[category]
[title]
What is it?
Originally built in the 1850s as a depot for processing coal arriving by train from the north, tthis area of King’s Cross has been home to light industry storage facilities and even iconic rave venues like Bagley’s. But after a £100 million redevelopment project, it now boasts 100,000 square feet of swanky retail and dining space, featuring a striking roof extension designed by Thomas Heatherwick.
Why go?
It’s impossible for a shopping district that’s born out of gritty industrial wasteland to be anything other than trendy. Worlds away from Westfield (much as we love the multiplex), the list of stores, bars and restaurants in Coal Drops Yard is pretty alternative.
You’ll know plenty of the shops – Aesop, Cos, Paul Smith, Earl of East – but it’s also a great place to find new brands to obsess over, such as Parisian womenswear label ba&sh, kids-friendly lifestyle shop Cissy Wears and premium raw denim outfitters Blackhorse Lane Atelier.
Don’t miss
Few shopping centres can compete with Coal Drops Yard when it comes to their food offering. Among the 40-odd eateries, you’ll find outposts of trusty tapas restaurant Barrafina, Middle Eastern fave Bubala, cult Sri Lankan spot Hoppers, trend-setting Taiwanese restaurant BAO and virally popular Bombay cafe Dishoom.
When to visit
From Thursday to Sunday, the adjacent Lower Stable Street hosts a lively, B Corp-certified market featuring a curated roster of local designer-makers and emerging brands, making for even more fun browsing.
Time Out tip
Be sure to check the Coal Drops Yard website to see what’s coming up; the neighbourhood also hosts an eclectic programme of free events throughout the year, including evening gigs and a pop-up cinema during the summer months, the Big Woof dog show ever September, and a curling rink over the festive period.