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Best pubs by London train stations, all with a twist

Picture of The Phoenix old railway station turned into a pub

Date night, working lunch, or meeting friends and family, we’ve got you sorted. Along our route through Central London are hundreds of gorgeous places to eat and drink. Best of all, you can let the train take the strain when travelling home full of delicious grub and wonderful memories. We caught up with food blogger Lilly, who shared with us her three perfect pubs - with a twist - for any occasion, just seconds away from our stations.

Girl sitting at a table with food and drink

The Norfolk Arms

Don’t let the Victorian exterior or traditional name fool you here, Lilly lets us know “they don’t sell your usual pub grub!” This gastropub a stone’s throw from St Pancras is all about “delicious and fresh tapas,” with Lilly’s personal recommendation being the Mediterranean-inspired ham croquettes. It’s not just Eurostar bringing continental flavours to the neighbourhood.

Our top tip

If you’re as crazy about social media as you are about food, check out Fortitude Bakehouse just a ten minute walk from The Norfolk Arms – it’s gone viral on TikTok for is decadent cream cakes, delectable pastries and delicious patisserie.

Nearest station: St Pancras International

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Overhead picture of the inside of The Phoenix pub

The Phoenix

Lilly’s final pick is certainly on-brand for us – it’s a former railway station building which like a phoenix(!) has risen up through the capital’s foodie scene from its less gastronomical past. She explains the pub still has “lots of its original features, and it’s a fun place to take the kids too.” Words don’t do justice for the wholesome food offering in this spectacular setting full of history and style.

Our top tip

The Phoenix is just 30 seconds away from the southbound Thameslink platform, but if you fancy something even speedier, select the e-ticket option when you book train tickets on our website and save yourself precious time!

Nearest station: Denmark Hill

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Girl sitting at a table with food and drink

MC & Sons

When Paddy’s Day meets Pad Thai, you get Mc & Sons. This beautiful Irish pub is actually renowned for its Thai food, with its ‘Johnny Rice’ served every day, popular with locals and those from further afield alike. Lilly says the pub is “famous” for its Pad Thai, which she’s sampled with a Guinness, assuring us “I can definitely see why!”

Our top tip

Mc & Sons is just behind the Tate Modern, where you can get 2FOR1 entry to paid exhibitions when you show your Thameslink tickets, so feast your way through the art world en route to the dinner table.

Nearest station: Blackfriars

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