Looking for a cracking night out near Kentish Town West Station? You’re in for a treat! This buzzing area boasts a variety of bars and pubs, each with its own unique charm. Whether you fancy a cosy corner to sip on craft ales or a lively spot with live music, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy. So, grab your mates and explore the best watering holes Kentish Town has to offer. Cheers!
The Parakeet
Address: 256 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2AA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Parakeet is situated on Kentish Town Road in London, occupying a historic Victorian building previously known as The Oxford Tavern. It’s a short stroll from Kentish Town Station, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike.
- What’s the Vibe? The Parakeet exudes a blend of traditional pub charm and modern culinary sophistication. The interior features original stained glass windows, antique furnishings, and ample natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The pub’s ambiance is relaxed yet lively, appealing to both casual drinkers and serious food enthusiasts.
What’s On Offer
- Modern European Cuisine: The Parakeet’s menu is led by ex-BRAT chef Ben Allen and sous-chef Ed Jennings, focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include wood-roasted rabbit, trout with sea herbs and butter sauce, and braised leeks with pecorino and smoked mushrooms. The culinary approach heavily features fire-cooked methods, delivering rich and flavourful dishes.
- Curated Wine List: Complementing its innovative food menu, The Parakeet offers a carefully curated wine list featuring biodynamic and low-intervention wines. Selections include producers like Seasmoke and J. Rochioli, ensuring a delightful pairing with the menu’s offerings.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Parakeet is open from Monday to Saturday, 12 PM to 12 AM, and on Sunday from 12 PM to 10:30 PM.
The Lion & Unicorn
Address: 42-44 Gaisford St, London, NW5 2ED
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Lion & Unicorn is located on Gaisford Street in Kentish Town, North London. It’s conveniently close to Kentish Town High Road, providing easy access yet retaining a cosy, local feel.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub exudes a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. With its cosy interiors, charming gardens, and a relaxed yet vibrant ambiance, it’s a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.
What’s On Offer
- Gastro Pub Delights: The pub offers a seasonally changing menu that showcases the best of local produce. Head Chef Aiden is known for his creative dishes, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to try. From classic British fare to innovative specials, there’s something for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian options.
- Entertainment: The Lion & Unicorn is not just about great food and drinks. It also hosts a variety of events, from live sports screenings, including major tournaments, to regular theatre performances in its on-site fringe theatre. This makes it a cultural hub as well as a culinary delight.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Lion & Unicorn is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, ensuring ample opportunity to enjoy all it has to offer. Note that on Sundays, the closing time is slightly earlier at 10:30 PM.
The Abbey Tavern
Address: 124 Kentish Town Road, London, NW1 9QB
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Abbey Tavern is located on Kentish Town Road, nestled in the vibrant and bustling area of Camden, London. It’s conveniently situated near the O2 Forum Kentish Town, making it an ideal spot for pre- or post-gig drinks and meals.
- What’s the Vibe? The Abbey Tavern offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere with a cosy pub setting. It boasts a spacious beer garden and a heated roof terrace, making it a perfect hangout spot year-round. The ambiance varies from a relaxed, laid-back vibe on weekdays to a buzzing, energetic scene on weekends, particularly when DJs are spinning tracks.
What’s On Offer
- Delicious Caribbean-Inspired Menu: The kitchen at The Abbey Tavern is run by The Jerk Valley of London, serving a delectable menu featuring Caribbean-inspired dishes. Highlights include their famous jerk chicken, as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Live Music: The Abbey Tavern hosts live music on Sundays and Tuesdays, providing a great backdrop for a night out. Additionally, the venue is known for its DJ nights on weekends, adding to the lively and dynamic atmosphere.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 4pm – 12am (Kitchen until 10pm)
- Thursday: 3pm – 12am (Kitchen until 10pm)
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm – 1am (Kitchen until 10pm)
- Sunday: 12pm – 11pm (Kitchen until 9pm)
This venue provides a fantastic blend of good food, great drinks, and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Tapping The Admiral
Address: 77 Castle Rd, London, NW1 8SU
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Located in the vibrant borough of Camden, Tapping The Admiral is nestled in a charming area known for its eclectic mix of shops, markets, and historic sites.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a traditional English pub feel. It’s known for its friendly staff and a cosy environment perfect for both casual meetups and special occasions.
What’s On Offer:
- Award-Winning Ales: The pub is renowned for its excellent selection of cask, bottle, can, and keg products sourced from across the UK. It has been voted North London Pub of the Year multiple times, highlighting the quality of its offerings.
- Events & Activities: Regular events such as the Wednesday night pub quiz at 8.30pm and traditional folk jam sessions on Thursdays with Whiskey Mick provide entertainment and a lively atmosphere. They also host tap takeovers and special one-off events.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit?
- Sunday to Tuesday: 12pm – 11pm
- Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm – 12am
This pub offers a fantastic combination of great drinks, enjoyable events, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit in Camden.
The Grafton
Address: 20 Prince of Wales Road, Kentish Town, NW5 3LG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Grafton is located in Kentish Town, a vibrant and bustling part of London, conveniently close to Kentish Town’s rail and underground stations.
- What’s the Vibe? The Grafton exudes a charming blend of traditional Victorian pub aesthetics with modern touches. The downstairs area features beautifully restored Victorian decor, while the upstairs includes a contemporary bar with full-length windows and a sunlit roof terrace. The atmosphere is welcoming, cosy, and lively, appealing to a diverse crowd from families to groups of friends.
What’s On Offer
- Diverse Beverage Selection: The Grafton boasts an impressive selection of drinks, including award-winning ales, local craft beers, and a curated wine list. Their cocktail menu and range of non-alcoholic options ensure there’s something for everyone.
- All-Weather Roof Terrace: The pub’s standout feature is its all-weather roof terrace, complete with retractable awnings and heat lamps, making it a perfect spot for gatherings regardless of the weather. This space can also be hired for private events, offering a unique venue for parties or meetings.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Grafton is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, it operates from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
Ready to Visit?
Kentish Town West Station is surrounded by a vibrant selection of bars and pubs, each offering a unique experience. Whether you’re in the mood for craft ales, live music, or a cosy atmosphere, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind. The Parakeet, located on Kentish Town Road, combines traditional pub charm with modern culinary sophistication, featuring a menu led by ex-BRAT chef Ben Allen. Another great spot is The Lion & Unicorn on Gaisford Street, known for its friendly atmosphere, seasonal gastro pub delights, and regular theatre performances.
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