Kings Cross Central
Another new resident is slated to open in King’s Cross restaurant hub Granary Square as Cubitt House’s sister company Open House launches its second London offering next year. Like Percy & Founders in Fitzrovia, which opened in spring 2015, The Lighterman’s food offering will be overseen by the group’s exec chef Diego Cardoso (formerly of Murano).
The Regent’s Canal-side pub and dining room will open in early 2016, and despite its rather antiquated sounding name, the building will be a decidedly modern one (pictured) in stark contrast to much of Granary Square’s other architecture. Spanning the entire eastern side of the square, the Lighterman will offer all-day drinking and dining across three floors, with outside seating overlooking both Regent’s Canal and Granary Square.
It is named after the Victorian-era workers who operated ‘lighters’, flat-bottomed goods barges, on the River Thames and London’s canals. Although the Stanton Williams-designed building is decidedly contemporary, with floor to ceiling windows, exposed concrete walls and minimalist, industrial-chic interiors.
The canal-side bar with al-fresco terrace overlooking the water, connects the building with the towpath. The ground floor, with seating directly onto Granary Square, will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as wood fired pizzas. The top floor, with wraparound terrace, is a more formal dining room and is also available for private events.
