Camden Town

London is already a vibrant city, but if that’s not enough for you, there is always Camden Town; the alternative and bohemian part of London city.

Camden Town (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

History

Camden Town wasn’t always the dazzling flamboyant place it is today. Up until the late 18th century, it was no more than a bare patch of land to the north of London. There were a couple of farms and two pubs, Mother Red Cap, which is still there, under the name of Worlds End and the Southampton, which is now called Edwards. Lucky for us though, a man named Charles Pratt came along around this time to start urbanizing the place. Now, some 200 years later, Camden town has developed into the most lively, alternative, pulsating part of London. 

Crowd

Although nowadays, Camden town is most famous for its markets, they are not the reason that brought the locals to the place. The local crowd here mainly consists of students, artists and other alternative souls, but seeing as it’s very touristy as well (mainly because of its markets) Camden Town is usually packed with more visitors than locals. Especially at the weekends, Camden is bustling with pleasure seeking people, from Londoners themselves to tourists from all over the world. 

Pubs & Clubs

And who can blame them. The pubs and clubs in Camden are notorious for their crazy, fun and alternative vibe. Apart from obviously the Worlds End and Edwards if only for their historic appeal, you should also pop into the Devonshire Arms if you’d like to mingle with the Goths, chill out amongst the youngsters at Lock Tavern, watch some footy in Oxford Arms or see if you can still discern the Gallagher’s bum prints on the bar stools at their old hangout, the Good Mixer.

Up for some clubbing after a few pints at the Camden pubs? Check out the Electric ballroom or the Monarch for live-performances, usually of the rock genre, dance your ass off in the burlesque Peacock Bar or pay a little visit to the Jazz Cafe. 

Markets

As stated above, Camden town is most famous for its markets. What used to be the Midland Railway stables and horse hospital, is now the setting for the famous Camden Stables Market, a wonderfully quirky marketplace to roam around in, where you can get your vintage clothing, piercings and even old style furniture. Go to Camden Lock Market for your arts and crafts, jewelry and other accessories and second hand books. The same categories are available in Camden Lock Village which was born at the reopening of this part of Camden in 2009 after the devastating fire in 2008. Don’t spend all your clothes shopping money before you’ve browsed through all the markets on Buck street and the main street though, and for all your other nooks and crannies, check out the stalls on Inverness street, where you can also collapse in any of the cosy pubs.