A tale of 2 cities + a town - part 1 - London

11th and 12th June 2012, arrived in London, Clapham Junction to be more precise, on Monday 11th, and left for Sheffield on Tuesday 12th. On my way over to the family 'seat' in Southfields, I soon passed, well nearly got by, I soon entered the Roundhouse, 2 Northside, Wandsworth Common...  

The Roundhouse, as I'm sure I've said before, was an old haunt of mine in my yoof, it's a bit more upmarket now, but very pleasant, with charming barstaff, many thanks to them.  It doesn't open for lunches until the weekend, so be careful if planning a visit (see website); music provided on Saturday afternoons is jazz.

They sell 3 ales, today they had Sambrooks Wandle Bitter, Sharps Doombar and Mad Goose Purity Pale Ale at 4.2%, the last of which I drank before embarking further towards my goal. Pretty much what you'd expect from such a beer, and knowing my tastes, light coloured pale beer, bitter, loved it! 

I then visited the Pig & Whistle, on the corner of Penwith Road and Merton Road in Southfields SW18, a Youngs house, which I remember as a kid being an off licence, shop and a house. I had a pint of the Ordinary, which was in fine condition, and a slice of Chocolate and Zucchini cake, which was also pleasant!

On Tuesday, I caught a train up to Sheffield, but, as Kieran wrote such a fine piece on the new Fullers pub at Kings Cross station, The Parcel Yard, I thought I should visit too, being in the area (St Pancras). 10 ales on 12 handpumps, including the usual Fullers and Gales ales you would expect, and guests from Adnams (Ghostship at 4.5%), Butcombe Bitter, and a 'seasonal' Fullers Hope and Glory (4.7%), yes, a 'jubilee' ale, slightly sweet and malty, with a nuttty and dry aftertaste.

Cheers! 

The Parcel Yard - New Fullers Pub at King's Cross Station

Fullers have opened the largest station pub in the country in the new concourse at London's King's Cross.

The Parcel Yard is set in the original station building overlooking the platforms and is conveniently located next to Platform 9 3/4 for anyone wishing to catch the Hogwarts Express back home after a couple of ESBs.

As you'd guess from the name of the pub, the setting was originally used to store mail freight coming through the station. The pub has a relaxed "waiting room" atmosphere and features plenty of references to our country's railway and brewing heritage with plenty of signage taking you back to a bygone age.

Much like Paddington's Mad Bishop & Bear there are screens up giving departure and arrival information so there need be no reason to miss your connection home.
Amongst a wide selection of ales, ciders and lagers, I had a pint of London Porter which somehow seemed appropriate given the surroundings.

The area around Euston, King's Cross & St Pancras have seen an amazing regeneration in recent years and can rightfully be visited as a destination in itself rather than purely a hub for transport links into the more established areas of the capitol.

The Parcel Yard is worth a visit for commuters and day-trippers alike.