Somers Town Coffee House, Euston  

An establishment with a bit of history, having, apparently once been a favoured meeting place for Huguenot intellectuals to catch up on events and drink coffee. More recently, however, the fortunes of the Coffee House (its caffeine-related vocation having been more or less sidelined) have seemed to track the misfortunes of the surrounding neighbourhood, caught as it is between three main railway lines out of London and located on the more unfavoured side of the Euston Road. However, perhaps with an eye to the future, or on the workers of the various NGOs and think-tanks (if not trade union bosses) that have taken up residence nearby, the Coffee House has undergone a major refurbishment to become a really rather smart gastropub. Lots of polished wood and subtle lighting, and a few of the (really cosy looking, high-backed) cushioned seats are very reminiscent of those that used to be found in the single-compartment portions of trains running out of several London terminals. It's quite spacious, with a central island bar, and retains the feel of a proper (if upmarket) pub, as one side is given over more explicitly to dining, with the other good for both drinking and eating. There are a few hand pumps for real ales, but some other interesting beers (this is a Charles Wells pub, so Bombardier should always be available). The food we sampled was pretty good too, although relatively expensive. The bar staff were friendly, and the music playing was funky but unobtrusive.

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