Famous for
its breathtaking architecture and its lengthy Champagne bar, St. Pancras is one
of the world's great stations. Built by the architect Gilbert Scott in 1865,
the facade is a London landmark and the train shed behind it, designed by
William barlow, was started soon afterwards. When opened it was the world's
largest enclosed space.
After many years of relative decline and the threat of closure, the station has been transformed and enlarged as the terminus of britain's first high speed new route, that carries Eurostar trains to and from Paris and Bruxelles. In 2007 the station was re-opened, and Eurostar international train services started leaving from St. Pancras. It is also London's gateway to the East Midlands and Sheffield, and two underground platforms serve the cross-London Thameslink route from Bedford to Brighton.
There are numerous shops and a range of food outlets. This is not a place to shop for bargains but a visit offers a combination of shopping and the chance to enjoy refreshments in spectacular surroundings.