
London nightlife: Camden
There’s nowhere quite like Camden, with its heady mix of punks, alternative-minded teens, would-be musos and curious tourists. Everyone from Madness to Amy Winehouse has gigged here (or hung out in its boozers) and, while the old haunts are thriving, there are plenty of new arrivals to discover, too. We’ve lined up five spots for a night out on the tiles.
The best bars and clubs in Camden
The Hawley Arms
2 Castlehaven Road, NW1Start your night with a cheeky half at the Hawley Arms, whose wall of signed photos is a veritable indie hall-of-fame. Chat up the long-time regulars and they might regale you with stories of when Amy Winehouse used to pull pints there.
The Cheese Bar
Unit 93, 94 Camden Stables, NW1Head across the road to Camden Stables Market, with a quick detour to see the bronze Amy Winehouse statue. Your destination is the Cheese Bar, whose decadent grilled cheese sarnies always hit the spot.
The Jazz Café
5 Parkway, NW1Once you’ve lined your stomach, roll down to the revamped Jazz Café for a gig. Despite the name, soul, hip-hop, rock and funk are on regular rotation. If you feel like making it a night, the Saturday disco and soul club night is legendary.
The Black Heart
3 Greenland Place, NW1After the show, drop by The Black Heart for a nightcap, backdropped by punk tunes – and a neon-lit shrine. Paired with the head-banging music, their craft brew and whisky collections are just the trick for keeping the night going.
KOKO
1a Camden High Street, NW1If you’re still going strong after that, pogo until the small hours at one of nearby KOKO’s ace club nights. Favourites include Guilty Pleasures (and its cabaret performers) and the hip-hop-focused Antics.
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