The Rocket

Just what London needs - another pub near a train station. The Rocket in London sits a stone's throw from Euston, beckoning weary travelers and locals alike with its Grade II listed façade and promises of pints. I'll admit, I approached with the enthusiasm of someone getting a root canal, fully expecting another soulless chain pub serving microwaved meals to captive commuters.

But damn it all if The Rocket didn't start to win me over, despite my best efforts to maintain my professional cynicism. Maybe it was the surprisingly comfortable armchairs tucked into quiet corners, or perhaps the way the evening light filters through those grand Victorian windows. Either way, this London pub managed to charm me like a persistent suitor who won't take no for an answer.

Let's talk about the beer selection, shall we? While your average London station pub offers the usual suspects - flat lager and suspiciously old ale - The Rocket actually puts some effort in. They've got Beavertown Neck Oil on tap, which is either a sign of good taste or a lucky accident. The staff mostly knows their stuff about the drinks menu, though you might occasionally encounter someone who seems surprised to learn they serve cocktails. Yes, dear reader, they do indeed make cocktails, regardless of what some confused server might tell you.

The interior strikes that elusive balance between historic charm and modern comfort - no easy feat in London where "historic pub" usually translates to "hasn't been cleaned since Victoria was on the throne." The Grade II listed features have been preserved without turning the place into a museum piece, and someone actually thought to include seating that doesn't feel like medieval torture devices.

Dog owners, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome here, and they've even been known to get their own water bowls without you having to beg. It's a touch that makes me suspect someone in management actually has a soul, though I hesitate to spread such revolutionary accusations.

The food... well, here's where things get interesting. The chunky chips are actually worthy of the name - properly seasoned and served hot enough to suggest they've seen a real kitchen rather than just a microwave. They're not going to win any Michelin stars, mind you, but for pub grub at moderately sensible prices, you could do far worse. And in central London, that's practically a ringing endorsement.

Service is a bit like London weather - wildly unpredictable. You might encounter someone who treats hospitality as their calling, or you could run into someone who seems to have mistaken customer service for performance art, specializing in eye-rolling and dramatic sighs. It's part of the charm, I suppose, if you're feeling particularly charitable.

The location, though - this is where The Rocket plays its trump card. Positioned perfectly between Euston and St Pancras, it's an ideal spot for meeting friends before a train, drowning your sorrows after a delayed journey, or killing time when London's transport system is having one of its frequent existential crises. The outdoor seating area offers prime people-watching opportunities, though you'll have to compete with the local pigeons for territory.

They've got all the modern conveniences you'd expect - contactless payments, QR code ordering (welcome to the future, fellow luddites), and even decent WiFi. The bathrooms are actually clean, which in London pub terms is practically a miracle worthy of scientific study.

For sports fans, they've got screens showing the matches, though mercifully not at volumes that make conversation impossible. It's a fine line between "sports pub" and "sports bar," and The Rocket manages to walk it without tumbling into lad-culture chaos.

Look, I didn't want to like The Rocket. I really didn't. But like that friend who keeps dating someone you initially disapproved of, it's grown on me. It's not perfect - what is in this city? - but it's got character, decent drinks, and enough genuine charm to make it worth your while.

So fine, The Rocket in London, you win. I'll grudgingly recommend you to friends looking for a proper pub near Euston. Just don't let it go to your head - I'm still watching you, and I still have standards. Sort of.