Best watering holes in Camden

Camden Town, with its subversive past and burgeoning future, we’ve put together a list of the best places to unwind from the week or get you ready for the weekend (the same thing really isn’t it?).

Whether you want to find the best bar-come-dining restaurant in the Market, try out an ‘instagrammable’ gastropub or experience a classic beer before the gig of a lifetime happens, these are our personal favourites.

INSIDE CAMDEN MARKET WALLS

After dark, the fun keeps going in Camden Market with our various bars and late night dining spots. Cafe Chula, a Mexican cantina serves authentic tacos and keeps the tequila flowing till late. Above this West Yard hideaway is Lockside: a summer hangout with a long stretching balcony. A grill and bar continuing long into the night, with regular DJ nights and parties over the week.

Another Latin American bar-come-restaurant, Gabeto. Situated in the heart of the Stables Market, this place promises to bring the Cuban spirit. Lastly, Shaka Zulu, recognisable by its tall statue of a beautiful African man. Step into this other world through their descending escalator. Once you head back into Camden Lock Place, you will be forever changed.

PUB CLASSICS

The Hawley Arms is an institution, a Camden Town mainstay. History charting back to the punk and rock & roll history with fans like Amy Winehouse and…. Head here for some classic pub fun and stay for their chips (the perfect blend of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside).

Firstly, Edgar Wright’s film ‘The World’s End’ is not named after the infamous The World’s End pub. Known to locals as various alias’, it has been haven for decades. A little south of Camden Town station, head in here for a perfect excuse to stand in the same spot as some of the music’s greatest artists.

The Engineer is a quaint pub with a small beer garden. It’ll will make you feel miles away from the bustling cobbles of Camden, instead only feeling the sleepy North London vibes.

PRE-GIG VENUES

British punk had a stronghold at Dingwalls. The links of Blondie, The Strangers and many more infamous bands performed here and continue to do so. Catch up-and-coming punks banks of today (An American band of actual brothers, Radkey recently performed).

FEST Camden, previously known as PROUD, underwent a makeover over last summer. Regularly hosting comedy nights, karaoke, film screenings and now moving into drag shows. If you’re in the mood for an crazy yet memorable show, FEST is the place.

Camden Assembly AKA The Barfly once housed indie artists and performers. One of the success stories, The 1975 came back for an intimate gig but today you’ll find grime and R&B nights occurring constantly. Feeling a little low on energy before you head into the crowd? You’ll find a Burger and Beyond restaurant tucked away inside, for any burger cravings without forgetting the beer.

Want to know more about our bars and restaurants within Camden Market, check out our food & drink category. Or seeking some themed alcoholic beverages, keep an eye out for any drink specials for St. Patrick’s Day, head back to our events page for more details coming soon.