Often when trying to find a great place to drink and dine near a station, you are stuck with chains or sub-par destinations that succeed purely because of their desired location. Which is why when I was invited to dine at the new Magenta restaurant in the Megaro Hotel’s Hotel Kings Cross, I was relieved that it was neither of these things. From the interiors to the food, drinks and atmosphere, Magenta ticks all the boxes.
As I depart my train at King’s Cross it’s a crisp autumn evening, Christmas decorations are up and the air has a definite bite to it, making you all that excited to get somewhere that’s inside and warm. Magenta restaurant in the Megaro Hotel is a short walk from the station and is easy to spot. Large windows send the amber glow of the lights within to puddle on the pavements outside, while the colourful facade of the brick above makes for an eye-catching sight. My dining companion and I push open the front door and are enveloped in a hug of warm air, the atmosphere instantly welcoming, awash with the scents of mouthwatering food.
The interior is designed by renowned British artist Henry Chebaane, created to postulate the intriguing premise: what if… in 1880, British engineers and scientists from the St Pancras Coal, Steel and Gas industries decided to create their own public house, with rooms above? The result is a stunning interior with exposed pipes, wooden floors, industrial style decor and chairs in a striking magenta. It’s cool, cosy and stylish all in one.
The menu features four courses, each carefully curated by Executive Head Chef Manuele Bazzoni whose 15-year culinary career includes time at Le Boudin Blanc as Head Chef and Trinity to name a few. Each dish is perfectly balanced to delight the senses, paired with an extensive wine list, selected by Sommelier Adriana Valentini.
We begin our meal with charcoal flour bread – a unique recipe from Manuele, while sipping on a cold glass of white. The antipasti menu includes the likes of warm Jerusalem artichoke & chestnut tartlet, dressed Dorset crab and duck liver parfait. We tuck in, impressed by the array of flavours and perfect execution of the dishes. The primi course is again, impressive, including the likes of Potato & fontina cheese Pansotti w/ truffle & cured yolk, Chestnut gnocchi, chanterelle mushrooms & toasted buckwheat grain and Scallops & lobster ravioli, samphire & spiced bisque. The dishes are designed to incorporate the flavours of Italy with a twist, being perfectly balanced on the palette and taking you on an adventure for your senses. Each dish is a treat for your eyes, your nose and your taste buds, impressing in equal measure.
As the time for the Secondi (main) course came round, we were eager to get stuck in, following how delicious each of the preceding courses had been. I opted for the Venison loin in ‘crosta’, quince puree & cime di rapa while my friend chose the Fermented cauliflower glazed w/ miso, porcini mushroom, cocoa butter & black truffle. As with everything else, they did not disappoint. The venison was succulent and perfectly cooked, while the fermented cauliflower packed a punch with flavour. We rounded off our meal with a dessert to share for while we were full, we couldn’t possibly miss out on the chance to sample one of their sweet options. We tucked into a Maldon sea salt & caramel ganache w/ Vecchia Romagna jelly & Piedmont hazelnut, while other options included yuzu & clementine tart w/ black currant sorbet and a Chocolate soufflé w/ hazelnut liqueur ice cream.
After our plates were cleared and we sipped the last of our wine, we took a few minutes to just sit and take in the atmosphere. Magenta restaurant is a fine dining restaurant that ticks all the boxes and is an ideal spot to head for a date, with your girls for a special meal out or to head with family. It’s intimate without being stuffy, fun without being gimmicky. We thanked our waiter and made our way down to Hokus Pokus, the Megaro Hotel’s underground cocktail bar. Due to the high standards we’d already experienced, it was no surprise that the bar was just as impressive. Inspired by Victorian n quack doctor James Morison who in 1828 opened the “British College of Health” just a few doors from the Megaro, Hokus Polus is an underground alchemy lab that blends 19th-century apothecary and a retro-futuristic steampunk engine room. Expect alchemy books adorning the wall, warm copper, aged brass, mercury glass and white marble accompanied by vibrant blues and deep purple shades.
Their cocktail menu features an exciting array of tipples, including the likes of Hokus without Pokus – a blend of Hendricks gin, cucumber, aquafaba, jasmine tea syrup & lemon juice as well as Wiz, a mix of Konik’s tail, cherry Heering, alipus san Baltazar mezcal, strawberry & beetroot vinegar, honey water, salt & Jerry Thomas bitters topped with champagne. There are eight signature cocktails, although they can also make the more classic cocktails should you wish. Each cocktail comes in a unique glass and is topped with a garnish such as a feather or dried petal.
When looking for an unforgettable evening of fine food, incredible service and cocktails, Magenta in the Megaro Hotel is an effortless choice. It’s somewhere you can dress up and enjoy, but there is no pretentiousness. You will experience food that tastes as good as it is presented and an atmosphere that would be hard to beat. Round your night off with a cocktail or two in Hokus Pokus and make the most of the fantastic transport links just outside the door to get you home again.
Book your table and find out more about the Magenta restaurant in the Megaro Hotel Hotel Kings Cross here.
