The best pubs in Camden

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. A rotating kitchen ensures there's always some tasty comfort food to dig in, while the full selection of drinks includes craft beer and cocktails. Various events take place throughout the week.

Housed in a Grade II-listed building, The Spread Eagle is a contemporary Camden 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.

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 in the area. 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.

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, including different alcohol-free options. Live music is on frequently here as well.

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 of this always-busy pub in Camden 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 here frequently.

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 Camden 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, the latter courtesy of whichever vendor has taken up residency in the kitchen.

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 that used to be Amy Winehouse's local. This welcoming pub 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 pub 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, including cocktails. Comfort 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.

Opened in early 2025, The Dark Horse puts a fresh spin on traditional British pub dining, with a menu that elevates classic favourites through the use of premium British produce. The drinks list champions expertly chosen craft beers and unfussy cocktails, while the live music line-up pays homage to Camden's legendary music scene. Inside, the decor draws on Victorian influences, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary elegance.

The Parakeet's kitchen team brings a refined touch to modern British cooking. The seasonal, fire-led menu focuses on high-quality ingredients and bold, elemental flavours. Dishes evolve with the produce, offering a fresh and ever-changing take on gastropub dining. With its stylish setting and culinary pedigree, The Parakeet is a standout addition to the Camden pub scene. Stopping by just for a pint of Guinness or some wine is perfectly fine too, of course.