Ever stepped out of Euston Station and felt that immediate urge to run away from the grey concrete? Most people do. They usually end up in a generic chain coffee shop, clutching a lukewarm latte while staring at a departure board. But if you walk just five minutes down Chalton Street, you’ll find the Somers Town Coffee House London. It’s not actually a coffee house in the modern, laptop-warrior sense, which is the first thing that trips people up. It’s a pub. A really, really good one.
It’s tucked away. You sort of have to want to find it.
What Somers Town Coffee House London Actually Is (and Isn't)
Let’s clear up the name first. Back in the day, "coffee houses" were the social hubs of London, places for radical thought and rowdy debate. This spot leans into that history hard. It’s a multi-story maze of a building that feels like someone’s eccentric uncle’s living room, if that uncle had a very high-end kitchen and an obsession with taxidermy and velvet. Honestly, the vibe is "Victorian parlor meets modern gastropub."
The ground floor is your classic pub setup—high ceilings, big windows, and plenty of light. But the real magic happens when you start wandering. There are basement dens and upstairs dining rooms like the "Drawing Room" or the "Library." If you’re looking for a place to hide from the London drizzle with a pint of craft ale or a glass of red, this is it.
People often ask if they can actually get a coffee here. Yes, you can. It’s decent. But you’re really here for the atmosphere and the food. It’s part of the Yummy Pub Co group, which is known for taking slightly tired buildings and turning them into quirky, high-quality spaces without making them feel like a corporate franchise.
The Food: Gastropub Standards Done Right
Forget soggy chips. The kitchen here takes things seriously. They focus on seasonal British produce, which sounds like a cliché until you actually taste the difference in a Sunday roast that hasn’t been sitting under a heat lamp for three hours.
The Sunday Roast Situation
If you’re planning to visit on a Sunday, book a table. Seriously. The Somers Town Coffee House London is famous for its roasts. We're talking massive Yorkshire puddings, slow-roasted meats, and gravy that actually has depth. They often do "board" style servings for groups, which feels way more social than everyone staring at their own plate. It’s the kind of meal that requires a nap immediately afterward.
- The Scotch Eggs: They usually have a variety, often featuring runny yolks and crunchy breadcrumbs.
- Fish and Chips: Crisp, ale-battered, and served with proper mushy peas.
- Vegetarian Options: Not just an afterthought. Expect things like salt-baked beetroot or hearty mushroom-based mains that actually fill you up.
The menu changes. That’s a good sign. It means they aren't just defrosting the same menu year-round.
The Secret Garden and Hidden Rooms
One of the best-kept secrets about this place is the outdoor space. London beer gardens are usually just a few benches on a sidewalk. Here, they have a walled garden area that feels completely disconnected from the chaos of King’s Cross. It’s covered and heated in the winter, making it a year-round refuge.
Then there are the "Lost Property" rooms. The pub has these quirky, bookable spaces that are perfect for when you want to feel like you're in a private club without the eye-watering membership fees. The decor is dense. You’ll see old suitcases, vintage books, and weird trinkets everywhere. It’s "maximalism" at its peak.
Why Location Matters Here
Somers Town itself is a weird, wonderful pocket of London. It’s sandwiched between the glitz of the refurbished King’s Cross/Coal Drops Yard area and the functional grit of Euston. While the crowds are fighting for a table at the flashy restaurants behind the station, the locals and the "in the know" commuters are tucked away in the Somers Town Coffee House.
It feels authentic. It’s a neighborhood spot in a part of London that is rapidly losing its neighborhood feel to glass-and-steel office blocks.
Navigating the Drinks Menu
The bar is well-stocked. They do a solid rotation of local London brews—think Beavertown or Camden Town Brewery—alongside more obscure craft cans.
- Ales: Usually three or four on tap, kept well.
- Cocktails: They do the classics, but they aren't trying to be a high-end mixology bar. The Espresso Martini is a safe bet, given the "coffee house" name.
- Wine List: Surprisingly deep. You can get a very drinkable house white or splurge on something more complex for a long dinner.
Is it Good for Working?
Okay, let’s be real. It’s called a coffee house, so people show up with MacBooks. During the day on a Tuesday? Sure, it’s great. The WiFi is reliable, and the corners are cozy. But come Thursday night or anytime Friday, the laptop needs to go away. The volume goes up, the candles get lit, and it becomes a proper pub. Don’t be that person trying to finish a spreadsheet while everyone else is three pints deep into a celebration.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
If you’re heading to the Somers Town Coffee House London, there are a few things you should actually know to make the trip worth it. Don't just wing it.
- Booking: If you want a specific "themed" room for a group, email them at least a week in advance. These spots are popular for birthdays and office get-togethers.
- The "Secret" Entrance: Sometimes the side doors are open, but the main entrance on Chalton Street is where you want to go to get the full "wow" factor of the interior.
- Check the Board: They often have daily specials that aren't on the printed menu. These are usually the freshest things coming out of the kitchen.
- Accessibility: Being an old building, there are lots of stairs to get to the upstairs rooms and the basement. The ground floor is accessible, but if you have specific needs, call ahead to make sure they can seat you comfortably.
Finding the Pub
The address is 60 Chalton St, London NW1 1HS.
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Walking directions: From Euston Station, exit toward Eversholt Street. Cross over and walk down Drummond Crescent until you hit Chalton Street. Turn right, and you’ll see it. It’s a bright, welcoming beacon in an otherwise quiet residential street. From King’s Cross, it’s a similar 10-minute walk through the backstreets.
Final Actionable Steps
Stop settling for station food. Next time you have a 45-minute delay at Euston or you’re meeting a friend halfway across the city, skip the crowded chains.
- Walk 500 yards north of the station.
- Check the "Lost Property" rooms upstairs just to see the decor.
- Order a pint and the Scotch egg (if they haven't sold out).
- Secure a spot in the garden if the sun is even remotely thinking about shining.
It’s one of the few places left in Zone 1 that feels like it has a soul. Whether you’re there for a quick "coffee" (wink wink) or a full-blown Sunday feast, it’s a staple of the North London scene for a reason. Go see why.