19 sensational spots in King’s Cross

KX has been reborn, its Victorian rail yards transformed into buzzy restaurants, squares and culture spots. We asked Time Out Tastemakers for their local tips.

                                                  Best bar

‘The Racketeer. It’s a mixture of sexy and sultry with modern and cosy, and serves some gorgeous cocktails.’ Georgie Pursey

‘Spiritland is a quirky space with a huge analogue sound system and delicious cocktails.’ Nancy Xu

                                              Best cheap eat

‘Roti King for good, genuine Malaysian food.’ Paula Kanesanathan

‘The Ethiopian restaurant Addis! So delicious and authentic.’ Leena Shah

                                   Best place for breakfast/brunch

‘Order the bacon naan sandwich in beautiful, railway-themed Dishoom.’ Nancy Xu

‘Caravan without a doubt! Favourite brunch place ever.’ Aude Grandpierre

                                             Best green space

‘Camley Street Natural Park [closed till spring] is a gorgeous little nature reserve on the canal. It’s a haven for wildlife, and so peaceful. You wouldn’t know you’re in central London.’ Georgie Pursey

‘Gasholder Park. It’s literally an old gasholder “upgraded” with mirrors and a lovely patch of grass.’ Noni Papp

                                              Best place for fun

‘If you love your music, you need to head to Egg! So many memories dancing away in that club.’ Karen Parish

‘Drink, Shop & Do on Caledonian Road has quirky activities from musical bingo to dance workshops to Lego robot-building competitions.’ Noni Papp

                                            Best place for culture

‘If beer and books are your thing, the British Library Lates are a joy.’ Neil Hassall

‘House of Illustration is great for some alternative art exhibitions.’ Lynsey Frost

‘The London Canal Museum is a hidden gem! It used to be a Victorian ice warehouse, home
to one of London’s first ice-cream makers.’ Lekha Nanavati

‘The “Deconstructing Patterns” exhibition at The Francis Crick Institute is open for free until December, and is really good.’ Valisa Iskandar

                                               Best place to relax

‘Granary Square is so pretty, especially in the summer, with its green steps, canalside and food trucks.’ Sonya Veerasamy

                                               Best place to shop

‘The bookshop on a barge called Word on the Water. It’s overflowing with secondhand books to rummage through.’ Leigh Travers

                                          Best thing to Instagram

‘The King’s Cross station concourse roof. It’s an intricate work of art in itself.’ Annette Boateng

                                               Best thing to do

‘Start off in Granary Square with a bite to eat from one of the Kerb vendors, then take a walk along Regent’s Canal towards Angel and see what you see on the way!’ Lekha Nanavati

We’re throwing a party in King’s Cross next month! Celebrate 50 years of Time Out in Granary Square on September 29. Tickets are limited – head to www.timeout.com/50party.