Padella Shoreditch Restaurant
Casual Queue Only Loud
Padella Shoreditch
Shoreditch
$$
The fresh-pasta queue London actually accepts — Shoreditch sister of the Borough original
Restaurant
El Pastor Coal Drops Yard
Coal Drops Yard sit-down taqueria — al pastor on a vertical spit, the rebranded Casa Pastor
Reviewed by Mes Prestiges Editorial Team Last reviewed May 2026
King's Cross |
$$ Mid-range for Restaurant
| Mon 17:00–23:00; Tue–Wed 12:00–23:00; Thu–Fri 12:00–23:30; Sat 12:00–15:00, 17:00–23:30; Sun 12:00–22:00
| Last reviewed: May 2026 Sam and James Hart of Quality Chop House and Barrafina opened the room as Casa Pastor in Coal Drops Yard in 2018 as the sit-down version of their Tacos El Pastor counter at Borough Market; in 2024 it was rebranded to El Pastor Coal Drops Yard, aligning with the rest of the El Pastor family (Borough, Soho), with the kitchen, operator and trompo unchanged. The vertical trompo spit turns marinated pork all day; tacos al pastor are pulled to order with pineapple, cilantro and salsa verde. The cocktail list is mezcal-led and properly stocked. The room — concrete arches, neon, an open kitchen — sits inside Heatherwick's reworked coal sheds and benefits from the foot traffic without losing the cooking. The 100-seat covered terrace Plaza Pastor remains the outdoor extension. For a post-shopping lunch in King's Cross or a casual weeknight dinner before a Granary Square film, this is the Mexican that doesn't try too hard.
Editor's Tip
Tacos al pastor from the trompo are the order. Margaritas are correct; the mezcal flight is small but well-chosen. Walk-ins regularly possible in the bar area; book the dining room on Friday or Saturday. The 2024 Casa Pastor → El Pastor Coal Drops Yard rebrand kept the operator, the kitchen and the trompo; only the name above the arch changed.
At a Glance
- View
- London Skyline, Street Scene
Views & Setting
View Type
London Skyline, Street Scene
View Quality
Good
Indoor Terrace
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about El Pastor Coal Drops Yard — reservations, hours, dress code, and price range.
Where is El Pastor Coal Drops Yard?
El Pastor Coal Drops Yard is located in King's Cross, London — Unit 27, Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, London N1C 4DQ.
What are the opening hours of El Pastor Coal Drops Yard?
El Pastor Coal Drops Yard is open Mon 17:00–23:00; Tue–Wed 12:00–23:00; Thu–Fri 12:00–23:30; Sat 12:00–15:00, 17:00–23:30; Sun 12:00–22:00.
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