London’s King’s Cross area has seen significant development in recent years and has finally emerged as a destination in its own right – not just a place to catch the last train home from. Granary Square and neighbouring Coal Drops Yard has welcomed some impressive names across fashion, lifestyle and dining, including a Cos concept store, acclaimed Spanish eatery Barrafina and a large-scale outpost from permanently packed Bombay café chain Dishoom.

The latest opening in the area is the hotly anticipated launch of The Standard Hotel; the company’s first-ever outpost outside of the US. Transforming the Brutalist former Camden Town Hall Annex into a stylish ten-storey, 266-room hotel, The Standard London opens its doors on Thursday 11 July.

Double Standard interiors

Keeping up with the neighbours in terms of culinary offerings is no mean feat, so The Standard has pulled out all the stops with new in-house restaurant, Isla, and bar, Double Standard, from award-winning chef Adam Rawson. Later this summer it will also welcome a new restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias on the top floor.

Having trained under Gordon Ramsay and Chiltern Firehouse chef Nuno Mendes, Rawson made his name at Lucky Chip then Peruvian restaurant Pachamama, and was awarded YBF Chef of the Year in 2015.

Isla will be integrated into the hotel lobby with access to an outside terrace for alfresco dining (weather depending, as always). The menu takes inspiration from Britain’s island geography, with a focus on coastal cuisine and seasonal, homegrown produce and natural wines, while Double Standard offers a playful mix of traditional British pub classics and New York dive bar favourites.

Food from Isla restaurant at The Standard London

‘I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of creating menus which reflect the distinct personalities of Double Standard and Isla,’ Rawson commented on the launch. ‘Double Standard is going to be a more raucous, convivial space, so I’ve come up with a selection of elevated snacks perfect for sharing (or soaking up a few pints). Isla’s menu will be more delicate and much lighter – perfect for enjoying in the summer sunshine.’

The Standard London, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG; standardhotels.com