The Grade II listed German Gymnasium building at King's Cross is being transformed into a new 'dining destination'. The venue — which has been taken over by D&D London — will host a collection of restaurants, cafés and bars.
The first purpose built gym in England, the German Gymnasium was financed entirely by the German community. It was also the site of the very first indoor events of the 1866 National Olympian Games. The designers Conran and Parters are focusing on working with the original features of the building, including its incredibly high and impressive ceiling.
German-born chef Bjoern Wassmuth will focus on creating menus for an al fresco terrace, a patisserie counter, an all-day grand café serving breakfast through to dinner, a first-floor restaurant and the Meister Bar, playing Berlin beats until 1am.
"If I had to describe the food in three words", says Wassmuth, "it would be schnitzel, goulash and sausage!" Meanwhile, head sommelier Virgile Degrez will curate a wine list of niche German, Austrian and Hungarian labels as well as a selection of bottles from Eastern Europe.
This is surely the most ambitious project focusing on German food in London since... well since forever?
The site is set to open in Autumn 2015. Follow their progress on Twitter: @TheGermanGym and on their website.
