126 York Way,
Kings Cross,
London,
N1 0AX
0871 971 5138
The ViewLondon Review
Imagine walking in on a party hosted by Pete Doherty and Kate Moss, where everyone was welcoming and before they trashed the joint and you'll get a fair idea of the atmosphere that awaits you at the Cross Kings.The VenueWhere the Cross Kings now stands was once a venue more familiar to beer-swilling Antipodeans, a place where it was perfectly normal to ride a dentist chair until you vomited on the beer soaked sawdust. Thankfully, only the chair remains, and the rest of the bar has been restored to include a vibrantly eclectic sitting room-style room plus a DJ to create a pumping pre club venue.
A hearty ten minute walk from Kings Cross station will help you work up an appetite for the party that awaits inside. You never quite know what response you will get when you fling open the front door. Will you be welcomed by a tarot card reader, juggler, magician or musician?
The AtmosphereIf you feel the need to chill out, be immediately accepted or meet some of the capital’s more eccentric characters, then the Cross Kings is for you. For relaxing, the front bar styled like a sitting room with its nick knack adorned fireplace and well worn comfy sofas will suit, or if you are dressed for excess and keen to move on later to the nearby clubs, then choose the back room to get your groove on. Downstairs, there is also the live music and entertainment venue known simply as Jester Bar, giddy-up!
The FoodHome cooking, just like your Mum would make if she was Eastern European. Keeping in line with the sitting room theme, owner Lis makes most of the Austrian based fare on offer. She has been in charge of some of the best kitchens in Colchester prior to transferring her talents to the capital and is renowned for her Hungarian Goulash. The menu changes often as food is cooked from seasonal and often organic ingredients daily.
The DrinkA grown up version of a student bar - well stocked, with knowledgeable bar staff and extremely reasonable prices. The Cross Kings also boasts some of the cheapest coffee to be served up in London.
The Last WordThe Cross Kings is definitely worth a visit if you fancy soaking up its kooky charms. If you live in the area you'd be wise to make it your local sharpish and prepare yourself for the inevitable hangover - drinks are so reasonably priced that you won't ever break the entertainment kitty even towards pay day.