The Best Pubs in Camden, London

Camden, a district renowned for its vibrant music scene, bustling Camden market and absolutely wild Camden High Street, is equally popular for its thriving pub culture (and it should as it even has it's own country-famous brewery, Camden Town Brewery). From traditional boozers to indie landmarks, Camden offers an array of pubs that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best pubs in Camden Town (and the best bars in Camden) that are worth a visit for their unique ambience, diverse drink selections, and live music offerings.

Fabio and I spent a few months in Camden, and since we adore the British pub scene, we decided it was essential to make a guide to showcase our absolute favorites.

View from above of Camden Town Tube station in London, surrounded by typical British architecture and bustling with pedestrians, capturing the urban vibe of the Camden area.

Pubs are waiting for you (along with a statue of Amy Winehouse) outside of Camden Town station

1. The Prince Albert: The Crown Jewel of Camden Pubs

Location and Ambience

Nestled outside the hustle and bustle of Camden Market and High Street, The Prince Albert is a must-visit spot for pub enthusiasts. This quintessential British pub boasts of its traditional decor, oozing a cozy and inviting vibe that makes you feel right at home. And the name may make you laugh a bit 😏.

Drink Selections

Apart from the regular fare of craft beers and ales, The Prince Albert takes pride in its extensive gin menu and cocktails. Whether you're a gin aficionado or a novice looking to explore, you'll be spoilt for choice with their impressive range of gins.

Food Offerings

The Prince Albert doesn't disappoint when it comes to food either. Their menu features classic pub grub with a contemporary twist, ensuring your taste buds are in for a treat.

Live Music

The Prince Albert’s commitment to maintaining Camden's rich music heritage is evident in its regular live music offerings. From jazz to rock, there's something for every music lover here.

Cozy interior of the Prince Albert pub in Camden, London, with vintage-style decor, a coffee machine on the bar counter, and wooden dining tables set in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Super cozy Prince Albert interior

A glass of Birra Moretti beer on a sunny outdoor pub table, accompanied by a bowl of thick-cut chips. The setting is casual with a focus on relaxed dining, representing a typical scene in London's Camden pubs.

Italian beer and THICK CUT chips 🤤 on a summer's afternoon

2. The World's End: A Historic Icon

Location and Ambience

Located on the bustling Camden High Street, The World's End is a historic pub that has attracted patrons from Charles Dickens in the past to modern-day tourists. Its sprawling interior, adorned with steampunk and industrial styles, adds to the unique charm of this great pub.

Drink Selections

The World's End is known for its Staropramen beer, delivered directly from the brewery in tanks. The result is a pint that tastes as fresh as it does in Prague (or so they claim).

Food Offerings

This pub offers a range of mouthwatering pizzas, making it an excellent spot for beer and pizza lovers.

Live Music

The World's End houses The Underworld, a live music venue located underneath the pub. With its regular gigs and club nights, The World's End is a haven for music enthusiasts.

Nighttime exterior of The World's End pub in Camden, London, illuminated by bright lights with its distinctive facade, a popular local landmark known for its lively nightlife.

World's End and the Underworld

3. The Hawley Arms: Amy Winehouse's Old Haunt

Location and Ambience

The Hawley Arms, a classic Camden pub, is best known as the former haunt of the late singer Amy Winehouse. Its cozy and traditionally styled interior combined with the lively atmosphere makes it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

Drink Selections

The Hawley Arms offers a wide range of ales and lagers, ensuring that there's something for every beer lover.

Food Offerings

The Hawley Arms serves up classic pub grub, including reasonably priced roasts and pints of chips, making it a great spot for a casual bite.

Live Music

The pub regularly transforms into a live music venue with live bands, contributing to the buzzing atmosphere, making it a must-visit for music lovers.

4. The Black Heart: The Goth Haven

Location and Ambience

The Black Heart is arguably the gothest pub in Camden, complete with a black-clad pool table. The pub exudes a rock and roll atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for lovers of heavy metal and electronica.

Drink Selections

The Black Heart offers a good range of local beers, adding to its charm as a true rock 'n' roll watering hole.

Live Music

The Black Heart hosts numerous live performances, including Burlesque Club Nights and Heavy Metal Yoga, contributing to its reputation as one of best pubs Camden has for live music and live bands.

5. Brewdog: The Hipster Haven

Location and Ambience

Brewdog, a legendary pub chain, is a friendly and relaxed spot tucked away on a side street near Camden Town underground. With its no-nonsense decor and dog-friendly policy, this pub is a hit among hipsters and dog lovers alike.

Drink Selections

Brewdog offers a plethora of quirky and unusual craft beers, ensuring a unique drinking experience.

Food Offerings

Brewdog serves classic pub grub, including burgers and hot dogs, making it a great spot for a laid-back meal.

Live Music

While Brewdog doesn't offer live music, its chilled-out atmosphere makes it a great spot for a casual drink with friends.

6. The Colonel Fawcett: The Roast Haven

Location and Ambience

The Colonel Fawcett, located just a stone's throw away from Camden Road overground station, exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With its vintage decor, open fireplaces, beer garden, and cosy corners, this pub is the perfect spot for a laid-back Sunday afternoon.

Drink Selections

The Colonel Fawcett boasts an impressive selection of gins and local ales, catering to a variety of palates. Whether you're a gin enthusiast or a real ale aficionado, you're sure to find something to your liking.

Food Offerings

The Colonel Fawcett is renowned for its mouth-watering Sunday roasts. With its selection of succulent meats, seasonal vegetables, and fluffy Yorkshire puddings, this pub offers a roast experience like no other.

Live Music

While the Colonel Fawcett doesn't host live music, its relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot for catching up with friends or enjoying a leisurely meal.

A hearty Sunday roast served on a white plate, featuring crispy roast chicken, a large Yorkshire pudding, and sides of red cabbage and roasted vegetables, typical of a British pub meal in Camden, London.

Banging roast at the Colonel Fawcett

A group of four friends enjoying a meal at The Colonel Fawcett, Camden pub, smiling for a selfie with plates of food visible on the table, exemplifying a friendly, social atmosphere typical of London's vibrant pub scene.

Happy roasters at The Colonel Fawcett

7. The Dublin Castle: A Legendary Music Hub

Location and Ambience

Situated in the heart of Camden, The Dublin Castle holds a special place in Camden's music history. This iconic pub has hosted legendary acts such as Madness, Blur, and Amy Winehouse in its intimate venue upstairs. With its classic pub decor and a vibrant atmosphere, The Dublin Castle continues to attract music enthusiasts from all over.

Drink Selections

The Dublin Castle offers a great selection of beers, ciders, and spirits, ensuring there's something for everyone's taste. Don't miss out on trying one of their refreshing pints while soaking in the vibrant Camden atmosphere.

Food Offerings

While The Dublin Castle doesn't serve meals, you can find a selection of snacks to complement your drinks. Plus, its central location means you're never too far away from other dining options in Camden.

Live Music

Live music is at the heart of The Dublin Castle experience. With regular gigs featuring up-and-coming bands as well as established acts, this pub continues to contribute to Camden's reputation as a music hub. Catching a live performance here is a must for any music lover visiting Camden.

8. The Camden Head: Comedy Central

Location and Ambience

Tucked away in the lively streets of Camden, The Camden Head is a cozy and welcoming pub with a unique twist. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, this pub attracts locals and tourists alike who are looking for a relaxed pint in a quintessential British setting.

Drink Selections

The Camden Head offers a diverse range of beers, ales, and spirits, ensuring there's something to suit every taste. Whether you're in the mood for a traditional pint or a craft beer, you'll find plenty of options to choose from at this charming pub.

Food Offerings

While The Camden Head doesn't serve full meals, they offer a selection of snacks and light bites to accompany your drinks. Perfect for nibbling on while enjoying the pub's lively atmosphere.

Comedy Nights

What sets The Camden Head apart is its renowned comedy nights. With regular comedy shows featuring both established comedians and up-and-coming talents, this pub is a hotspot for laughter and entertainment. Whether you're a comedy connoisseur or just looking for a good laugh, be sure to check out one of The Camden Head's comedy nights for an evening of fun and hilarity.

Honorable Mentions: Oxford Arms, Camden Assembly

From the gothic vibes of The Black Heart to the hipster charm of Brewdog, and now the roast haven of The Colonel Fawcett, Camden's pub scene truly offers something for everyone. The next time you're in Camden, make sure to stop by these pubs and soak in their unique atmospheres and offerings.