Kings Cross Nightlife Guide

Straddling the boroughs of Camden and Islington, Kings Cross is one of London's most happening of districts. Despite its decades-old tarnished reputation as a derelict red light district, extensive revitalization and increasing interest in the area has turned this bustling part of London around! Today, Kings Cross is a fantastic destination to experience some of the best of London's nightlife.

Key to the redevelopment of the Kings Cross district has been the opening of the international rail service at St Pancras International Station where, since November 2007, Eurostar trains crossing beneath the English Channel have provided regular and speedy service to France and Belgium (and from those two countries, stations throughout Europe). Not simply a point of access between London and the Continent, this gorgeous station is a fantastic destination in its own right. The brand spanking new station features of a variety of well known shops, a fantastic pub (the Betjeman Arms) plenty of places to eat and the St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar and Oyster Bar - Europe's longest champagne bar! There are, of course, plenty of other options for a spectacular night out beyond St Pancras Station.

With so much local, domestic and international coming-and-going throughout the day, the Kings Cross guarantees almost any necessity or frivolity that a traveller might seek. The area offers accommodations for all requirements and budgets as well as virtually any type of food imaginable. A host of cafés, pubs, and nightspots means even the pickiest of tastes will be spoilt for choice.

One bastion of Kings Cross nightlife is Scala. Housed inside the old Kings Cross Cinema, Scala looks its age. It has played host to everyone from legends such as Iggy Pop in the 70s to more contemporary acts including Foo Fighters, Siscor Sisters and Coldplay. With four floors, three bars and two dance floors, this history and ever-hip nightspot is top of the list for music fans.

Another well known Kings Cross venue with a solid reputation for quality entertainment is the Shaw Theatre, which has seen the likes of Vanessa Redgrave, Sir Ian McKellen, Mia Farrow, Dame Judi Dench and Patrica Routledge grace its stage as well as music greats Van Morrison, Harry Connick Jr and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. This theatre first opened its doors in 1971 but was completely rebuilt in the late 90s. A variety of concerts and performances are held here throughout the year in this comfortable and spacious venue (which even is connected to - and can be accessed from - 4 star hotel, Novotel.

With mainstays such as Scala and the Shaw Theatre retaining their popularity, and more and more visitors and travellers passing through the area via St Pancras (not to mention Kings Cross Station and Euston Station), it's not surprising that a number of other dance clubs and music venues are sprouting up all the time here. And, as one of the most well connected and accessible parts of town (Kings Cross Station is served by more London Underground lines than any other station) - and indeed in all of Europe - you are never too far from any of London's other hot spots!

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