A Japanese and a Thai restaurant are the new additions at South Kings Cross:

With Konstam (Acton St.) and Acorn House (Acorn St) the two celebrated high street restaurants, the food transformation of Kings Cross South had began about 5 years ago.  Many felt that the location was still too risky and those who dared to open up here preferred the fry up option as a less risky option for restaurants.  But the days of unhygienic and lack of style food outlets must be numbered now, for within one month two new luxurious world cousine landmarks have opened / are opening at Kings Cross.  On the junction to Pentonville Rise a long running café closed and is being replaced with a Japanese sushi bar.  Interesting this bar is only some distance away from one of London's finest former sushi bar's, which run there since the 1980s.  The first impression appears to be young and dynamic, very much like the crowd on this side of the Cross. Further up the road, on the very same spot that was once Konstam 1, and later Berlin Snack, Thai Aubergine has brought a decent well decorated Thai restaurant to us (Corner of Kings Cross / Acton Street). Thai Aubergine at 106 Kings Cross Road has a fantastically rich menu with prices for an average meal between £7 and £15.  The staff are very friendly, using Thai charm and manners to entice the customers that may not be used to such degrees of courtesy around this area.  My test meal was just right, with a spicy great sauce.  I shall be back there as well as hotly await my first sushi at the Japanese later on.  

Traditional Kings Cross Non Posh Still Available:

Paolina Café, another Thai at 181 Kings Cross Road, set in an old wooden breakfast café now has competition it must take serious, even though it has served Kings Cross well for many years, it may be time for an upgrade.
For those who like it less stylish and prefer a pub based or take away style atmosphere Thai food is also available at the Queens Head Pub at 66 Acton Street (the cooks from the closed Grays Inn Rd Thai café have moved in here) or Me Kong Chinese Take Away at 168 Kings Cross Road.  Further there is a Turkish Kebab restaurant on the corner of Kings Cross Road / Acton Street and between Swinton Street and Britannia Walk one also finds a chicken fry up and a fish and chips restaurant. 

Pressure to become better through highest food standard competition with up to date design and kitchen:

  Some of the old fry ups may very well stay, there is a market here for that too still, but they may be forced to clean their shops better and make them appear far better to not loose in what seems to be a push for the better here in the South (and a long wait it was).  Even the two café's on Kings Cross Rd / Pentonville Rise junction located opposite each other felt the pressure and opportunities.  Both have been seen to bring up new decoration, and chairs and tables to sit out-doors, and one installed a longer serving desk with an extra glass fridge. 

In the end my conclusion is positive.  Why should South Kings Cross not deserve better service, and finally be more welcoming.  The only issue that some residents may be slightly anxious about is to get out priced, hopefully most restaurants understand commitment to local residents, and will offer special deals.With so much new food at hand one is relieved  that Camden Council has just set up a free outdoor gym on Argyle Square, so that locals can work off the excess in calories they may gain.

Picture:  Thai Aubergine