King’s Cross is a lively, regenerated and welcoming area of central London, packed with bars and pubs. Whether you’re looking for a quiet intimate spot for a post-work wind down drink, or an energised cocktail bar with the opportunity to dance, our guide to the best bars in King’s Cross has all you need.
1. Vermuteria
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Café culture meets bar culture with Vermuteria; a fabulous blend of café and bar where Vermouth is the star of the show. Expect row upon row of bottles of Vermouth lining the bar and the ability to pretty much drink the stuff on tap. We love the little plates of food on offer; it’s very reminiscent of holidays in the Med. If it’s a sunny day, enjoy your drink on the terrace facing Coal Drop Yard.
2. Booking Office 1869
Definitely one of the best bars in King’s Cross is this great space. This was once the booking hall for the original St Pancras station. It oozes charm and style, and is now part of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Think gothic architecture with immense windows, brick arches and decadent oak panelling. The Hugo Toro interiors are inviting and a brilliant blend of Cuban vibes meeting London style. It’s a great place to enjoy classic cocktails (try the House Martini).
3. Little Creatures Regent’s Canal
Relatively low cost, you’ll love the steampunk industrial atmosphere of this Aussie bar. It’s a sociable spot and a place where groups fit in easily. It’s a bit like an old-style Aussie watering hole in terms of laidback style, but with a definite King’s Cross edge.
4. The Cellar
Don’t envisage dark and gloomy because of the name, this bar is actually a classic green-tiled lined bar which was once a butcher’s shop. The wine list is enviable and it’s certainly a place where wine buffs will feel catered for. Enjoy your wine with a fantastic charcuterie board.
5. Big Chill House
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A King’s Cross icon that has managed to shake off the area’s once-dodgy reputation is the Big Chill House and it remains one of the best bars in King’s Cross. It’s not the place for regular after work drinks, but it comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights when the DJs are rolled out. It’s particularly great in the summer – enjoy tacos on the upstairs patio!
6. Spiritland
One of our favourite bars in King’s Cross is Spiritland. If you’re a music lover then this is the bar for you. The people here care about what they are listening to and they are treated to seriously comfortable seats from which to do their listening. It’s a great hangout space and bar, if a little nerdy. Check out their whisky list. Oh, and it’s even used a recording studio, so keep your ears open. Well worth it’s spot in the best bars in King’s Cross.
7. Caravan
Sneaking its way in as a bar is Caravan which crosses the territory from bar to café to restaurant. Enjoy a glass of tequila or a Bellini with your small plate brunch. Let the day roll with fabulous cocktails with their own unique twists.
8. Two Tribes Brewery
There’s a fantastic co-working space here, great for people traveling for work and using a serviced apartment, but it’s worth coming here for a drink or two as well. The tap-room doors welcome the punters most evenings and the DJs are great. The Korean food truck serves up delicious bites to eat too.
9. Double Standard
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If you want a truly London-feel to the bar you choose in King’s Cross then you won’t go wrong with Double Standard. The Transport for London finds itself as one of the best bars in King’s cross for its inspired interior that pushes brilliant London vibes. That said, the food on offer and even the drinks are more reminiscent of NYC, but it’s a blend that works well.
10. The Permit Room
One of the most highly reviewed bars in King’s Cross and with good reason is the Permit Room. Themed around Prohibition in Bombay, it’s got a seriously cool vibe. Head down into the basement where you will get a whiff of incense as you join in. The drinks list is fantastic, with Indian-styled martinis. It’s also great for the tee-totallers too with attractive and tasty mocktails.
11.The Racketeer
Another favourite King’s Cross bar is The Racketeer. It’s quite a newbie on the block but it’s gaining a great name for itself. It’s a comfortable spot for a winter warmer, with its log-burning stove and royal blue walls. But don’t think you should give it a miss in the summer either, just head out to the terrace at the back. Check out the house cocktails – many are classics but there are a few twists to spot.
12. Roof Garden St Pancras
That’s right, head on up to the top of the St Pancras Renaissance and you’ll find one of the best gin bars in King’s Cross. If you love gin, it’s the place to be and offers very relaxed vibes.
13. St Pancras Champagne Bar
Waiting for a train to catch or simply wanting to get your hands on a glass of fizz, the St Pancras Champagne Bar is calling. Supposedly in possession of the longest bar in Europe, that doesn’t really matter – what matters is enjoying a class of Champers under the iconic St Pancras roof. It’s even better if you’re about to hop aboard a train to Paris.
14. Supermax
Supermax is one of the best cocktail bars in King’s Cross. Brought to you by the same people as Spiritland, it’s another great place In King’s Cross for excellent music. The super-powered sound system is a music-lover’s fantasy. That said Supermax is a bit more mainstream, with a definite focus on fun.
15. Vinoteca
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Last but not least on our list of the best bars in King’s Cross is Vinoteca, a stylish wine bar that caters to everyone. If you want cheap and easy drinking then there are fresh from keg and box options. Head to the outdoor terrace in the warmer months, but expect to compete for space because Vinoteca is popular to say the least. It’s a good spot for dinner too if you can grab a table.
There are lots of good reasons why you should book a serviced apartment in King’s Cross for your next stay in London, but the bars are sure to keep you happy and entertained.