RestaurantsLondonBloomsburyWC1H

Harden's says

This American-style hotel chain opened in summer 2019 with several restaurants, including this ground-floor, street-facing 'neighbourhood' bar that Adam Rawson is in charge of (he will also look after Isla, a garden restaurant). Double Standard promises casual drinking and dining, with draft beers and classic cocktails in a Shawn-Hausman-designed space. The hotel also boasts a striking glass roof extension housing a further restaurant and roof garden from Peter Sanchez-Iglesias of Bristol's Casamia.

survey result

Summary

£68
  £££
3
Good
5
Exceptional
5
Exceptional
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Conveniently sited bang opposite St Pancras, the authentically 1970s backdrop of the former Camden Town Hall Annexe provides the stylishly time-warped (and convenient) home for this hip haunt: the vibey ground-floor bar of Standard Hotels’ London outpost. An ideal rendezvous – especially for creative types – the simple brasserie fare is reliable and staff are particularly professional and welcoming. Don’t go if you don’t like it loud though: expect the sounds of the seventies at 80-90dB with powerful bass.

Summary

£60
  £££
3
Good
5
Exceptional
5
Exceptional
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Award-winning 1970s-tastic décor isn’t the sole appeal of this groovy bar, “in a convenient location opposite St Pancras Station”: “a great venue”, and not just for those waiting for a train. Its “buzzy and trendy” style makes it a superb rendezvous (it’s very ‘in’ as a meeting place for creative types), although you have to like the sometimes deafening retro playlist. On the menu, “surprisingly good, simple food”, delivered by unusually “friendly” and professional staff.

Summary

£55
   ££
3
Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

A top find bang opposite King’s Cross: this comfy, stylish bar at the foot of the Standard Hotel – complete with ’70s-tastic soundtrack and decor – is, in particular, “a great choice for brunch, with a super, large outdoor courtyard and terrace, plus lovely and very helpful staff”. “The cocktails are great too!”. (There is also an adjoining, more moody space called Isla).

Summary

Part of a trendy, US hotel-chain’s summer 2019 opening, opposite King’s Cross station – this ground-floor, street-facing ’neighbourhood’ bar has Adam Rawson in charge (he will also look after Isla, a garden restaurant). Double Standard promises casual drinking and dining, with draft beers and classic cocktails in a Shawn-Hausman-designed space. See also Decimo and Isla.

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Double Standard?

The Standard, 10 Argyle St, London, WC1H 8EG

Restaurant details

No dress code

Prices

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Veggies Pudding
£7.30 £23.80 £5.00 £9.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £20.00
Filter Coffee £4.00
Extras  
Service 15.00%
The Standard, 10 Argyle St, London, WC1H 8EG
Opening hours
Monday7 am‑11 pm
Tuesday7 am‑11 pm
Wednesday7 am‑11 pm
Thursday7 am‑11 pm
Friday7 am‑11 pm
Saturday7 am‑11 pm
Sunday7 am‑11 pm

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