Not so long ago, York Way was something of a no go area for many. But inevitably, like much of King’s Cross, in 2014 it’s on its way to being pretty darn scrubbed.
Just downhill from infamous all-hours club The Egg is the latest opening, Canal Reach Canteen, a five minute walk from Brecknock School, where the short-lived farmers’ market ran last year.
Occupying the ground floor unit beneath the new student accommodation, CRC looks like a no-frills Eat-style sandwich chain from the road; but inside it’s a clean, modern space filled with freelancers, curious locals and international students, many with laptops in tow. A huge terrace is about to open any day now on the York Way side, too.
And better still, the food is simple but deceptively good. There are plates piled high with Ottolenghi-style salads – watermelon, feta and mint, say – and daily hot specials, such as free range grilled chicken and baby carrots, priced reasonably. The counter groans with all manner of brownies, cakes, and quite delectable-looking home-made sausage rolls too (which we haven’t tasted yet). It’s also fully licensed, so you can grab a glass of wine or bottled beer.
Another way – perhaps the most scenic – to approach the cafe is via the Regent’s Canal towpath and Granary Square. From there it’s a few minutes’ stroll on the new pedestrian-only alleyway north past Central St Martin’s and the surprisingly bucolic Skip Cafe.
And here’s the deal: the team at Canal Reach Canteen would love readers to give the place a go this summer, so if you swing by and mention Kentishtowner you’ll get a generous 25% off your total bill.
