The Studio Mieke Meijer has been in charge of the Christmas lights in The Space Frames of Coal Drops Yard.
Newly opened just in time for holiday shopping, Coal Drops Yard has the potential to become one of the new epicenters of indie shopping in the British capital.
In this space, in addition to a wide range of independent shops, there is a place for culture and art, as well as interesting restaurants and bars where you can stop and recharge your batteries.
The new offices of Google, the prestigious Central Saint Martins University, the editorial office of The Guardian newspaper or the only international station in the country, the one that sees the Eurostar arriving and departing for cities like Paris, are some of the reasons why the King’s Cross area, where Coal Drops Yard is also located, is enjoying a new lease of life.
This urban regeneration project, carried out by the real estate developer Argent, is one of the most important in the city's history and precisely for this reason, no visit to London would be complete without exploring the area.
Argent has been in charge of the development of this urban project, which occupies some 77 hectares of land.
ITS ARCHITECTURE
A mere five minute walk from King’s Cross, the station from where ** Harry Potter ** boarded the **Hogwarts Express (Platform 9¾) ** and on the banks of the enchanting Regent’s Canal, is Coal Drops Yard. Although workers can still be found finalizing the last details, this does not prevent us from seeing that the large and striking space, designed by Heatherwick Studio, is a marvel.
Coal Drops Yard extends over more than 9,000 m2 and its main structure is made up of two Victorian buildings from 1850. Both served as a warehouse for the eight million tons of coal that arrived each year in the city.
Today, connected to each other after a major renovation – whereby Victorian elements interact with Heatherwick's exciting contemporary design – these buildings house an eclectic mix of more than 50 shops, restaurants, bars and public spaces in which events and talks are organized.
Heatherwick has masterfully communicated the two 1850 Victorian buildings.
YOUR SHOPPING OFFER
Some of the most interesting proposals include the multi-brand boutique S120 , which offers clothing and footwear from contemporary brands that are not excessively expensive, or the spectacular space of the British designer ** Tom Dixon , who in addition to having a store also has his workshop there.* * Although the name may not ring a bell, you have surely seen and wanted their iconic Melt lamps.
For the adventurers who want their garments to be sustainable, Adventure and sportswear specialty shop Finisterre (despite the name, it's a British brand) is a good place to get lost, as they have fantastic technical clothing as well as streetwear.
Coal Drops Yard
On the other hand, **Wolf and Badger is a good place to discover independent designers** and they also have a flower shop and a space dedicated to beauty products, as well as the Hicce restaurant, led by Pip Lacey, who previously worked at the restaurant. renowned Murano restaurant, by chef Angela Hartnett.
In Beija London they have underwear and swimwear with different sizes. The bras and bikinis have three types of cups (X, Y, Z) that, according to the brand, are designed for real life. Form & Thread is a must see p Now to buy those masculine basics, which are also made following processes that respect the environment.
Maya Magal founded her brand in 2013. Her jewels, recognizable by their geometric shapes and her contemporary style, are designed and made in her London workshops. Theirs is one of the best stores to visit in Coal Drops Yard if you don't have much space in your suitcase. Other brands that can be found are Paul Smith, Superga, Ally Capellino or Fred Perry.
Showcase of Form & Thread, which manufactures its menswear in an environmentally friendly way.
On the other hand, visiting the store delicate chocolates by Alain Ducasse is a good idea for a delicious edible souvenir. All the bonbons and chocolates are made in Paris.
GASTRONOMIC OFFER
To eat, the renowned Barrafina restaurant, tapas specialist, has recently opened a new location in the area and the queues are – for the moment – considerably lower than those usually found in its other three central London locations.
If you are looking for something more exotic than our national cuisine, it is also worth trying the Mexican dishes at Casa Pastor, from churros to tacos or guacamole, passing daisies. Morty & Bob is about to open and its hot melted cheese sandwiches They are a real delicacy. The drop is a very interesting bar with a very careful wine list where you can find everything from Canarian to Austrian wines, accompanied by a menu that includes oysters and British classics.
Veracruz-style hake, baked in a banana leaf with tomatoes, capers, olives and herbs, at Casa Pastor.
ART AND CULTURE
In addition to the permanent offer, in Coal Drops Yard there is space for different activities and events, from craft workshops to photographic exhibitions or concerts. For example, until the end of January you can visit the exhibition of covers of the legendary magazine The Face at Lewis Cubitt Square.
Special mention should be made of the workshops of STORE Store, a group of architects, designers and artists that seeks create opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds who might not consider studying those kinds of creative disciplines. So you don't miss a thing, check out the events page here. In these times when roaming is a thing of the past, perhaps this fact is no longer so interesting, but, for what may happen after Brexit, there is also free Wi-Fi.
Handmade shoe store by designer Tracey Neuls, in Coal Drops Yard.