Karpo

A few weeks ago I attended an event at the Megaro Hotel Bar in Kings Cross, I had never been there before and was totally surprised by how amazing it was. A great selection of very unique cocktails and a cosy and photographic setting, the whole bar had just been decorated by Henry Thomas photography in an exhibition entitled ‘This Way Up’ in association with K&I Design.

Above the bar is the hotel’s all day restaurant Karpo, I was intrigued and wanted to give it a try out on a separate occasion. Being an all day restaurant they offer everything from a relaxed breakfast to fine dining in the evening. The restaurant is based in the heart of King’s Cross making it the perfect destination as it’s right next to St Pancras and also King’s Cross train station. Danny and I ventured for dinner on a Friday evening and were ready to fill up our bellies with some glorious food.

For starters I was a little big excited and knew what I was going to have, at the bar we had sampled some canapes, one being chestnut soup, who knew I liked that? Not me, but I did and it was yummy, so I ordered the soup which came with grilled cheese on toast, quite a perfect combination it seems. Danny opted for the smoked ham hock terrine with toasted brioche.  We also had some Valencia Salted Almonds and olives, the almonds are so addictive, I could have eaten bowls of them!

Inside Karpo it has a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the tables are equally laid out and at the end of the restaurant you’ll find the kitchen where you can easily get a look in and watch the chefs hard at work. Up the walls is an array of leafage, which is real just so you know.

For main I went for the Pork belly which is one of my favourite meat dishes, it came maple glazed with green apple, hazelnut and elderflower. It had a lovely texture and the crackling is one of my favourites I have ever had. Sometimes it can be too crunchy and not very nice that I don’t eat it at all, this was perfect, lovely and crispy and delicious. The apple and hazelnut complemented it perfectly too. Danny had the braised beef which came with carrots, roast onions and mash. Quite a small plate for a guy he thought until he teamed this up with a side dish of crispy potatoes and macaroni cheese, to which I also had some, a great addition.

Lastly dessert, we were so full so decided to share a hot chocolate pot with vanilla ice-cream and finish the last of our bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. My eyes always want a chocolate dessert but in reality I can never eat it all and sometimes the chocolate can be overpowering. However I was pleasantly surprised with this, it was lovely and light and the chocolate wasn’t too dark either so it was gone in a few minutes!

We both had a lovely meal at Karpo, it’s definitely one to check out. Make sure you head to the downstairs bar too, the cocktails are not to be missed, I recommend having the Lavender Hill Mob Fizz.

See the full menu and booking by clicking here, Karpo.