Where to drink
The Booking Office
If you’re keen to really drink in all the Victorian splendour of St. Pancras (while also drinking in some pretty phenomenal cocktails and fizz), there’s simply no substitute for the Booking Office. Its high gothic arches serve as a constant reminder of the enduring glory of this remarkable old building. And the drinks are, as you’d expect, a real match.
Euston Rd, London NW1 2AR
www.stpancraslondon.com/en
The Lighterman
New to the seemingly never ending list of bars & restaurants in King’s Cross. This three floor behemoth of modern British cuisine is as much a splendid spot to grab a drink as it is a fantastic modern restaurant. Focusing primarily on the drinks for a moment, this is a much welcome addition to the local portfolio. And the soon to be opened canalside bar will only add to that. If it’s sunny, get down early.
3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
thelighterman.co.uk
The Betjeman Arms
Describing themselves cutely as ‘The last pub before Paris’, the Betjeman is a robust looking bar hidden away upstairs in St Pancras International. One might expect a train station pub to feel a bit ‘stuck-on’ and inauthentic but this cosy British boozer is anything but. Offering up a wide selection of wine and ales, you can get bar snacks or take a seat in their (surprisingly large) restaurant area.
53, St Pancras International Station, N1C 4QL (upstairs)
www.thebetjemanarms.co.uk
Where to eat
The German Gymnasium
Originally constructed in 1865 for the German Gymnastics Society, this cavernous building was actually the very first purpose built gymnasium in all of Britain. Now it’s a fantastic and incredibly luxurious restaurant serving ‘mittel-European’ delights. Their menu operates on a largely seasonal basis and they sport an ambitious cocktail menu to match. Worth visiting for a look at the impressive interior alone.
King's Blvd, N1C 4BU
www.germangymnasium.com
The Gilbert Scott
With casual Michelin Star collector Marcus Wareing at the helm of this astonishing restaurant, you’d be hard pressed to believe that it’s anything but truly top drawer. Established in the old Coffee Room of the Midland Grand Hotel. The decor in The Gilbert Scott will likely cause your jaw to hit the floor before you’ve even tried a morsel. We do however urge you to reserve judgement until you’ve tried the incredibly sophisticated British menu. It’s really something else.
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Rd, NW1 2AR
www.thegilbertscott.co.uk
Dishoom
The third of these terrific Indian eateries to have popped up in our fair capital over the last couple of years. Dishoom KX is a touch bigger than most. Large enough to accommodate big parties or more intimate groups, there’s a reason this simple but effective restaurant has been such an unbridled success. From Indian classics to nu-wave Bombay delights. If you like a curry, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
5 Stable St, N1C 4AB
www.dishoom.com/kings-cross
What to do
St Pancras Old Church
It might not seem like much but just a short walk away from the hectic to-ing and fro-ing of St. Pancras Station is the Old Church. Built some 1,700 years ago, it stands as a breathing memorial to London from long before any of us even knew it. Widely believed to be one of the oldest Christian worship sites in England, this Grade II listed building also doubles up as a completely unique music venue.
Pancras Rd, NW1 1UL
www.posp.co.uk
Regent’s Canal
If you’re going to visit Camden from St. Pancras International, there’s really only one way to do it properly. Hop on the towpath at Granary Square and follow the rickety route past the floating bookshop in the direction of Regent’s Park. The walk to Camden Locks only takes about 15mins but there’s no reason you can’t stop for a bite to eat at the Market and then continue on to the park itself. Another glorious escape from all the touristy clutter. Especially on a sunny day.
House of Illustration
Opened and curated by Quentin Blake, the man responsible for illuminating all of Roald Dahl’s books with his inimitable drawings, the House of Illustration is a homage to the art itself. Having taken advantage of yet another beautifully regenerated and restored building in Granary Square, the gallery opened to a fantastic critical reception in 2014. As the world’s first gallery dedicated solely to the art of illustration, you’d be mad not to visit.
2 Granary Square, King's Cross, London N1C 4BH
www.houseofillustration.org.uk
