King’s Cross and St Pancras stations are the focal points of this lively and bustling area, where travellers arriving from Edinburgh, Paris and Brussels mingle with commuters and locals. Built in the heyday of the railways, the stations are grand examples of Victorian architecture, with the magnificent Gothic masterpiece of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel taking pride of place.
Today, some of the best King’s Cross restaurants reflect the romance and excitement of those early days. Take Searcys St Pancras Grand and Champagne Bar. Here, you can enjoy dishes such as roast partridge and oysters in a glamorous setting overlooking St Pancras, described as the ‘the most wonderful railway station in the world’.
There’s more nostalgia at The Gilbert Scott, set within the lavish surroundings of the Renaissance Hotel itself. Ornate ceilings, limestone pillars and mirrored walls provide a backdrop for an impressive menu that offers a fresh take on traditional British dishes. Popular with people seeking the atmosphere of a bygone age, another of the restaurants in King’s Cross is Woburn at the Hilton London Euston - a stunning Victorian conservatory dotted with leafy palm trees.
For a more informal meal, try The Betjeman Arms, also above St Pancras, and known as the ‘last pub before Paris’. And for a complete contrast, there’s the serene Itadaki Zen, showcasing Japanese vegan food and calming decor, set off by delicate Japanese detail.
