In recent years, London's coffee scene has skyrocketed. In 2020, the Evening Standard reported a staggering 700% rise in independent cafes since 2010. Nowhere is this more evident than in Kings Cross and its surrounding area. However, this surge comes with stiff competition and a sad goodbye to former local staples: Craft Coffee, House of Morocco and Ko Coffee are all now permanently closed.
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Key takeaways
- Independent coffee scene around King’s Cross is thriving, with standout cafés serving unique brews and brunches.
- Recent closures like Craft Coffee and Ko Coffee show how fast the area’s café culture is evolving.
- Fig & Walnut, Al Grano and Caravan are favourites for Turkish coffee, Colombian beans and in-house roasts.
- Best cafés for remote work include Coffee Uni-N, Wildcard and Al Grano, with Wi-Fi and quiet seating.
- Expect to pay £3.50 to £4.50 for a flat white, matching central London coffee prices.
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HOLD's self-storage facility is just minutes from Kings Cross station, and our team has spent plenty of time getting to know the best spots nearby. Whether it's grabbing a quick flat white or sitting down for something sweet, these are the cafés we keep coming back to.
From Coal Drops Yard to Pancras Square, here are 15 independent places that serve quality coffee, good food, and a warm welcome.
1. Aux Pains de Papy
What it’s known for: Flaky croissants and pastries loved by Londoners for their proper French taste.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 to 16:00
Saturday: 8:00 - 12:00
Sunday: Closed
Tripadvisor: 4.7/5
Just a short walk from King's Cross, this charming French bakery brings flaky pastries and Parisian-style coffee to London.
A delightful pick-me-up and perfect for a continental breakfast if you prefer starting your day the French way, perfect for those who want more than just caffeine. I’s a space to talk, create, and connect.
2. Fig & Walnut
What it’s known for: Turkish coffee brewed in a cezve, paired with baklava and standout Mediterranean breakfasts
Opening hours:
Every day: 8:00 - 23:00
Tripadvisor: 4.9/5
A Mediterranean-inspired family-run gem, Fig & Walnut delights with aromatic Turkish coffee brewed traditionally in a cezve.
Pair it with their signature breakfasts or sweet baklava to add a distinctive touch to your coffee routine.
3. Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
What it’s known for: Known for its £15 filter coffee sourced from Yemen
Opening hours:
Every day: 10:00 - 18:00
Google reviews: 4.2/5
This refined spot from Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse boasts exceptional tasting-style coffees in an elegant archway setting.
Ideal for a sophisticated coffee break, it’s conveniently close to plenty of excellent restaurants if you're planning dinner later.
4. Al Grano Coffee House
What it's known for: Colombian beans and traditional hot chocolate, steps from the station
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 16:00
Saturday: 8:00 - 17:00
Sunday: Closed
Google reviews: 4.9/5
Nestled just metres from the train station, Al Grano Coffee House is a cosy gem serving specialty Colombian coffee, rich hot chocolate and fresh pastries.
They brew with the finest Colombian beans and create a welcoming vibe, making it a great place for a quick pick-me-up or taking a quick breather in the middle of a busy day.
5. Blank Street Coffee
What it’s known for: Grab-and-go cold brew, iced matcha, and NYC-style speed and consistency
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 6:00 - 20:00
Sunday: 7:00 to 20:00;
Tripadvisor: 3.9/5
If you're just a few minutes away from Kings Cross Station, head over to Blank Street Coffee. This cafe blends minimalist charm and expertly brewed beverages.
The New York‑born chain opened its first London location in 2022, and its Pentonville Road branch remains popular thanks to efficient service, consistent quality and innovative drinks like cold brew and seasonal iced matcha blends
6. Gramos Coffee Bar
What it’s known for: House-roasted beans and sharp flat whites tucked inside the Underground ticket hall
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 - 19:00
Saturday: 9:00 - 18:00
Sunday: 9:00 - 17:00
Tripadvisor: 4.9/5
Located inside King’s Cross Underground Northern Ticket Hall, Gramos roasts its own speciality-grade beans and delivers impeccable flat whites and cold brews. Ideal for students and local co-working professionals, it’s a hub for productivity with a personal touch.
7. Wildcard
What it’s known for: Single-origin espresso flights and terrace seating on Granary Square
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 17:30
Saturday and Sunday: 900 - 17:30
Tripadvisor: 3.9/5
Loved by locals and students, Wildcard specialises in seasonal single-origin coffee served either in a bright indoor setting or via their handy grab-and-go kiosk. Situated in Granary Square, opposite Coal Drops Yard, people stop by for everything from a quick morning espresso to a relaxed afternoon recharge.
Over recent years, it’s become a standout spot in the area. Wildcard also hosts occasional live music events, creating an energising environment for regulars and newcomers alike.
8. Coffee Uni‑N
What it’s known for: Espresso and light breakfasts in the British Library, popular with students
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 - 17:00
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Tripadvisor: 4.7/5
Just steps from King’s Cross, Coffee Uni‑N is a cosy gem inside the British Library. Known for artisan espresso and light breakfast fare, it’s the perfect spot for office-style work, quiet reading, or powerhouse catch-ups.
Coffee Uni‑N continues to be a favourite during exam months, providing students a quiet and reliable place to focus.
9. Half Cup
What it’s known for: Oreo French toast, colourful brunches, and a relaxed spot near Judd Street
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 16:00
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 - 16:00
Tripadvisor: 4.4
This independent café is praised for its vibrant brunches, speciality coffees, and warm hospitality.
It’s a great place to feel at home, whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a peaceful solo brunch.
10. Caravan at Kings Cross
What it’s known for: Global brunch plates, in-house roastery, and early influence on local coffee culture
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 22:30
Saturday: 9:00 - 22:30
Sunday: 9:00 - 21:30
Tripadvisor: 3.9/5
One of the first speciality coffee spots to open in the Kings Cross, Caravan is part café, part all-day kitchen, merging an industrial-chic interior with tasty global bites.
Alongside their signature single-origin brews and brunch favourites, Caravan also serves a well-curated list of cocktails, making it just as appealing in the evening as it is for a morning meet-up.
11. Frequency
What it’s known for: Opened by musician Justo in July 2016
Opening hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 8:00 - 16:00
Saturdays: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Tripadvisor: 4.7/5
Bringing together quality coffee and music, Frequency appeals to creative people.
By day, enjoy excellent espresso and cakes; by night, it transforms into a lively venue hosting gigs and events, perfect if you're in the mood to talk, connect, and unwind.
12. Redemption Roasters
What it’s known for: Training former offenders in roasting and barista skills within HMP The Mount
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 7:30 - 18:00
Friday: 7:30 - 19:00
Saturday: 8:00 - 19:00
Sunday: 8:00 - 18:00
Tripadvisor: 3.7/5
Tucked beneath a Victorian brick viaduct just north of King’s Cross Station, Redemption Roasters combines speciality coffee with a compelling social mission.
They equip former offenders with roasting and barista skills through a training programme inside HMP The Mount, helping them transition into the coffee industry. The result is expertly crafted espresso, batch brews, and fresh bakes, all served in a stylish, industrial-inspired setting.
13. Fiena Café
What it’s known for: Warm, family-run atmosphere and consistently excellent brunch offerings
Opening hours:
Sunday to Saturday: 7:30 - 19:00
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Located in a snug corner of Judd Street, Fiena Café is a family-run boutique spot offering artisan coffee, fresh pastries, light brunch dishes, sandwiches, salads and hot pots, all crafted in-house with seasonal ingredients and care.
14. Notes (Kings Cross)
What it’s known for: Hosts live jazz or classical music nights, making it a great spot for social talk, cocktails, and shared plates
Opening hours:
Sunday: 9:30 - 18:00
Monday: 7:30 - 20:00
Tuesday: 7:30 - 21:00
Wednesday to Friday: 7:30 - 22:00
Saturday: 8:30 - 21:00
Sunday: 9:30 - 18:00
Tripadvisor: 3.3/5
Notes King’s Cross is a popular coffee bar that transforms seamlessly from a welcoming daytime café into a lively evening venue.
By day, expect high-grade, single-origin brews, fresh pastries, sandwiches and a solid brunch menu. After 5 pm, the atmosphere shifts as they introduce craft beers, curated wines, sharing boards and inventive cocktails, including espresso martinis.
15. Origin Coffee
What it’s known for: Ethically sourced, roasted in-house, single-origin coffee
Opening hours:
Sundays: 10:00 - 16:00
Mondays to Saturdays: 8:00 - 16:30
Tripadvisor: 4.6/5
With two coffee bars inside the British Library, including a sit-down café and a pop-up espresso bar, Origin is praised for its ethically sourced, expertly roasted beans.
Its location inside the British Library also makes it a quiet refuge for thoughtful breaks and productive study sessions.
Why do these spots stand out?
Independent charm: Each café offers a unique character, avoiding chain monotony.
Quality brews: Expect speciality coffee, ethically sourced beans and skilled baristas.
Atmosphere variety: Ranging from riverside tranquillity to lively café buzz.
Food pairing: Artisanal sandwiches, brunch dishes, pastries and nourishing bowls.
Prime location: All are within easy walking distance from King's Cross and St Pancras Square.
Tips for your visit
When's the best time to go?
Mornings and early afternoons are ideal for a quieter experience, especially at Half Cup, Gramos and Coffee Uni‑N.
What are the best cafes for remote work?
Wildcard, Coffee Uni‑N and Al Grano are especially conducive to remote work, with power sockets, comfortable tables, and a calm setting.
Which coffee shops have outdoor seating?
Wildcard and Fig & Walnut offer relaxed outdoor spots for those sunnier London days.
What about evening options?
Fig & Walnut stays open until late, making it a brilliant café option before dinner or a stroll to nearby restaurants.
Best quick stop before my train leaves?
Gramos and Al Grano are just minutes from the train station, making them perfect for a last coffee before departure.
That's a wrap
That wraps up our picks for the best Kings Cross cafes. This isn't an exhaustive list, and the area is full of brilliant coffee spots, each with its own style and flavour. From flaky pastries and strong brews to quiet corners and buzzing social spots, there’s something here for every kind of coffee break. Take a stroll, try a few, and find the one that feels right for you.
Need self storage? HOLD is here to help
Whether you're relocating, short on space or need extra room for stock, HOLD Self Storage provides secure, flexible storage just minutes from King’s Cross Station. Need a place to drop off your bag while you explore the area? Our secure luggage storage options are just the ticket.
Perfect for students in the area or businesses needing additional space, our facilities include 24-hour access, onsite security, and climate-secured units. And if you want to drop off your bag while you explore the area, our secure luggage storage options are just the ticket.
Get a free quote today and find the storage solution that fits your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Are these cafés good for working?
Yes. Coffee Uni‑N, Wildcard and Al Grano are great for working. They offer Wi‑Fi, power sockets and peaceful surroundings suited for laptop use.
How much does coffee cost in Kings Cross?
Coffee in King’s Cross typically costs between £3.50 and £4.50, depending on the café and what you order. A flat white, for example, averages around £4.05 in London according to the Tank Flat White Index, while Finder puts the general price of a coffee in the city at £3.73. Independent cafés around King’s Cross often fall right in this range.
How does HOLD support visitors in King’s Cross?
Absolutely. HOLD offers flexible self-storage near King’s Cross, including luggage storage that's perfect for short stays, student storage, or commuters needing a secure space.
Where can you walk around King’s Cross?
King’s Cross is packed with scenic walking spots. Stroll along Regent’s Canal, explore the open spaces of Granary Square, or wander through Coal Drops Yard with its shops, cafés, and industrial architecture. Camley Street Natural Park offers a peaceful green escape just minutes from the station.
For a more detailed insight, explore our guide on things to do in King’s Cross.
Where can I find parking near King’s Cross?
There are several paid car parks within walking distance of the station:
- Handyside Car Park (Canal Reach): Open daily, £8 for 2 hours, £38 for 24 hours.
- St Pancras International Car Park (Pancras Road): Open 24/7, from £8.30 short stay to £55 per day.
- NCP Judd Street: Open 07:00–19:00, from £6.95 per hour, £29.95 for 24 hours.
Pre-booking is recommended for best rates. All are within 5–7 minutes’ walk of King’s Cross.
Is Kings Cross gentrified?
Yes, King’s Cross has been significantly gentrified. The transformation began with the refurbishment of St Pancras International in 2007, followed by the opening of the Western Concourse in 2011 and the creation of new public areas like King’s Boulevard.
The area now blends modern design, independent cafés, and high-end developments. While the changes have improved infrastructure and attracted investment, they’ve also led to rising costs and concerns about displacement.
