Roar writer Caitlin Jackson on four hidden gems near Strand and Guy’s Campus’ for Freshers (and final-years) looking for new spots to grab a drink, snag a bite, and relax with friends.
When you first arrive at King’s, you suddenly realise just how big London is and the sheer amount of exciting places to be found there. Here are just a few of the best places to visit around our two largest campuses, Strand Campus and Guy’s Campus.
I’ve tried to avoid some of the more popular spots such as the Southbank Centre and Borough Market, but they’re still great places to go and visit during Fresher’s Week – check them out after you visit these lesser-known spots!
The Lord Nelson, Union Street
Located near Guy’s Campus, The Lord Nelson is a great place to grab a drink and some food. They boast a truly massive menu with tonnes of vegetarian and vegan options. Even better, students get a great discount with 20% off food and select ciders and beers for £3.40 a pint. The atmosphere is super relaxed and the decor is something special. Where else could you find posters of Noel Edmonds plastered on the walls alongside movie prints and party streamers?
Tabard Street Food Market, Southwark
Open weekdays only, Tabard Street Food Market is a firm favourite of Guy’s Campus students across all faculties. With cuisines ranging from Greek to Filipino, you definitely won’t get bored here. Whether it’s to grab some lunch between lectures or just soak in some of the lively atmosphere, this market is a great space to take a quick break from university life.Â
Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn
When I first came to London as a student, I wanted to find quieter green areas to get away from the busy streets. The Lincoln’s Inn Fields is one of those spaces, and can be found behind the KCL Virginia Woolf Building on the Kingsway. Alongside a set of tennis and netball courts, the park gives visitors a chance to take a breath in a relatively quiet area. In the spring, visitors can also watch the cherry blossom from one of the many seating areas. Alongside all of the noise and stress that comes from being a student, spaces such as this are a great place to come and relax.
Prufrock Coffee, Leather Lane
Prufrock Coffee is a small cafe just a 10 minute walk away from the Maughan Library, and is a perfect spot for pick-me-ups during study breaks. Alongside their extensive coffee menu, they have food options ranging from French kougin-amann to waffles and vegan breakfast buns. Lots of students joke about how London is filled with coffee chains around every corner, but Prufrock Coffee emphasises how their business is more community focused. On their website, Prufrock’s says that they “strive to support local producers and small scale growers”, with their coffee menu constantly changing in order to provide the best possible product.Â
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