The regeneration of King’s Cross has been one of London’s biggest success stories over the past decade. Always one of the best connected places in London, with St Pancras station next door, the area has been transformed since 2008 from largely an industrial wasteland into a thriving mixed-use campus comprising offices, residential, cultural institutions, retail, food and leisure, alongside green and blue spaces, with the Regent’s Canal playing a starring role.

The gothic-style, 19th-century station, retained original warehouse buildings, Victorian gas holders and brick viaducts of Coal Drops Yard now sit next to some of the newest and highest quality office spaces in London. From being mainly somewhere just to pass through the area is now a destination in itself. Global occupiers including Google, Facebook and Universal Music now have a major presence on the estate, attracted by the excellent amenities available to their staff.

Nearby, King’s Place houses a number of cultural and media organisations. The Francis Crick Institute in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter is known worldwide for its cutting-edge work in biomedical science, and the British Library provides access to a history of Britain through the written word. These are just some of the occupiers that contribute to the area’s full wealth and diversity.

Success has bred success, and a number of office buildings nearby off the main estate are being developed or re-fitted to appeal to those who are looking to be a part of one of the most dynamic and exciting neighbourhoods in London.

KING'S CROSS IN THREE QUESTIONS 

What’s your hidden gem?

KMS: The community gardens next to Coal Drops Yard are always a hub of activity offering everything from yoga classes to arts events and wellbeing walks.  

MGS: It’s not really hidden, but the array of different public spaces and food and beverage options on the estate really come into their own at Christmas. I’m particularly looking forward to trying my hand at Club Curling at Coal Drops Yard, opening on 11 November.

Where’s the best place to eat?

KM: The sandwiches from Sons + Daughters are legendary and full meals in themselves. My personal favourite is the prawn cocktail, which is given extra bite by including actual prawn crackers.

MGS: It very much depends on your mood, but I enjoy lunch at Lina Stores on Stable Street, a spin-out of the legendary Soho venue. I’m also looking forward to finding an excuse to sample the wines and charcuterie on offer at Porte Noire.

Favourite fact about the area?

KM: Everyone thinks of King’s Cross being well connected by train, Tube and Eurostar, but if you fancy something a bit different you can also commute by barge.

MGS: There’s so much history here, from the resting place of Boadicea and Glyndwr Michael, aka William Martin, 'the man who never was', to the German Gymnasium, the birthplace of the modern day Olympic movement. All are part of the rich heritage woven into the present day neighbourhood, creating one of the most vibrant and well-connected submarkets in which to work, live and play in central London.

Further information

Contact : Kate Miedzianowska-Sinclair or Mark Gilbart-Smith

An occupliers guide to London in three questions: Victoria