Only a short walk from Kentish Town’s rail and underground stations, The Grafton is a refreshing find in that this is a proper London boozer that has managed to evolve into the 21st century while keeping the bar at its heart (although the food here is very good too).
The pub is divided up into four areas; downstairs sees a traditional Victorian pub feel with the room wrapped around a large central horseshoe bar, while upstairs you will find an intimate ‘Boardroom’ with panelled walls, a large central table and comfy seating (it’s often used for meetings or private gatherings). The first floor is also home to the upper bar, which comes complete with gorgeous tiled panelling and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Grafton’s hidden gem is its all-weather roof terrace, where you can soak up the sunshine or shelter from the rain, depending on the famously unpredictable British weather.
The Grafton is home to an impressive selection of beverages, ranging from international wines and beers on tap, all the way through to house cocktails and sober alternatives. Food meanwhile is a mix of classic pub grub and seasonal dishes made with British ingredients. The menu kicks off with the snacky likes of a pork and smoked cheese sausage roll dipped in Colman’s mustard, before moving on to more substantial options such as sous vide pork belly and aged sirloin steak with fries and your choice of sauce. Veggies and vegans can opt for abundant salads or a meat-free burger, while desserts appeal to both sweet (sticky toffee pudding) and savoury (cheese board) tastes.
The Grafton welcomes families too, with children dining for half price during the week from 4-6pm. On weekends, Sunday roasts have proved to be a hit, with classic options of chicken, beef or a veggie alternative arriving at the table loaded with all of the expected trimmings.