7 Reasons to Hang Out in Kings Cross

Written by: Rachael Chadwick
Founder and editor of London lifestyle site, Ensemble.

Kings Cross, once known as a place of transience and travellers, has developed into an exciting area full of wonderful spaces and yummy eateries. It is fast becoming one of the trendiest spots in London. Here are 7 reasons to hang out there: 

There’s nothing like a cup of caffeine to kick-start the day and Pattern Coffee on Caledonian Road is a firm favourite of ours to grab one from. The indie has quirky décor, quality beverages, tasty sweet or savoury treats and a very chilled atmosphere.

You wiill be spoilt for choice. Enjoy a Campari-fueled ‘Death in Venice’ in the Grain Store, sip a sexy sangria in the courtyard of Camino or treat yourself to a glass of bubbly at the long bar of the Booking Office in the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. 

There has been a surge of new eateries around the area but Dishoom on Stable Street really stands out from the crowd. The delicious food, great ambience and friendly staff blew us away. So much so, we wrote a whole article on it here. 

Drink Shop Do is a café/bar with a twist. Once you have devoured a slab of Oreo cake with a cuppa, you can take part in array of ‘doing’ activities in the evenings - learn the dance to Beyoncé’s Single Ladies, play musical bingo or take part in some tea towel printing. 

Kings Cross doesn’t have a huge range of shops but you might stumble upon a little hidden gem, such as Pop Up 38 charity shop (who are currently having a revamp), which is full of gorgeous clothes and trinkets. All of the money raised by this cute community store goes towards building a school in Afghanistan. 

Head north up Kings Boulevard from the station and cross the canal over to Granary Square. Here you will find a beautiful space in front of the Central St Martins building, fit with fountains and plenty of seating areas. And food options are vast – go to one of the surrounding restaurants, sample some of the Kerb street food or you can even take your own picnic to Lewis Cubitt park, just behind the square. 

Forget swimming pools and lidos - in Kings Cross you can swim in a pond. Yes, a pond! And while you take a dip in the fresh water (careful, it’s chilly!), you can appreciate the urban view around you. KX is definitely one to watch. Go explore!

Meet Our Flavour Roadies>