Coal Drops Yard opens in Kings Cross with host of restaurants and bars

The new Coal Drops Yard retail quarter in London's Kings Cross has opened today. Here are the operators you can expect to see there.

The Harts Group will eventually have five restaurants in Coal Drops Yard, including its largest Barrafina yet, which was partly funded through a crowdfunding campaign. Casa Pastor, a 'big sister' to Borough's El Pastor, is focused on tacos and other Mexican dishes, while outdoor dining terrace Plaza Pastor is more drinks-led, recalling the plazas of Mexico city. The Drop wine bar aims to be relaxed and unpretentious, while Parrillan will open in spring 2019 with tabletop charcoal grills where guests can grill their own Iberian meats.

Vermuteria Café & Bar

Chef Anthony Demetre and designer Michael Sodeau's Vermuteria Cafe & Bar brings together a café-bar concept with elements of old Vermouth, Amaro and Fernet. It offer an all-day dining menu mixing British and European influences, with dishes including chorizo and snails, pork cheek croquettes with pickled cucumber and nduja mayonnaise, wild mushrooms and snails on toast, pig's ears, and confit duck leg. Vermouth takes centre stage in the form of a simple apéritifs, a base for cocktails and pairings with food.

Hicce

Former Murano head chef Pip Lacey will open Hicce within designer clothing store Wolf & Badger. The 80-cover restaurant, with an additional 35 alfresco seats, is a partnership between Lacey and her long-time friend and business partner Gordy McIntyre. Lacey and McIntyre, who will head up front of house, will serve homemade rye bread with seasonal cheese, cured meats and pickles; as well as fish, meat and yakitori cooked over holm-oak charcoal.

Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse

Alain Ducasse has opened his first UK chocolate shop in Coal Drops Yard today. The chocolate will be made traditionally in Paris, in a workshop at the back of a small cobbled courtyard at 40 rue de la Roquette, and transported directly to the shop several times a week.

Morty & Bobs

Coming soon will be Morty & Bobs café, serving their famed hot sandwiches and weekend brunches.

Bodega Rita's

Also soon to open is global deli Bodega Rita's, offering a selection of North American comfort foods.

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