Great Northern Hotel, the King’s Cross luxury boutique hotel, has now officially opened the area’s first martini lounge. Located on the hotel’s first floor with breathtaking views of George Gilbert Scott’s iconic St Pancras clock tower, Anthracite builds upon the timeless elegance and dedication to quality for which the Great Northern Hotel has earnt its name, whilst offering a new layer of glamour, seduction and depth.
The 90-cover, three-roomed lounge has been developed by Archer Humphryes – the architects behind the mesmerising 2013 redesign of the Grade II listed Italianate Victorian hotel – and takes inspiration from the colour and unusual properties of the coal from which it takes its name. Drawing upon the hotel’s railway heritage, anthracite was previously used for fuelling trains and is a high-density coal that burns with a blue, and smokeless flame. This is reflected in the lounge’s charcoal colour palette, brought to life with submetallic details and electric blue trims.
Sultry and seductive by night, Anthracite is a place to entertain clients, or bring your partner for a memorable evening of escapism and indulgence. By day, the theatrical space benefits from floor to ceiling large windows that provide an abundance of natural light, perfect for hotel guests looking to relax, or quiet business meetings.
A bespoke selection of intricate portraits by Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017, Gareth Reid, line the walls and provide depth to the space – a coveted addition to the hotel’s already extensive art collection.
To drink, martinis take centre stage, with an extensive and carefully curated selection of vodkas, gins and vermouths for guests to create a bespoke martini, expertly mixed by head bartender Balazs Nagy and team. Alongside favourite martini cocktails such as the Espresso and Breakfast Martini, bespoke Anthracite twists feature, including serves such as the Coastal Martini made from Samphire infused gin, cured lemon infused Mancino extra dry, black pepper tincture, pumpkin, chilli oil and a garnish of seaweed crisp. For the non-Martini drinker, there is a selection of classic and more unusual cocktails alongside a wide-ranging menu of perfectly served Gin & Tonics.
Anthracite’s food offering builds upon the sophisticated theme, with a selection of caviar including Mottra sustainable oscietra and Sturia vintage caviar. A range of charcuterie and cheese boards feature luxury products such as Jamon Iberico Bellota and salamis from neighbouring Islington producer, Cobble Lane Cured. Further bites include Dorset crab and saffron arancini with basil mayonnaise; Duck bon bons with Korean BBQ sauce; Courgette fries, parmesan and truffle oil.
Owner-operator, Jeremy Robson says of the opening, “Standing at the gateway to the newly regenerated King’s Cross, I wanted to bring something to the area that builds upon the Great Northern Hotel’s timeless elegance, whilst offering a darker edge of glamour and subversion. A sophisticated and alluring drinking destination, Anthracite will serve visitors and Londoners alike.”
Bringing a sense of glamour and sophisticated decadence, Anthracite is a welcome addition to King’s Cross’ ever-thriving food, arts and music scene.
