Best Community Bar Pubs

Just what London needed - another railway station pub. The Doric Arch in Euston had me rolling my eyes before I even climbed the stairs. Because really, what could be more cliché than a Fuller's establishment perched above the urban chaos of one of London's busiest transport hubs? If you're expecting another soulless waiting room masquerading as a pub, well... prepare to be reluctantly impressed. Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, it's inside Euston Station, that concrete monument to 1960s architectural hubris. But unlike its modernist host, The Doric Arch somehow manages to channel proper pub energy, despite its location practically screaming "tourist trap." The moment you ascend to the first floor, you're greeted by an atmosphere that feels more like a beloved local than a transient pit stop. The railway memorabilia plastered across the walls could have been tacky. Should have been tacky, really. Yet somehow, these artifacts of British Rail's glory days feel less like Theme Pub 101 and more like a carefully curated museum exhibition. It's as if someone actually gave a damn about the history they were preserving, rather than just slapping random steam engine photos on the wall and calling it a day. Now, about those Fuller's ales. I arrived determined to find fault with the beer selection, ready to pen a scathing critique about mediocre pints served to captive audiences. Instead, I found myself facing ten - yes, ten - cask ales, all kept in the kind of condition that would make a CAMRA enthusiast weep with joy. The Cruzcampo, while not exactly cheap at £6.25, was poured with the kind of care you'd expect in a craft beer specialist, not a station pub. The food menu is refreshingly unpretentious. No attempts at gastro-pub pretensions here - just honest toasties and pork pies. And you know what? Sometimes that's exactly what you need before boarding the 18:45 to Manchester. The toasted sandwiches arrive with proper pickles and crisps, offering the kind of simple satisfaction that fancy small plates could never provide. Perhaps the most surprising element is the staff. In an era where genuine hospitality seems as rare as an on-time train, The Doric Arch's team manages to deliver service that feels... dare I say it... actually welcoming. The bar staff remember regulars, offer genuine recommendations, and somehow maintain their composure even during the peak-hour rush of delayed passengers seeking liquid consolation. The 'L'-shaped layout proves surprisingly effective at absorbing crowds without feeling cramped. There's something oddly satisfying about sipping a pint while watching the departure boards (thoughtfully displayed throughout the pub) tick away. It's like having a front-row seat to the theater of modern travel, but with better drinks and considerably more comfortable seating. For the pragmatists among you: yes, there are proper facilities (a rarity in central London), the payment systems actually work (they take cards, contactless, and yes, even cash), and there's enough seating to accommodate both solo travelers and larger groups without requiring advanced tactical planning. Look, I didn't want to like The Doric Arch. It would have been easier to dismiss it as just another station pub, adding to the countless mediocre boozers dotting London's transport network. But somehow, this place has managed to create something genuinely special in the most unlikely of locations. Whether you're killing time before a train, meeting friends in a central location, or simply seeking refuge from the chaos of Euston, you'll find yourself, as I did, becoming a reluctant regular. So here's my grudging recommendation: next time you're in Euston, skip the chain coffee shops and soulless station bars. Head up those stairs to The Doric Arch. Just don't blame me when you find yourself purposely arriving early for your train, or worse - missing it altogether because you're too comfortable to leave.

Looking for that quintessential London pub where everybody knows your name (or will by the end of the night)? The Alderman in London is that rare gem of a proper neighborhood boozer that makes you feel like you've stumbled into your living room – if your living room happened to serve perfectly poured pints and came with a cast of characters straight out of a British sitcom. Listen, I need to tell you about this place because it's exactly what you picture when you think "authentic London pub," minus the tourist crowds and overpriced everything. The Alderman isn't trying to be trendy or reinvent itself with craft cocktails and small plates. Thank goodness for that! It's proudly flying the flag for traditional British pub culture, and doing it with the kind of charm you can't manufacture. First things first – the POOL TABLE! It's tucked away in its own room like a secret society meeting spot, and I swear some of the best conversations in London happen around that felt-covered beauty. Whether you're a shark or can barely hold a cue, it's the perfect ice-breaker when you're meeting friends or making new ones. The main bar area feels like it was designed specifically for storytelling. You know those nights that start with "just one quick pint" and end with you making plans to start a business with someone you met 20 minutes ago? That's The Alderman energy right there. The locals who prop up the bar aren't extras hired to create atmosphere – they're the real deal, and they've got tales that'll keep you entertained for hours. And speaking of proper pub vibes, the landlord here? Absolute legend. The kind of publican who remembers your usual after one visit and somehow knows exactly when you need a sympathetic ear or a gentle reminder that maybe it's time to switch to water. It's like having a wise uncle who happens to be in charge of the beer taps. Let's talk about those outdoor seats for a second. When the London weather decides to behave (I know, rare as hen's teeth), the outside area becomes prime real estate. Nothing beats a sunny afternoon session watching the world go by with a cold one in hand. Bring your four-legged friend too – they're more than welcome here! For sports fans, this place is absolute gold. Picture this: big match on, crowd of friendly faces, perfect view of the screen, and none of that corporate sports bar nonsense. The atmosphere during a crucial game is electric – even if you don't care about football, you'll find yourself caught up in the collective joy (or misery, depending on the score). The payment situation is gloriously 21st century (they take cards, contactless, all that good stuff) but the prices will make you think you've time-traveled back a decade. And while they might not do fancy gastropub food, what they do offer is exactly what you want from a proper pub – good drinks, great company, and zero pretense. Now, here's the insider intel you need: The sweet spot for nabbing the best seats is right after work, around 5:30. That's when you'll catch the perfect mix of after-work crowd and evening regulars. If you're coming for a big game, get there early – like, "your mates will mock you for being too keen" early. Trust me, it's worth it. The Alderman sits in one of those perfect London spots where the city somehow feels both huge and small at the same time. It's the kind of place where you might pop in for a quick pint and emerge three hours later with new friends and plans for a pub quiz team. Don't be surprised if you find yourself becoming a regular – it happens to the best of us. Your local in London is waiting. What are you still doing reading this? Get yourself down to The Alderman before someone else claims your spot at the bar!