H&C News recently wrote approvingly of the re-opening of The Betjeman Arms at St Pancras by Geronimo Inns (see article link below). Situated in Grade I listed St. Pancras International Station, and after an extensive renovation, the pub now features a much larger and more sumptuous bar (pictured below).
We also mentioned that a new menu provides for good food in the dining room or dinner parties in the private room – not forgetting food for those on the move – and were delighted recently to be given the opportunity to sample the menu for ourselves.
Ambience
It’s worth noting that St Pancras now offers an extensive range of ‘eateries’ at little distance from The Betjeman Arms: competition is therefore considerable, particularly for travellers drinking or dining before their journey. But the busy and bustling bar and outside terrace clearly demonstrates that the Betjeman is holding its own.
And it is also clearly patronised by ‘locals’: many of those drinking and dining were relaxing after work, or had come out to do so, and were in no rush to move on.
All in all, a relaxed, friendly and well-serviced operation, and – as can be seen above – the dining area is a tranquil and comfortable environment in which to enjoy either a quick or leisurely meal.
Drink
As you’d expect, there’s an extensive drinks list that includes Camden Hells, London Fields Three Weiss Monkeys, Dogfish DNA, and a further range of bottled craft beers – the Betjeman bitter was very acceptable.
With dinner, and in the absence of a ‘house’ wine, we decided to test the attractive wine list by selecting the cheapest red on it: La Fougere, a Syrah/Cabernet/Carignan 2013 from Pays d’Oc. It proved to be more than acceptable: full flavoured but sufficiently mellow to work well with our choice of courses.
Dinner
Staying in ‘testing’ mode, we opted for a mixture of ‘specials’ and menu staples.
Starters were outstanding: roast parsnip, black olives and rosemary soup could well have been described as a ‘broth’ and surprised with its flavours – ideal for a chilly evening. Almost a meal in itself with the generous bread supplied with it! And beetroot and goats cheese with micro garden herbs also ticked all the boxes: beetroot may no longer be a ‘surprise’ for its earthy flavours and appearance in dishes, but it played a full part in providing an excellent complementary but contrasting balance to the deep-fried balls of goats cheese.
The main courses also pleased: well cooked and with generous portions sure to satisfy even the hungriest traveller! The pork chop was accompanied by kale (another vegetable happily re-appearing on menus) and sweetcorn puree, whilst the Camden Hell’s chicken (a signature dish) worked well with its accompanying polenta, and water cress salad.
And so, despite waning appetites, to the puddings. The summer fruit pudding was excellent: lots of fruit whose fresh sharpness was offset by the crème fraiche. And the chocolate tart was satisfyingly rich – certainly one for the chocolate lover – accompanied by vanilla ice cream. The sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream also comes highly recommended, as evidenced by the fact that it had run out!
In summary
The Betjeman Arms delivers on many levels.
Whether in bar or dining areas, it offers an attractive ambience as well as good, friendly and helpful service.
Good choice of drinks, whether beer, wine or from the well-stocked range shown below.
And the quality and variety of food on the menu or on the specials board is not only enticing but generous and enjoyable – both from our own experience and from observation of the diners around us. Clean plates generally demonstrate satisfaction!
If you’re thirsty or hungry and in the area of St Pancras, look into The Betjeman Arms and take time out to enjoy their food and drink.
For H&C News article on the re-opening click here
The Betjeman Arms, Unit 53, St Pancras International Station, London, N1C 4QL
For more information click here
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