The Cross Kings (formerly known as the Backpackers) on York Way will be crossed off the face of the map in the next few days, barring a financial miracle. The ragamuffin pub and live venue is much loved among Kings Cross locals, offering a tatty Bohemian vibe otherwise absent from the many polished gastropubs springing up in this quarter. All the money has gone, and the business will be evicted come July 9th.
In a statement on the Save The Cross Kings From Eviction Facebook page, bar staff spell it out: "Being tied to Enterprise Inns has bled us dry and our last ditch attempt to sell to a sympathetic entrepeneur has fallen through." Those who are fond of the CK should make their way to the bar on Thursday night for a Drink The Bar Dry celebration. The timing is particularly unfortunate, given that the area will be flooded with thirsty arts students in just over a year's time, when Central St Martin's moves in across the road. A canny purchase, then, for any wealthy investor?