The Great Northern Hotel and Plum + Spilt Milk at King’s Cross
King’s Cross in London has undergone quite a transformation in recent years. The area has seen significant regeneration and with King’s Cross St Pancras offering train links to the likes of Edinburgh, Paris and Brussels, this is one of the main arrival points for visitors to the city.
The luxury traveller is well-catered for by the refined boutique hotel that is known as the Great Northern Hotel. Whether you want to book an overnight stay prior to an early departure time or are scheduled to arrive late in the evening, this is a great place for a stopover.
The Great Northern Hotel
The bar is a very short stroll from the main station and was packed when we arrived with people enjoying an early evening drink on the sun terrace outside. This is a good area to relax in before your train leaves but you shouldn’t let your visit stop here as the Great Northern Hotel has plenty more to offer for those wishing to arrange a stay.
The ‘Snug Bar’ is located upstairs within the main hotel and provides a more discreet place to unwind. Hidden away from the busy surroundings and boasting a sophisticated cocktail menu, it is perfect for residents to enjoy a pre-dinner tipple. However, space is limited, so you should make a point of getting there as early as possible during a busy weekend.
The Snug Bar
The hotel itself was first designed by Victorian master builder Lewis Cubitt and there is a range of rooms named after Cubitt in the modern day venue. We stayed in one of these rooms and although they are relatively modest in size, they are designed to the highest specification.
The cream interior ensures they are incredibly light and the enormous bath is a key feature. Many of the rooms also have views that overlook the City of London. The Gherkin stands proudly in the distance, providing an apt reminder of your surroundings.
The Cubbit Room at the Great Northern Hotel
Throughout the hotel, which exudes a sense of timeless glamour and elegance, there is bespoke Italian-designed furniture. While the rooms have plenty of striking touches, the interior is most impressive in the Plum + Spilt Milk restaurant.
Suspended light bulbs in glass-blown lanterns give the décor an artistic touch and complement the soft curves of the furniture, which is arranged so that guests have plenty of privacy without losing out on the atmosphere.
Plum + Spilt Milk at the Great Northern Hotel
Mark Sargeant, who was head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin starred restaurant at Claridge’s, has designed an appealing menu that will certainly satisfy the hungry commuter. The idea is to offer a luxury twist on some of the old time classics.
Traditional British dishes such as Beef Wellington prove a popular choice and the haddock with a hen’s egg is incredible. Steak and seafood dishes are also high up on the list of favourites, with whole lobster and halibut just two of the alluring options.
Great Northern Hotel
Hotel restaurants are not always the busiest; however, this particular offering is extremely popular, which means there is a great ambiance. While Mark Sargeant’s menu is surely a draw for many, the layout and design of the space is excellent and on a par with some of London’s chicest restaurants.
The breakfast in Plum and Spilt Milk is just as delicious as dinner. We highly recommend the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, which will give you plenty of energy for the day ahead.
The Great Northern Hotel
For those passing through King’s Cross St Pancras, it is definitely worth easing your commuting schedule with an overnight stay at the Great Northern Hotel. Alternatively, if you are taking a holiday in the capital, this is also a great venue to begin your London experience.
The Great Northern Hotel and Plum + Spilt Milk are located at King’s Cross Station, Pancras Road, London, N1C 4TB. For more information telephone +44 (0)20 3388 0800 or visit the website at www.gnhlondon.com
