You might do a double take when you first step into the swish bar of ultra-hip King's Cross hotel The Standard (which has global outposts from New York to the Maldives). That’s because the 1970s decor is designed to look like a retro tube station, replete with chintzy tiling wrapped around the bar itself. The kitsch theme carries over to the menu’s cocktails, alcoholic slushies and beer & shot options, though the decent-sized lists of wines, draft beers and spirits are a tad more down-to-earth. The food menu, which consists of burgers (both meaty and vegan), hot dogs and like, is pretty no-frills, too. Ironically, for all the TfL styling, you won’t want to leave the Double Standard. And with hotel rooms far fancier than a tube carriage just a few stumbled steps away, you don’t even have to.
Order this
If you’re off the grog and feeling adventurous, the HotBucha – a zingy combination of kombucha, ginger, chili and more – should get you fired up.
Time Out tip
The Double Standard’s brunches are legendary, with the bottomless mimosa and prosecco deal a particularly indulgent delight.
RECOMMENDED: The best bottomless brunches in London.