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A Night Out in London: St Pancras International
By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 01.10.09
Romanctic: The Meeting Place by Paul Day is on display
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Proud to be British: St Pancras Grand
Impressive: the Barlow Shed contains 14,080 glass panels
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There is a certain buzz about St Pancras International. Maybe it's the French connection or the juxtaposition of old and modern architecture that gives it its edge. Whatever the reason, if you can resist the temptation to jump on a train to Europe, it is a great place to spend an evening.
It is not just train spotters that will get a kick out of the station's impressive infrastructure. When it first opened in 1868 William Barlow's train shed was a magnificent demonstration of Victorian engineering and held the world record for the largest enclosed space for many years. Restoration work has seen the Barlow Shed completely reglazed and the paint work taken back to its intended pale sky blue. It now contains 14,080 glass panels, giving a total glassed area of nearly 10,000m2. To put things in perspective, that's the same size s almost two football pitches or 38 tennis courts.
During your visit, there is a great selection of shops to peruse from fashion boutiques to farmers' market stalls. But the star attraction comes in the shape of a 95.8 metre long Champagne Bar. The ideal stop off point before dinner at St Pancras Grand.
The Searcys run restaurant was the final piece in the puzzle for the station's redevelopment. It was worth the wait. Modelled by Martin Brudnizki, the designer responsible for Scott's and The Ivy, it fits in beautifully with its surroundings. Situated on the Upper Concourse, it captures the ambience of its quintessentially British roots with elegant décor. Features, including a clock that would not be out of place on a train platform, are subtle reminders of the location.
But this is no ordinary train station and so it is only appropriate that the food on offer is a diversion from the norm on a rail trip. Executive Chef Billy Reid has been behind the likes of The Belvedere and the Vineyard at Stockcross where he gained his first Michelin Star. At St Pancras Grand, he has a very British focus from traditional favourites to modern-day dishes.
For starters the Coronation Prawn Salad (£9.70) is delicious. The generous serving of prawns comes drizzled with a mouth-watering dressing. For those in a hurry the Roasted Beetroot and English Goat's Cheese (£5.95) is an Express Menu option. Menu items marked with a clock symbol have been selected for those who have time constraints. Handy if you have a train to catch.
Another favourite from this selection is the Deep Fried Haddock and Chips, served with Mushy Peas (£15) – far superior to the kind on display at your local fish 'n' chip shop. This is a filling main course that is difficult to dislike. If you are in the mood for seafood the Oysters (£9.50 for ½ dozen), Atlantic Prawns (£6.50 for ½ pint) or Dressed Crab (£12.95) are specialties. Or, for those who feel like indulging themselves, Caviar is an option. Meat eaters have a great choice from Peppered Rump Steak (£18.50) to a Roast Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Jus (£16.50).
It is definitely worth trying the pudding. The Custard Tart with Butterscotch (£6.50) is delectable. From the Express Menu, the Eton Mess or Raspberry Jelly and Ice Cream (£6.50) are enjoyably glutinous.
The friendly service makes the experience even more pleasurable. The restaurant is open daily from 11am to Midnight so it is just a matter of tailoring your time at the Grand to suit your evening. Whether you are tempted to book a Eurostar trip or not, St Pancras' finest restaurant is likely to lure you back.
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