El Pastor King's Cross

The atmosphere of creativity at Coal Drops Yard makes it the perfect fit for the high-energy buzz of the Hart brothers, who have opened three sites here, including wine bar The Drop and a branch of Barrafina.

Much larger than previous incarnations in London Bridge, this Pastor is split between a partially covered outdoor dining area (complete with a central grill) and a tightly packed indoors which boasts a bar and an imposing tree hung with lights. It’s also the first to serve breakfast, including the likes of huevos rancheros.

On our evening visit, we kicked off proceedings with a novel avocado and passionfruit Margarita, which was silky smooth and pepped up with a chilli rim. Food begins with tostadas: ‘apache’ is a Mexican take on steak tartare using flank, while a ‘cochinita’ sees shreds of juicy slow-roasted pork rubbed with an addictive mix of orange, garlic and red onion.

Tacos (two per portion) include the signature Al Pastor, which is a triumphant pairing of pork shoulder, marinated for 24 hours with sticky caramelised pineapple and finished off with a smear of guacamole. Surprisingly, star billing goes to the veggie option: oily, plump mushrooms paired with caramelised onion and wrapped in a crisp sheet of fried queso Oaxaca cheese. From the sides, a bowl of refried beans resembles a chocolate mousse, with a velvety texture to match, while crunchy toasted corn is topped with a thick dollop of cotija cheese.

Dessert servings are miniscule, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth, go for the chocolate pot, which is served in a glass teacup and avoids being forgettable via a spiking of cinnamon. Lots of fun and fairly priced, this Pastor is a welcome addition to the brothers’ ever-expanding brand.

Featured image credit: Sam Smith

Looking for an incredible taco spot right near the station? Tucked away in the beautifully redeveloped Victorian coal depot that is Coal Drops Yard, El Pastor - King's Cross is your ultimate go-to for an authentic taste of Mexico City right in the heart of London. Located a short walk from both King's Cross and St Pancras stations, it is the perfect solution for a casual catch-up with friends, a lively group gathering, or a spontaneous date night.

The menu revolves entirely around exceptional tacos, with handmade tortillas crafted fresh daily using heritage Mexican corn. The kitchen team coaxes bold, authentic flavours out of every ingredient, offering crowd-pleasing fillings like marinated pork shoulder with caramelised pineapple, grilled chicken with guacamole taquero, and a rich mushroom and cheese combination for the vegetarians. Beyond tacos, you can dive into crisp tostadas, cheesy quesadillas, and larger sharing plates like whole grilled sea bass or tender lamb barbacoa.

To wash it all down, the drinks list is just as vibrant. Guests can sip on expertly mixed margaritas, explore an impressive selection of artisanal mezcal, or choose from a range of cold Mexican beers and curated natural wines.

The space itself hits the perfect balance between industrial chic and warm hospitality. Combining exposed brick walls with bright, colourful furniture and plenty of fresh greenery, the restaurant offers a lively, contemporary setting. There is a great mix of indoor and outdoor seating, making it ideal for soaking up the atmosphere. If you are in a rush, takeaway is available so you can grab your taco fix on the go. It's a wonderfully flexible spot that welcomes both planned celebrations and walk-ins alike.