The Dublin Castle

The Dublin Castle in Camden Town is one of London's most iconic pubs and grassroots music venues, with a storied history that dates back to around 1856. Originally established to serve Irish railway and canal workers, it was one of several 'castle' pubs in the area, each named after a different country to help separate and placate rival ethnic groups. Over the years, it evolved from a community hub for traditional Irish music into a major landmark in the UK’s music scene.

The venue gained legendary status in the late 1970s when the band Madness played one of their first significant gigs there. They famously posed as a jazz band to secure a booking, later earning a residency that launched their career.

Under the guidance of longtime landlord Alo Conlon, the Dublin Castle became a vital springboard for emerging acts throughout the 1980s and 1990s, particularly during the Britpop era. Bands like Blur, Supergrass, Coldplay, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, and The Libertines all played their small back room, often before they became household names.

It was also a favourite haunt of Amy Winehouse, who not only performed there but was known to occasionally serve drinks behind the bar.