Many of the eateries in King’s Cross have beautiful terraces and covered outdoor spaces for you to eat alfresco, most with heaters and blankets to ward off the chill.
Parrillan
Perched among the greenery on the upper level of Coal Drops Yard is Spanish alfresco terrace bar and grill, Parrillan. To ward off the chill, Parrillan has heated blankets, sheepskins, firs and furs, and delicious hot dishes to warm you from the inside out. Choose from rices, stews, Spanish para picar, or a choice of beautiful meat, seafood and vegetables to be cooked by you on your own little Parrilla grill.
Parrillan is on Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard.
Drake & Morgan
Catch up with your friends, family or colleagues on Drake & Morgan’s large outdoor terrace overlooking Pancras Square. There are blankets, hot water bottles and warming cocktails at the ready. Food-wise, the carefully-crafted seasonal menu features everything from sharing platters, burgers and curries, with plenty for vegetarians, too. Plus, there’s always something fun on the D&M calendar. Furry friends are welcome too!
Find Drake & Morgan at 6 Pancras Square.
The Lighterman
The Lighterman is a lovely spot to soak in those glorious moody skies over the canal. All three terraces have parasols and heaters, and they have launched a gorgeous hearty menu to warm your belly, too, with the likes of Norfolk lamb, parsley root, rainbow chard, and wild garlic.
Find The Lighterman on Granary Square.
Granary Square Brasserie
The terrace at Granary Square Brasserie is a stylish space, with plump cushions and lots of lush greenery facing onto the square. The terrace is heated, there are large umbrellas and a stack of blankets available to keep guests feeling snug. The all-day menu offers classic British dishes, with a few favourites from further afield.
Granary Square Brasserie, 1 Granary Square.
Vermuteria
Charming Vermuteria is home to a delicious European menu and a head-spinning variety of vermouths. The well-spaced outdoor tables spill into Coal Drops Yard, and the whole area is covered and dotted with heaters. Fat barrels, strings of twinkling lights and lots of potted trees help to create a delightfully cosy atmosphere.
Vermuteria is at 38 Coal Drops Yard.
Caravan
At Caravan, the outdoor seating is partially covered, and there are heaters dotted around the terrace, although you will want to wrap up warm for your visit. The food here is ‘well-travelled’ with the sourdough pizzas, grain bowls and burnt stem broccoli all firm favourites. Caravan also serves great coffee, and by night, great cocktails.
Find Caravan in the Granary Building on Granary Square.
Plaza Pastor
For laidback fun and good vibes, Plaza Pastor is hard to beat. It’s a permanent outdoor venue, so it is fully covered – which could make all the difference on a rainy night. The heated space is a riot of fun Mexicana colours, the food is authentic heritage corn tortillas, tacos, and tostadas, and drinks are heavy on the tequila.
Find Plaza Pastor in Coal Drops Yard.
The Drop
Coal Drops Yard’s elegant wine bar is nestled under the red brick arches of the old Victorian coal store. The outdoor space is covered and warmed with heaters, so it’s pleasant to sit out even on a chilly day. The wine list is unsurprisingly one of the best around, and the food is simple but carefully-sourced, with meats, fine cheeses, breads and fresh oysters served straight from the cart.
The Drop is at Unit 22-24 Bagley Walk Arches, Coal Drops Yard.
hicce
The lovely team at hicce are providing guests with blankets and hot water bottles while you dine. The large outdoor terrace is a handsome space, with big heated umbrellas and rust-coloured planters. While the vibe is very cool and relaxed, the food here is truly special, with ultra-modern takes on sharing style dishes influenced by Japanese and Nordic cooking.
hicce is on the upper level at Coal Drops Yard, above Wolf & Badger.
German Gymnasium
The terrace at German Gymnasium is heated so you can meet up with friends without the need for ten layers. When it’s cold outside, they suggest there’s nothing better than a warming soup, one of the sausage dishes and warm apple strudel to finish. If that’s not to your taste, there are salads, schnitzels, seafood and vegan burgers on the menu, as well as a great selection of beers, wines and cocktails.
German Gymnasium is on King’s Boulevard, just outside the stations.
The Gas Station
This new all-day venue has three bars over two floors with lovely views over Regent’s Canal. The beautifully landscaped beer garden is partially covered and heated, strung with lights, and nestled in greenery, creating a relaxed garden feel. There are comfortable rattan seats around spacious tables, ideal for gathering for a drink with friends. The menu is seasonal, with a focus on fresh seafood.
Find The Gas Station on Goods Way.
GNH Bar at the Great Northern Hotel
A great meeting spot, the continental-style terrace outside the GNH bar looks out over King’s Cross Square and St Pancras International. The space is covered and heated, so you can settle in with a cocktail, (try the Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and watch the comings and goings from the stations. GNH Bar comes to life at lunch time, and the bar menu is available to order throughout the day and into the evening.
GNH Bar is inside Great Northern Hotel, on Pancras Road.
Hoppers
The King’s Cross outpost of Hoppers has a lovely terrace that wraps along the length of the restaurant, offering diners views across the canal towards Granary Square. The terrace is fully covered and offers a mix of high and low seating. Inspired by the street food of Sri Lanka and South India, the menu sings with flavourful dishes of karis, hoppers, seafood grills, dosas, rice and roasts. There is also an extensive bar with Hoppers’ own brewed beers on tap, sharing punches, tropical swizzles and milks.
Hoppers is at 4 Pancras Square.
Arabica
Arabica on Lewis Cubitt Walk has bright, heated umbrellas covering its outdoor tables. Enjoy middle-eastern inspired mezze, like hot falafels, grilled halloumi, shish, and Turkish pizza from the clay oven.
Arabica is on the ground floor of the Aga Khan Centre on Lewis Cubitt Park.
Fair-weather al fresco
If you are lucky enough to hit upon one of those cool and crisp but importantly dry days, many of the restaurants have uncovered outdoor seating.
At Pancras Square you can enjoy sunny Aussie dishes at Granger and Co., classic bistro fare and a glass of something delicious at Vinoteca, and contemporary Korean fare at Kimchee. Meanwhile, on Stable Street, Dishoom, Lina Stores and Spiritland have outside seating.
We advise that you book your table in advance, as walk-ins may not be guaranteed.
