Architectural practice Michaelis Boyd has just completed the design of Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor — two interconnected restaurants in King’s Cross, London.

The large development is situated in Coal Drops Yard, a former Victorian coal store that lies within the historic railway arches of King’s Cross.

Designed by acclaimed restaurateurs, Sam and James Hart and Crispin Somerville, Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor pay homage to the vibrancy of Mexico. Powerful architectural and design elements create truly authentic dining experiences.

Casa Pastor forms the internal restaurant, while Plaza Pastor occupies an external heated dining terrace that is operated all year round.

Casa Pastor, the new big sister restaurant to the original El Pastor in Borough market, is a vibrant 80-cover restaurant that takes advantage of the original features of the space, with exposed industrial brick walls and vast arched glazed windows.

The restaurant features five-metre high ceilings, eye-catching antique patterned cement tiles, Mexican murals and motifs and custom-designed hanging basket lighting. Bar-style counter tables feature brightly glazed Pyrolave table tops reflecting the spirit, energy and color of Mexico.

Bespoke encaustic tile perches from Mosaic del Sur are positioned along the entrance perimeter and have been designed to encourage diners to enjoy cocktails in a lively and authentically Mexican environment.

In the center of the restaurant, the ‘mezcaleria’ bar is clad in dazzling emerald marble with four-metre tall tropical trees positioned either side, while an open kitchen provides a theatrical focal point for the restaurant.

Casa Pastor’s mezzanine level leads to a copper and zinc clad balcony with pink plaster walls and neon lighting that evokes the vibrancy of Mexican street life, while the metal staircase, balcony balustrades and shelving units take inspiration from typical shopfronts and intricate architectural elements and vernacular design found in Mexico City.

Plaza Pastor is a 100-cover heated outdoor dining terrace adjacent to Casa Pastor, with a centrally located blackened steel cladded bar and open kitchen with cut out backlit branding.  

The space, which has its own separate menu, is more casual and lively.

The restaurant features industrial cast iron beams, slatted oak banquette seating, Michaelis Boyd signature crittall glass screens and lush foliage.

 

Photos courtesy of GavriiLux