Off The Beaten Track in Kings Cross

Drink, Shop & Do

On the surface, this venue looks like your average cake house, with afternoon tea, scotch eggs and crumpets galore. However, down in the depths of this two story party house, you’ll find an old porn shop turned bar, which invites you to go wild at the weekend. The bohemian ambience here is combined with a retro café and a laid back crowd sipping tea out of antique crockery. This charming treasure trove is full of things to do, with events to like ‘Dot-To-Dot-To-Disco’ and ‘Play with Clay 80’s Style’. If afternoon tea is little too girlie, try the Man’s Afternoon Tea, which includes a pint, three doorstop sandwiches, a savoury scone, pork scratchings and a Yorkie bar, you couldn’t get any more manly if you tried.

9 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross, London N1 9DX
www.drinkshopdo.com

Vestal Voyages

This bar is well off the beaten track, in fact, on a Vestal Voyage you’re not even on the ground, let alone a track. This is a pop up canal boat bar takes you on a cocktail cruise across the north of London, giving you a unique perspective on this part of the capital. You even get to experience the 960 yard Islington Tunnel, which lies underneath Angel. The intimate voyage holds between eight and twelve people on each journey and leaves at 6pm and 8pm each night. At a cost of £30 per person, including two free cocktails, it’s a small price to pay for an experience unlike anything else in London.

Email: [email protected] for exact location
www.facebook.com/VestalVoyages

The Black Door

The Black Door is a 1920s speakeasy style bar located above The Fellow gastro pub, where you have to follow the red glow to find the entrance. Located on an unassuming side street, just find the black door and once you enter you’ll feel the air of mystery that swarms the insides. The exclusivity starts with the buzzer you press to get in, followed by the narrow staircase then passing through the roof terrace, you’ll gain access to the red glow. It’s a great vibe inside, with fashion students and office workers mingling amongst the sofas and tables, alongside a soundtrack of Swing and Funk.

24 York Way, London N1 9AA
www.thefellow.co.uk

VOC

This old-worldy themed punch house replicates 17th Century drinking to a tee with its speakeasy vibe and fusion of
maritime drinking. This East Indian punch house gained its name from the trading routes between Asia and Europe, the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, or the Dutch East Indian Company. They celebrate the fact that VOC not only controlled the spice trade, but brought back a unique style of rum. With wax sealed bottles, antiques and casks, these guys are dedicated to give an air of authenticity to customers. The extensive cigar selection, carefully selected drinks menu and the 17th Century punch recipes infused with a modern twist, will lead you to believe you’ve been transported back in time.

2 Varnishers Yard, Regents Quarter, London N1 9AW
www.voc-london.co.uk