If you're looking for a drink near Kings Cross and don't fancy the Wetherspoon's, the Puzzle Pub Company's recent acquisition on Gray's Inn Road might fit the bill.
Clad in Swedish-style decor, complete with chunky pine furniture, light pastel walls and the obligatory laminate flooring, one cannot reasonably call it a pub, but expect standard pub eats (with the addition of a range of adventurous, if dry-tasting pizzas) and post-work punters.
One of the main attractions is the opening of the whole bar front for a unique fresh-air feeling, which unfortunately is somewhat ruined by contamination from what appears to be a major London bus route outside. There are good deals on spirits though, and you can entertain yourself with giant games of Connect Four and Jenga plus regular sports screenings.