoes that would satisfy even the most discerning British palate. Breakfast service, ranging from simple scrambled eggs to heartier fare, acknowledges the venue's evolution beyond traditional pub hours, serving the area's diverse community from early morning onwards. The interior space respects its Victorian heritage while accommodating modern needs. Historic photographs and memorabilia line the walls, creating an informal museum of entertainment history that patrons can absorb while enjoying their meals or drinks. The spacious layout allows for comfortable dining, while the legendary back room continues to host live performances, maintaining the venue's tradition of supporting emerging artists. From morning coffee to evening performances, The Water Rats seamlessly transitions through different roles throughout the day. The well-curated beer and wine selection caters to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs, while the kitchen's output ranges from pub classics to contemporary dishes. This versatility has helped maintain its relevance in an ever-changing London landscape, particularly in the rapidly evolving King's Cross area. The clientele reflects this versatility - morning commuters stopping for breakfast, tourists exploring London's musical heritage, local office workers seeking lunch, and music enthusiasts gathering for evening performances. The venue's dog-friendly policy and outdoor seating options further cement its position as a community hub, while its proximity to King's Cross and St Pancras stations makes it an accessible meeting point for Londoners and visitors alike. What truly sets The Water Rats apart is how it maintains its historical significance while remaining decidedly unpretentious. Despite its impressive heritage, it operates as a welcoming space where everyone from tourists to locals can feel comfortable. The service style strikes a balance between professional and casual, reflecting the venue's position as both a serious cultural institution and a neighborhood pub. Visiting The Water Rats isn't just about having a drink or meal - it's about participating in a continuing chapter of London's cultural history. Whether you're sipping coffee in the same space where revolutionary ideas once flourished, or watching an unsigned band that might become tomorrow's headliners, you're experiencing a living piece of London's endless story. Make time to explore this unique venue where history doesn't just hang on the walls - it continues to be made every day.

Just what Dublin needs - another pub with delusions of grandeur. The Goblet sits there on its corner, trying desperately to convince passersby it's not just another watering hole in a city practically drowning in them. And yet, against my better judgment and carefully cultivated cynicism, I find myself returning to this surprisingly competent establishment more often than I care to admit. Let's address the elephant in the room: The Goblet in Dublin has that worn-in feel that could either signal character or neglect, depending on your perspective. The lighting hovers somewhere between "moody ambiance" and "hiding the dust" - though I've gradually come to appreciate how it flatters both the décor and its patrons after a few pints. Speaking of pints, they actually know how to pour one properly here. I know, I'm as shocked as you are. The Guinness comes with the perfect dome and settles like a dream, which is more than I can say for half the "authentic" Dublin pubs charging tourists double for a badly poured pint and a side of manufactured charm. The food menu initially struck me as ambitious for what I assumed would be another mediocre pub kitchen. But here's where The Goblet surprised me - they actually deliver. Their full Irish breakfast (served all day, bless them) doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it respects the classics. The rashers are properly crisp, the black pudding isn't trying to be fancy, and the eggs are consistently done right. It's refreshingly honest cooking at prices that won't require a second mortgage. The three distinct areas - bar, lounge, and upstairs - mean you can usually find a spot that suits your mood, assuming you can navigate the occasionally baffling pricing structure that seems to change with the wind. But even that becomes part of its charm, like that eccentric aunt who's impossible to predict but always entertaining. Live music on Sundays transforms the space from "perfectly adequate pub" to "why aren't we here more often?" territory. They manage to book acts that understand the difference between background entertainment and sonic assault - a surprisingly rare skill in Dublin's pub scene. The staff deserves special mention, if only because they've mastered that uniquely Irish ability to be simultaneously professional and casual. They remember your usual order without making a show of it, and they're quick with recommendations that actually suit your tastes rather than just pushing the day's special. For families (yes, families - The Goblet has evolved beyond its basic pub roots), there's a decent children's menu and enough space to accommodate the occasional stroller without turning the place into a creche. The weekend brunch crowd is a fascinating mix of locals nursing hangovers, tourists who've stumbled upon a genuine find, and regulars who've made this their second living room. The outdoor seating area, while not exactly the Riviera, provides a perfect perch for people-watching when Dublin graces us with one of its seventeen annual sunny days. The free parking nearby is a bonus, though I suggest walking if you're planning to sample their surprisingly decent cocktail menu. What ultimately elevates The Goblet above Dublin's sea of mediocre pubs is its stubborn refusal to be pigeonholed. It's a breakfast spot that transforms into a proper lunch venue, then a casual dinner destination, before finally settling into its evening pub persona. And somehow, it manages to do each of these things competently, if not occasionally excellently. Look, I didn't want to like The Goblet. Dublin has enough decent pubs, and my cynical heart doesn't need another regular haunt. But here I am, recommending you give it a try, especially if you're in the area during Sunday music sessions or looking for a reliable breakfast spot. Just don't blame me when you find yourself becoming a regular, nursing a perfect pint while pretending you're only there ironically. Sometimes, despite our best efforts to maintain our jaded exterior, a place simply earns its keep.