Just a short stroll from Chalk Farm Tube, Chalk Farm Road and Camden Market are buzzing with cool pubs and laid‑back bars. You’ve got live‑music legend The Lock Tavern and Camden indie favourite The Hawley Arms (yes, Amy Winehouse’s old haunt). Swing by the Sir Richard Steele for craft‑beer vibes, then hit The Enterprise under the railway arches for weekend DJs. Whether you fancy a pint in a heritage boozer or cocktails with cosy industrial charm, this patch of North London delivers a perfect blend of atmosphere and alternative spirit.
The Lock Tavern
Address: 35 Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8AJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated on Chalk Farm Road, directly opposite Camden Market and midway between Camden Town and Chalk Farm tube stations (Northern line), it’s a lively corner spot in one of North London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
- What’s the Vibe? Combining historic charm with contemporary flair, The Lock Tavern has an eclectic, punk‑soul energy. Inside feels cosy and elegant with wood‑panelled bars, while outside you’ll find a heated beer garden with fire pit and a sun‑trap rooftop terrace. Regular live music, DJs, pub quizzes and alternative crowd give it a friendly yet buzzing character.
What’s On Offer
- Heated Beer Garden & Rooftop Terrace: Enjoy the secret garden complete with fire pit, blankets and all‑weather rooftop seating – perfect for drinks throughout the year.
- Music & Events Programme: Weekly live music, DJ sets, comedy performances and the popular Tuesday pub quiz feature prominently in their events calendar.
- British Pub-Grub & Sunday Roasts: Classics like burgers, wings, loaded fries and hearty Sunday roasts are available lunchtimes and evenings; meals are served until around 20:00 daily.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Mon–Wed: 12:00–23:00
- Thurs: 12:00–00:00
- Fri–Sat: 12:00–01:00
- Sun: 12:00–22:30
- Kitchen hours: Daily 12:00–20:00
Coyote Ugly
Address: The Stables Market, Camden Market, NW1 8AH
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled within Camden’s iconic Stables Market next to the Regent’s Canal, it’s a short walk from Chalk Farm Underground Station. A perfect spot amid bustling market stalls and live-music venues.
- What’s the Vibe? An energetic, theatrical bar with a US Wild‑West meets rock‑’n’roll aesthetic. Expect a buzzing crowd, loud music, and bar staff who dance on the counter – bringing the Hollywood film to life.
What’s On Offer
- Bottomless Brunch Experience: Join the Nashville Hoedown bottomless brunch: 90 minutes of unlimited bubbles or pints plus a main, along with dance lessons from the Coyotes. Tickets start from £40–£45 midweek and weekends.
- Bar‑stage Performances & Party Nights: Coyotes regularly take over the bar with dance routines set to rock, pop‑punk and emo hits. There are themed nights (Emo/Rock Wednesdays) and table packages ideal for hen parties or birthdays.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Thursday: 12:00–01:00
- Friday–Saturday: 11:00–02:00
- Sunday: 11:00–01:00
The Pembroke Castle
Address: 150 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, NW1 8JA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Gloucester Avenue in the heart of Primrose Hill, this Victorian-era pub stands just a few minutes’ walk from Chalk Farm Tube. It’s one of the famed “Camden Castles,” once named to distinguish rival railway workers.
- What’s the Vibe? Inside, you’ll find a bright, airy space with high ceilings, wooden tables and a relaxed, family-friendly feel. A spacious beer garden with heaters adds to the charm, especially for summer evenings.
What’s On Offer
- Gastro-Pub Menu: Expect hearty British classics: Gloucester Old Spot sausages and mash, steak & ale pie, fish & chips, plus creative sharers like buffalo mayo chicken wings, truffle burrata and mac ’n’ cheese croquettes.
- Craft Ales, Spirits & Cocktails: A well-stocked bar featuring a wide range of cask ales, craft beers, premium lagers, artisan cocktails and a “spirit emporium” boasting gin, rum and tequila.
- Events: Quiz nights and live Premier League screenings keep things lively.
- Private Hire: The upstairs function room, “La Saletta,” accommodates up to 70 standing or 35 seated, with private bar and AV facilities for events and parties (from ~£300 minimum spend).
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Wednesday: 12:00–23:00
- Thursday: 12:00–23:30
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00–00:00
- Sunday: 12:00–22:00
- Food service typically runs 12:00–21:00 (Sun until 20:30)
Imperial Palace of Big Red
Address: 40–42 Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, N17 8ER
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Chalk Farm Road, just a few steps from Chalk Farm station on the Northern Line, it sits on the border of Camden Town – perfect for post-market pints or a night out in one of London’s liveliest districts.
- What’s the Vibe? A cavernous, former car‑showroom turned indie pub‑venue. It’s spacious, with a heated beer garden at the back, pool and table‑football, lively music most evenings and club nights at weekends.
What’s On Offer
- Keg Beer Selection: Offers an eclectic mix of keg beers from local craft brewers like 3 Locks and Werewolf, alongside German classics such as Bitburger and Benediktiner Weissbier. Recent taps have included Kona Big Wave Golden Ale and Verdant Lightbulb.
- Live Music & Club Nights: Most evenings feature live music, from acoustic sessions to band gigs, while weekends often host well‑known legendary club nights.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Thursday & Sunday: 3 pm–midnight
- Friday & Saturday: 3 pm–2 am
The Camden Assembly
Address: 49 Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8AN
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled just off Chalk Farm Road between Camden Town and Chalk Farm stations (roughly a 5‑minute walk from Chalk Farm tube), this venue sits at the cultural heart of the NW1 scene, amid market stalls, bars and live music institutions.
- What’s the Vibe? A blend of Shoreditch‑chic and Camden grit: exposed brick walls, moody lighting, glazed-tile bar area and eclectic décor (anatomical prints and mannequin heads). Downstairs booth seating feels intimate, while upstairs is a throbbing live music den.
What’s On Offer
- Food by Lucky Chip: The in‑house kitchen serves cult-status burgers and wings (including weekly movie-themed specials), plus Oreo ice‑cream sandwiches. Be sure to order before a gig starts.
- Live Music & Club Nights: With a capacity around 400 (split between ground bar and first-floor ‘Playroom’), it hosts emerging bands, tribute acts and club nights. Notables like Ed Sheeran, The Strokes and Muse have played here.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Tuesday–Thursday: from 5pm (closing around 11pm–midnight)
- Friday: 5pm–3am
- Saturday: from 2pm/3pm until 3am
- Sunday: 3pm–10pm
Ready to Visit?
If you’re heading up to Chalk Farm, you’re in prime position to explore some of Camden’s most characterful pubs and buzzing late-night haunts. From the punk‑spirited charm of The Lock Tavern to the rollicking theatrics of Coyote Ugly, there’s a bar for every mood. Try a gastro-pub dinner at The Pembroke Castle or catch a live gig at Camden Assembly – this stretch of NW1 is packed with history, music, craft beer and rooftop terraces, all within a short stroll of the Northern line.
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