Have you been to Kings Cross and St Pancras recently? To those of you who think its just a grotty area with a station then, think again……. With the arrival of Google, Universal Music, Expedia and others, it has rapidly evolved into London’s busiest tech hub buzzing with fun bars, restaurants, great architecture and fab retail.
A recent addition and ‘must go’ to in this very ‘cool’ area is Coal Drops Yard. Located straight across from Lewis Cubit square by Central St Martins, this is a fabulous new shopping and entertainment area under the architectural design of Thomas Heatherwick. Renowned for designing the London Olympic cauldron and the new routemaster, he has so cleverly transformed two long Victorian sheds, through which coal was once transferred, into stunning ‘kissing rooftops’ which lie above this eclectic, paired down space which one can wander through, stopping at lovely coffee shops, bars and great shops.
The area has taken a while to work I think, but slowly but surely, there has been a coming together of recognisable independent brands, such as Aesop, Wolf and Badger, Miller Harris, Paul Smith and Tom Dixon’s unmissable gallery and shop. The space really works, there is a feeling of space and exclusiveness – this is no ordinary retail complex. In addition, if you are a foodie, there are so many choices with new restaurants still opening as we write.
In short, this is a fun, fabulous destination, especially in the summer where one can shop, eat and enjoy the glorious sunshine in the open outside spaces. Definitely a winner. We have put together a hit-list of Coal Drops Yard below.h
Breakfast
Granger & Co on your way from Kings Cross tube, or Caravan (Kings Cross) where the eating experience as delicious as the food. In Coal Drops is also Vermuteria, based on classic European cafes..
Coffee stop
Redemption Roasters, and Le Cafe Alain Ducasse. Proper coffee and delicious home-made chocolates.
Lunch
Caravan (Again, I would eat here all day long if I lived anywhere near one. My favourite food & coffee). Lina Stores. This classic Italian restaurant is coming soon. Casa Pastor delicious Mexican tostadas, tacos and quesadillas, eat outside or inside. Coal Office. Contemporary Middle Eastern with sharing plates.
Sundowner
The Drop Wine bar. Discover new wines with delicious plates of cheeses and meats. Parrillon from the Barrafina stable, this has great tapas, great G & Ts and a great view of the Regent’s Canal. Cook your own food on your own table-top grill!
Supper
Dishoom. Their motto is ‘From Bombay with Love’ and it shows! (Kings Cross) Also, Barrafina. Super-relaxed Catalan-inspired deliciousness. Granary Square Brasserie (Kings Cross). ‘ The Ivy’-owned and buzzy.
Culture
Aga Khan Centre, Everyman Cinema, Wellcome Collection (10 min walk) British Library (8 mins)
To sum up: Coal Drops Yard is a great new London destination. It has everything – fun and different shops, relaxed restaurants and bars, workshops, floral and art installations, music. We love it. Your guide to Coal Drops Yard is here.
