Food feedback
Published: 16 June, 2008
With its stylish and sophisticated boulevard, acres of glazing, exposed brickwork and quality mix of retail and foodservice offers, thoughts of the Victoria Quarter, Leeds or Hays Galleria come to mind. It's only the departure signs for Paris Nord and Brussels that confirm that this is St Pancras International, the new multi-million pound home to Eurostar. And what a home it is!
With over 80,000 sq ft of retail and foodservice space set in the stunning settings of a restored, Victorian, red brick building, St Pancras has deliberately targeted boutique cafes and shops to create a cosmopolitan and destinational environment. The retail line up features LK Bennett, Foyles and Hamleys, complemented by foodservice from Le Pain Quotidien, Paul, Peyton & Byrne, Carluccio's and Yo! Sushi amongst many others, all feeding the arriving and departing guests, as well as the office workers and shoppers of Kings Cross.
On a very busy Saturday, we found space at Benugo, the latest opening of the upmarket café-deli chain. With its full height glazing, we spotted two spare stools at one of the unit's cruise counters and, with bags jettisoned, we were ready to eat. Users can choose between a selection of wraps, salads and freshly made sandwiches from a multideck, or opt for a made-to-order sandwich from the deli counter.
With a train to catch, we chose the former and the brie and onion marmalade bagel, smoked turkey and bacon 'doorstep', and two refreshing smoothies, were great value for money at £9.90, given the quality of the ingredients used. It is hard to find fault with the operation, although a second till, remote from the coffee counter, would relieve the bottleneck that regularly occurs there, and the resulting slow service.
It is easy to see why WSH, the parent company of contract caterer, BaxterStorey, recently acquired the Benugo brand. With Benugo pods in prestigious corporate offices such as Deloitte and Deutsche Bank, the brand has synergy with both the high street and business & industry sites.
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