FULL STEAM AHEAD
The latest developments in this district reflect the transport hub’s new outlook
It was not so long ago that King’s Cross was better known for its seedier associations. The former industrial centre of the Victorian age had fallen into disuse by the 1980s, and the area became notorious for its nightlife and crime rate in the ’90s. Fast forward nearly two decades later and the district has been much transformed, as part of a regeneration programme that kicked off at the start of the 2000s and is due for completion in 2023. The opening of the new Eurostar Terminal at St Pancras in 2007 marked the changing fortunes of the district, now a transport hub that’s also connected to two rail stations and over half a dozen lines of the London Tube.
King’s Cross is now lined with gleaming glass-front buildings and an array of green public spaces; Londoners and visitors alike will flock to this neighbourhood for the cool mix of restaurants and bars. Today, the vicinity also features the offices of multinational companies including Havas, as well as an upcoming Google headquarters designed by Heatherwick Studio and Bjarke Ingels Group; the 11-storey building will feature an extensive 300m-long rooftop gardens with different zones that include a cafe area and a 200m running track.
COAL DROPS YARD
Designed by Heatherwick Studio, a former industrial area has become a shopping street with a spacious cobbled yard. Built in 1850 as a coal collection point, these 19-century warehouses were adapted into storage facilities and nightclubs before falling into disuse at the end of the ’90s. The brick and castiron structures have been converted into shops and restaurants, stitched together with gabled roofs that form an additional level, which comprises a bridge and viewing gallery. Prominent tenants include The Coal Office, which houses the canalside store and studio of British product designer Tom Dixon’s namesake brand as well as as a restaurant led by chef Assaf Granit. coaldropsyard.com
GRANARY SQUARE
Situated along Regent’s Canal and next to Coal Drops Yard is this public space designed by Townshend Landscape Architects. It features over 1,000 fountains by The Fountain Workshop and Speirs + Major, which form a mesmerising light show come nightfall. The former canal basin was once the site where barges would unload their cargo; today, it’s better known as a picnic spot on a warm summer day, particularly on the south-facing steps. The square is lined with restaurants and bars that include an outpost of the popular Indian restaurant chain Dishoom; the adjacent Granary Building houses the Central Saint Martins arts college campus and the King’s Cross branch of restaurant and coffee roastery Caravan.
ARABICA BAR & RESTAURANT
This restaurant in the heart of Borough Market is always packed, and for good reason. Broadly known for serving the cuisine of the Levant, it offers a glorious mishmash of Lebanese, Moroccan, Syrian, Egyptian, Turkish and some Armenian dishes. The Lebanese seven spiced chicken wings are delicious, as is the stew made of lamb sausages in a caramelised onion sauce. Don’t miss the kibbeh nayeh (lamb tartare) or the sujuk pide, a Turkish pizza with spiced sausage and halloumi, which is totally scrumptious. arabicalondon.com
THE GASHOLDERS
British practice Wilkinsoneyre converted three interlocking gasholders from the 19th century into light-filled residences with generous private balconies; perforated screens offer both privacy as well as protection from the sun. Each of the
145 apartments in this residential complex by UK property developer Argent features a unique configuration inspired by its Grade Ii-listed circular structure. Top of the range units include the nine three-storey penthouses, one of which has been dressed by fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic. The blush pink apartment combines iconic mid-century modern designs with ceramics and artworks created by female artists including Alana Wilson, Christine Roland, Annette Lantsoght and Caroline Denervaud. This three-storey penthouse also features a double-height sunken courtyard garden and staircase access to a private rooftop garden with views of Coal Drops Yard. gasholderslondon.co.uk
THE STANDARD
The hotly anticipated first UK outpost of American hotel chain The Standard is housed in a brutalist-style building from the 1970s, comprising 266 rooms in as many as 42 unique styles. The most distinctive rooms include the terraced suites, which feature outdoor bathtubs with views of the St Pancras station. The hotel features a lounge with a well-stocked library, in tribute to the building’s history; it was formerly the Camden Town Hall Annex building. Other notable facilities include a studio that hosts weekly talks and live music performances, as well as Isla restaurant and Double Standard bar, both helmed by executive chef Adam Rawson. An upcoming restaurant by chef Peter Sanchez-iglesias will also open soon on the tenth floor, featuring panoramic views of the cityscape. standardhotels.com/london
CAMLEY STREET NATURAL PARK
Slated to reopen in early 2020, this 0.8 hectare nature reserve sited along Regent’s Canal is undergoing construction as part of its £1 million (S$1.75 million) revamp. Improvements are currently being made to its wildflower meadow, and the wetland and reedbed areas to become more conducive to both visitors and wildlife. The canal banks will soon provide more habitats for birds, bats and plant life; the park will also feature a new visitor and learning centre and the Somers Town Bridge which will connect to Coal Drops Yard. wildlondon.org.uk/naturereserves/camley-street-natural-park