The Exmouth Arms, Euston (PUBLOVE)

Ah yes, The Exmouth Arms in London's Euston area - another pub-hostel hybrid trying to convince budget travelers that sleeping above a bar is somehow a brilliant idea. As someone who's spent far too many nights reviewing London's attempts at "alternative accommodation," I approached this establishment with the weary skepticism it deserved.

Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, The Exmouth Arms is essentially a pub with beds thrown in upstairs, a concept that sounds about as well-thought-out as a chocolate teapot. And yet, somehow, against all odds and my better judgment, there's something oddly charming about this place that stops it from being just another soulless central London tourist trap.

The pub portion of The Exmouth Arms actually manages to maintain that increasingly rare authentic London boozer feel. While other establishments in Euston desperately try to reinvent themselves as gastropubs with deconstructed fish and chips served on vintage shovels, this place knows exactly what it is. The beer selection is surprisingly decent, and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between "lively local" and "I can actually hear myself think." The outdoor seating area, while not exactly the Riviera, provides a decent enough spot for people-watching while questioning your life choices.

Now, about those rooms upstairs. Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it - they're basic. Very basic. The kind of basic that makes Marie Kondo look like a maximalist. But here's the thing - they're clean (mostly), functional (mostly), and the staff actually seem to give a damn (mostly). The shared bathrooms are kept in better condition than some private facilities I've seen in supposedly upmarket hotels, which is either a stunning achievement or a damning indictment of London's hospitality scene - possibly both.

What really sets The Exmouth Arms apart - and I can't believe I'm saying this - is its peculiar brand of honest hospitality. There's no pretense here, no attempt to be something it's not. The staff members manage to be both efficiently professional and refreshingly straightforward, a combination rarer in London than an affordable pint. Speaking of pints, the pub's pricing is remarkably reasonable for central London, though that's admittedly like praising a shark for being less bitey than its friends.

The location, I must grudgingly admit, is rather brilliant. Situated in Euston, you're within stumbling distance of multiple tube lines and walking distance from both the British Library and King's Cross. It's convenient without being right in the tourist chaos - a sweet spot that many London establishments miss by miles.

For groups looking to watch sports, they've got you covered with screens positioned strategically around the pub. Just don't expect the kind of sports bar setup you'd find in Leicester Square - this is more "proper football pub" territory, complete with the requisite passionate locals who've been supporting their team since before you were born.

The payment setup is refreshingly modern for a traditional pub - they take everything from cash to contactless, which means you won't have to perform the traditional London pub dance of "Sorry mate, card minimum is £10." They're also dog-friendly, which explains both the occasional four-legged patron and the surprisingly minimal presence of the usual pub rodent population.

Let's be clear - The Exmouth Arms isn't perfect. The rooms are compact enough to make a submarine feel spacious, and yes, sometimes the sound from the pub below might drift upstairs. But there's something oddly compelling about this place that makes it work despite (or perhaps because of) its quirks.

So here's the deal - if you're looking for luxury accommodation in London, this isn't it. But if you want a genuine slice of London life, decent drinks, and a bed that won't require remortgaging your house, The Exmouth Arms in Euston might just be your spot. And trust me, it pains me slightly less than expected to admit that.