Outdoor seating area of a restaurant with tables and umbrellas along a brick building, separated by planters with trees and greenery. People are seated and enjoying a sunny day.

About Us

Located in the heart of King’s Cross with a stunning all day Grand Café, restaurant, two bars and an outdoor terrace.

A spacious, airy café with high arched ceilings, large windows, and a mezzanine level. There are people at tables, a central tree with sunflowers, warm lighting, and modern decor inside a renovated historic building.

About German Gymnaisum

Home of the first London Olympic games gymnasium, our breathtaking King’s Cross home is now a temple to German cuisine with the buzzing atmosphere of a traditional Grand Café.

Our all day menu includes London’s finest schnitzels, sausages, seasonal delicacies and tortes. German Pilsner and wines are available on our alfresco terraces; all accompanied by outstanding hospitality.

Part of the Evolv Collection.

Book a Table Book a Table

The Evolv Collection The Evolv Collection

A Landmark in King’s Cross

German Gymnasium was designed by Edward Gruning and was England’s first purpose-built gymnasium, funded entirely by London’s German community. Built in 1865 for the German Gymnastics Society, it hosted London’s first indoor Olympic Games the following year.

The main exercise hall was a grand and elegant space, with a 57-foot floor-to-ceiling height. Sports including Indian club swinging and broadsword practice once took place here.

After the building ceased operating as a gymnasium, it was used as offices, storage and an arts and exhibition space. Evolv Collection took over the site in January 2014 and, working with Conran and Partners, transformed it into the restaurant and bar that opened in November 2015.

Discover German Gymnasium

Book a Table Book a Table

Upmarket restaurant interior with elegant table settings, a large floral centrepiece, curved black banquettes, pink chairs, and shelves lined with colourful bottles, viewed from above. Warm lighting adds a cosy atmosphere.

The Grand Café

At the heart of German Gymnasium, the Grand Café offers all-day Mittel-European dining beneath the building’s striking vaulted ceiling. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks in a lively, historic setting.

A stylish, modern bar with velvet chairs, round tables, a long sofa, and a well-lit bar area. High ceilings, large windows, and hanging lights create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Meister Bar

Overlooking the Grand Café, Meister Bar is a sophisticated space for cocktails, German beers and wines. An ideal spot for drinks before dinner, an evening at the bar or a relaxed gathering in King’s Cross.

People sit at outdoor café tables under white umbrellas, surrounded by pink flowers and green vines, enjoying food and conversation on a sunny day. A busy street and brick buildings are visible in the background.

The Terrace

Enjoy alfresco dining and drinks on our terraces in the heart of King’s Cross. From summer lunches to after-work drinks, it’s a relaxed setting for seasonal menus, German Pilsner and wines.

The Grand Café

Meister Bar

The Terrace

Enjoy alfresco dining and drinks on our terraces in the heart of King’s Cross. From summer lunches to after-work drinks, it’s a relaxed setting for seasonal menus, German Pilsner and wines.