Summer always brings a lovely reset – whether it’s switching up your wardrobe or simply finding a new spot to enjoy the longer days in the city. And when it comes to soaking up the sunshine in style, Kings Cross is hard to beat. With its blend of buzzing al fresco dining, peaceful canal-side hangouts, cultural spots, and standout shopping just five minutes walk from King’s Cross station, it’s the ultimate destination to spend a laid-back summer day.
Shopping
Home to both independent boutiques and well-loved signature brands, Kings Cross is a top-tier retail therapy destination. For a wardrobe revamp, you’ll find & Other Stories, Cos, Beyond Retro, UNIQLO, and many more excellent stores at your fingertips.
If bath and beauty products are what you’re after, Aesop and Space NK are great places to start. On the hunt for something pretty to brighten up your home? Browse the likes of Earl of East, Søstrene Grene, Botanical Boys Homewares, and more. You’ll also find an array of up-and-coming designer-makers at Lower Stable Street Market. Visit every Thursday-Sunday (and bank holiday Mondays) to explore B Corp-certified food, drinks, homeware, clothing, art, and books.
Dining
Shopping followed by a delicious lunch is a pretty perfect summer day in Secret London’s books (extra points if you’re eating al fresco!). And King’s Cross has got so many options to choose from – whether you’re relaxing at a table on an outdoor terrace, or grabbing food to go and enjoying it with a waterside view on the Regents Canal steps.
For a sit-down meal with friends, Spanish restaurant Parillan, or masters of Middle Eastern cuisine, Bubala, both offer gorgeous terraces where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or sunset dinner. But you’ll also find a wealth of other incredible options, from Beer + Burger Store and Happy Face Pizza to fresh pasta at Lina Stores and Sri Lankan cuisine from Hoppers. And if a summery tipple is in order, Babel Beerhouse, Vermuteria, and House of Cans can provide you with something tasty to sip.
Entertainment
If you’re looking for some daring entertainment, Lafayette hosts Sabrage, an intoxicating immersive theatrical performance bringing incredible talent to Kings Cross. This extravagant new experience will make you blush and giggle while leaving no space for imagination. It is full of surprises!
Inspired by the 19th-century Napoleon’s act of opening a bottle of champagne using a sabre for celebration. Sabrage offers a captivating 2-hour live show. From insanely talented singers and dancers to acrobatic acts and glamorous outfits, this is the type of show you wouldn’t want to miss. Need more? You can opt for a VIP option and immerse yourself in a secret speakeasy for a truly unforgettable experience.
Things to do
For the culture vultures, Lightroom Kings Cross hosts spectacular immersive exhibitions with state-of-the-art digital projection and audio technology. You can keep your eye on what exciting new experiences will be added to the program on their website, but currently on is: Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, an educational journey of exploration as you learn about the extraordinary story of dinosaurs.
When you’re not shopping, dining, and checking out exhibitions, you can kickstart your summer photo album with some pics in the Coal Drops Yard photobooth. What’s more, there are tons more exciting activities arriving in Kings Cross this summer. From To The Seaside outdoor exhibition celebrating summer through photography to the Coldplay: A Film For The Future featuring Coldplay’s No. 1 album Moon Music, featuring work of over 150 visual artists from 45 countries.