It’s where Amy Winehouse called home, 90s Britpoppers planted their flag, and tourists, punks and teens all find common ground in London’s largest market. Camden and Kentish Town are neighbourhoods with rich cultural histories, particularly as hubs for the city’s music scene, which had a sort of renaissance in the 90s with indie bands and Britpop dominating the charts. The areas have grown up a little bit since then, but they’re still full of popular hangouts, historic venues and beloved shopping districts.
You won’t be hard-pressed to find a good pub here, many in the area have gone for decades and keep a loyal customer base. One example is the Good Mixer, a slice of the city’s history and a ‘proper London boozer’ that became a popular destination for London bands in the 90s – it’s even cited as the site of the first stone thrown in the Blur vs Oasis feud.
Foodwise, take a trip to Camden Market to try one of their many street food stalls, or go for a reliable fave like Tonkotsu or Pizza Pilgrims. And for some more fun, catch a show at one of the area’s renowned and recently renovated venues, such as the Roundhouse (which was the site of iconic punk gigs in the 70s) or KOKO (which has hosted practically every band or musician to walk the earth). As buzzy and countercultural as it ever was, you’re never far from a good time in Camden and Kentish Town.
