This chic new bar on the ground-floor of The Standard hotel means it’s now possible to offer to meet for a drink in King’s Cross without blushing at any potentially awkward implications.
Like the rest of the hotel (and neighbouring restaurant Isla), Double Standard is a 1970s-style space decked out with furnishings splashed with geometric patterns and a red and blue colour scheme applied throughout. The 1970s may be known as the decade that style forgot, but Double Standard’s interiors are well worth remembering next time you’re in the mood for a drink somewhere cool.
The cocktails are experimental, but the gamble pays off when it comes to the likes of a crisp and sour Gherkin Martini, while the fruity Pick & Fizz blends vodka with strawberry, peach and Prosecco. If you’re steering clear of alcohol, the short list of booze-free alternatives includes a Virgin Mojito and a mouth-puckering sip of strawberry and ginger kombucha.
The kitchens at both Isla and Double Standard are overseen by chef Adam Rawson, who first made a name for himself at Marylebone’s Pachamama. The menus at Double Standard offer a modern take on traditional pub grub, which means you can get all of the classic pub dishes such as a stacked burger or fish & chips, alongside more contemporary comfort food including luxe mac ‘n’ cheese topped with black truffle shavings, and a grilled cheese sarnie served with tamarind-flecked HP sauce.
Smaller plates (listed under snacks) also put in a strong showing – think artisan bread smeared with cultured butter, or hot fried chicken bites paired with a thick aioli that is topped with shredded chicken skin.
We found service to be a bit all over the place, but we’ll take friendly chaos over cold efficiency any day – especially when it’s served up with an ineffable air of cool.