Camden: still the loudest mile in London
Live music every night, a market that never stops, canal-side pints and late rooms that ignore the calendar.
The brief
Every few years somebody announces Camden is over. Then you look at what is on tonight — three venues, all sold out, none of them the same genre — and the argument collapses.
Live music
KOKO for the restored theatre and the big bookings. Roundhouse for the shows that need the space. Electric Ballroom for the sweaty middle ground. Jazz Cafe for the best programming in NW1 across jazz, soul and everything adjacent. Blues Kitchen for live bands and bourbon on a school night. Spiritual Bar for the acoustic sessions where somebody unsigned makes the room go quiet.
Where to drink
The Hawley Arms and Lock Tavern — canal-side, roof terraces, the pubs Camden is actually made of. The Black Cap for the queer institution that the neighbourhood fought to get back. Camden Town Brewery Beer Hall for the afternoon that runs long.
Where to eat
Burger & Beyond and Rudy''s Vegan for either side of that argument. Camden Market for the version where you eat standing up and regret nothing.
Late
The Cause for the club night, Simmons and Belushi''s for the hours when you should have gone home.
One rule
Check listings first, then plan dinner around the doors. In Camden the gig is the fixed point.