The best bars in King's Cross

Contemporary King's Cross bar and restaurant The Lighterman has outdoor spaces and canalside views. Visit the downstairs bar for drinks, including unique seasonal cocktails. Beer, wine, and bar snacks like pork pies are served too. It's a bustling venue with a smart interior and expansive outer terrace. The restaurant serves classic British food.

The Racketeer is a favourite for cocktails in King's Cross. Retaining the look of a traditional pub, this cosy independent venue has a number of spaces to explore. The creative list of cocktails changes regularly and there are imaginative mixes for every taste. Wine, beer, and sharing platters are also available.

Indulge in champagne as you watch the Eurostar trains from the St Pancras Bar & Brasserie by Searcys. The venue has an elegant champagne lounge with plush booths and a 'press for champagne' button. Numerous types of fizz are available at this refined venue, including champagne magnums and English sparkling wine.

Vermuteria specialises in vermouth and in delivering a European atmosphere to King's Cross. Inspired by cafés in Spain, France, and Italy, it feels airy and has a spacious outdoor terrace. Food is served all day and there's a huge selection of vermouth from across Europe, including vintage bottles.

Subterranean drinking den Hokus Pokus is a cocktail bar in King's Cross that creates a truly memorable experience. Inspired by local history and Victorian quack medicine, the drinks will entertain as well as refresh you. There's a distinctive interior with steampunk influences and curiosities, plus a diverse cocktail menu with contemporary mixes for every taste.

Big Chill has long been established as a vibrant party venue in the area. There's a lively atmosphere, a wide choice of drinks from craft beer to unique cocktails, plus there's a bustling roof terrace. DJs play late into the night and the King's Cross bar often puts on themed events.

Inspired by the original design of the St Pancras ticket office, Booking Office 1869 has an old-world feel. This smart restaurant and bar features wood panelling, impressive palms, and pendant lights. The restaurant serves European dishes but the bar is open late at weekends serving wine and cocktails. There’s a roof garden too.

If you can't have a night out without music, Spiritland is worth checking out. Styled as a modern listening lounge, it's a contemporary café and bar in King's Cross with an attached radio studio. There's a chilled atmosphere, plus regular live music performances, album launches, and music-themed talks. Cocktails, beer, wine, and snacks are served.

Visit restaurant and beer hall German Gymnasium for an authentic European experience. The venue next to King's Cross St Pancras comprises a bar, terrace, and European grand café. There's a lively atmosphere inside this Grade II-listed building, where you can grab a stein, munch on a currywurst or schnitzel, and soak up the ambience.

Buzzy cocktail bar Supermax comes from the team behind Happy Face Pizza. This cool basement space is lit up with neon and has a powerful sound system to keep the party going. The King's Cross bar specialises in drinks with vermouth, but classic aperitifs and bar snacks are on offer too.

Kick back and relax at Sweeties as you enjoy cocktails and impressive views of the city, perched atop The Standard hotel. This atmospheric bar in King's Cross is designed to uplift you with vibrant drinks and bold flavour profiles. Try a classic or signature cocktail or otherwise opt for wine, champagne, and fine spirits. DJs add to the party atmosphere.

For a sleek drinking spot close to King's Cross station, try GNH Bar and Terrace. This sophisticated space is a modern railway bar, serving classic and seasonal cocktails and upscale bar snacks. Events like jazz and cocktail evenings take place regularly here, if you're looking for a stylish night out at a smart venue.

Check out rooftop bar-restaurant Double Standard for fab city views and a great atmosphere. This cool and contemporary destination has a relaxed feel and a spacious outdoor terrace. Indulgent pub grub is on the menu but you can come for drinks, with cocktails and a varied choice of other options available.

Set in a Coal Drops Yard archway, The Drop offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxing with a drink and a plate of a comfy British dish like roast potatoes or a nice bap. The King's Cross bar, backed by the same group as Barrafina and Quo Vadis, has a laid-back atmosphere and can fit larger groups too, making it a good choice for a larger gathering.

Gothic Bar, an independent cocktail bar in King's Cross, offers a warm and intimate ambience. Its dim lighting and timeless décor create the perfect setting for an elegant evening. The menu highlights eau de vie brandies, showcasing both classic cocktails and unique signature blends. For those seeking variety, an extensive selection of absinthes is also on offer.

Porte Noire, nestled within the iconic Gasholder buildings in King's Cross, is a modern European restaurant, wine bar, and wine shop. Its cosy interior and inviting outdoor seating create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The venue boasts a curated collection of around 800 exceptional wines from across the globe, perfect for sipping on-site or purchasing to enjoy at home.

Babel Beerhouse in King's Cross is a laid-back destination that blends productivity and play. It provides cosy co-working spaces for tackling tasks, while also serving as a vibrant bar and dining hub ideal for enjoying craft beers and hearty burgers, pizzas, and other comforting belly-fillers. With a family-friendly atmosphere, Babel Beerhouse's airy interior combines industrial-style accents with a welcoming vibe.