The Euston Tap

Some have called it Britain’s greatest case of cultural vandalism. In 1837, work was completed on Euston Grove, the country’s first inter-city train station, which connected London with points north. Three years later, after Queen Victoria’s inauguration, the station embarked on a significant expansion, which came to include a massive waiting hall; the world’s first railway hotels; and a 70-foot tall, free-standing entablatured Doric propylaeum—the largest arch of its type ever built.

Euston Station, as it came to be known, was considered one of the finest examples of Victorian train station architecture. The station was also home to the world’s first pneumatic postal system, a series of underground tubes that delivered mail across London. It continued to function until 1962, when in a controversial and much-opposed decision, it was demolished and rebuilt in a bland contemporary style.

All that remains today of the original station are two of the former lodging houses, Portland stone structures inscribed with the names of rail destinations. Today, one of these is home to the Euston Tap. The pub serves around 20 kegs and up to seven casks, which include a “heavy dose” of Czech and German beers and a cider on constant rotation. There’s an upstairs seating area as well as an expansive patio, and customers include locals, train commuters, and beer nerds. The Euston Tap used to span the opposite lodge as well, but, at press time, it was not open.