The ānavviesā of Chalk Farm: fist fights, rowdy pubs and raffling a dead body
August 29, 2024
Life was dangerous, drunken and relentlessly tough for the men who transformed the neighbourhood carving out the railways
There was a time, not really all that long ago, when nipping for a quick wee in King’s Cross would most likely involve an unsavoury variety of backstreet toiletry experience. We’ve flushed up a list of the best toilets in Kings Cross just for you.
Thankfully, as we all know, the area’s edgy vice and squalor scene of yore has morphed into one of the world’s most acclaimed neighbourhood reinventions, complete with a swish rash of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and verdant public realm spots.
This thorough scrubbing-up has gifted Camden’s former inner city badlands with a proliferation of fabulous loos too, meaning a trip to N1C today should no longer entail any bladder-busting desperation or leg-crossing apprehension.
But where exactly do you find all these lovely facilities? And how might we avail ourselves of the pleasure? Read on and you’ll never be caught short for a top khazi in KX again…
A retail hub that doesn’t sell anything is the perfect place to nip in to for a quality waz, and Samsung’s coffee concession loos are always in perfect shape, with very posh toilet paper, to boot.Ā
We love the original Crappers at this note-perfect ye olde Bombay diner in Stable St – always worth spending a penny if you’re eating here, or just popping in for one of their famous bacon naan breakfasts.
With Tanoy hi fi speakers bringing the music in every cubicle, this high fidelity listening bar is almost as serious about its facilities as its sound system. (Spiritland)
The Lighterman
A lovely juxtaposition of textured tiling, industrial tap fittings and moody lighting makes this bar/restaurant’s cubical-only lavs a winner.
Everyman KX
Deep in the basement of this cinema are the area’s most atmospheric bogs, complete with neon signage and art deco vibes, what’s not to like?
CDY public loos
Some of the cleanest public loos around, these plentiful gender neutral cubicles are always handy on a day trip to Coal Drops Yard, particularly when enjoying the ‘beach’ of Granary Square fountains with diminuatively-bladdered kids.
Coal Drops Yard (back) 
Borrowing from the Victorian railway infrastructure, these loos are a brickwork haven for anyone caught short while shopping or having ‘experiences’ in and around KX’s two main public squares (it’s right next to Vermuteria).
Lightroom
Curvaceous all-gender toilets to behold at this next-level cinematic experience on Cubitt Square, with a bar and shop for anyone to drop in, even if they don’t see the big show.Ā We hope this list of the best toilets in Kings Cross will help out next time you have the urge.
If you enjoyed this articled, read more like this on Camdenist.
Know another lovely loo or two in the area that you think should feature on our ‘best of’ page? Email us your suggestions (and rankings) and we’ll add it to the rundown.
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