King's Cross is now teeming with ethical, sustainable and socially-conscious brands and places to go. From charity shops and sustainable fashion brands to ethical coffee providers and cafes with a conscience, its the perfect place to spend an eco-conscious day out.

If you’ve lived in London for a while, you’ll probably remember the former wasteland which was King’s Cross. Well, no more. There’s been a ton of investment to regenerate the area, especially at coal drops yard, with lots of green spaces around the canal, as well as tons of shops, restaurants, cafes and other events regularly going on, making it the perfect place to spend a day wandering around with friends. 

It’s also now home to a number of good companies, which you’ll find tucked away around every corner. Here are a few of our favourites which taken together make for a great sustainable day out. 

Origin Coffee – British Library

Origin Coffee is an independently owned speciality coffee roaster that is bound by one central ethos: to source exceptional coffee through a sustainable, triple-bottom-line approach.

Origin Coffee is nestled into the British Library, opposite a walkthrough to the library’s beautifully tranquil piazza. They have carefully curated coffee beans from all over the world: from complex terroir, where exciting varietals shape exploration, to challenging the expected and championing lesser-known regions.

Committing to reducing their carbon emissions to zero, Origin Coffee has pledged, alongside 1,100 other B-Corp-certified businesses, to be net zero by 2030. One key approach they have employed is to minimise packaging; partnering with First Mile, Origin Coffee has made it easier to reuse and recycle their empty coffee bags. At the Roastery, for example, they offer a refill dispensary using compostable paper bags.

First Mile isn’t the only partnership they have. Origin Coffee works with like-minded farmers and producers, all of whom are committed to protecting and investing in a sustainable industry. They support growth, training and opportunities that protect and develop a sustainable coffee growing practice, paying fairly and championing quality every time.

Visit their website and instagram

Location: the british library, 96 euston road, london, nw1 2db

 Wolf & Badger

A B-Corp-certified destination to discover independent, ethical and unique brands worldwide. Wolf & Badger provides a platform which takes the effort out of finding and sourcing sustainably and ethically produced jewellery, fashion, accessories, homeware and beauty, without compromising on quality and design.

The primary goal of their retail model is to sell commodity products in a way that is sustainable for the planet and for all stakeholders. Their commitment to addressing the urgency of the environmental situation will be put into action by reducing and offsetting carbon emissions as a business. They are also working towards ensuring that all their packaging is recyclable and made of recycled materials. Rather than framing products around trends, emphasis is placed on the creators, the stories behind products and their uniqueness.

Visit their website and instagram

Location: coal drops yard, london, n1c 4dq

Boutique by Shelter

‘This is not your average charity shop’, Shelter proudly proclaim and have even named it a boutique to reflect the fact that this store offers a handpicked range of unique donations inside a specially designed space. It has a range of designer, vintage and quality high-street clothing on offer and all proceeds go back to the charity to support their work combating homelessness. Every year they help millions of people struggling with bad housing and homelessness. The store also accepts donations so if you have a few high-quality pieces you no longer use or wear, do bring them with you. If you appreciate a well-curated thrift store, then this is for you. It truly proves that secondhand is not second best. 

Visit their website and instagram

Location: coal drops yard, london, n1c 4dq

Redemption Roasters

Redemption Roasters are the UK’s first prison-based coffee roastery, who work with offenders in prisons to develop their skills and employability for after their sentence.

The shop is located just a few minutes walk north of Kings’ Cross Station in Coal Drops Yard, a new development adjacent to Granary Square. Serving delicious espresso-based and batch filter speciality coffee, cakes, pastries, and a simple lunch offer. They seat 16 inside and up to 30 more on communal tables outside.

People leaving prison are 50% more likely to reoffend if they leave lacking employable skills or a job. Redemption Roasteries have created prison academies and community training programmes to break this cycle and create pathways to meaningful and secure employment. Ex-offenders are taught practical skills from production and logistics to coffee roasting and latte art. They also gain the transferrable skills of communication, problem-solving and teamwork. Redemption Roasteries pays above the standard rate for prison employment and sets aside a portion of wages to access upon release from prison, giving them a head start when they reintegrate into society.

Visit their website and instagram

Location: unit 109, lower stable st, kings cross london, n1c 4aq

Fabrica X

Fabrica X is a unique experimental and experiential retail destination offering the public the latest planet-friendly fashion innovations.

The first of its kind, this new opening marked an exciting shift in London’s retail landscape. Supporting the pioneers of eco-fashion, Fabrica X showcases the latest ground-breaking fashion tech innovations of the future, each heralding biodiverse material use, minimal waste, and ethical production whilst educating and empowering customers to make design-led, responsible purchases.

So, whether you’re window shopping or looking to treat yourself, this store will elevate your experience. The modern, sleek space has something new around every corner. Whilst exhibitions and retailers change, recent features have included the UK unveiling of Circulose, a new material made 100% from textile waste.

Visit their website and instagram

Location: the mills fabrica, 36-40 york way, london, n1 9ab

Nourished Communities

Inside the same building and directly opposite the entrance to Fabrica X is the Nourished Communties cafe. They serve some of the tastiest soup we’ve had recently and are a favourite lunch spot for the In Good Company team when working nearby. Nourished Communities is a deli-grocer-cafe set up during the pandemic to support independent and local producers that relied on Farmers Markets. They have a number of other locations, including one on Blackstock Road in Finsbury Park with beehives in the garden and a mushroom farm using coffee granules from nearby cafes. From the outset Nourished Communities have worked with food banks and charities, and they also partner with a number of local schools to provide healthy seasonal fruit and veg. In 2023, they want to work with more grassroots organisations within a 2 mile radius of their stores. PS. Their coffee is from ozone coffee, another good company.

Visit their website and instagram

Location: the mills fabrica, 36-40 york way, london, n1 9ab

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P.S. Here's our guide to the perfect eco-conscious and ethical day out in Peckham, London.