When I returned to King's Cross recently, exploring the London neighbourhood's specialty coffee scene was high on my agenda. While there's been a *lot* of change since I created my 2019 King's Cross coffee guide, many of my favourite cafes are still going strong, alongside some excellent new additions.
I started working in King's Cross in 2010 and back then, I had to walk to Bloomsbury or Clerkenwell on my lunch break for a good cup of coffee. Luckily, 2012 brought specialty coffee to my doorstep with the arrival of (the sadly-short-lived) Brewhouse on York, and then Caravan.
By 2016, I had enough material for my first King's Cross specialty coffee guide, which I updated three years later. My recent return visit made me realise that an updated guide was long overdue.
Note: There's more than one way of defining the boundaries of the King's Cross neighbourhood, but all of the coffee spots featured in this guide are within 10 minutes' walk of King's Cross Station.
King's Cross Specialty Coffee Guide
Caravan
The advent of Caravan in the newly redeveloped Granary Square in 2012 was a sign of things to come in King's Cross — for both specialty coffee and all-day dining. I used to visit at least once a week when I worked locally, either for a top-notch single-origin filter coffee or for pizza (or both).
Caravan remains one of my most-loved London brunch spots and the coffee is excellent, whether you opt for a pourover or espresso-based drink. The service is always warm and if it's a sunny day, the best seats in the house are outside, next to the dancing fountains.
Carhartt Coffee
Even before Google moved in, the pedestrianised area between King's Cross and St Pancras Stations was a buzzy spot, with plenty of shops and eateries. Best known for its rugged workwear and outdoor apparel, Carhartt's Pancras Square store also has its own coffee shop.
The coffee is roasted by Assembly and all of the usual espresso drinks are on offer. Order at the appealingly curved wooden coffee bar and grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables where you can watch the denizens of King's Cross strolling by.
Frequency Coffee
When I worked in King's Cross, I was a regular visitor to Frequency and got to know founder Justo quite well. I loved hearing about how his passion for music inspired the design of his cafe.
Frequency has several more London locations now but I still have a soft spot for the King's Cross original. They roast their own coffee these days and when I went back this month, the coffee was as great as I remembered. My piccolo looked good and tasted even better!
Gramos Coffee Bar
Tucked away underground in the labyrinthine King's Cross Tube Station, Gramos is well worth seeking out — you may need to consult their directions. They started roasting in 2016 and made their bricks-and-mortar début in King's Cross in 2020.
Gramos serves both espresso drinks and hand-brewed filter coffees using their single-origin beans. On my last visit, I ordered a piccolo. Brewed with an espresso from Brazil, it was delicious: creamy and sweet, with chocolate notes.
There are a few seats inside the coffee bar and several more tables just outside. If you are less keen on subterranean seating, get your coffee to go, head up the escalator and find a free bench in Pancras Square.
Gramos is located inside King's Cross Underground Station (Northern Ticket Hall, level -1), London N1 9AL. Website. Instagram.
HALFCUP
HALFCUP has long been one of my favourite brunch spots in the King's Cross area. Located on Judd Street, a few blocks south of Euston Road, the cosy, colourful cafe has plenty of seating and serves cracking coffee from Press Coffee too.
I usually go for a piccolo and one of the dishes from the regularly changing brunch menu, like the bacon and maple pancakes or the shakshuka. I'm also intrigued by the 'loaded Yorkshire Pudding' (apologies to the purists)!
News & Coffee
During my recent visit to Granary Square, I noticed a small kiosk selling a wide range of independent magazines as well as coffee. If you need to stock up on beans, News & Coffee also sells retail bags.
There was a bit of a queue at News & Coffee on that sunny Saturday, which I took as a good sign. My piccolo tasted great and was worth the short wait. There are lots of places to sit around Granary Square, but my favourite spot is the steps overlooking Regent's Canal when the sun is out.
Origin Coffee at the British Library
A couple of minutes' walk from St Pancras Station, Origin's British Library coffee shop is another of my longstanding neighbourhood favourites. Over the years, I've ordered many pourovers and piccolos from Origin, which are always impeccably brewed by the friendly, knowledgeable baristas.
Inside, the minimalist design features a long, white-tiled coffee bar and wooden bench seating by the window (plus a few tables outside). Various pastries and sandwiches are also on offer, along with a big selection of coffee beans and brewing kit.
Redemption Roasters
Redemption Roasters is a coffee company and social enterprise, which trains prison leavers with coffee industry skills to help them gain secure employment. They now have 11 coffee shops in London but the King's Cross location is one of my favourites.
There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating at the bustling cafe on Stable Street. The building dates back to 1850 and preserves much of the industrial heritage and character. The welcoming baristas brew filter coffee and espresso drinks, as well as serving a selection of pastries, breakfast and lunch options.
On my list for next time:
Fabrica X
Fabrica X is a concept store focused on sustainability and innovation and it also has its own in-store coffee shop. I haven't been able to stop by for coffee yet as they only open on weekdays but it's on my to-visit list.
Fabrica X is located at 36-40 York Way, London, N1 9AB. Instagram.
For 150+ more of my favourite coffee shops in London, take a look at my London specialty coffee guide.
Want to explore King's Cross beyond its coffee shops? Check out my King's Cross neighbourhood guide.
Need more London inspiration? Read my guide to 52 fun things to do in London.
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