Kings Cross - New station

[amcluesent]

The segrated in/out isn't working at all well. I'd say add 5mins to your times to ensure you get to your train.

Many folks coming up the Euston Road tube exit were vexed at having to wallk all the way along the Northern ticket hall to get the single escalator, then having to walk all the walk back down the platforms for 0, 1, 2 etc.

Also, if you arrive and want to use the FC lounge before going to a business meeting, it's a heck of treck all the way around as the walkway is exit-only on level 1.

Needs a rethink ASAP.

 

[Lee_Again]

I noticed this morning that a few gates were reveresed allowing passengers 'arriving' to enter the main concourse. Glad that they have done this on the first morning and hope they keep it for good. It was my only gripe after yesterdays first visit.

But very predictable really. Most regular users of King's Cross could have predicted that so why pay expensive consultants to design 'flows' that were clearly wrong. Rant over.

Otherwise, and I'm happy to say it again, the place is amazing. 9.99/10

 

[swt_passenger]

I noticed this morning that a few gates were reveresed allowing passengers 'arriving' to enter the main concourse. Glad that they have done this on the first morning and hope they keep it for good. It was my only gripe after yesterdays first visit.

The planning docs always did show the western barrier line as bi-directional, albeit with the majority set to entry. So all they've done was set it to what was designed.

 

[Jordy]

What is a "tidal" escalator (the single one up from the Northern ticket office)?

 

[Mojo]

What is a "tidal" escalator (the single one up from the Northern ticket office)?

It runs in the direction according to the peak travel flow. So it will change direction during the day to allow customers in/out of the LUL station as required.

 

[transmanche]

What is a "tidal" escalator (the single one up from the Northern ticket office)?

One that operates in the direction of peak flow only; i.e. in this case presumably it goes down in the am peak and up in the pm peak.

Many tube stations with three escalators only have two working all the time, with the third operating a tidal flow.

 

[Jordy]

Ah I see, thanks. Think I might have to go and investigate tomorrow!

 

[Lee_Again]

The planning docs always did show the western barrier line as bi-directional, albeit with the majority set to entry. So all they've done was set it to what was designed.

ALL the recent doucuments I've seen show the western gates as entry (to the platforms) only. If it was planned it wasn't done very well for two reasons;
1 - It wasn't available Sunday.
2 - It looked very temporary.

And, there is not a single sign indicating its wareabouts. The opposite if anything.

 

[Bungle73]

But you can see the main platforms very well from the restaurant and loft bar in the "Parcel Shed".

I'll have to check it out. I almost went in there this evening, but decided to go one of my usual haunts (the Devereux,near Temple station) instead.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

I'll have to check it out. I almost went in there this evening, but decided to go one of my usual haunts (the Devereux,near Temple station) instead.

The view of the trains from the Devereux isn't great.

there's a fine etched glass window on plat 8 at platform level with the GNER logo!

 

[Bungle73]

The view of the trains from the Devereux isn't great.

there's a fine etched glass window on plat 8 at platform level with the GNER logo!

Where abouts?

GNER or GNR?

 

[tsr]

The M&S is quite small too, can see lots of pushing and shuving going on in there at busy times, but these are just nit pickings really, very impressed.

Yes, but it seems that at least 50% of M&S outlets are too small at stations and airports. If you have any sort of baggage, the M&S at London Bridge is a joke. The Victoria one is a bit crowded and cluttered, but I think I once found an acceptably-designed one tucked away somewhere at St Pancras.

 

[Bungle73]

Yes, but it seems that at least 50% of M&S outlets are too small at stations and airports. If you have any sort of baggage, the M&S at London Bridge is a joke. The Victoria one is a bit crowded and cluttered, but I think I once found an acceptably-designed one tucked away somewhere at St Pancras.

There are two in St. Pancras: one along with the other shops in The Arcade, and another at the rear of The Circle by the escalators to the Southeastern platforms. The latter is very large for a station outlet.

So if the KGX one is too busy one can just pop over the road to one of these.

 

[jon0844]

Ssshhh! Don't tell everyone about the M&S in The Circle! The WH Smith there is quite large too.

 

[Bungle73]

Sorry.

 

[amcluesent]

Aren't the station M&S outlets franchised in some way?

Anyhow, the in/out model is hopeless. As far as I can see, they've already allowed two-way traffic over the gantry.

And there's a non-stop queue of pax wanting to use the gated pathway between the exit and entry sections rather than hike all the way around via the Northern ticket hall.

Also, the overground exit facing St Pancras is too small.

 

[GNER 91128]

Yes, but it seems that at least 50% of M&S outlets are too small at stations and airports. If you have any sort of baggage, the M&S at London Bridge is a joke. The Victoria one is a bit crowded and cluttered, but I think I once found an acceptably-designed one tucked away somewhere at St Pancras.

Same at Edinburgh Waverley. Cramped that is.

 

[jopsuk]

There are two in St. Pancras: one along with the other shops in The Arcade, and another at the rear of The Circle by the escalators to the Southeastern platforms. The latter is very large for a station outlet.

So if the KGX one is too busy one can just pop over the road to one of these.

The one at Eurostar check in is horribly cramped, the one at "The Circle" is spacious with wide aisles and even a bakery

 

[jon0844]

The one at Eurostar check in is horribly cramped, the one at "The Circle" is spacious with wide aisles and even a bakery

And clothes at the back, but from what I remember it's only clothes for women? Certainly a very selective range of clothes - and I am not sure I've ever seen many people in that part of the shop (possibly because from the outside you wouldn't even know they had clothes and toiletries).

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Where abouts?

GNER or GNR?

GNER. On the G.flr. window of staff offices plat 8 where the abandoned steps down to the former male toilets are.


(also passed the Dev on way to my own favourite open air spot for lunch. Definitely no trains visible!)

To confirm that the trains can be seen froma comfortable vantage point, here's another view from the "Parcel Shed" which I took this evening - the EC set in the foreground was my train home.

The simple secondary glazing which is very apparent in this image makes even the noise of an HST departing quite inaudible if there is just one person speaking nearby.

 

[All Line Rover]

Aren't the station M&S outlets franchised in some way?

Yes, they're owned by SSP, who take a cut of the revenue - which is why the prices are slightly higher than in M&S Food Halls in normal stores.

Anyhow, the in/out model is hopeless. As far as I can see, they've already allowed two-way traffic over the gantry.

And there's a non-stop queue of pax wanting to use the gated pathway between the exit and entry sections rather than hike all the way around via the Northern ticket hall.

Also, the overground exit facing St Pancras is too small.

To be fair, as the new layout has only just opened (which is far, FAR better than the old one), there are bound to be teething problems. I'm sure most of these will be rectified in due course.

NR are working to a budget this time - not everything can be perfect.

 

[swt_passenger]

ALL the recent doucuments I've seen show the western gates as entry (to the platforms) only. If it was planned it wasn't done very well for two reasons;
1 - It wasn't available Sunday.
2 - It looked very temporary.

And, there is not a single sign indicating its wareabouts. The opposite if anything.

I think you might have taken my point the wrong way. What I'm saying is that they ought to have installed exactly what was in the original planning application, made some years back, - then they wouldn't be having a problem now.

The same plans showed a two way access on the ground floor, immediately under the footbridge opening. It would appear that they have dropped that idea as well.

 

[Lee_Again]

I think you might have taken my point the wrong way. What I'm saying is that they ought to have installed exactly what was in the original planning application, made some years back, - then they wouldn't be having a problem now.

The same plans showed a two way access on the ground floor, immediately under the footbridge opening. It would appear that they have dropped that idea as well.

Happy to take back my comment.

It's great though isn't it?

 

[Blindtraveler]

are there still public showers? And a burger king? Great its up and running. Am I correct in thinking theres still more NR and LU entrances to open after demolition of old concourse?

 

[LE Greys]

are there still public showers? And a burger king? Great its up and running. Am I correct in thinking theres still more NR and LU entrances to open after demolition of old concourse?

Ah yes, the Dalek showers. I'm not sure there will be much call for them with the lack of sleeping cars arriving.

 

[tsr]

Ah yes, the Dalek showers. I'm not sure there will be much call for them with the lack of sleeping cars arriving.

London Victoria has supposedly reasonable-quality public showers. I imagine this may be for people who have got straight off a train from Gatwick Airport and haven't yet had time to have a shower after an overnight flight.

 

[Mike395]

are there still public showers? And a burger king? Great its up and running. Am I correct in thinking theres still more NR and LU entrances to open after demolition of old concourse?

No idea what they're like - but can confirm that the new toilets on the main concourse have shower facilities.

Disappointed that they charge for the loos though, whereas you can nip across the road and use free ones!

Other than that nitpicking - I think the new Kings Cross concourse looks lovely - love the feeling of space!

 

[Anonywave]

first day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wHuuufs7FE

 

[Furrball]

Visited for the first time this evening as we thought we would also sample the Parcel Yard rather than cooking at home.

The concorse is certainly impressive and the lighting is very well done, so it is a shame that there is a bright flash every time the JC Decaux advertising screens change.

Onto the Parcel Yard. Oh dear, Fullers appear to have forgotten about first impressions. Walking in it was not apparent as to whether food was served downstairs as ther were no menus to be seen nor apparently anyone eating so we went upstairs to. The Loft. Walking in there was a member of waiting staff near the top of the stairs but she did not move from what she was doing to greet or assist us. Having a walk around the tables were set for dinner but being unsur we found someone and asked about seating and was told to sit anywhere. Finding a seat on what late became apparent is a totally unsuitable large table that seats 8 we eventually went and found our own menus as no one came over to offer them. It then took a further 10 minutes to attract the attention of one of the two members of waiting staff that appeared to be on duty. The food arrived relatively quickly, (pie and mash) but the mash was only luke warm, as was the gravy. About half way through us eating a group of about 8 people turned up and despite a member of waiting staff being there promptly squeezed onto the remaining space on the table. This was the final straw!

Now I know this is more of a pub review but a biggish deal has been made about the place and it failed to live up to expectations. I certainly would not expect quick service as it was not tonight and the place was pretty quiet really. They also market The Loft as a dining room, infact you can make reservations so the lack of staff greeting diners seems even more surprising. Maybe they have been taking tips from East Coast!

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Visited for the first time this evening as we thought we would also sample the Parcel Yard rather than cooking at home.
. . . .
. . so the lack of staff greeting diners seems even more surprising. Maybe they have been taking tips from East Coast!

What a surprise. I was in there this evening and with completely the opposite experience!
I think I had 4 staff asking me if I would like a table, like to eat, like anything; two of them more than once!

And I was only in for a quick glass and more investigation (and, no, the lift near the toilets on the 1st or 2nd floor does not take you to the trainside at platform level).