The regeneration of King's Cross has transformed this central London area into a thriving destination that benefits from world-class transport links.
The King's Cross and St Pancras area is home to London's Eurostar station, making it a gateway to mainland Europe, plus Underground and National Rail links seamlessly connect to London's airports and major UK cities.
King’s Cross is part of London's Knowledge Quarter, which also includes nearby Bloomsbury and Euston Road, and is home to world-leading museums, academic and research institutions. Most of these also offer spaces for hire, such as the British Library, the Francis Crick Institute and the Wellcome Collection
Things to do in King's Cross and St Pancras
From top shopping, dining and entertainment options to world-class museums, universities and institutions, King's Cross has a lot to offer.
Event venues
BMA House
Housed within a Grade II-listed building, BMA House offers 22 unique spaces equipped with first-rate technology for events of up to 320. Spaces include the botanical garden, the courtyard and the luxury Prince’s Room, with a grand, marble-floored foyer and gold-leaf details.
The British Library
Home to more than 170 million works dating back centuries, the British Library is one of London’s most unique spots to host a private event.
The size and layout of the building means it offers a range of diverse spaces for events of up to 350, including the King’s Library Gallery, the Outside Terrace and the Knowledge Centre with its multiple rooms and a theatre.
King’s Place
King's Place is a modern space built by award-winning architects overlooking the picturesque Regent’s Canal.
One of its unique features is its state-of-the-art tech and acoustics, making it a perfect venue for music events or for events where tech and audio are a priority. It offers 10 spaces with capacities for up to 400.
30 Euston Square
A grand, Edwardian seven-storey Grade II-listed building, 30 Euston Square is home to the Royal College of General Practitioners and has a wide range of spaces for up to 300 guests.
For a touch of luxury and city views, there is a rooftop terrace and the penthouse State Rooms. It is very well connected by public transport from London Euston station (National Rail and Tube connections).
Experiences
Lightroom
Surrounded by trendy shops, cafes and restaurants in Coal Drops Yard, Lightroom is just moments away from major transport hub King’s Cross and St. Pancras International rail stations. It focuses on immersive experiences led by artists from across the creative arts, including David Hockney and Vogue. Its event space and foyer can be hired for private events.
Wellcome Collection
A must-visit particularly for anyone in life sciences, the Wellcome Collection houses an impressive mix of thousands of rare books, art, personal manuscripts and objects related to science and medicine.
It is a short walk from Bloomsbury, renown for its medical, research and academic institutions. It also has a variety of rooms available for hire for private events, including the Atrium, the Henry Wellcome Auditorium and the Reading Room.
Francis Crick Institute
As the biggest biomedical laboratory in Europe, the Francis Crick Institute is another must for science and medical-focused events in the area. More than 1,500 scientists work within the building carrying out world-class research to improve human health. It also hosts exhibitions, seminars and lectures alongside a programme of public events and exhibitions throughout the year.
British Library Treasures Gallery
Alongside hundreds of thousands of books, the British Library’s Treasures Gallery is home to extraordinary historical artefacts, including notebooks handwritten by Leonardo da Vinci and Shakespeare, handwritten lyrics by The Beatles and the Magna Carta.
After a good dose of intellectual stimulation, visitors can go for a refreshment at the cafe or continue exploring King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard.
Restaurants
Drake & Morgan
Dine in contemporary style at Drake & Morgan or enjoy some cocktails and network after an event at the two bars. The chefs create seasonal menus which visitors can also enjoy at the year-round exterior tables.
For a fun group experience, book a Mixology class, or hire one of the six available spaces for private events with a capacity for up to 400.
German Gymnasium
Gymwear is optional at German Gymnasium, named after the Grade II-listed building it’s housed in which was home to London’s first indoor Olympics. Chef Alex Thiel and his team create seasonal dining experiences for an authentic German experience in London.
Depending on when you visit, you can join its very own Oktoberfest or the unveiling of its Christmas tree in the winter. It can be hired for private dining or for venue takeovers of up to 800 guests.
St Pancras Bar & Brasserie
An elegant option for food, drinks and champagne masterclasses within the Victorian arched train shed just above the train platforms in King’s Cross station.
Enjoy drinks, celebrate an occasion with champagne at the bar or treat yourself or delegates to British-French fusion cuisine at the brasserie with its retro style decor. There are three spaces available for hire for dinners and events of up to 100.
The Lighterman
Enjoy The Lighterman’s modern take on British pub food or some ales while taking in the views of the Regent’s Canal in its wraparound terraces. The food ranges from seasonal specialties, salads and European delicacies to the traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
With three floors, it offers a range of spaces for private hire, including the canalside bar and terrace, or an entire venue takeover.
Hotels
St. Pancras London, Autograph Collection
As soon as you arrive to King’s Cross, you can see the grand Victorian Gothic building with its many spires and clock tower that is home to the five-star, 254-room St Pancras London, Autograph Collection. Inside, the lavishly decorated suites, grand staircase and ornate murals provide a perfect backdrop for events. It offers 12 flexible spaces for events of up to 575 attendees.
The Standard, London
This five-star, 266-room hotel within a 1970s brutalist building is The Standard’s first location outside of the US. Take the glass lift to the 10th floor to enjoy Michelin-star food with breathtaking views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. For a more retro experience, try the 70s inspired Double Standard bar and restaurant. There are nine spaces for hire for events of up to 400 guests.
Pullman London St Pancras
Offering 312 rooms with contemporary decor, Pullman London St Pancras is an upscale choice for accommodation in the King’s Cross area. Its GA KingsX restaurant is a glamorous but modern option for European and British cuisine and drinks. It offers an impressive 17 spaces for meetings, including the Shaw Theatre with a capacity of up to 446.
Crowne Plaza London – Kings Cross
With 429 sophisticated rooms, a fitness centre and a restaurant and convenient location, Crowne Plaza London – Kings Cross is an ideal option for visitors who want to explore central London further.
Its proximity to Bloomsbury and Russell Square means it's close to the British Museum and it's very easy to get to the West End. The Bloom Bar and Lounge offers a relaxed and casual spot for food and drinks. There are five spaces available for hire with capacities ranging from 10 to 220 guests.
How to get to King's Cross and St Pancras
King's Cross is one of London's major national and international rail hubs, as well as the city's largest Underground interchange station.
Train and Underground stations
The area is served by the London Underground at King's Cross St Pancras, which is an interchange for the Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Northern and Victoria lines.
Next to the Underground station is King's Cross Railway station for trains to the rest of the UK, and St Pancras International Railway station for international services with the Eurostar.
Travel times to and from King's Cross
London Underground
Heathrow: 50 minutes on the Piccadilly line (no changes). 50 minutes via the Heathrow Express service (from Paddington).
City of London: 20 minutes to Bank station on the Northern line (no changes).
Westminster: 20 minutes (one change).
Canary Wharf: 30 minutes (one change).
West End: 10 minutes to Piccadilly Circus or Covent Garden (no changes).
London Stansted Airport: one hour (one change).
London Luton Airport: 30 minutes (no changes).
How we can help
As London’s official convention bureau, we help event professionals, meeting organisers and incentive planners unlock the city and create events to remember.
We can help you by providing:
- Free assistance: as a not-for-profit company, we don't charge for our services. Our experts share their entire wealth of knowledge and contacts with you for free.
- Impartial advice: we are independent and know London inside out. Our experts can help you discover venues, event agencies, unique experiences and activities for your event.
- Expert knowledge: we've supported thousands of delegates and helped them build world-class events. We've supported international congresses, conventions and conference teams to deliver inspiring events at scale
