The Lighthouse Building, London

Just across the square from Kings Cross St Pancras Station, a lighthouse sits on top of a building between Pentonville Road and Gray’s Inn Road.

The Lighthouse building, as it is now known, dates back to 1875. Nobody seems quite sure what its purpose was, but the most popular belief is that it was displayed to advertise Netten’s Oyster Bar on the building’s ground floor. Some say the lighthouse was lit when fresh oysters arrived!

The building was restored in 2013 after being on Historic England’s Buildings at Risk Register. By this time, the interior had mainly become derelict.

The lighthouse tower was completely renovated and clad with pre-weathered zinc and capped in lead, and the original weather vane was reconstructed.

Nearby King’s Cross Station is known for its iconic architecture and the nearby Platform 9¾, a popular tourist attraction for Harry Potter fans. St Pancras International is the terminus for the Eurostar, connecting London with cities in Europe.

Check out the London Lighthouse Trail for more lighthouse features in London.