The Crown & Anchor

Just what London needs - another pub claiming to be a cut above the typical sticky-floored watering hole. The Crown & Anchor near Euston Square presents itself as some sort of gastropub revelation, as if we haven't seen a thousand places try to elevate pub grub beyond recognizable pub grub-ness. And yet...

I hate to admit it, but this place might actually be onto something. After dodging the ever-present construction chaos of central London (because what's a day in the capital without a few detours?), I found myself surprisingly charmed by this establishment's stubborn refusal to completely abandon its proper pub roots while still managing to serve food that doesn't taste like it came from a freezer bag marked "pub classics."

The steak pie - that eternal litmus test of British pub fare - actually made me pause mid-eye-roll. The pastry demonstrated a shocking awareness of what pastry should actually be: flaky, buttery, and presumably made by human hands rather than a factory in Slough. It's the kind of dish that makes you temporarily forget you're paying London prices for what is, essentially, meat in a pastry jacket.

The Crown & Anchor's bar selection deserves particular mention, if only because they've managed to curate a beer list that extends beyond the usual suspects without veering into craft beer pretentiousness. Yes, you can get your standard lager, but there's also a rotating selection that suggests someone behind the bar actually knows their hops from their barley. The wine list is surprisingly decent too, though ordering wine in a pub still feels somewhat transgressive, like wearing a tuxedo to a football match.

The space itself maintains that delicate balance between "nice enough to bring your parents" and "pub enough to meet your mates for a pint." They've avoided the temptation to strip out all character in favor of Instagram-friendly minimalism, thank whatever deity watches over London's drinking establishments. The original features remain intact, though cleaned up enough to suggest someone actually cares about the place's upkeep.

Service manages to hit that sweet spot between attentive and leaving you alone to nurse your pint in peace. The staff seems to have mastered the art of appearing exactly when needed and vanishing when you're deep in conversation, a skill rarer than a reasonable rent in Zone 1.

Let's talk about the small plates menu, because apparently every establishment in London now needs one. But here's the thing - they're actually good. The halloumi fries (yes, I know, but hear me out) are crispy on the outside, properly melty within, and served with a dip that suggests someone in the kitchen understands flavor beyond salt and grease. The homemade nachos - and yes, they actually make their own tortilla chips - are a revelation that makes me question everything I thought I knew about pub snacks.

For those planning ahead (and you should, as the place fills up faster than a Northern Line train during rush hour), they take reservations. Dog owners, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome, though they might have to share floor space with the occasional briefcase, as the pub's proximity to Euston Station makes it a popular spot for commuters seeking salvation before their train journey.

The outdoor seating area, while not exactly the Riviera, provides a decent enough spot for people-watching when London's weather decides to cooperate (approximately three days per year). They've managed to make it feel like part of the pub rather than an apologetic afterthought of metal furniture thrown onto the pavement.

Look, I didn't want to like The Crown & Anchor. London has enough gastropubs trying to convince us that charging £16 for fish and chips is reasonable because they serve it on a wooden board with "artisanal" tartar sauce. But somehow, against all odds and my better judgment, this place has managed to strike that elusive balance between proper pub and quality food establishment. It's the kind of place where you can have a serious meal or just a few pints, and neither option feels wrong.

Go ahead, book a table at The Crown & Anchor. Just don't blame me when it becomes your go-to spot for everything from casual drinks to impressing out-of-towners who want "a real London pub experience." I'll probably see you there, pretending I'm not enjoying myself quite as much as I actually am.