Where to Drink: King’s Cross: London’s new cocktail capital
WHETHER it’s down to the two hour shuttle to Paris or the imminent Google HQ arrival, the costly regeneration of King’s Cross means it is quickly becoming a terminus for more than just passengers, especially with its glut of new cocktail joints. Following on from Booking Station, Gilbert Scott Bar, VOC and Shrimpy’s, it boasts a fresh trio of excellent watering holes awaiting your arrival.
First stop is the GNH Bar at the new Great Northern Hotel. After a £40m refurb, the Victorian building is looking sharp, conducting a bit of Manhattan electricity into the King’s Cross switchboard. The bar’s signature drink, the 1854, takes its name from the hotel’s original launch date, and shakes up smoked pineapple syrup and crushed cardamom with Woodford Reserve bourbon and Noilly Prat. Across Euston Road is the graffiti adorned Megaro Hotel and the recently relaunched Megaro Bar. The Picture Room pays homage to the Golden Age of film, while the Dark Room references photography with B&W prints and areas cordoned off by crimson curtains. Look out for bar manager Ben Clark’s Lavender Hill Mob Fizz, which blends Beefeater, lemon, lavender gomme, Zedda Piras and soda into liquid perfection.
Tim Badham is the founder of Innerplace, London’s personal lifestyle conciergeservice. innerplace.co.uk @innerplaceLDN.