Whistles Neighbourhood: King’s Cross
Our recommendations from one of our favourite London districts, from what to do and where to eat…
KERB Street Food
For some of London’s best street food, head to KERB on Granary Square on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons at 12-2pm. You’ll find an array of food traders pitched up here dishing out delicious plates and thanks to regular rotations, there are always new cuisines to try. From dumplings to chocolate whoopie pies, there is something for everyone.
Regent’s Canal Walk
This 8.6 mile long walk is arguably one of London’s best-kept secrets. From St Pancras Lock, you can stop for drinks at the popular Rotunda Bar and head West towards Camden. As you approach Regents Park, you can stop on a bench and watch the birds in London Zoo’s giant aviary. Head East and you’ll soon find yourself at a cluster of bars just off the Kingsland Road. The perfect Saturday afternoon pursuit.
King’s Place, N1 9AG
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
This recently restored hotel captures historical London architecture at its finest. Since re-opening in 2011, the entrance to King’s Cross station has been utterly transformed by its spiky, ruby-coloured walls and Gothic Revival metalwork. Inside, you’ll find 245 guest rooms, 38 of which have been transformed into luxurious suites, an inimitable subterranean spa and the infamous Booking Office Bar & Restaurant, which formerly served as the station ticket hall. Whether you stay for a week or infiltrate one afternoon to explore, the experience is sure to be magnificent.
The British Library
There’s something truly emotive about the peaceful atmosphere and grandiose interior of the British Library. This gargantuan space holds over 150 million reference items from across the globe, which qualifies it as the second largest library in the world. Whether you’re looking to research a specific area of interest or you simply need a little respite from the city, we recommend taking a seat in the resplendent reading room. The gold and white domed ceiling is a spectacle in itself.
Caravan
Housed in a former grain store, this vast industrial eatery is always bursting at the rafters with trendy patrons. In addition to the outstanding brunch and pizza menus, the all day menu offers a plethora of small plates of ‘well travelled food’. Indulge in exotic, health-conscious concoctions of char-grilled lemongrass pork, crispy turnip cake and chilli jam, bulgar wheat, spinach & manouri pastille served with green olive yoghurt or seabass ceviche, cocnut, lime, chilli and peanuts. The choices are endless and universally delicious.
Camley Street Natural Park
Amidst the industrial backdrop of King’s Cross, you’ll find this thriving green space on the site of a former coal yard. Beneath a tree top canopy, you can venture down the bark chip pathway and take in two acres of sprawling shrubbery and wildlife. For true nature lovers, there is a wood-cabin visitor centre that provides the perfect clandestine lookout for observing the native birds, butterflies and bats in their element.
Drink, Shop, Do
Whether you fancy coffee or cocktails, Drink, Shop & Do is a pop up shop close to Kings Cross that has it all. Enjoy bottomless brunches, board games and a host of creative workshops, from life drawing to screen printing. This is a great venue for catching up with friends and doing something a little different.
Aux Pains de Papy
Aux Pains de Papy is an authentic, family-run French café close to the Eurostar terminal. The scent of rustic baked goods is too good to resist and it is perfect for quick breakfast stops in the morning. Choose from eclairs, quiches, crusty baguettes and croissants to eat-in or take away.
Central St Martins
Universally recognised as one of the greatest art and design institutions in the world, Central St Martins has kick-started the careers of many great talents including Phoebe Philo and the late Alexander McQueen. The current premises on Granary Square was completed in 2011 by forward-thinking architects Stanton Williams and was voted the world’s best higher education building in 2012. Whistles recommend spending an afternoon wandering around this breathtaking site – we’re almost certain you’ll want to enroll on one of the fantastic short courses by the time you leave.
Vinoteca
If you have time to kill, stop off for a glass of wine at Vinoteca. Indulge in interesting grape varieties for a fair price and if you’re feeling hungry, try their daily changing menu. Offering fresh seasonal ingredients, as well as British and European cuisines, they serve everything from breakfast to desserts and cheeses.
Everyman Cinema
For a luxury cinema experience, visit the Everyman cinema at Kings Cross. With four screens on offer and a bar serving drinks, desserts and snacks, this venue was made for decadent date nights.
Your local store
Within St Pancras International station, just outside the Eurostar exit, past the public piano, you’ll discover our latest flagship London store. Here you’ll find all your favourite pieces from the current menswear and womenswear collections, alongside an essential selection of footwear and accessories.
The Arcade, St Pancras International Station, London.
