STEP INTO TIMELESS ELEGANCE: THE MIDLAND GRAND DINING ROOM AND GOTHIC BAR

Victorian grandeur in the heart of Kings Cross

The Midland Grand and Gothic Bar - an illustrious restaurant, bar, and private terrace nestled within the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London’s King’s Cross - is entering an exciting new chapter with Head Chef Charlie Crote and Head Bartender Jack Porter at the helm. At the train-led frontier between London and Paris, this storied venue offers an elegant meeting point for travellers, creatives, and city dwellers, whether for a leisurely dinner or a swift cocktail in transit.


THE MIDLAND GRAND DINING ROOM

Originally designed in 1873 by Sir George Gilbert Scott as part of The Midland Grand Hotel, the exquisite brasserie has been reimagined by Parisian designer, Hugo Toro, returning it to its former glory. Soaring ceilings give way to impressive glass chandeliers, intricate 1920s-style tilework, and gold accents. The dining room evokes the Gilded Age, providing a sophisticated backdrop for a truly memorable dining experience.

Head Chef Charlie Crote, formerly of The Ritz and Allegra, leads the kitchen with a menu inspired by French nostalgia. Classic dishes pay homage to the restaurant’s location, at London’s gateway to Paris, fusing British ingredients with refined French technique. The a la carte includes starters such as Snail bourguignon with pommes paillasson and ‘nduja — a harmonious blend of texture and flavour; or Crab toast with shellfish sauce and lemongrass, delicate crab meat served in a complex bisque.

Main courses, including Roast cod with Champagne and butter bean cassoulet; and Barbecued baby chicken with green chilli, lime, and coriander represent Crote’s modern French approach. Sharing dishes are also available such as Whole butterflied sea bass or Roast crown of duck. On Sundays, premium cuts of meat such as Sirloin of Longhorn beef or Herb-crusted rack of lamb for two are served alongside all of the traditional trimmings. For those on a strict schedule, The Midland Express menu offers Steak Frites and a glass of house wine to guests for £30, with a 30-minute in and out guarantee (of course subject to one's eating speed).

Sweet offerings provide a taste of timeless glamour, including classics like Crème caramel; and Baba au rhum—soft, spongy, and drenched in rum at the table, finished with a spoonful of Chantilly cream. For a sharp and dramatic centrepiece that makes for a stunning finale, the Lemon meringue bombe Alaska serves two.

Since its opening, renowned hotelier Harry Handelsman has created a versatile space for dining and drinking. A weekly set menu in the dining room and terrace offers guests a choice of interchanging, seasonal dishes (two courses £28, three courses £32). In the Private Dining Room and at the Chef’s Table, menus cater to all occasions, from intimate business gatherings to grand celebrations (three courses £85, four courses £110, 8 courses £125).

GOTHIC BAR & TERRACE

Adjacent to the restaurant lies Gothic Bar. Aptly named, the design positions it as the dark and sultry cousin to the restaurant; velvet banquettes line the walls of the dimly lit bar as guests sit sipping under the ornate, hand-painted ceiling. Alternatively, guests can relax on the terrace, where the bustling pavement provides a sense of calm and comfort. In the evening, the terrace is softly lit, enhancing the gothic ambiance against the imposing architecture of the hotel.

Head Bartender Jack Porter, who himself grew up in a hotel, has developed an exceptional talent for hospitality. With experience at renowned establishments like The Ned and The Stratford Hotel, Jack has honed his craft, turning mixology into a form of storytelling. Gothic Bar is one of the few bars in London with an extensive collection of eau de vie, not only adding depth to the cocktails but further bridging the flavour gap between London and France.

Guests can order from an interchanging list of Gothic Bar Signature cocktails where Jack’s creativity is front and foremost. For example Diablo’s Descent, equal parts fresh, herbaceous, and spicy — a mix of yellow tomato, sage, and chilli combined with tequila and topped with soda. Guests can also enjoy Grand Signatures, which are playful yet refined iterations of classic pours, alongside an extensive list of Champagnes and wine by the glass.

For more information please get in touch with midland@gemmabellandcompany.com