clubs, kings cross, london

Things to do in North East London when you’re dead – Kings Cross

This area isn’t all about dodging the crack heads and international students who coexist in blissful unawareness of each other’s shortcomings. There are precious stones in the rough, although unlike Fitzgerald’s diamond, they’re not the size of the Ritz.

The 205 bus – I am a big fan of the bus network, why go on the tube and have some weirdo staring at you reading whilst you read the same ad for laxatives over-and-over when you could be up there (*points up) seeing the world! The 205 is by no means my favourite bus (we’ll get on to that another time), but it goes from Old Street to Kings Cross through to the British Library along to Regent’s Park and beyond (ending up in Paddington).

The British Library – Err, hello. You may have heard of me, apparently I’m the godfather of all libraries. Basically, if other libraries start fucking around, I make them sleep with the fishes, capiche? Seriously, though the British Library is packing so much heat that if it was a dude it would stroll straight to the middle cubicle and wap it out. Get in there, get cultured. Also as an aside, there are loads of other cool bits and bobs (such as a memorial to David Ricardo) around and about this area so have a stroll towards Tottenham Court Road through the university-laden back streets and indulge.

Regent’s Park – OK, it’s not strictly in Kings Cross but the aforementioned chariot called the 205 bops straight past it. Regent’s Park was so awesome last summer despite the lack of sun, it is just a fantastic place to chill out and forget that we are all little urban robots doing little corporate jobs in little urban suits. There is a tree formation there that is perfect for a hammock, but be warned, if I find you in my spot I will strike down on thee with great vengeance.

Housmans – as their website states, this is a radical bookshop. Radical in both the conventional political compass sense and the Bill and Ted sense. They specialise in the 3 Ps – Philosophy, Politics and Peace Studies.

Big Chill House – Although this is the younger sibling of the popular Brick Lane drinking hole, it dwarfs its older sister considerably in the size department. There’s normally a few bits and bobs going on and generally a good place to have a few social drinks – I wouldn’t go there as a main venue though personally.

Clockwork – On the infamous Pentonville Road leading to Angel this place serves up some tidy cocktails and is pretty much equidistance from Kings Cross Thameslink and Angel – ideal for lubricating your journey.

La Scala – Some decent enough bands play here from time to time, ideally placed next to the tube to get the fuck outta Kings Cross!

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