Enough of the regal, it is time for seeing an edgier side to London.
There is no better place than to feel the energy and all the bohemian vibes that London offers than in Camden Town. With music thumping, markets bustling and street food sizzling, it draws people from all walks of life; Goths, punks and tourists alike with its eccentric charms and lively atmosphere. Camden Town makes for a less conventional day out with its distinct attractions – London’s famous hill, renowned music venues and celebrity loved traditional pubs. With larger than life décor that fills the main drags’ sky, you know life is less than ordinary in London’s north-west.
Time to check out these hot spots when in Camden.
Hawley Arms
Feel like a Camden rockstar by visiting one of Camden’s best British pubs./You will feel like a Camden rock star visiting one of its best of traditional British pub life. Located moments away from Camden Lock, The Hawley Arms has been a hit with beer punters, pie lovers and board gamers alike over the last decade. The Hawley Arms is also most famously known as the late singer Amy Winehouse’s favourite pub, being a frequent visitor and having performed at the pub numerous times.
With its two bars, a lovely rooftop terrace, jukebox, patio and a celebrated wall of visiting (and merry) celebrities, this pub allows you to revel in the best of Camden’s pub life.
Hawley Arms, 2 Castlehaven Rd, London NW1 8QU
KERB Camden Market
KERB Camden Market brings all the glitz and glamour to the street food scene with its quirky themed street food vendor options. Treat your tongue to a trip around the world trying all sorts of innovative creations from a beef bourguignon cheeseburger (Nourriture pour l’âme!), halloumi fries to fresh pasta served from a wheel of cheese. With most street eats under a tenner, this is gourmet eating without needing to spend extravagantly. Bonus? A fun and bustling street food market vibe that you could not put a price on.
Kerb Camden Market, Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF
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Primrose Hill
It’s time to experience London life at a slower pace, away from the whirlwind effect of Camden. Primrose Hill is London’s most famous hill and is only moments away from all the hustle and bustle. Primrose Hill is where locals come to relax and soak up the spectacular views of London with a picnic in tow. Better yet, if you are upping your tourist game, it is closely located to Regent’s Park and ZSL London Zoo.
Primrose Hill Road, Primrose Hill, London NW3 3NA
Camden Market
Explore the colourful labyrinth that is Camden Market. Prepared to get lost amongst its 1000+ quirky stores, stalls, cafes and bars that may have to leave your wallet feeling that tad bit lighter in a few hours time. Buzzing since its inception as an arts and crafts market in 1972, it is housed at a former warehouse and stables site right by the tranquil Regent’s Canal.
This market is a place where you can literally find anything and everything – from kooky threads to unusual art pieces, vintage finds to pop culture souvenirs – just make sure you find your way out!
Camden Markets, Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF
Roundhouse
Labelled as one of the best live music venues in London, the Roundhouse building itself dates back to 1847. It was initially established as maintenance and storing goods centre for London’s rail until it met its fate. Fast forward to the 1960s; it was revamped as a cultural haven supporting the arts and providing a stage for live music with the back then little-known band Pink Floyd as one of its first musical acts to perform. Since then, it has become one of London’s most iconic music venues and mixed arts space.
If you are a diehard live music fan, a gig here is not to be missed!
Round House, Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8EH