Earlier this week I took a visit to one of my favourite shopping destinations in London: Coal Drops Yard. If you haven’t been to the newly developed part of Kings Cross, well, you’re missing out!
Unlike other London shopping complexes, Coal Drops Yard is home to a whole host of independent shops and cafes. Whenever I’m passing through St Pancras station with extra time, I’ll stroll over to Granary Square, through the courtyard, and around to my favourite brands dotted around Coal Drops Yard. Twiin is one such store, stocking independent designers from L.A., and its thanks to them that I’m writing today’s guide!
Despite restrictions in London and the UK, I’m still enjoying the city and supporting my favourite independent brands where I can. You can do the same in-person, or on the websites I’ve linked through here too!
The Best Shops In Coal Drops Yard
If you like shopping in person and also wish to support independent brands working in a more sustainable way, these are the best shops in Coal Drops Yard…
Best Café: Redemption Roasters
Unit 109, Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard, London, N1C 4AQ
In the morning, head to Redemption Roasters for socially-focused coffee and cake. The cafe opens from 7:30am, and the coffees are both sumptuous and sustainable, with beans roasted by people who are trained while in prison, and offered work once they leave. The initiative helps to reduce the rate of reoffending, and staff at the cafe couldn’t be nicer. Plus, their sourdough blueberry muffin is everything!
Best Fashion Store: Twiin
Unit 96, First Floor, Coal Drops Yard, London, N1C 4DQ
Twiin is one of the places I make a beeline for when in Coal Drops Yard. Located on the top level inside the horseshoe, the L.A. concept store showcases designers from the sunshine state here in London. On the sustainable side they stock Baggu, Boyish Jeans, Cotton Citizen*, R.G. Kane, and The Line By K – many of which are hard to find anywhere else!
I love the playful styles of the selected designers at Twiin, and combined with the friendly staff and chic dressing rooms, they’re well worth a visit.
This time round I enjoyed trying on a beautifully embroidered shirt by R.G. Kane, and a pair of blue straight-legged Boyish Jeans, which I ended up walking away with and wearing for the rest of my visit!
Best Lunch Spot: Sons + Daughters
Unit 119A, Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard, London, N1C 4DQ
After some retail therapy, I like lunching at Sons + Daughters. This time round I sat in at the bar, but on sunnier days it’s well worth visiting their mobile van on the roof of the shop for an al fresco dining experience!
S + D’s minimal interior is complimented with a selection of fresh, filling sandwiches and salads. My recommendation: go for the burrata salad and a juice or kombucha.
Best Homewares: Botanical Boys
111 Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard, London, N1C 4DR
You know how much of a plant mamma I am, so when it comes to finding homewares, Botanical Boys is my top pick out of the independent shops in the Yard.
The homegrown business started out of a little flat in East London, where the founders revived their little garden, and began workshops for fellow green-fingered Londoners. Their mission – to connect people to nature – continues here, across plant pots, succulents, and terrariums!
Best Thrift Shop: Shelter at Coal Drops Yard
Unit EV8, First Floor, Coal Drops Yard, London, N1C 4AB
If you love second-hand fashion, the Shelter Boutique at Kings Cross is a must-visit. I’m always in awe of thrift shops that curate such a brilliant selection of unique items, and the Shelter Boutique does this across its entire shop. From vintage heels to pre-loved puffer jackets, I enjoyed browsing the rails and supporting charity at the same time.
Best Restaurant: Dishoom
5 Stable Street, London, N1C 4AB
And finally – yes, I am going to be that basic London girl when I say my favourite restaurant in the area is Dishoom. But really, if you haven’t tasted Dishoom’s Bombay inspired menu yet, you’re in for a treat. Essential eating: the House Black Daal with basmati rice, and their Oat Chai as a sweet sip on the side!
Shop Coal Drops Yard Online
And, if you can’t make it to Kings Cross anytime soon, why not check out these brilliant independent stores online? Here’s a few to get you started:
