Honestly, we were sad to see Grain Store close.
Bruno Loubet’s magnum opus was always a treat to visit: it brought life, vibrancy and a record number of vegetarians to Granary Square at exactly the moment that Kings Cross most needed them. It was pared back, elegant, and homely; the staff were kind and friendly; and the food was consistently on point.
Now in its place is Granary Square Brasserie, the latest creation of The Ivy Collective (a brand which appears to have very quickly mastered the art of effortlessly opening beautiful, bustling new restaurants across the UK every other week). The Ivy’s rate of expansion – which has been extraordinary throughout 2017 – does, however, match the demand for their largely British fare, buzzing atmospheres and opulent interiors. And for good reason.
Here in Granary Square art deco interiors like parquet flooring, frosted glass panels and low brass tables meet with 18th century ornithological prints, giant sparkling chandeliers, exposed pipes and bare brickwork to project a sense of controlled opulence, and Ivy-esque luxury in what remains, nevertheless, a relaxed and laid back setting.
As with other Ivy Collective restaurants, this is an all day affair. Weekday breakfasts consist of freshly pressed juices with old-school treats – eggs every which way; buttered kippers; and smoked salmon on rye – while weekend brunches are a little more sumptuous (think salmon beefed up with crab, smashed avocado and grapefruit).
Really though, this is a place that comes into its own at night: the vibe’s a good one; the chandeliers sparkle; there’s a DJ complimenting great cocktails in the bar area; and the dinner menu – which features the likes of slow-roast lamb shoulder with creamed potato and root veg, and dukka-spiced sweet potato served with baba ganoush and labneh – also includes flourless cappuccino cakes, chocolate bombes with a honeycomb centre and cherry ice cream sundaes with pistachio…
But it’s all pretty sweet.
NOTE: Granary Square Brasserie is open from 8am (9am on Sundays) – 12.30am (1.30am Fri-Sat, 11.30pm Sun). You can find out more and reserve a table on their website right HERE.
Granary Square Brasserie | 1-3 Stable Street, Kings Cross, N1C 4AB
Want to see another spot in their portfolio? Head on down to J Sheekey…