London & South East Premier Hospitality

New ‘flagship’ launches at Kings Cross

Drake & Morgan, Kings Cross
Written by Roma Publications

Drake & Morgan, Kings Cross

The latest Drake & Morgan bar and restaurant at Kings Cross is the new flagship site for the company, and is the first of their sites to have the group’s name in its title.

Split over equally-sized ground and lower ground floor levels, it’s one of the company’s largest sites, and the ninth within the group.

The venue was designed by Fusion DNA, with The French Group as lead contractors.

Sam Smith of Fusion DNA said:

“The key to the design of such a large site is to carve the footprint up into several smaller spaces, each with its own identity, to offer the customer flexibility in how they wish to use the venue. Whether popping in for breakfast and coffee on the commute into the office, having a leisurely Friday lunch with colleagues, or ending the week with a few cocktails with friends, there’s a space for all occasions.”

Drake & Morgan, Kings Cross

The approach to the site is through the abundantly planted St Pancras Square with its ever changing flower beds, structured reflection pools and flowing waterfall cascades. A large outdoor seating area offers Al Fresco dining and a chance to take refuge in this planted oasis sandwiched in between St Pancras International and Kings Cross Stations.

Upon entering the ground floor, the first thing that demands attention is the Emerald Green staircase leading down to the lower ground floor. Curiosity will almost certainly lead customers down the staircase to explore the lower ground floor with its cosy booths and domestic kitchen spaces that double up for mixology lessons or pre bookable parties.

Moving through the lower ground floor, tucked behind the sociable island bar with its swivelling stools and hanging jewel-like pendants and drinks display, in the far corner of the room is a small private dining room. Full height sliding screens close off this space for privacy, but also open up to link it to the main bar for more informal occasions.

Hidden behind large antique mirrors at the end of the room is a large flat screen television with media plug in – perfect for meeting presentations or even small film screenings.

Drake & Morgan, Kings Cross

Up on the ground floor there are two main areas for dining and drinking, which are divided by a small delicatessen that is neatly tucked into the right hand side of the entrance, making popping in for a coffee and croissant quick and easy during the morning rush.

The delicatessen has a large silver marble slab which will be piled high with abundant pastries and other ‘grab and go’ delights in the mornings, before transforming into a more interactive space during the evening with Fondu, Raclette and maybe even the odd Iberico carving lesson.

The shelves that define the deli are stacked high with lifestyle homewares and delicatessen goodies, but still offer a peek at the kitchen and dining area beyond, with it’s feature central banquette offering a place to enjoy the new menu and new grill section.

The Drake & Morgan signature of a large open kitchen, with sit-at dining is still present at Kings Cross, and brings all of the action of the grill to diners who want a front row seat for lunchtime or evening.

Drake & Morgan, Kings Cross

The charcoal concrete kitchen counter with honed granite top continues along the length of the ground floor, becoming an impressive bar to the left hand side of the space. The striking backbar display is dominated by the delicate back-lit fret cut screen that sits as a backdrop for hundreds of spirits superbly muddled by expert mixologists, creating exquisite cocktails worthy of every celebration.

“As with all Drake & Morgan sites, the furniture and ‘special touches’ play a very important part in the overall look and feel of the scheme, adding a finish of luxury to the shades of neutral tones that are layered over the warmth of elm and walnut flooring. Upholstery leathers range from charcoal through to soft pewter, and are complimented by textured fawn and mocha fabrics with the odd splash of burnt orange and shimmering aquamarine patterns to liven the scheme,” said Sam Smith.

She added: “The final layer of detail comes in the form of various reeded glass screens that help to break up views through the spaces, and intricate fret cut light boxes which punctuate the library shelving that wraps around the comfortable lounge seating area within the ground floor bar.”

Drake & Morgan, Kings Cross

Craftwood specialise in the manufacture and installation of bespoke banquette seating for use within the hospitality and leisure industry. The company worked closely with the design team at Fusion DNA to create multiple seating styles to suit the design intent.

Once Craftwood’s production drawings and samples were approved, the company manufactured and installed the custom seating in the new venue at Kings Cross.

Commenting on the project, Vicki Willisson-Hill, HR & Marketing Manager for Craftwood, said:

“We’ve been involved with both Fusion DNA and Drake and Morgan for a long time and always enjoy working on new projects with their teams. Kings Cross is a very prestigious venue and we are very proud to have been part of this project.”

Drake & Morgan, Kings Cross

French Group

French Group was selected to be main contractor for Drake & Morgan at Kings Cross, responsible for the completion of the building duties and general co-ordination of the project, while ensuring that the developments were completed to time and within budget.

Premier Hospitality spoke to Simon French, Managing Director of French Group, to discuss the project for Drake & Morgan, Kings Cross. Simon told us:

“It is hugely important for us to be involved in the regeneration of the Kings Cross area. It is a very pleasing site and we’re delighted to be a major contributor. Working with Drake & Morgan was a real pleasure.”

With over 40 years’ experience in joinery and construction, French Group has acted as principal contractors on major contracts for many multinational companies as well as smaller independent and specialist commissions.

The company offers its services within the hospitality sector primarily, manufacturing all of its own joinery and drawings in-house, and providing detailed shopfitting and refurbishment services that are second to none. A turn-key operation, French Group delivers a full service from start to finish.

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