Queens Head & Artichoke

Walk down Albany Street and you'll find yourself in the sort of place where regulars have their usual spot and the staff actually remember your name. The Queens Head & Artichoke isn't trying to be clever—it's just a really good pub that does the fundamentals right. You've got a solid selection of ales on tap, hearty food that won't insult your intelligence, and a clientele that's refreshingly mixed: locals, workers from the nearby offices, and people who've wandered over from King's Cross because they've heard it's worth the trip. The space feels lived-in in the best way, with enough character to make it interesting but not so much that it feels like a museum piece.