The Best Bars and Pubs In Camden

The Spread Eagle

Address: 141 Albert St, London NW1 7NB

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

• Where Is It? The Spread Eagle is a Grade II listed pub and a local favorite, offering a blend of classic architecture with contemporary style. Set slightly away from the bustling Camden High Street, it provides a more peaceful setting while still being close to the action.
• What’s the Vibe? The Spread Eagle has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, combining the charm of a traditional pub with modern touches. The interior is lit with floor-to-ceiling windows and features neon signs and quirky antique clocks, creating a fun and inviting environment. There’s also alfresco seating available, allowing patrons to enjoy the vibrant street scene of Camden.

What’s On Offer:

• Food and Drink: The Spread Eagle boasts a menu of gastropub favorites, with options for both large and small appetites, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Notable dishes include the butternut squash soup, crab doughnuts, arancini, and various burgers. For drinks, there’s a wide selection of draft beers and a carefully curated list of global wines.
• Events: This pub is known for hosting various events such as live sports screenings, including the Six Nations rugby matches, and festive celebrations like Christmas gatherings.
• Cocktails: They offer a range of cocktails made by skilled mixologists.
• Private function room: Suitable for social and business events.

Practical Info:

• When Can You Visit?
  • Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Food service is available throughout the day, starting with brunch options and extending into dinner service.

Summary

The Spread Eagle in Camden offers a unique mix of traditional charm and modern flair, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Its varied menu, selection of drinks, and the ability to host different events make it a versatile venue. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal, a place to catch up with friends, or to celebrate a special occasion, The Spread Eagle caters to a wide range of needs with its welcoming and laid-back atmosphere.

The Spread Eagle

The Oxford Arms

Address: 265 Camden High St, London NW1 7BU

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

• Where Is It? The Oxford Arms is situated in the vibrant heart of Camden Town. Its location is just a short 30-second walk from Camden Town tube station and the famous Camden Market, making it a convenient spot for both locals and visitors.
• What’s the Vibe? This pub, dating back to early Victorian times, maintains its traditional charm with high ceilings and original sash windows. Despite its historical roots, The Oxford Arms offers a modern twist to the classic pub experience. It’s known for its relaxing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal and a drink amidst the bustling Camden Town.

What’s On Offer

• Wide Range of Ales and Ciders: One of the key attractions of The Oxford Arms is its extensive selection of ales and ciders. This feature appeals to beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, offering a taste of classic British pub culture.
• Home-made Food: The pub serves a variety of homemade food, including vegetarian-friendly options.
• Entertainment: It’s also a hub for entertainment, with live sports fixtures regularly screened. The pub is equipped with multiple screens, making it an ideal location for watching sports in a group setting.

Practical Info

• When Can You Visit? The Oxford Arms is open Sunday to Thursday from 12 PM to 1 AM, and on Friday and Saturday, it extends its hours from 12 PM to 2 AM.
• Additional Features: The pub is wheelchair accessible and offers outdoor seating.

In summary, The Oxford Arms is a traditional yet modern pub in Camden, London, offering a wide range of ales and ciders, homemade food, and a lively atmosphere for watching sports. Its convenient location and inclusive amenities make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

The Oxford Arms

The Elephants Head

Address: 224 Camden High St, London NW1 8QR

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

• Where Is It? Situated in the vibrant heart of Camden, this pub is steeped in history and has been a part of the community for over a century.
• What’s the Vibe? The Elephants Head is celebrated for its traditional Victorian-style interior, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. It’s a hub for Camden’s legendary music scene and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, known for its friendly atmosphere.

What’s On Offer:

• Victorian-style Decor: The Victorian-style decor adds to the charm, making it a unique setting in Camden.
• Special Drinks Menu: The pub is famous for its selection of real ales, showcasing a variety of exciting beer, cider, and ale brands. It also offers a range of wines, seasonal cocktails, and low or no alcohol options.
• Regular Events: Live music events are a regular feature at The Elephants Head, contributing to its vibrant and lively ambiance.
• Culinary Delights: The menu offers a mix of traditional British pub food and contemporary dishes, catering to a variety of tastes.

Practical Info:

• Opening hours: 10:30-02:00 every day.

Additional Information:

• Historical Significance: The Elephants Head has a rich history, with records of its existence dating back to the 19th century. This adds an element of historical charm to the venue.
• Facilities and Services: The pub offers various facilities like wheelchair accessibility and free Wi-Fi.

In summary, The Elephants Head in Camden is not just a pub but a slice of London’s history, offering a unique blend of Victorian aesthetics, a diverse drinks menu, live music, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience traditional British pub culture in a historic setting.

The Elephants Head

The World’s End

Address: 174 Camden High St, London NW1 0NS

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

• Where Is It? The World’s End is a prominent and long-standing venue near Camden Town Tube station.
• What’s the Vibe? The World’s End is known for its unique and eclectic vibe that mirrors the diverse nature of Camden itself. The venue has a rich history and is a hub for rock music enthusiasts. It’s been recently refurbished, offering a vibrant atmosphere with two bars and a mezzanine balcony seating area. The interior design suggests a Victorian train station with elements like fake shops, adding to its quirky ambiance. The venue is frequented by a variety of people, including ghostly Goths and EMO kids, especially during its live music events​​​​​​.

What’s On Offer:

• Staropramen Lager Experience: One of the key features of The World’s End is its exclusive Staropramen Lager, delivered directly from the Czech Republic. This unpasteurised, brewery-fresh tank beer is served from a specialist tank, offering a taste experience akin to the bars in Prague. This unique offering is a standout aspect of the pub, attracting beer enthusiasts.
• Live Music and The Underworld: The World’s End is not just a pub; it’s also a celebrated venue for live music, particularly rock. It’s known for hosting a variety of events including club nights and performances by both well-known and emerging bands. The Underworld, a famous live music venue, is located directly below The World’s End, adding to the venue’s appeal for music lovers.

Practical Info:

• When Can You Visit?
  • Monday to Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Additional Highlights:

• The World’s End also offers a variety of snacks and pizza, making it a good spot for casual dining.
• The venue is also known for its spaciousness, making it suitable for groups and social gatherings.
• The pub has a history of famous patrons, including Charles Dickens, and features décor that reflects its rich past.
• It’s a good spot for socialising, with a friendly atmosphere and a selection of drinks that cater to various preferences​​​​.

The World’s End, with its combination of historical charm, unique offerings, and vibrant atmosphere, stands as a significant part of Camden’s cultural landscape, attracting a diverse crowd looking for a memorable London pub experience.

The World’s End

The Hawley Arms

Address: 2 Castlehaven Rd, London NW1 8QU

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

• Where Is It? The Hawley Arms is located at 2 Castlehaven Rd, Camden, London, NW1 8QU.
• What’s the Vibe? It is a pub known for its rich musical heritage and cosy atmosphere. It combines traditional charm with contemporary style, making it a favourite spot for musicians and artists. The pub features a rooftop terrace, offering a serene escape in the heart of the city.

What’s On Offer:

• Musical Heritage and Live Events: The Hawley Arms is celebrated for its musical heritage. It’s a place where musicians often gather, and it hosts live music events.
• Food and Drink: The pub offers a diverse selection of ales and spirits, along with classic British pub fare.

Practical Info:

• The Hawley Arms is open from 12 PM to Midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and from 12 PM to 1 AM on Friday and Saturday​​.

This venue is a blend of historical charm and modern comforts, offering a unique experience in Camden.

The Hawley Arms

The Camden Eye

Address: 2 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 9NX

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

• Where Is It? The Camden Eye is situated right in the heart of Camden, a well-known and lively area of North London, famous for its quirky and energetic vibe.
• What’s the Vibe? The Camden Eye brings a unique touch to the traditional pub experience, blending a contemporary feel with classic values. It prides itself on offering great beer, music, and homemade food. The atmosphere is generally lively and welcoming, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. The venue is known for its vibrant events and music scene, contributing to the overall energetic and friendly ambiance.

What’s On Offer:

• Craft Beers and Home-Made Food: One of the key offerings of The Camden Eye is its extensive selection of craft beers, sourced from the Laine Brewery located on the East Sussex Coast of Brighton. The pub also offers a variety of homemade food options, including street food, vegan specials, and classic pub dishes, served daily from 12pm.
• Entertainment and Events: The Camden Eye is known for its entertainment lineup, including comedy nights and DJ sets. The venue regularly hosts stand-up comedy events, such as “Comedy in Your Eye,” and DJ nights on Fridays and Saturdays, featuring a mix of alternative indie, hip hop, R&B, and more.

Practical Info:

• When Can You Visit?
  • Monday to Wednesday: 11 AM – 12 AM
  • Thursday: 11 AM – 1 AM
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 AM – 3 AM
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM

Additional Features:

• Private Hire: The Camden Eye offers a private hire option with the Eye Lounge, a function room equipped with its own bar and sound system, ideal for parties and events. This space can accommodate up to 70 people standing or 50 seated.
• Accessibility and Facilities: The venue is accessible, includes a patio, and offers wheelchair access. There is no door charge, and it has a dance floor for those late-night parties.

In summary, The Camden Eye stands out as a multifaceted venue in Camden, offering a mix of traditional pub elements and modern entertainment options. Its location, atmosphere, and array of offerings make it a notable spot for a range of activities, from casual dining to lively nightlife experiences​​​​.

The Camden Eye

Camden Head

Address: 100 Camden High St, London NW1 0LU

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

Where Is It? Camden Head is nestled in the vibrant area of Camden, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of street markets and lively cultural scenes. The pub is easily accessible from the Camden Town tube station.

What’s the Vibe? The pub boasts a cosy and inviting atmosphere, blending historical charm with modern vibrancy. Known for its friendly environment, it’s a place where both locals and tourists can unwind. The interior features traditional decor that reflects its long history, dating back to 1787.

What’s On Offer

• Comedy Nights and Live Music: Camden Head is renowned for its eclectic mix of entertainment, especially its comedy nights. The Camden Comedy Club, located upstairs, offers comedy shows seven nights a week, featuring a variety of acts. Additionally, the venue hosts live music events, adding to its lively ambiance.
• Camden Head Lates: On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the pub transforms into Camden Head Lates, a club night with resident DJs playing a diverse range of music from classic to contemporary hits.
• Smoke ‘n’ Buns: The kitchen offers a unique dining experience with its Smoke ‘n’ Buns concept, serving hand-made, smoked burgers presented under a glass dome.

Practical Info

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Wednesday: 12pm – 1am (Kitchen 12pm – 10pm)
• Thursday: 12pm – 2am (Kitchen 12pm – 10pm)
• Friday and Saturday: 12pm – 3am (Kitchen 12pm – 10pm)
• Sunday: 12pm – 1am (Kitchen 12pm – 10pm)

Camden Head stands out as a pub rich in history and bustling with contemporary entertainment. From comedy nights to club events, and from traditional ales to unique dining experiences, it offers a well-rounded experience for anyone looking to enjoy the essence of Camden’s vibrant culture.

Camden Head

Lockside

Address: 75-89 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

• Where Is It? Lockside Camden sits atop Camden’s famous food market, overlooking the picturesque Regent’s Canal​​​​.
• What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at Lockside Camden is a blend of shabby chic and New York dive bar, creating a warm yet electric ambiance. Its outdoor terrace can seat up to 100 people and offers a fantastic view of the West Yard Market and Regent’s Canal, making it an ideal spot for people watching. During the day, the focus is on food and drinks, but as the night progresses, the venue transforms into a lively bar with a dance floor, attracting a vibrant crowd​​​​.

What’s On Offer:

• Creative Cocktails and Craft Beers: Lockside Camden is renowned for its full cocktail menu and a selection of craft beers, both bottled and on-tap. The venue’s mixologists create unique and delicious cocktails, making it a favorite destination for cocktail enthusiasts​​.
• Food: Lockside Camden offers a range of cuisines including American, Mexican, Brunch, Burgers and Grill, and has options for vegetarians and vegans. The venue is also known for hosting various celebrations and private events, catering to diverse needs and occasions​​.
• Diverse Music and Entertainment: Music is a key feature at Lockside Camden, with an eclectic mix of genres from House, Garage, Disco, Rock, 80s and 90s classics, to Latin Beats, Hip Hop, RnB, Funk, and Soul. The venue hosts various events, including karaoke nights and DJ sets, ensuring a lively and entertaining experience​​​​.

Practical Info:

• When Can You Visit?
  • Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM (next day)
  • Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM (next day)
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM​​​​.

Lockside Camden encapsulates the eclectic and vibrant spirit of Camden, making it a must-visit for those looking to enjoy good food, creative drinks, and lively entertainment in a unique setting.

Lockside

The Black Heart

Address: 3 Greenland Pl, London NW1 0AP

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

• Where Is It? The Black Heart is a vibrant pub and bar known for its craft beer selection and metal vibe. Its location adds to its charm, being a hidden gem in an area famous for its alternative culture.
• What’s the Vibe? The Black Heart boasts a heavy music focus, creating an atmosphere that’s both electrifying and intimate. It’s decorated with religious icons, fairy lights, and posters, contributing to a dark, moody ambiance. This venue is popular for its live music performances, attracting a mix of locals and tourists, especially those interested in rock, punk, and indie music.

What’s On Offer:

• Craft Beer Selection and Vegan Food: The venue prides itself on a fantastic tap selection and an impressive range of bottled beers, making it a haven for beer enthusiasts. Additionally, it offers outstanding vegan food options, with the vegan ribs menu being particularly praised.
• Live Music and Events: Known for hosting electrifying live music performances, The Black Heart offers a unique experience for music lovers. Bands usually finish their performances around 10:40 PM, making for an energetic evening.

Practical Info:

• The Black Heart operates 7 days a week with varying hours. It’s open from 3 PM to midnight from Monday to Wednesday, till 1 AM on Thursdays, till 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and again till midnight on Sundays.

Additional Information:

• Age Limit: It’s a strictly 18+ venue.
• Code of Conduct: The Black Heart has a strong focus on creating a respectful and inclusive environment. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is not tolerated.
• Accessibility: The staff are known for being accommodating, especially towards individuals with mobility issues.
• LGBTQ+ Friendly: The Black Heart is recognized as a safe space for transgender individuals and is LGBTQ+ welcoming.
• Booking Advice: Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially for events and the vegan Sunday roast.

The Black Heart offers a unique blend of heavy music, a welcoming atmosphere, and a diverse range of beers and vegan food options, making it a must-visit spot in Camden, London​​​​​​.

The Black Heart

The Good Mixer

Address: 30 Inverness St, London NW1 7HJ

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

• Where Is It? The Good Mixer is situated in the heart of Camden Town, an area renowned for its vibrant music scene and bustling street markets. Its location adds to its charm and appeal as a hub for music enthusiasts and pub-goers alike.
• What’s the Vibe? This iconic pub offers a laid-back atmosphere that harks back to its Britpop roots. It’s a place where you can enjoy live music and a game of pool in a relaxed setting. The interior reflects a typical pub ambiance, with a rich blue exterior that catches the eye.

What’s On Offer

• Live Music and Events: The Good Mixer is not just a pub, but a venue for grassroots live music and events, offering free entry all week. The pub regularly hosts live bands, providing a platform for up-and-coming musicians.
• Food and Drinks: Patrons can expect a fair selection of ales and craft beers, notably from Camden Town Brewery, along with wines, spirits, and mixers. The pub also offers Pieminister pies and mash, including vegan options, to satisfy the appetites of its diverse clientele.

Practical Info

• The Good Mixer welcomes visitors throughout the week with varied timings. From Monday to Thursday, it’s open from 12 PM to 1 AM. On Fridays and Saturdays, the hours extend from 12 PM to 2 AM, and on Sundays, it operates from 12 PM to 12:30 AM.

This pub, with its historical significance and modern appeal, offers a unique experience that blends the past and present of London’s music scene. Whether you’re there for the live music, a casual game of pool, or just to soak in the atmosphere of a ‘proper London boozer’, The Good Mixer is a venue that encapsulates the essence of Camden’s cultural and musical heritage.

The Good Mixer