Walking in to Granger & Co you can feel the warmth of the atmosphere, which is quite a feat considering there's floor to ceiling windows that will 90% of the year serve to expose the grey skies and wind battered commuters passing by, yeah I'd say it's a brave move. Decor is used to enhance the shape, size and the environment of the restaurant, the mirrors above the bar reflect the skyline outside, the huge windows allow the hustle and bustle of Kings Cross in and the use of heavy brass seems to nod to the era where this area was industrial and hardy, used for trade, importing and transporting goods.
The natural light provided by the glass exterior is enhanced with warmer lighting and candles when it gets a little later, allowing you to be sheltered from the noise and agitating buzz of the outside pace, yet still be amongst the movement of the city. Though the area has plenty of lush trees to keep it slightly romantic it's still very much a busy place, yet strangely when looking out upon it all from where I sat I felt more grateful for the quiet and calm surrounds. Curious logic... Or it could've been the wine.
Anyway enough analysing over the decor! Though - never underestimate its importance. Let's move on..
I'd come to choose the restaurant, not only because it's new (definitely not 'cause he's an Aussie!) but I was having dinner with a couple of friends, one of whom was coming in on the train to St. Pancras and as my housemate and I live a stone's throw away it seemed silly to go elsewhere! We'd ticked off most of the restaurants in Granary Square and so naturally we moved ourselves on to new options at the newly opened Pancras Square, this was first on my list when I saw their menu!
For starters you could look at the delicious calamari and presume to know it was nice, well presented and had a good amount of dressing to go, but honestly, you'd have to try it yourself to really know what I'm talking about when I say, melt. in. the. mouth. Delicate seasoning. Two more plates please.
This is a perfect example how amazing such simple food can taste when it's treated just the way it should be. Beautiful.
Moving on to our mains, there was a whole lot of 'umm'ing and 'ahhh'ing over what dish might be the chosen one - the options are pretty dribble inducing. Thankfully we had the wine to keep any inappropriate behaviour at bay. Both the girls went for the yellow fish curry with spiced butternut squash, roast peanuts and cucumber relish with brown rice.
I made the mistake of trying some.. Damn you food envy! This was so exquisite, layers of toasted spices making their way through the creamy coconut in the sauce, paired with the crisp and refreshing cucumber relish, the delicate yet meaty fish and deep textures of the butternut squash.. (I might take myself back there for this dish, table for one!)
Considering that I'd had Thai for dinner the past two nights I decided the gochujang braised beef shin was for me, served with charred shallots, spring onions and brown rice.
Now this was something else completely and it offered up equally as much deep felt satisfaction. A hot brothy bowl of rich, meaty bone juices, which fondly reminded me of my nan giving me hot bovril in a cup with bread when I'd get home from school to warm me in the winter, and trust me when I say that's a huge compliment. This put a genuine smile on my face, it felt so wholesomely virtuous and deeply nourishing to eat.
I scooped up mouthfuls at a time on my spoon, tearing bits of bits of shallot, coriander, spring onion and pulling bits of beef shin which was so soft and delicate it almost melted. It all sat beautifully in what was a rather deep spoon, leaving room for a good scoop of that amazing broth on top of it all.. one healthy, hearty hug of a meal.
The service here was absolutely wonderful. At no point did we feel rushed, we were offered advice on wines, in depth descriptions of the dishes and then left to our own devices, during the three hours we sat there chatting our wine and water amazingly seemed topped up at all times with little or no disruption to our conversations.
After we'd finished dinner, we were left to enjoy our drinks, so full read more