A super cosy hub in bustling King’s Cross, with a meat and cheese selection like no other.
There are definite signs that winter is on its way in our city of London. As we walked from Euston station to our destination, the commotion and throng of this busy part of London were most definitely pulling their coats tighter, many had scarves on and we were even treated to an early Christmas Carol from a super talented busker. We were on our way to RAILS Restaurant & Little Bar, (formally Plum + Spilt Milk), which nestles next to the famous King’s Cross Station, a part of the Great Northern Hotel.
Location wise, you can’t get more typically London. A small walk to the Eurostar, and all the Harry Potter charm you can handle, this is a place to most definitely visit when you come to the capital.
RAILS has had a massive refurbishment in recent times. Gone is the old, stuffy restaurant and in its place is a hugely welcoming, warm and chic setting. Low lighting and sleek carriage-like seating creates a modern feel – yet, also manages to encapsulate the mood of the heyday of indulgent train travel. Think a Victorian trip to the coast, drinking port and selecting cheeses from a trolley and you’re almost getting the idea.
There’s a feeling of escaping the manic crowds, full of tourists, travellers and office workers and then tucking yourself away in a cosy, comforting tower overlooking the rainy grey streets.
The menu isn’t overwhelming, carefully picked dishes for all tastes have been selected. They pride themselves on high quality meats and the best seasonal vegetables. There’s a large choice of drinks too, including wines, spirits and those all-important sparkles.
We start with the Beal’s Farm Meats, a selection of salty cured meats, and fabulous olive and rosemary bread. We shared both starters as my partner’s Baked St Marcellin with honey and truffle looked absolutely divine. And it didn’t disappoint with the taste. I could have eaten five more plates full – and I will be pinching the honey, truffle dipping sauce idea for my home baked Christmas cheese spread from now on!
The staff were all very attentive and really fun to talk to! They were knowledgeable about each dish and were enthusiastic about what the grill had to offer. We chose to share once again and picked the Chateaubriand on the encouragement of our server. On the side, (which came with the meat), we went for fries and green beans and also two sauces, classic peppercorn and garlic butter.
The meat was delivered to us perfectly medium rare. Soft and buttery, with just the right amount for each diner – we felt pretty smug in our choice. But the star of the show was the peppercorn sauce, which is made freshly on site, I could have bathed in it quite frankly!
Now, if we weren’t already blown away with our first courses the desserts were about to take it to the next level. We decided as soon as we walked in that we would be partaking in the cheeses. They were on display as we entered through the restaurant. And what sort of cheese lover would you be if you didn’t squeal with delight when a cheese trolley is wheeled before you? Melting, floppy Brie, salty cheddars and many more were on offer. We decided to have a selection of them all, our favourite being the Brie which was called Baron Bigod. A cheese I will be now acquiring myself from Suffolk. I am going to be the cheese queen this Christmas!
RAILS Restaurant is the perfect spot to indulge in some of the best meat and cheese the city has to offer, and it’s only a few short skips from the platforms of King’s Cross and St. Pancreas. A must if you fancy something special to kick start or end your visit to London.
RAILS Restaurant & Little Bar is situated inside the Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross. For more details and bookings go to www.railslondon.com
Review and images by Saffron Bentley Meet the Team
