A Foodie’s Guide To King’s Cross

King’s Cross is no longer just a place to come to catch the train. The area has undergone a huge transformation in recent years, with an influx of galleries, shops, restaurants and bars popping up around pretty Regent’s Canal, buzzing Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square. Here local baker Graham Hornigold, who founded Longboys, shares some of his favourite spots for eating and drinking in the area.

A Foodie’s Guide To King’s Cross

Graham Hornigold

During his 28-year career, Graham has worked as a pastry chef at top restaurants across the country, including the renowned Lanesborough hotel and Hakkasan. In 2019 he set up Longboys alongside Heather Kaniuk, a bakery specialising in brioche finger doughnuts.

These are hand rolled fresh each day, then compotes, fillings and glazes are added: flavours include lemon meringue pie, triple chocolate, sticky toffee pecan and peanut butter jelly. There are now four branches of Longboys across London, all serving the signature creations alongside soft serve ice cream and coffees – with doughnuts also stocked in Harrods and Selfridges. 

Where To Eat in King’s Cross: Graham Hornigold’s Pick

Barrafina 

You can’t visit Coal Drops Yard without giving Barrafina a go, they serve some of the best tortilla in London, the prawn and piquillo gets my order every time. You’ll need to book in advance but it’s well worth it. 

27 Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4AB, barrafina.co.uk

Porte Noire

My go-to spot for wine and cheese after a hard day’s work. You can usually find me with a large glass of red in hand. If you’re in the market for a bottle to take home then I recommend the Chateau Pontet Canet – sublime. 

Gasholder 10, A 1, Lewis Cubitt Walk, London N1C 4BY, portenoire.co.uk

Hidden Japanese Curry Lab

It does what it says on the tin, great for a take-away and best enjoyed by the canal. It’s independently owned and impresses me every time. They have a micro-menu with only three curries available, take my word and try them all. 

Unit 114 Lower, Stable St, London N1C 4DR, hidencurry.com

The Standard 

You could spend the whole day there, it’s a great all-rounder. I usually plot in their library lounge for coffees and catch-ups. I head upstairs to their cocktail bar, Sweeties, for something stronger. If I get peckish then I grab the lift up to Decimo for tapas, it’s worth it for the views alone.

10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG, standardhotels.com

Granary Square Brasserie

Good for meetings, lunches, and impromptu dinners. I’m here several times a week. I try and experiment with the menu but I am a sucker for their medium-rare rib-eye on the bone, olive oil mash, and broccoli with lemon.

1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AB, granarysquarebrasserie.com