With its status as a Rock 'n' Roll haven forever in check, people from all over the globe flock to Camden for its lush live music, riff cavorting culture and band tees. But there's more to NW1 than just gigs. A haven for liquid nooks and cracking bars, this north London spot boasts some of the city's most sought after nights out. Whether you fancy watching a local metal bad, hoofing creative cocktails or settling down for steak and sizzling drinks, Camden has it all, and so does our list.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 14th August 2025
Camden's hottest all-day eatery is open and ready for business. Lockside is full of industrial chic, with exposed brick walls, interesting art work and a sun-trap terrace. Work your way through their Tex Mex dishes or come later for a DJ night.
Undoubtedly a Camden icon, The World's End is one of the coolest venues about town. Not only is it a mecca for live music, but also a fantastic place to watch sport, dance at club nights and enjoy casual pints with pals in quirky surrounds.
Found in the very centre of town, The Camden Eye is a contemporary boozer boasting great beer, fantastic live music and scrumptious food. And if you fancy a private event? There's a bookable function room that's ideal for parties.
Located in the popular North London neighbourhood that is its namesake, Camden is a luxurious bar found behind the iconic theatre KoKo. Pop by to tip back beautifully executed cocktails, wolf down delicious grub and dance to live DJs in a slick, sultry setting.
Always a saviour of London's thirsty folk, Be At One Camden is one of the coolest of its kind yet. Decked out with vibrant colours, plush leather seating and neon lights, this is a top spot for cocktail-sipping with your mates in a party atmosphere.
Just a hop and a skip from Camden's Lock Market, Belushi's is an open plan space of Americana style party vibes and classic decor. Renowned for their scrummy dishes and a sweet little cocktail menu, this hangout is always heaving.
Boasting over 150 years to its name, it's not just history that The Princess of Wales has to boast. A cool and casual Camden pub with British grub on its side, enjoy three stunning and authentic floors of laid-back drinking and dining in the heart of North London.
Wander down Hawley Wharf and you'll stumble upon this gem of a bar: 3 Locks Brewery. Its orange and monochrome interiors are home to ten taps of fresh, draught beer brewed onsite, plus plenty of wines and spirits. Choose from its signature West Coast IPA, lager or porter and pull up a chair overlooking the canal.
When it comes to bars in Camden, you can't go wrong with the kind that does great food and drink in equal measure. Check out Porky's for Memphis-style grilled specialities alongside wine, cocktails and even beer pong.
Serving up some of the best margaritas in London, this amazing bar and Mexican eatery is a top spot for any occasion. Expect quirky interiors, Latin American grub and tequila-laced cocktails at Camden Lock Place.
A social hub and event space all in one, BOXPARK Camden is a top choice for drinks on the high street. This iconic venue is made up of stacked shipping containers, boasting a huge amount of both indoor and outdoor seating.
They host all kinds of fun events, from DJ sets to quiz nights and comedy. There's a creative cocktail menu to choose from, as well as tasty street food from the likes of Black Bear Burger, Dub Pan and Birria Taco.
While it's got the feel of a typical pub by day, by night Lock Inn Camden is a whole different story; a vinyl haven with a turned-up tempo until late on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Better yet, there's also a rooftop terrace with a retractable roof for any good weather basking, alongside everything from contemporary cocktails to own-brewed craft lager and handcrafted spirits available to drink.
Ma Petite Jamaica Rum & Reggae Bar can be found on Inverness Street, close to the tube station, slinging out a cracking selection of rums from all over the world. Whether you're drinking them neat or mixed into a tropical cocktail, you can do it in colourful surrounds. While enjoying the drinks and reggae rhythms, you can also get stuck into a tasty menu of buttermilk fried chicken, Caribbean-style kebabs, halloumi burgers and much more.
A wonderfully versatile venue, Blues Kitchen Camden ticks every box of cool. Serving hefty portions of serious soul food inspired by the cuisine of the Deep South, as well as, live music acts and an impressive selection of bourbons and craft beers, this lively pick has it all.
Camden Beer Hall is hitting it out of the park with its boozy offering, showcasing 26 taps of fresh, unpasteurised beer. And to line your stomach? There's a mouthwatering menu of Italian grub on available, from homemade pasta to freshly prepared pizza.
When it comes to a classic pint in Camden, none come better suited than that of the Spread Eagle. Not only promising buffed up pub interiors alongside a top roster of craft beer, this Albert Street spot is churning out burgers and top British plates like no other.
One of the best places to drink in Camden, this beloved North London bar is home to craft beers, Sunday roasts and a gorgeous roof terrace. Settle into the rustic drinking den and while away the hours with top notch sips and even better company.
