TRAVEL
Kings Cross & Coal Drops Yard Neighbourhood Guide
What to see, where to shop & the best food spots
Independent and luxury retail, restaurants, outdoor markets and one of the UK’s most prestigious Arts Universities make Coal Drops Yard a place like no other. The development of this cultural hub saw the space and its buildings transformed from post industrial neglect to the shining jewel in the wider regeneration of Kings Cross.
With 9290 square meters of shopping, several secret gardens, a canal lock and some beautiful architecture, seeing it all in a day could need a guide - we’ve put together our essential spots for your enjoyment.
Carhartt WIP
Why Visit?
Heading up Kings Boulevard, stop off at the Faye Toogood designed Carhartt store. Much like the brand itself, the store architecture is a love letter to rugged utilitarianism. The team is friendly, and the range of stock is great - there’s even a little coffee counter.
The Canal, Granary Square & The Everyman Cinema
Why Visit?
One of the most beautiful views of the site is at the top of King’s Boulevard, where you cross the bridge over Regents Canal into Granary Square. You’ll see Central St Martins, with the public fountains out front, the exterior of Coal Drops Yard, where the narrow boats and barges used to collect coal for wider transport, and, during summer months The Everyman Cinema Screen on the Canal.
BAO
Why Visit?
BAO’s Kings Cross offering is a nostalgic take on the Taiwanese cafe. Ever stylish, always delicious, we highly recommend a stop for tea and some snacks to fuel your afternoon.
Cubitts
Why Visit?
Cubitts favor craftsmanship, service and sustainability, and their thoughtful spectacle designs and aftercare service are spinning an age-old industry on its head. With each store Cubitts open, great care and thought are put into the details, and as such the interior tells a story - ‘of the building, of the area, of the people who inhabit it.’
Cissy Wears
Why Visit?
A concept store for the modern family, our neighbours Cissy Wears has a beautifully curated edit of everyday items and gifts for kids and their grown ups.
Earl of East
Why Visit?
We opened our first flagship store here in 2018, and the space has allowed us to establish a great selection of homeware, beauty and fragrance brands. You’ll find the full range of our own brand products, some of our favourite independent home & lifestyle brands, great coffee, and a green living corner. We also run our own candle making workshops and events - ask one of our lovely team for information when you stop by.
Outsiders Store
Why Visit?
Your one stop for functional, durable and stylish gear, Outsiders Store were born of the North West of England and have made their mark on the landscape of the capital's modern adventurer. Expect practical but stylish clothing, camping equipment and footwear.
Secret Garden
Why Visit?
There's plenty of outdoor space in Coal Drops Yard, and every now and again we find another little gem. For a bit of quiet we like to take a minute in the enclosed Jellicoe gardens. The Camley Street Natural Park is also lovely, and has a little cafe serving lunches and bakes.
The landscaping across the site changes with the seasons, and the show of flowers and plants towards the Gasholders is always beautiful. The Gasholder towers, once used to store energy produced from coal, have been turned into apartments, and adjacent is a bandstand that regularly hosts events and music.
Happy Face Pizza & Everyman Cinema
Why Visit?
Pizza and cinema under one roof is a perfect union - the ideal evening made easy.
Happy Face does what it says on the tin - a short menu serving up only the essentials done well, in a stylish setting at reasonable prices. The millennial pink building is smile inducing in itself.
On the next floor up is the Everyman Cinema, who have made going to the pictures an art - big sofas, cocktails and snacks delivered to your seat and screenings that include both arthouse and blockbusters.
Lina Stores
Why Visit?
Lina Stores opened their first delicatessen on Brewer Street in 1944, providing authentic Italian ingredients. They now have five locations in the capital, and their Stable Street offering has a restaurant attached, cooking with the freshest of produce - with the ever changing menu including seasonal pastas, cured meats and sharing dishes.
Universal Works
Why Visit?
Contemporary menswear brand Universal Works produce thoughtful, well made clothing with good fit and design at the core. Championing skilled, small-scale production they produce garments in the right place, both in the UK and overseas.