The Brill

Widely commended for smartening up Caledonian Road & bringing decent, affordable British cooking to the area, The Brill remains a good-looking addition to the King’s Cross scene with its plain yet handsome surrounds. Despite the odd gripe about ‘uninspired’ cooking, locals are generally most forgiving about the place – especially when it comes to hearty portions & fair value (£17.95/£19.95 for two/three courses). On a typical day, you might be offered prawn & crayfish cocktail dressed in Marie Rose sauce, ahead of meat & fish from the grill, penne bolognese or pan-seared chicken with roast potatoes & sage jus. Nursery puds finish things off nicely: perhaps apple pie with custard, chocolate brownie or a slice of lemon tart. A refurbished cellar bar does the business for those requiring liquid sustenance.