Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. Is your local listed?
Pop quiz: Can you think of a pub near a mainline station with a decent-sized beer garden? It's a tricky one. Euston Tap has some outdoor space, but it's right next to the busy bus turnings. London Bridge has the Horseshoe. But otherwise, we're struggling. The Duke of Sussex, then, is an excellent find, a two minute walk from the Jubilee line exit.
We remember this place from the Noughties when it was charmingly tatterdemalion and 'local'. It's upped its game somewhat, even if they haven't quite got to the stage where they're serving game. While this still feels very much like a place to sit with a nice pint, it is now food-led, with a dedicated dining room at the back. Even in the front bar, however, many of the tables were reserved for diners on our Sunday visit.
Still, the pub's tucked away behind Millennium Green, offering plenty of outdoor space on warmer, drier days. We're still fond of the Duke, though have to admit feeling disappointed when they got rid of the hanging sign that featured the current Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Not because we're Royalists (we're not), nor because it was artistically done (it wasn't), but because of the sheer quirkiness of it all.
Drinks-wise, the Duke has an excellent selection of wines, spritz, cocktails and even champagnes, to go alongside an average selection of ales (mostly keg).
The other quirk of this pub — and we're not sure if they know it — is that it's the most central pub in London... if you measure geometrically.
