That old brick warehouse complex in King's Cross stood empty for years. Now, Granary Square London has reshaped the scene to become one of the city's most exciting destinations. This historic corner of the capital pulses with renewed energy. The space has evolved into a vibrant hub where culture meets leisure. Children's laughter mingles with the dancing fountains at Granary Square. Local restaurants serve everything from street food to fine dining experiences.
This Granary Kings Cross development stands out because of its seamless fusion of historic architecture with modern amenities. Bustling shops and peaceful canalside spots create a perfect urban balance.
Let us share five compelling reasons why this regenerated space has become London's favourite gathering spot, and why it should be yours too.
Table of Contents
The Spectacular Dancing Fountains
The most captivating water feature in London sits right in the middle of Granary Square. A stunning display of 1,080 choreographed fountains lights up the space. Each fountain has its own controls and lights. People often stop and stare as water jets dance in mesmerising patterns throughout the day.
Interactive water features and light shows
Four rectangular fountain banks mirror the historic Granary Building's symmetry perfectly. These fountains sync beautifully with the square's daily pace. The morning starts with gentle, reflective patterns that become more lively as the day goes on. The space turns magical once darkness falls. Colours and movement create an amazing display that changes the whole scene.
Best times to visit
Each part of the day brings something special to the fountains at Granary Kings Cross. The early morning shows are simply magical. Mysterious fog rolls across the square as fountains create dreamy morning mists. Sunny afternoons fill the area with kids' laughter as they play between the water jets.
The most magical shows happen at dusk. Multicoloured lights make the water features glow and create such an amazing sight that even busy commuters pause to watch.
Photography opportunities
Getting great shots of these fountains takes some inside knowledge. Here are tips that really work:
The 'magic hours' just after dawn or before dusk give perfect light to capture water movements
Slower shutter speeds create silky, dreamlike effects in water shots
A tripod helps capture stunning evening light show photos
A polarising philtre cuts down reflections and makes colours pop
A towel and spare clothes come in handy if you plan to get close to the action. The urge to play with these amazing fountains is hard to resist! Coal Drops Yard nearby has facilities where you can freshen up before heading to one of Granary Square's excellent restaurants.
Vibrant Food Scene and Markets
The culinary scene at Granary Square London matches the energy of its dancing fountains. Our taste buds come alive with amazing street food, and sophisticated restaurants blend perfectly with the area's new look. You'll find something here regardless of your budget or taste.
Street food vendors and pop-ups
KERB market stands at the centre of our local food scene, created by former chocolate vendor Petra Barran. The weekday lunch hours are the best time to visit as eight selected vendors serve their specialities. KERB's strict vetting process sets it apart - they accept only about five percent of applicants. This ensures we get London's finest street food options.
KIOSK serves as a paradise for meat lovers who need a quick bite. Their hand-carved turkey, salt beef, and pork sandwiches hit the spot every time.
Artisanal market highlights
The covered Canopy Market has become our weekend tradition, running Friday through Sunday. These features make it unique:
Fresh farm produce and artisanal cheeses from local producers
Craft drink stalls featuring independent brewers
Rotating selection of designer-makers offering ceramics and jewellery
Special themed events, including completely vegan market weekends
Pop-up art galleries showcasing local talent
Waterside dining experiences
The restaurants at Granary Square London offer refined dining in Grade II-listed spaces that now house elegant venues. The Granary Square Brasserie stands out with its charming terrace that overlooks Regent's Canal - perfect for morning coffee.
Evening tables at waterside restaurants create magical moments. Cut-glass pendant lights cast warm glows as you enjoy seasonal British-European cuisine. Velvet-upholstered banquettes create cosy spots for intimate dinners, and art deco-style central bars serve excellent pre-dinner aperitifs.
Dishoom brings authentic Eastern flavours to the square. Their breakfast bacon naans have earned cult status among locals. The Bombay-inspired menu delivers exceptional taste whether you dine in or take your food to enjoy by the fountains.
Cultural Hub at Central Saint Martins
Central Saint Martins stands tall in the historic Granary Building. The college has grown into the artistic soul of King's Cross, and we can't help but be amazed. This world-renowned art college brings creativity to life right before our eyes.
Art installations and exhibitions
The Lethaby Gallery has become our go-to place to see ground-breaking art. Right now, we're excited about "Fluorescence" by Liz West - a breathtaking 10.7-metre tall sculpture that fills the square with vibrant colours. The piece takes on a new life at night when UV lighting creates a completely different experience.
The gallery's dedication to showing both seasoned and new artists makes it special. You'll find thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge your point of view and get people talking about modern art and design.
Student showcases
The Camden Schools Art Biennale has shown us some incredible talent, with hundreds of local students showing what they can do. This initiative supports Camden Council's 'We Make Camden' strategy and makes art available to young people whatever their background.
The college's showcase calendar has:
Graduate exhibitions featuring next-generation designers
Seasonal festivals celebrating student achievements
Regular displays in the Window Galleries
Special collections highlighting textile and fashion breakthroughs
Credits: Central Saint Martins
Public workshops and events
This cultural hub stands out because it welcomes everyone to participate. We love the free workshops and events that bring people into the creative community. Something interesting always happens here, from hands-on art sessions to lively panel discussions.
The Design Transforms series has become one of our favourite regular events. Creative minds come together to explore design's impact on our world. These sessions often spread into Granary Square and create an exciting atmosphere that fits perfectly with the area's new life.
The cultural programmes blend naturally with the surrounding spaces. Art installations, granary square fountains, and the busy restaurants granary square london offers all flow together. This mix of creativity, education, and community spirit makes the area unique.
Year-Round Entertainment Programme
Granary Square London buzzes with entertainment that keeps the space alive and vibrant all year round. The space fills up with exciting activities from festive celebrations to outdoor cinema nights that light up this bustling part of the city.
Seasonal festivals and celebrations
Winter reshapes the scene at Granary Kings Cross into a magical wonderland with eight spectacular Christmas markets from November to December. The Mexican Christmas Market stands out as our favourite spot. We love to watch the lively cumbia bands and join the piñata celebrations. The place comes alive with:
Live music performances and dancing
Artisanal Mexican clothing and accessories
Traditional craft workshops
Festive food and mulled wine stalls
Independent artist showcases
The King's Cross Summer Sounds festival brings its own magic. We've seen everything from electrifying jazz to classical music blends here. The festival's community spirit shines through local school performances and a dedicated Community Choir that makes it special.
Outdoor cinema screenings
The Everyman Screen on the Canal has become our summer ritual from July through August. We spend our evenings on Granary Square London's canalside steps. The lineup includes everything from blockbusters to cult classics under starlit skies. The staggered seating design gives everyone a clear view, so we make sure to arrive early for the best spots.
These screenings offer more than just movies. Picture yourself with a cocktail and ice cream sundae as you watch your favourite films while the sun sets. The movies come with subtitles, which makes them available to everyone.
Live music and performances
Lafayette stands as the life-blood of live entertainment at Granary Kings Cross. This spectacular 600-capacity venue has quickly become essential to London's music scene. We've seen big names like Beck and Charli XCX perform here alongside exciting new artists. The venue's sound system and intimate setting create a unique experience - it feels like watching your favourite artists in a fancy living room!
Lafayette sits just two minutes from King's Cross station and has become our favourite place to find new talent and catch surprise shows from big stars. Nola's, the backstage bar, adds that extra touch of sophistication to every visit.
Green Spaces and Canal-side Living
The once-industrial area around Granary Square London has transformed into a green paradise. This 67-acre development dedicates over 40% of its space to open areas, creating an urban oasis that brings nature and city life together.
Urban gardens and relaxation areas
The Story Garden stands out as the heart of community spirit. People call it 'the garden of a thousand hands', and we've watched it grow from simple vegetable patches in skips to a vibrant community space. The garden's special features make it unique:
A peaceful orchard to unwind
A small oak forest that creates natural shade
Community beds filled with herbs and vegetables
A kitchen ready for garden-to-table cooking
Spaces for workshops and events
The Floating Garden adds something special to Granary Square London. An old cinema barge now hosts four garden decks and a classroom inside. It gives amazing views of Regent's Canal.
Regent's Canal activities
Regent's Canal runs through Granary Kings Cross's heart and creates perfect spots for various activities. The canal experience is best enjoyed by:
Taking morning walks to watch narrowboats pass through locks
Biking from Paddington to Limehouse
Taking photos where old industrial buildings meet new developments
Having lunch at waterside cafes
Taking evening walks to see lights shimmer on the water
Community gathering spots
Lewis Cubitt Park serves as the neighbourhood's social centre. The same architect who designed New York's Bryant Park created this space. Arching water jets work together with Granary Square's fountains to create beautiful water features throughout the area.
Handyside Gardens has become a perfect spot for quick breaks. The design reflects the area's railway history with plants similar to those found on traditional railway banks. The children's playground comes with a sandpit where kids play while parents relax among green surroundings.
Green spaces reach up to the rooftops, with over 200 metres of living walls planted since 2012. These walls do more than look pretty - they support local wildlife and help cool the urban environment. The development team works with the London Wildlife Trust to create spaces that support nature and give people peaceful places to relax.
These green spaces blend perfectly with the area's restaurants and cultural spots. People move naturally between Granary Square London's restaurants and these quiet gardens, creating an ideal mix of city energy and natural peace.
Conclusion
Granary Square is a perfect example of how smart urban renewal can create magical spaces where people come together. This historic corner of London has grown into a destination with something special for everyone. You'll find mesmerising fountain displays, world-class dining, vibrant cultural events, and peaceful green spaces.
The old and new combine naturally in this remarkable space. State-of-the-art art installations now fill the Grade II-listed buildings. The original railway architecture creates a stunning backdrop for modern entertainment venues. A strong sense of community fills the air as people gather for street food lunches by the fountains or attend workshops at Central Saint Martins.
Granary Square's best feature is its way of surprising visitors with something new each time. That's why we keep coming back - for morning coffee by the canal, afternoon shopping at artisanal markets, or evening shows at Lafayette. This special place has grown beyond just another London square. It's now a living, breathing community hub that celebrates British creativity, culture and cuisine at its finest.
FAQs
How many people have visited Granary Square?Granary Square, renowned for its iconic fountains, is a central feature of the Estate. Since its inception, the square has welcomed approximately 41 million visitors, with 10.4 million of those coming in 2019 alone, highlighting its popularity in King's Cross.
Is King's Cross a suitable area for tourists in London?King's Cross has undergone significant gentrification in recent years and has transformed into an exciting area for visitors. It boasts a variety of cafes, shops, and restaurants that cater to office workers, tourists, and students from the nearby university, making it a vibrant destination.
Who is the owner of Granary Square?Granary Square is a privately owned public space (POPS), managed by the neighbourhood developer, Argent. Located centrally in the newly developed area of King's Cross, it has been operational since 2012.
What makes King's Cross station notable?King's Cross Station is famed not only for its striking Victorian architecture and historical significance but also as the location of the fictional platform 9¾ from Harry Potter. This has made it a cultural icon in London, serving as both a major transportation hub and a point of interest.
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