How to Live Like a Local in: Camden
Ah Camden, home of the late, great Amy Winehouse, the lock and the market, where you’re as likely to find a punky studded tartan miniskirt as you are deep fried Oreos. Cultures collide and the result? Mouthwatering street food, quirky bars and artisanal coffee shops, all in a few square miles. We’ve tried to avoid the obvious hangouts (Koko, Proud, Barfly) but don’t think that means we’re not fans. Let us know your favourites!
Coffee Jar
Independent coffee shop
Every local has their favourite spot for coffee. Our pick is Coffee Jar – not only do they make a mean latte (using Monmouth Coffee beans), the cake counter is always generously stocked with stacks of cookies, muffins and pastries, made both on site using family recipes and also by nearby artisan bakers. Sandwiches give you a reason to go at lunch, the pastrami and mozzarella is a Handbook favourite.
Where: 83 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PP
Website: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeejar/
Mango Room
Upmarket Caribbean cuisine
Camden has a good selection of Caribbean restaurants but those in the know head to Mango Room for modern cuisine and a soundtrack of reggae music. Colourful artwork sets the tone for plantain and sweet potato fritters, fillet of snapper and the famous goat curry.
Where: 10-12 Kentish Town Road, Camden, NW1 8NH
Website: http://www.mangoroom.co.uk
Pierogi Co
Krakow to Camden: Polish street food
Polish food generally doesn’t get the attention it deserves in London, but in Camden Market it’s a different story. Traditional dumplings are handmade by Rafael – cottage cheese and potato is the bestseller (the meat is also good) and all are topped with caramelised fried onions and a dollop of sour cream.
Where: Camden Lock Market, Camden Town, NW1 8A
Website: http://pierogicompany.com
Simmons Camden
The best Happy Hour around
Widely known for it’s four hour happy hour from 4-9pm (aka hours you will actually visit) every day except Saturday, Simmons is just over the road from Koko so a popular spot pre-gig. Cocktails are creative and served in mismatched teacups and teapots. Decor is kitsch and a SNES console is a big draw for Mario Kart fans.
Where: 7 Camden High Street, Camden, NW1 7JE
Website: http://www.simmonsbar.co.uk/camden/4580510156
Sushi Salsa
All you can eat sushi
No this is not sushi of the samba variety, this is Camden’s take on sushi. Huge platters of all-you-can-eat sushi make Sushi Salsa the perfect spot for a work meal – no need for dirty looks when your colleague grabs the last piece. Authentic floor cushions and lock-side location makes it popular with tourists but when sushi is this good there’s enough for everyone.
Where: 3A Camden Wharf, Jamestown Road, Camden, NW1 7BY
Website: http://www.sushisalsa.london
The Hawley Arms
Amy Winehouse’s old boozer
The Hawley Arms has a somewhat haunting feel to it when you realise that a few years ago you would’ve found Amy Winehouse belting out her signature soul from a microphone in the corner. Her legacy lives on here with gigs from up and coming musicians and a rock star wall of fame. It gets busy so avoid at peak times if you prefer a quiet pint.
Where: 2 Castlehaven Road, Camden, NW1 8QU
Website: http://www.thehawleyarms.co.uk
Mama’s Jerk Station
Jerk chicken
It would be wrong to do a whole guide to Camden without mentioning a couple of market stalls. Ridiculously hard to whittle it down, we couldn’t not mention a jerk chicken stall. Mama’s Jerk Station is fiery (as it should be) but it’s more than just chicken; homemade jerk pork sausages, deep fried plantain and veggie bean cake are all served with Mama’s secret jerk BBQ marinade.
Where: 30 Camden Lock Place, Camden, NW1 8AL
Website: http://www.mamasjerkstation.com
Lockside Lounge
DJ sets in a lockside location
Leave the crowds behind and head to Lockside Lounge for weekend DJ sets, cocktails and bottled beers. If it’s sunny make the most of the outdoor terrace with views of Regent’s Canal and the West Yard food market. By night it comes alive with live music – check the website for what’s on.
Where: 75-89 Upper Walkway, Camden Lock Place, Camden, NW1 8AF
Website: http://www.locksidecamden.com
