The architects of King’s Cross have succeeded in retaining the station’s old character while updating it for today’s needs. This is particularly evident at The Parcel Yard – the handsomely appointed, former goods depot with its listed atrium, glass ceiling, salvaged woods, glazed tiles and railway memorabilia evoking the golden era of the ‘night mail’ train to Edinburgh Waverley. Well-kept draught ales such as Chiswick and Discovery are from owners Fuller’s, and the brewer also lays on decent vino from under £4 a glass for a South African Merlot. Reputedly Britain’s biggest railway-station pub, it offers travellers the chance to breakfast on bacon butties, kedgeree and duck eggs with soldiers, or dine on potted shrimps, roast artichoke tart and grilled plaice with samphire, cockle and mussel dressing, followed by Cambridge burnt cream or apricot crumble with golden syrup.