There was a time when King’s Cross was just a place to change trains, dodge puddles, or clutch your Pret in a rush. But not anymore. In recent years, this once-industrial corner of London has had a major glow-up, and in summer, it’s one of the best places to hang out with friends and enjoy the vibes. Think canal-side cocktails, alfresco films and pop-up everything.
Whether you’re planning a sunny day out with mates, after-work hangs, or something fun to impress an out-of-town friend who thinks London is just Big Ben and Tube delays, King’s Cross is ready for you. These are the best things to eat, drink, see and do this summer - just don’t forget the SPF.
Eat
Morty & Bob’s
Coal Drops Yard is King’s Cross as you’ve never seen it before, with new life given to historic buildings. Stop by Morty & Bob’s for a late lunch and well-needed catch up with pals. The cheese toasties are semi-legendary, combined with a strawberry spritz mocktail and parmesan truffle fries and you’re in for a winner.
49 Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ
Arabica
Levantine small plates and a sun-drenched terrace make Arabica a real crowd-pleaser. Perch at the bar sipping a pomegranate margarita while you wait for your group to arrive, then share silky hummus and halloumi with black honey at a table overlooking the stunning Persian-inspired Jellicoe Gardens.
7 Lewis Cubitt Walk, N1C 4DT
Drink
Drake & Morgan
With its super stylish interior and laid-back vibe, Drake and Morgan is the kind of place that feels like an escape from the King’s Cross rush. Go for the cocktails (the sangria sharing jug is sure to keep your group happy), stay for the small plates and playlists.
6 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Spiritland
Craft beer, Negronis, disco and deep house - what more could you want? Spiritland is a trendy audio cafe with chic interiors and state-of-the-art sound systems. Grab a booth and soak up the good vibes.&
9-10 Stable Street, N1C 4AB
The Lighterman
Gastropub meets modern terrace restaurant at The Lighterman, with wrap-around terraces and an alfresco bar right on the canal. In summer, it’s the perfect people-watching spot, ideal for spritzes, pints and feeling like you’re in a dreamy Italian city.
3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
Vermuteria
Inspired by those elegant outdoor cafes found in so many European cities, this vermouth bar is right in the heart of Coal Drops Yard. Come for the Negroni menu (ooh stunnin’), stay for the continental vibes. It’s the perfect way to get into character before hopping on the Eurostar, or for keeping the holiday energy alive once you get back.
38 Stable Street, N1C 4DQ
Do
Granary Square Fountains
Over a thousand individually-controlled water jets in a space the size of Trafalgar Square makes this one of the most joyful spots in London. Whether you’re looking for something to entertain the kids for a few hours, or just need a relaxing reset on a hot day, Granary Square Fountains provide an instant mood boost.
1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AB
KERB Street Food Market
Food-truck heaven. This curated market of top vendors brings together London’s best street food stalls, from bao buns and fried chicken to vegan doughnuts and loaded fries. Great for grazing with a group and outrageously Instagrammable.
Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4UZ
Canal Boat Rides
Enjoy the capital from a different angle with a narrowboat trip down Regent’s Canal. Run by the London Canal Museum, these scenic cruises glide through hidden parts of the city, including the atmospheric Islington Tunnel. You can float west towards Little Venice or east towards Victoria Park, with the option to indulge in a cream tea on certain days. Head to the London Canal Museum website to book.
12/13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT
See
Everyman On The Canal
Cinema, but make it alfresco. This open-air film series takes over the steps at Granary Square every summer, with a mix of cult classics, feel-good flicks and recent blockbusters. No need to book tickets, just turn up, bring a blanket, and settle in. This year, screenings start on 30th June and continue all season until 17th August.
Granary Square, N1C 4BH
London Canal Museum
Ever wondered what life was like on London’s canals during the Victorian era? This small but mighty museum is full of interesting history, from the horses that pulled the boats to the giant blocks of ice once stored in its underground well. The museum is open all year, with boat trips running throughout the summer. The best part? You can get 2 adult tickets for the price of 1 when you travel by train.
12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT
The Outside Art Project
Public art takes centre stage in Granary Square, where a rotating programme of exhibitions transforms the area into an open-air gallery. Curated in partnership with organisations like Mentivity - an award-winning mentoring charity supporting young people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds - the displays are as thoughtful as they are visually striking. Past installations have included powerful portraits of single parents, macro nature shots, and striking Silk Road photography from the Aga Khan Foundation. With each new collaboration bringing fresh perspectives and mediums, there’s always something new to catch your eye.
Granary Square and surroundings, N1C