The best pubs in Camden

Spacious pub The World’s End sits just opposite Camden Town station. With exposed brick, wooden beams, and a metal playlist, it’s a popular alternative pub. They serve a varied range of drinks, as well as food, and the venue is bright and airy. For gigs, the basement venue Underworld is a top destination.

When you exit Camden Town station, The Camden Eye is one of the first things you'll see. It's a spacious and light-filled pub with a simple interior. Vegan junk food is served along with a full selection of drinks, including craft beer and cocktails. Various events take place throughout the week.

In the middle of Camden High Street you'll find The Elephant's Head. This is an authentic Victorian pub with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a hit with locals and tourists. There's a full choice of drinks and a food menu of proper pub grub. Live music is on frequently here.

Discover classic Victorian pub architecture at The Oxford Arms, a traditional pub with high ceilings in the heart of Camden Town. It's a cosy place for drinks and typical pub food like sandwiches, burgers, and fish and chips. Live sport is shown here and there's a theatre upstairs for comedy performances.

The Black Heart is proudly alternative, combining a dark and evocative interior with a raucous music venue that regularly hosts metal gigs. The interior is decorated with musical and religious paraphernalia and posters, and the bar serves a variety of drinks to the surprisingly eclectic crowd this pub attracts.

Cosy Victorian pub Camden Road Arms specialises in craft beer and is based in one of the quieter parts of Camden Town. A venture from BrewDog, you can sample a range of their brews here. Classic pub food, including a Sunday roast, is on the menu too, plus a fun bottomless brunch.

The Dublin Castle has long been a piece of music history; Amy Winehouse is noted to have been one of its most famous regulars. This red-fronted family-run establishment is still going strong, with posters on the walls showing off its musical legacy. Live music events continue to take place frequently.

Housed in a Grade II listed building, The Spread Eagle is a contemporary pub blending the modern with the traditional. It's an elegant venue serving a full range of drinks and elevated incarnations of pub grub. There's also a private function room that's suitable for a range of different events.

Often referred to as The Dev, The Devonshire Arms has long been a hotspot on the alternative scene. The pub has a distinctive mock-Tudor exterior, a dark interior, and a lively crowd. Rock and metal bands and DJs frequently provide the soundtrack at this popular goth venue.

Set opposite Mornington Crescent station, The Lyttelton Arms is a vibrant and modern pub with colourful murals and leopard print details. There are lots of drinks to explore at the bar, like cocktails, craft beer, and wine. The eclectic menu offers street food to please different appetites, from burgers to vegan recipes.

One of the oldest pubs in the area is The Camden Head. It opened in 1787 and is packed with history. It has its own comedy club offering live shows and comedy workshops. DJs play at weekends and you can drop by just for drinks and food, including some very distinctive burgers.

The Farrier holds the distinction of being the first pub to open in Camden Market. It comes with a warm atmosphere, cosy rustic feel, and classic pub interior. Drinks include cocktails made with local ingredients, organic wines, and draft beer. Pub-grub favourites like burgers and fish and chips are available too.

The Lock Tavern has a lively atmosphere and lots going on. There's a traditional weathered pub interior, an expansive garden, and an upstairs cocktail bar and roof terrace. The bar offers a wide range of drinks and food is also served - think favourites like pizza and burgers. There's a Sunday roast too.

The Hawley Arms isn’t just a great choice for a drink in Camden – it’s also a legendary music venue. This welcoming destination still holds gigs regularly but on any night of the week you’ll find a rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere and a varied choice of food and drinks.

Legendary venue The Good Mixer is ideal for live music fans. Acts from Amy Winehouse to Noel Gallagher have performed or drank in the pub. It has a deep blue exterior and a typical pub look inside. Street food is served by rotating vendors, there are gigs, and live sport is shown.

The Camden Assembly has lots of energy and a buzzing line-up of live music performances. There's also a cosy private room that's suitable for up to 50 guests. You can order burgers at this well-established venue and sample drinks including cocktails, draft beer, and an international wine list.

In a prime spot in Camden High Street, Bucks Head is a busy pub with a contemporary look and feel. The interior is spacious and you can hire the venue for events. There are plenty of drinks to choose from but gin is a speciality here. Food is served all day.

For an elegant place for a drink, try the Earl of Camden. The pub has a stylish modern look and a casual atmosphere. DJs spin tunes at weekends, live sport is shown, and there are menus of typical pub food and a varied choice of drinks. Children and dogs are welcome.

Punters were disappointed when canalside pub The Constitution abruptly shut down in 2020. The pub reopened in March 2024, serving drinks and seasonal British cuisine in a traditional pub setting. The venue has outdoor tables as well as a roof terrace that offers great views of the local area.