Lifestyle

A Guide to Coal Drops Yard

Situated behind Kings Cross Station in what in recent years has been an area much unloved has risen Coal Drops yard, a bustling hub of retail space, restaurants, markets and art.

Nestled within the old Victorian viaduct arches are a mixture of some of the world’s most exciting fashion, lifestyle, beauty and homeware stores. On the weekends you will find the lower stables street market, unique new markets popping up throughout the year alongside cultural events and art installations. Read on for our guide to Coal Drops Yard, featuring some of our favourite places to shop and dine in.

Places to shop

Roseur

The brainchild of floral artist Sophie Kim, Roseur is an emporium of her dried flower creations. The bright eye catching bouquets fill the small unit and sprawl out onto the yard almost beckoning you to brighten up your home. Feeling creative? You can magic up your own bespoke bunch in store. The best part is that the dried creations require no maintenance at all! You will also find ceramic vases, jugs and beautifully crafted wreaths. Fancy becoming the next Sophie Kim? Look out for the Roseur flower bouquet workshops.

Address: 112 Lower Stable Road, Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross, N1C 4DR

Website: https://www.roseur.co.uk

Earl of East

Earl of East are most-known for their incredible scented candles and home fragrances, including Smoke & Musk, Wildflower, Atlas Cedar amongst other beautifully hand-crafted fragrances. The store is so much more than candles and home fragrances, Earl of East have teamed up with other stylish home and beauty brands to create a shop packed full of unique, beautifully crafted and must-have products.

Address: 87 Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ, UK

Website: https://www.earlofeast.com

Earl of East BookWorkShop

Just opposite Earl of East is the Earl of East BookWorkShop. Here you will find a curated selection of the brand’s favourite coffee table books, indie magazines, and artwork which include travel, food, design & architecture, children’s books and more. You can also sign up to one of their workshops including candle and terrarium making. To view the full list of workshops and book, visit: www.earlofeast.com/pages/creative-workshops

Address: 76 Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ, UK

Website: www.earlofeast.com/collections/books-magazines

Cissy Wears

Cissy Wears is a hand-picked collection of ethically sourced clothes, homeware and artwork for forward thinking adults and their children. In-store you will find a variety of modern and unique brands. Still looking for that perfect double knot soy candle that everyone on Instagram seemed to be showing off? Have a look here!

Website: www.cissywears.com

Address: Unit 89 Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ

Wolf and Badger

At Wolf & Badger’s concept store you’ll find an array of stylish, unique and stand out fashion pieces from independent designers around the world. You will also find a carefully edited selection of homeware, beauty, and accessories. Upstairs you will find shelves of design, art and interiors books, with comfy chairs if you so desire to have a cheeky flick through before purchasing. Plant lovers head to the ground floor to pick up some greenery for your home. For the less green-fingered, Wolf and Badger also have a small selection of beautifully-crafted dried flower bouquets from Roseur.

Website: www.wolfandbadger.com/uk

Address: Unit 61-65, Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ

Caravane

Home lovers read on, Caravane is a treasure trove of beautiful hand-crafted furniture and home accessories from around the globe. Caravane have curated a truly unique collection from craftspeople around the globe with pieces you wouldn’t find on the high street. They also sell an incredible range of fabric and offer in-store expertise in choosing the right fit for your home.

Address: Units 52/54, Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ

Website: www.caravane.co.uk

Places to Eat

Dishoom

It’s hard to walk past a Dishoom and not see a huge queue outside, if you know you know. This sought after restaurant sure knows how to lay out an Indian feast! The firm favourites for us include the Dishoom’s house black dal, the chicken ruby curry and of course the bhel. Head on downstairs to see the basement cocktail bar and grab a tipple or two, or in true Dishoom style, stock up on their delicious chai tea. If you happen to go for breakfast, be sure to order the legendary bacon and egg naan rolls, it’s a foodies dream brekkie dish.

Address: 5 Stable Street, London N1C 4AB, UK

Website: https://www.dishoom.com/kings-cross

Vinoteca

Calling all wine lovers, Vinoteca is passionate about matching good food with amazing wine. To give you a head start, each dish on the menu has a wine pairing suggestion. For control freaks wanting to match their own wine, you can choose from a list of nearly 200 different wines. The menu draws influence from across the Mediterranean and beyond, embracing the Vinoteca style of seasonally led rustic dishes using good quality British produce. Although technically not in Coal Drops Yard, it is only a five minute walk away, but we had to include it because who doesn’t like great food and wine.

Website: https://www.vinoteca.co.uk

Address: 3 King’s Blvd, London N1C 4BU

Redemption Roasters

Coffee connoisseurs, no visit to Coal Drops Yard is complete without visiting Redemption Roasters, the worlds first prison-based coffee company. Their roastery is based in HMP The Mount and aside from serving up their own blend of delicious coffee, the company helps young offenders reintegrate into society with the aim of reducing re-offending. Redemption Roasters train offenders in the coffee industry, not only giving them transferable skills, but also helping them to secure employment in their network of coffee shops or the wider industry.

Address: Unit 109, Lower stable street, Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DR

Website: https://www.redemptionroasters.com

What else is happening at Coal Drops Yard

The summer love film festival brought to you by Everyman

Sit back, relax and tuck into a box of popcorn while enjoying a blockbuster movie or cult classic on the big screen. The best news is the summer love film festival is FREE, so all you need to do is make sure you get there early enough to grab a seat on the canal steps in Granary Square. Screenings run until 25th July.

The Drops Market

A new monthly design-led market – featuring emerging designers, cult brands and established labels. The Drops is curated by Hemingway Design who’ve spent 40+ years spotting emerging trends in fashion and culture. A great opportunity to discover some incredible talent and walk away with something truly special.

Click here to find out who will be at the next Drops Market in 23rd – 25th July.

Proud little pyramid installation

Designer Adam Nathaniel Furman has created an installation called Proud Little Pyramid, which was unveiled in LGBT+ Pride month. Created to celebrate the reopening of King’s Cross following coronavirus lockdown and to bring joy to those returning back to the area. You will find communal seating at the bottom of the pyramid to give your poor feet a rest, marvel at its beauty and enjoy some downtime.

Address: Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London, N1C 4DQ

Coal Drops Yard is open to visitors between 10am-11pm. Check individual retailer pages for opening hours and information.

Website: https://www.coaldropsyard.com

Written by Nyla Sammons

Photography courtesy of Coal Drops Yard and some photos taken by Nyla Sammons