The Lighterman — London, UK
The rehabilitation of King’s Cross in central London continues apace. It almost seems as if every other day the scaffolding comes off yet another fancy office building, boutique, home or restaurant in the ambitious 67 acre project.
The new kid on the block is The Lighterman. The third tasty offering from Open House – the group behind Percy & Founders, and The Larder – the three-storey restaurant is named after the Victorian drivers of the ‘lighter’ goods barges that once plied London’s waterways.
The solidly handsome brick façade by architects Stanton Williams mirrors the historic Granary Building across the square. In a way, the uniform anonymity of the exterior is a boon because the interiors provide a studied contrast of raw pale timber floors, exposed concrete and bare brickwork with burnished metal table tops and gold trim. Meanwhile, a scattering of photographs is a nod to the area’s industrial history and transportation.
All of which is a rugged setting for executive chef Diego Cardoso’s robust all-day menu of British classics (ham hock and leek pie, anyone?) and grilled steaks, with a judicious lashing of mod Euro plates like cured trout and spiced mayonnaise, and salt-baked beets with watercress and feta. And if summer ever arrives in the capital, the three alfresco terraces are ideal for tossing back sours and mint juleps.
INFORMATION
Website
ADDRESS
3 Granary Square
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.
-
A new limited-edition Rhodes piano and Gibson doubleneck guitar aim for the stars
The new Rhodes Mk8 Earth Edition piano and Gibson Jimmy Page EDS-1275 Doubleneck guitar revisit classic instruments at a price
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The new interior design trends we spotted at Salone del Mobile 2024
These are the interior design trends to look out for in 2024 and beyond, from soft upholstery to conversation pits and low dining
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Tiffany & Co nods to its theatrical history with a surreal new campaign
Tiffany & Co campaign ‘With Love, Since 1837’ sees Dan Tobin Smith and set designer Rachel Thomas create an offbeat set
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Crispin at Studio Voltaire, in Clapham, is a feast for all the senses
New restaurant Crispin at Studio Voltaire is the latest opening from the brains behind Bistro Freddie and Bar Crispin, with interiors by Jermaine Gallacher
By Billie Brand Published
-
Step inside Juno Omakase, London’s smallest counter dining experience
Juno Omakase, inside Los Mochis Notting Hill, offers a one-of-a-kind tasting menu in which Tokyo meets Tulum
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Revel in 007 glamour at Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO opens its doors after a majestic six-year restoration
By Daniel Scheffler Published
-
Rent British musician Imogen Holst’s home via Modernist Estates
Discover Imogen Holst’s home, designed by H.T. Cadbury Brown, in the seaside town of Aldeburgh, Suffolk
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Mimosa at The Langham brings French Riviera flavour to London
Mimosa, the new restaurant at The Langham hotel, London, boasts a menu and interiors infused with Riviera style
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Mayfair’s Murano offers beautiful design and incisively cooked food
Angela Hartnett’s Murano celebrates 15 years of Italian supremacy in London with a fresh look by Fabled Studio
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Dine amid old-school glamour at The Dover in London’s Mayfair
The Dover, founded by Martin Kuczmarski and designed by Quincoces-Dragò & Partners, is where 1970s Brooklyn meets classic Italian charm
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Morchella, in Clerkenwell, serves Mediterranean classics and Old World wine
Morchella restaurant and wine bar brings finely crafted cosy chic to a former bank near Exmouth Market, London
By Billie Brand Published