Our suggestions for a perfect night - or day- out.
With open spaces, culture to absorb, cute cafes and myriad restaurants, King’s Cross is brimming with brilliant date options. Here are some of our favourites – from morning till night.
Start with coffee and conversation
Everything goes better with coffee, and King’s Cross is chock full of fabulous places where you can sit and enjoy a leisurely latte or take a coffee to go and enjoy your morning brew while you wander. If you’re in the mood for something sweet with your coffee, head to Longboys for artisan donuts, or Wildcard for a pastry. Or, why not start your date at Redemption Roasters? Their coffee is roasted by prisoners at HMP the Mount, so you can feel good about supporting an innovative social improvement scheme while enjoying a fantastic cup of coffee. Check the food and drink listings for the perfect coffee spot.
Go For A Stroll
Walking and talking is a lovely way to break the ice on a date, and King’s Cross is full of nice places to stroll. The Regent’s Canal runs right through the neighbourhood and is replete with pretty narrow boats and, in the spring, gaggles of baby ducks learning how to swim. Feel like taking your date somewhere beautiful? Wander through the wooded pathways of Camley Nature Park, or sit for a while beside the idyllic pond.
Linger over a selection of sharing plates
It goes without saying that King’s Cross is brimming with brilliant dinner choices. Exquisite tapas pared with fine wine? Barrafina is waiting. Tacos, tequila and a lively atmosphere? Casa Pastor will get the party started. For a leisurely lunch, sharing a few orders of of dumplings at Bao King’s Cross always a good idea, and, for a sophisticated supper, Hicce’s elegant, pincho-esque small plates are both stylish and sublime, and the sharing plates at the Coal Office are equally mind blowing. From Fri-Sun, you could choose something from one of the fabulous street food stalls at Canopy Market, too. The choices are endless! Find the full list of restaurants here.
Learn something together
Why not centre your date around a workshop and eliminate any chance of awkward silences? Luxuriate in aromatic scent while you craft candles at Earl of East, create beautiful bouquets at Roseur, or learn to build amazing little beautiful terrariums together with the Botanical Boys.
Take home a souvenir
Could this be the first date in a life long story? Record the moment for posterity at Autofoto, the old school black and white photo booth in Coal Drops Yard. No need to be camera shy – everyone looks better in black and white!
Have a browse in Coal Drops Yard
A date can be a lovely opportunity to step away from kids, work, and the humdrummery of daily live and regain your lust for life (and each other). What better way to revive your mojo than finding some new clothes that make you feel smarter, sexier and altogether more desirable? There are over 50 stores in King’s Cross, all within (almost) traffic-free wandering distance of each other, and, with a selection spanning boutiques to big brand flagship stores, there’s something to suit every taste.
Immerse yourselves in culture
Spending some time engaging in culture is a wonderful way to get the conversation flowing on a date. Lightroom’s inaugural show, an immersive retrospective of David Hockney’s work, is hugely inspiring and makes for an unforgettable shared experience. Queer Britain, the UK’s first museum of Queer culture, has a fascinating collection of art and artefacts, and there’s always plenty of artwork to see out in the open in King’s Cross too. Have a look at our Art and Culture page, and don’t forget to check the What’s On section for information about the latest exhibitions.
Fall in love with a film
Cosying up in the velvety dark of cinema has to be one of the most romantic ways to end a date, and Everyman, with its comfy seats, inhouse bar, and programme of modern masterpieces and vintage classics is the movie theatre of dreams.
Get lost in music (and each other)
Nothing beats the elation of watching a brilliant gig with someone you’re falling in love with. Tucked away in Goodsway, Lafayette is big enough to attract a stellar lineup of international talent but small enough to feel intimate. Best of all, an unforgettable date here needn’t break the bank – tickets are often for as little as £15!
The night is still young…
Not ready to call it a night yet? Head for aperitivi at Vermuteria, fine wine at Porte Noire or The Drop, or sumptuous cocktails in a the New Orleans inspired Sweetwater. If a live DJ set is more your style, Spiritland has you covered, while Supermax, the underground cocktail bar, is the place to keep the party going and, on Friday nights, bop till you drop. Check the full list of watering holes here.
