Jancis Robinson is one of the world’s most influential wine critics and this month saw the release of the 9th Edition of The World Atlas of Wine, which she co-authored with Hugh Johnson. It's celebrating five million copies sold in 16 languages. Robinson lives in King’s Cross, which she describes as "restaurant heaven" and has agreed to share her favourite places to eat and drink close to home.
Porte Noire
Gasholder 10, A, 1 Lewis Cubitt Walk, London N1C 4BX
Great for wine lovers, this restaurant and wine bar doubles as a fine wine shop and, at the base of one of the iconic Victorian gasholders, is great for sipping outside in the setting sun by the canal. Co-founded by Idris Elba and wine expert David Farber, it boasts a collection of around 800 wines from rare bottles to more accessible wine on tap, alongside a French-Mediterranean menu and plenty of cheese and charcuterie.
Supawan
38 Caledonian Rd, London N1 9DT
A distinctly superior family-run Thai restaurant at the bottom of Caledonian Road that doubles as a flower shop. Owner and Executive Chef Wichet is from Phuket but has called London his home for the last 22 years. He brings authentic flavours of Thailand and dishes from his childhood to this warm, friendly restaurant. The florist next door is under the same ownership and even becomes additional restaurant space in the evenings, with The Plants Room available to book for special occasions, surrounded by flowers.
Dishoom
5 Stable St, London N1C 4AB
The most beautiful branch of this thoughtfully-run group of Indian restaurants, set across a vast former Victorian railway transit shed. It’s worth visiting at any time of day, and some of the ground floor tables come with the added entertainment of Central St Martins students TikTok dancing. The interiors alone - all tiled floors, vintage photographs, ceiling fans and Bombay memorabilia - make it worth a visit.
Tamila
8 Caledonian Rd, London N1 9DU
Newish, casual branch of the growing Tamil Prince empire that’s even closer to the station than Supawan. Tamila is a fast, casual restaurant serving South Indian curries, delicious small plates and roti - an especially good option when you want something quick, comforting and full of flavour.
Caravan
1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA
The brave pioneers of King’s Cross restauration have been rewarded with a hugely popular, atmospheric warehouse space for all three meals, inside and out, with an antipodean fusion influence. On a sunny day, the big terrace provides one of the best people-watching spots in King’s Cross.
See also
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
Subscribe to hear the latest from Hot Dinners
