Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Primrose Hill, London, United Kingdom

The Dublin Castle - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:20:27 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7485 1773

Meh. Good for a cheesy boogie or if you want to see a band. Gets very crowded, very sweaty and full of very, very "cool" people...Meh. Good for a cheesy boogie or if you want to see a band. Gets very crowded, very sweaty and full of very, very "cool" people...

The Lock Tavern - camden institution by sarahbean

sarahbean — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:29:45 +0000

Review by sarahbean

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7482 7163

Website: http://www.lock-tavern.co.uk

Tags: beer garden, cool, trendy

The Lock is probably the best place to go in Camden. Been going for years so they gave me a regulars card which means I don't have to queue on weekend which is a bonus.

I generally gof ro the music programming and have seen some amazing djs, LCD Soundsystem, Simian Mobile Disco, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, play there in such an intimate atmosphere.

The garden and terrace are also great to whiling away a lazy Saturday or Sunday with a roast and usually a bloody Mary.

Only let down is the toilets which need a major overhaul, major!The Lock is probably the best place to go in Camden. Been going for years so they gave me a regulars card which means I don't have to queue on weekend which is a bonus.

I generally gof ro the music programming and have seen some amazing djs, LCD Soundsystem, Simian Mobile Disco, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, play there in such an intimate atmosphere.

The garden and terrace are also great to whiling away a lazy Saturday or Sunday with a roast and usually a bloody Mary.

Only let down is the toilets which need a major overhaul, major!

Marathon Kebab - last call for the marathon by Dsaoirse

Dsaoirse — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:27:06 +0000

Review by Dsaoirse

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 3814

Tags: lively, turkish, crowded

the marathon is as famous as camden itself ...old heads and head the balls, everyone who is anyone in the music or art world has used it and loved it for years..keith richards, shane mc'gowan and paul weller are all on record saying some of the best nights of their lives were spent there in the company of danny blue..the marathon is historic ..and signaled the great alliance b'tween the irish and greek/turkish in london .. the dionysian shebeen ..camden council and the cops should be hung for meddling with the rare find that 'the marathon' is..personally, i blame the stage school bunny winehouse and pete pathetic doherty..for bringing in hordes of equally dull stage school and hooray well-off spring brats that stink up camden..they've ruined the place..and now it looks like our only salvation and last chance saloon is under threat..having to close down at one o'clock..and keep the middle class raffle riffs from the door!the marathon is as famous as camden itself ...old heads and head the balls, everyone who is anyone in the music or art world has used it and loved it for years..keith richards, shane mc'gowan and paul weller are all on record saying some of the best nights of their lives were spent there in the company of danny blue..the marathon is historic ..and signaled the great alliance b'tween the irish and greek/turkish in london .. the dionysian shebeen ..camden council and the cops should be hung for meddling with the rare find that 'the marathon' is..personally, i blame the stage school bunny winehouse and pete pathetic doherty..for bringing in hordes of equally dull stage school and hooray well-off spring brats that stink up camden..they've ruined the place..and now it looks like our only salvation and last chance saloon is under threat..having to close down at one o'clock..and keep the middle class raffle riffs from the door!

Bree Louise - Wonderful pub! by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:59:24 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7383 2141

Tags: relaxed, friendly, real ale

Damn straight, this is a great pub! I could be a little wasted on you if you're after a polished, slick city bar and you don't like beer (in which case I feel very sorry for you for many reasons) but this is a Beer Mecca!

Capacity for 16 beers, most of them on gravity (last time there were only 15 on. The shame!) and 8 proper ciders means that you will be spoiled for choice. It's a decent price, even more so if you're a CAMRA member as you get a handsome discount.

They have a good food menu dominated by pies. Now, my steak and kidney wasn't the greatest steak and kidney pie I've ever had but it was still damnably good and about the size of my head. Monday to Thursday they feature a "Pie of the Week" for a fiver which is most pleasingly barginous. Unless you have a CAMRA card in which case all pies are Â£5 any day of the week!

Staff are as a rule charmingly inoffensive and efficient and there is a very friendly, buzzy atmosphere. You will inevitably get a smattering of Beardy Weirdys but that should offend no one (partly because of what I aspire to become maybe) and I would say that the demographic is pretty varied.

Big screens show some sporting events, sound off during civilised hours.

Very highly recommended!Damn straight, this is a great pub! I could be a little wasted on you if you're after a polished, slick city bar and you don't like beer (in which case I feel very sorry for you for many reasons) but this is a Beer Mecca!

Capacity for 16 beers, most of them on gravity (last time there were only 15 on. The shame!) and 8 proper ciders means that you will be spoiled for choice. It's a decent price, even more so if you're a CAMRA member as you get a handsome discount.

They have a good food menu dominated by pies. Now, my steak and kidney wasn't the greatest steak and kidney pie I've ever had but it was still damnably good and about the size of my head. Monday to Thursday they feature a "Pie of the Week" for a fiver which is most pleasingly barginous. Unless you have a CAMRA card in which case all pies are Â£5 any day of the week!

Staff are as a rule charmingly inoffensive and efficient and there is a very friendly, buzzy atmosphere. You will inevitably get a smattering of Beardy Weirdys but that should offend no one (partly because of what I aspire to become maybe) and I would say that the demographic is pretty varied.

Big screens show some sporting events, sound off during civilised hours.

Very highly recommended!

Bar Vinyl - ... by Harris123

Harris123 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:27:51 +0000

Review by Harris123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7681 7898

Website: http://www.vinyl-addiction.co.uk

Tags: inverness street, relaxed, friendly

Best bar in Camden - if you havent been there already, your missing out!Best bar in Camden - if you havent been there already, your missing out!

Made In Brazil - Best bar in Camden by jane123

jane123 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:15:35 +0000

Review by jane123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7482 0777

Tags: inverness street, cocktails, camden town

I could live at made in brasil! The food is gorgeous and the cocktails are even better!! A must!I could live at made in brasil! The food is gorgeous and the cocktails are even better!! A must!

Fifty Five Bar & Lounge - Great night out by sweetcharidee

sweetcharidee — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:11:12 +0000

Review by sweetcharidee

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7424 9054

Website: http://www.fiftyfivebar.co.uk

Tags: friendly, relaxed, young and fun

I had a great night out here recently for a friend's birthday. Fifty Five excels in what it does: cocktails, music and atmosphere.

It's all about the fun and we had our fill of it! The staff are friendly and welcoming and genuinely want you to have a good time. I would highly recommend this bar to anyone wanting a great night out.

I had a great night out here recently for a friend's birthday. Fifty Five excels in what it does: cocktails, music and atmosphere.

It's all about the fun and we had our fill of it! The staff are friendly and welcoming and genuinely want you to have a good time. I would highly recommend this bar to anyone wanting a great night out.

The Victoria - The Goose has lost it's Crown... Camden's best pub by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:22:33 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7387 3804

Tags: beer garden, jazz, cool

I donâ¬"t want to alarm any one, but this could well be the best pub in Camden. I know thatâ¬"s controversial, and I think I may have to write a letter of apology to the Crown, but this place is just utterly fantastic. I think Iâ¬"m in love.

For a start, it closes in the afternoon. Now, that may not seem like a merit in most peopleâ¬"s book but there is something so quintessentially â¬Spubbyâ¬ about it â¬ open for lunch, close during the â¬Sgraveyard hoursâ¬, which any barman/maid is familiar with (in fact, I wrote most of my undergraduate dissertation while at work during this down time) then open up for knocking off time.

(Also, if you think about it, itâ¬"s completely logical â¬ A: the kind of people who are drinking at 3.30pm on a Tuesday afternoon are the kind of people you probably donâ¬"t want in your pub. People like me. B: just a quick cost/benefit analysis must highlight the fact that the amount of money you take over the bar on your average weekday afternoon is usually significantly less than the cost of powering and manning the place.)

So. Itâ¬"s closed. Great. Inside it is beautiful! Very comfortable and welcoming, a little dark but that gave it a more cosy touch. Thereâ¬"s a decent sized L-shaped bar, with some excellent bar stools. Around one side are some very interesting copper-topped tables, which must be a bugger to keep clean but they look great! Around the other side there are some more comfy looking tables, chairs and sofas.

Now then. The garden is a delight! Itâ¬"s enclosed, itâ¬"s paved and overhung with some kind of vegetation. There is also a long trestle table roofed with trellising which I can imagine in the evening looks very romantic indeed.

They only have one beer, but itâ¬"s London Pride and it was delicious so who gives a crap. Further to that they have a pretty standard collection of lagers etc.

By far and away the highlight of this pub is the juke box. I had a wonderful time (and spent a lot of money!) trawling through the extensive collection which can cater to pretty much any taste.

As if l that wasnâ¬"t enough, the staff when we went in were some of the most charming and sociable Iâ¬"ve had the pleasure to have met and they do great pizza.

This all makes for a fantastic, friendly atmosphere and I can see this gaff becoming a regular.
I donâ¬"t want to alarm any one, but this could well be the best pub in Camden. I know thatâ¬"s controversial, and I think I may have to write a letter of apology to the Crown, but this place is just utterly fantastic. I think Iâ¬"m in love.

For a start, it closes in the afternoon. Now, that may not seem like a merit in most peopleâ¬"s book but there is something so quintessentially â¬Spubbyâ¬ about it â¬ open for lunch, close during the â¬Sgraveyard hoursâ¬, which any barman/maid is familiar with (in fact, I wrote most of my undergraduate dissertation while at work during this down time) then open up for knocking off time.

(Also, if you think about it, itâ¬"s completely logical â¬ A: the kind of people who are drinking at 3.30pm on a Tuesday afternoon are the kind of people you probably donâ¬"t want in your pub. People like me. B: just a quick cost/benefit analysis must highlight the fact that the amount of money you take over the bar on your average weekday afternoon is usually significantly less than the cost of powering and manning the place.)

So. Itâ¬"s closed. Great. Inside it is beautiful! Very comfortable and welcoming, a little dark but that gave it a more cosy touch. Thereâ¬"s a decent sized L-shaped bar, with some excellent bar stools. Around one side are some very interesting copper-topped tables, which must be a bugger to keep clean but they look great! Around the other side there are some more comfy looking tables, chairs and sofas.

Now then. The garden is a delight! Itâ¬"s enclosed, itâ¬"s paved and overhung with some kind of vegetation. There is also a long trestle table roofed with trellising which I can imagine in the evening looks very romantic indeed.

They only have one beer, but itâ¬"s London Pride and it was delicious so who gives a crap. Further to that they have a pretty standard collection of lagers etc.

By far and away the highlight of this pub is the juke box. I had a wonderful time (and spent a lot of money!) trawling through the extensive collection which can cater to pretty much any taste.

As if all that wasnâ¬"t enough, the staff when we went in were some of the most charming and sociable Iâ¬"ve had the pleasure to have met and they do great pizza.

This all makes for a fantastic, friendly atmosphere and I can see this gaff becoming a regular.

Prince Albert - Re: Great atmosphere, great beer, great food! by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:53:57 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 1523

Tags: jazz, live music, cool

Great pub! I ate there on Friday night with my folks, having seen enough reviews to persuade me it was well worth the visit, and indeed it was!

It's a bit off the main drag but was still buzzing and busy (without being rammed). It's an old Charrington's pub, not especially remarkable in these parts. The building itself is pretty impressive with y'classic green tiled exterior and frosted windows.

The dining room is upstairs and as such a little more tranquil and removed from the hustle and bustle of the bar. It's very comfortable and cosy. Wooden tables with an eclectic collection of chairs.

The service was efficient and chirpy. I think the waitress took offense when I asked her to confirm they had a DRY sherry for the Old Gal (for the sherry drinkers among you, this is the only pub I have been to in London where you can get a good, cold Tio Pepe) but otherwise she seemed happy to deal with mine and my father's somewhat disjointed approach to ordering food. (In my defence, we'd been in Bar 55. The evening was already a little bit loose around the edges.)

I enjoyed an enormous bowl of mussels to start - rich, salty and sumptuous! The Fossils enjoyed a very generous asparagus salad and some kind of goats cheese pastry salad type thing. Both declared their meals very delicious.

We followed this with lamb cutlets (medium rare. Meltingly tender.) and lemon soul. Again, very good indeed!

None of us are really of the sweet persuasion, unless there is a crÃ¨me brÃ»lÃ©e to be had, but we did share a very good cheese board.

The wine list is pretty decent and reasonably priced. We also sampled the beer - Black Sheep (one of three available. Can't remember the others) and a very good pint it was too.

The seem to do an awful lot of live music and "events" at the Prince Albert which I suspect are well worth investigating. People also speak very highly of their Sunday roast.

All in all a very comfortable, delicious experience. Highly recommended
Great pub! I ate there on Friday night with my folks, having seen enough reviews to persuade me it was well worth the visit, and indeed it was!

It's a bit off the main drag but was still buzzing and busy (without being rammed). It's an old Charrington's pub, not especially remarkable in these parts. The building itself is pretty impressive with y'classic green tiled exterior and frosted windows.

The dining room is upstairs and as such a little more tranquil and removed from the hustle and bustle of the bar. It's very comfortable and cosy. Wooden tables with an eclectic collection of chairs.

The service was efficient and chirpy. I think the waitress took offense when I asked her to confirm they had a DRY sherry for the Old Gal (for the sherry drinkers among you, this is the only pub I have been to in London where you can get a good, cold Tio Pepe) but otherwise she seemed happy to deal with mine and my father's somewhat disjointed approach to ordering food. (In my defence, we'd been in Bar 55. The evening was already a little bit loose around the edges.)

I enjoyed an enormous bowl of mussels to start - rich, salty and sumptuous! The Fossils enjoyed a very generous asparagus salad and some kind of goats cheese pastry salad type thing. Both declared their meals very delicious.

We followed this with lamb cutlets (medium rare. Meltingly tender.) and lemon soul. Again, very good indeed!

None of us are really of the sweet persuasion, unless there is a crÃ¨me brÃ»lÃ©e to be had, but we did share a very good cheese board.

The wine list is pretty decent and reasonably priced. We also sampled the beer - Black Sheep (one of three available. Can't remember the others) and a very good pint it was too.

The seem to do an awful lot of live music and "events" at the Prince Albert which I suspect are well worth investigating. People also speak very highly of their Sunday roast.

All in all a very comfortable, delicious experience. Highly recommended

The Albert - Not too bad by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:22:26 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7722 1886

Tags: posh, relaxed, food

I quite like the Albert. It's a nice, friendly kinda place. I know not every one is a fan of Green King, but the Albert keeps a decent IPA and a good Abbots, though it's never the best pint in the world.

The staff have taken a bit of a beating in other reviews, but I've always found them pretty good. Not outstanding, but efficient and pleasant.

They have a lovely beer garden out back, which gets a lot of afternoon sun. Consequently it gets busy. But worth trying to get a seat out there if you can. Failing that you can take a seat out front. While you don't have the sunshine, this is still very pleasant. Princess Road is very pretty and very quiet so being one the street isn't so bad.

I have to admit that I'm not very impressed with the food. I had a distinctly overcooked and meagre rib-eye steak the other day. I am interested to try their pint, pie and picalily deal (all for a fiver) in the hope that it'll represent better value for money.

Still, as a place to go for a pint, especially on your way to/from Primrose Hill or Regenets Park, you could do far worse that The Albert.I quite like the Albert. It's a nice, friendly kinda place. I know not every one is a fan of Green King, but the Albert keeps a decent IPA and a good Abbots, though it's never the best pint in the world.

The staff have taken a bit of a beating in other reviews, but I've always found them pretty good. Not outstanding, but efficient and pleasant.

They have a lovely beer garden out back, which gets a lot of afternoon sun. Consequently it gets busy. But worth trying to get a seat out there if you can. Failing that you can take a seat out front. While you don't have the sunshine, this is still very pleasant. Princess Road is very pretty and very quiet so being one the street isn't so bad.

I have to admit that I'm not very impressed with the food. I had a distinctly overcooked and meagre rib-eye steak the other day. I am interested to try their pint, pie and picalily deal (all for a fiver) in the hope that it'll represent better value for money.

Still, as a place to go for a pint, especially on your way to/from Primrose Hill or Regenets Park, you could do far worse that The Albert.

The Exmouth Arms - Beautiful local by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:06:40 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7387 5440

Website: http://www.exmouth-arms.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

The Exmouth Arms is a BEAUTIFUL pub, inside and out. It is always festooned with the most gloriously technicolour hanging baskets and window boxes - it's simply a joy to behold.

It's stuck somewhat out of the way, in not the nicest part of Euston, but as you're walking through some pretty grotty, dodgy roads you round the corner to behold an explosion of colour. It's just glorious. They are frequent winners of Camden in Bloom.

On to something a little more masculine...

Inside the pub is spacious and well appointed with a long dark wood bar complete with eye level glass shelves and some of the best bar stools I have come across.

They have the standard range of lagers, ciders and Guinness, and three (I think) ales. Regrettably one is the ironically named Courage Best, but this is made up for by an Spitfire and an Adnam's. I always have a good pint here.

The menu boasts some very straight forward pub food. Sandwiches, pies, jackets, sausage and mash, and an artery clotting all-day-breakfast. I'm not going to lie, the food ain't gonna win no awards. But if you can find a better fish finger sandwich in London then I would very much like to know where.

You get a pretty mixed crowd, but this is very much a locals pub. It can get a little be rowdy at times, but where in Central London doesn't on a Friday night? The staff are always charming and efficient, in a very London fashion.

Be warned. The distinguished Londoner behind the bar who, to all intents and purposes, looks like the gaffer, does not rule the roost. This is a pub where The Cat is the King. I received a very disdainful look from him last time I was in for sitting in what was evidently his chair. After helping himself to a crisp and receiving a tickle behind the ear he decided we could share and curled up on my lap. So, I would suggest that if you don't like livestock don't sit at the bar!

There is a large function room upstairs, some benches out front if you want to enjoy the fragrance of the flora with a B&H, and I believe a juke box, though I haven't tried it out.

Also, if you're into that kind of thing (which I am. And proud.) The Exmouth Arms is host to one of the best folk clubs in London, The Cellar Upstairs.

So, if you are ever in that neck of the woods, or have an while to wait for a train at Euston Station then have a little walk and discover the Exmouth. You shanâ¬"t be disappointed!The Exmouth Arms is a BEAUTIFUL pub, inside and out. It is always festooned with the most gloriously technicolour hanging baskets and window boxes - it's simply a joy to behold.

It's stuck somewhat out of the way, in not the nicest part of Euston, but as you're walking through some pretty grotty, dodgy roads you round the corner to behold an explosion of colour. It's just glorious. They are frequent winners of Camden in Bloom.

On to something a little more masculine...

Inside the pub is spacious and well appointed with a long dark wood bar complete with eye level glass shelves and some of the best bar stools I have come across.

They have the standard range of lagers, ciders and Guinness, and three (I think) ales. Regrettably one is the ironically named Courage Best, but this is made up for by an Spitfire and an Adnam's. I always have a good pint here.

The menu boasts some very straight forward pub food. Sandwiches, pies, jackets, sausage and mash, and an artery clotting all-day-breakfast. I'm not going to lie, the food ain't gonna win no awards. But if you can find a better fish finger sandwich in London then I would very much like to know where.

You get a pretty mixed crowd, but this is very much a locals pub. It can get a little be rowdy at times, but where in Central London doesn't on a Friday night? The staff are always charming and efficient, in a very London fashion.

Be warned. The distinguished Londoner behind the bar who, to all intents and purposes, looks like the gaffer, does not rule the roost. This is a pub where The Cat is the King. I received a very disdainful look from him last time I was in for sitting in what was evidently his chair. After helping himself to a crisp and receiving a tickle behind the ear he decided we could share and curled up on my lap. So, I would suggest that if you don't like livestock don't sit at the bar!

There is a large function room upstairs, some benches out front if you want to enjoy the fragrance of the flora with a B&H, and I believe a juke box, though I haven't tried it out.

Also, if you're into that kind of thing (which I am. And proud.) The Exmouth Arms is host to one of the best folk clubs in London, The Cellar Upstairs.

So, if you are ever in that neck of the woods, or have an while to wait for a train at Euston Station then have a little walk and discover the Exmouth. You shanâ¬"t be disappointed!

The Hawley Arms - wtf? by Damesss

Damesss — Sun, 24 May 2009 09:49:26 +0000

Review by Damesss

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7428 5979

Website: http://www.greeneking.co.uk

Tags: food, trendy, pretentious

To 'vixbix'... are you serious? I mean wtf??????

'Im a good old fan of the Hawley like alot of young ambitious people waiting for a big break'

If someone's 'ambitious', what the hell are they doing in a low-life rip-off pile of rubble like London, let alone *camden*!!!!! It's a self-perpetuating/regulating bubble inhabited by transients, gakked-up media goons, the infirm, goths and Antipodeans for a start. Of course you can prove me wrong: how bout naming me one long-term success story this vermin-mound has spawned? Perhaps a karoke joke band like Madness?

Quite astonishing in yr naivity though. Bless, you've made me feel a bit warm inside.To 'vixbix'... are you serious? I mean wtf??????

'Im a good old fan of the Hawley like alot of young ambitious people waiting for a big break'

If someone's 'ambitious', what the hell are they doing in a low-life rip-off pile of rubble like London, let alone *camden*!!!!! It's a self-perpetuating/regulating bubble inhabited by transients, gakked-up media goons, the infirm, goths and Antipodeans for a start. Of course you can prove me wrong: how bout naming me one long-term success story this vermin-mound has spawned? Perhaps a karoke joke band like Madness?

Quite astonishing in yr naivity though. Bless, you've made me feel a bit warm inside.

The Enterprise - by benantiben

benantiben — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:41:50 +0000

Review by benantiben

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 2659

Tags: food

This is my favourite pub in all the world. It's been my local for about 4 years and I just love the place and all the other locals who drink there. It's a proper pub. Not too clean but always good fun and Friday and Saturday nights are always ridiculous. DJ Sue who plays the most amazing old school 50's and 60's rare vinyl you've ever heard and DJ Keir from Bloody Awful Poetry most Saturday's playing classic and offbeat rock and pop tunes. Both of them will make you dance.

Great little live room upstairs as well - love it!This is my favourite pub in all the world. It's been my local for about 4 years and I just love the place and all the other locals who drink there. It's a proper pub. Not too clean but always good fun and Friday and Saturday nights are always ridiculous. DJ Sue who plays the most amazing old school 50's and 60's rare vinyl you've ever heard and DJ Keir from Bloody Awful Poetry most Saturday's playing classic and offbeat rock and pop tunes. Both of them will make you dance.

Great little live room upstairs as well - love it!

The Engineer - Never again by IrieIris

IrieIris — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:34:16 +0000

Review by IrieIris

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7722 0950

Website: http://www.the-engineer.com

Tags: gastro pub, beer garden, lively

Do not let the lovely decor, the extensive bar and their self-proclaimed â¬SBest Bloody Mary in townâ¬ fool you. While The Engineer's Bloody Mary is better than some that I have had, this in no way compensates for their rude and inattentive staff. My partner and I waited to be acknowledged by a waiter and be given a menu for the better part of an hour, despite repeated requests for service with any member of staff that would pass us by. Needless to say we declined ordering food when we were finally acknowledged, and requested the bill for our drinks. They took another ten minutes to locate our credit card which they had somehow lost and added what I thought to be a very cheeky 12.5 % â¬Sserviceâ¬ charge to our bill, for drinks we had ordered and collected at the bar. Had we not been so keen to leave, I would have contested this. The tables ie garden, which were â¬Sall reservedâ¬ when we arrived, were still not occupied by the time we left.

Personally I would say don't bother. There are countless pubs, eateries, restaurants and cafes in the area where you will get better value (and service!) for your money.Do not let the lovely decor, the extensive bar and their self-proclaimed â¬SBest Bloody Mary in townâ¬ fool you. While The Engineer's Bloody Mary is better than some that I have had, this in no way compensates for their rude and inattentive staff. My partner and I waited to be acknowledged by a waiter and be given a menu for the better part of an hour, despite repeated requests for service with any member of staff that would pass us by. Needless to say we declined ordering food when we were finally acknowledged, and requested the bill for our drinks. They took another ten minutes to locate our credit card which they had somehow lost and added what I thought to be a very cheeky 12.5 % â¬Sserviceâ¬ charge to our bill, for drinks we had ordered and collected at the bar. Had we not been so keen to leave, I would have contested this. The tables in the garden, which were â¬Sall reservedâ¬ when we arrived, were still not occupied by the time we left.

Personally I would say don't bother. There are countless pubs, eateries, restaurants and cafes in the area where you will get better value (and service!) for your money.

The Old Eagle - Great atmosphere, great beer, great pub. by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:59:10 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 3134

Website: http://www.greenekingpubs.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

When my old man was a young man and he lived in Camden Town he used to pull pints in the Old Eagle. By all accounts it was a very different kettle of fish in those days. Still, when he came to visit over the Easter weekend we had a family outing to investigate his old haunt.

Thereâ¬"s a subtle Oirish theme going on here, hardly to be wondered at, not in a tacky Oâ¬"Neils way. In fact, were it not for the Irish barman (who carried himself very much as if he was the guvâ¬"nor of the establishment) we probably wouldnâ¬"t have noticed the odd ceildh poster here and there.

I really like the place. The walls are festooned with pictures, which vary in quality, and the bar is deck out in all kinds of tat â¬ Toby jugs, ornaments and the like. There are a couple of knackered old sofas which contribute to the cosy, relaxed atmosphere, some pretty unobtrusive music, nightlights and flowers every where, itâ¬"s just a really nice, unpretentious boozer.

They boast a Thai food menu (which Iâ¬"m all in favour â¬ brilliant pub food! Quick, delicious, plenty of ballast!) which I shall try and report back on soon!

In the beer department they had a pretty standard range, with Old Speckled Hen and Green King IPA on draft, both of which were delicious.

Having not been back to this part of Camden since he left University, we had to put up with an awful lot of reminiscing from the Pater - lengthy monologues about how youâ¬"d have the saloon bar that side, and the partition was by that door, which even then had been bricked up, but the tiling on the front door step was still the same, etc etc, but that kind of add to the quaint, cosy charm of the place. Itâ¬"s obviously a very different place now - â¬SDamn sight less seedy than it used to beâ¬ as a tear trickled down his cheek. And a good thing too. If I lived any closer Iâ¬"d probably be there every night. As it is every other will have to do.
When my old man was a young man and he lived in Camden Town he used to pull pints in the Old Eagle. By all accounts it was a very different kettle of fish in those days. Still, when he came to visit over the Easter weekend we had a family outing to investigate his old haunt.

Thereâ¬"s a subtle Oirish theme going on here, hardly to be wondered at, not in a tacky Oâ¬"Neils way. In fact, were it not for the Irish barman (who carried himself very much as if he was the guvâ¬"nor of the establishment) we probably wouldnâ¬"t have noticed the odd ceildh poster here and there.

I really like the place. The walls are festooned with pictures, which vary in quality, and the bar is deck out in all kinds of tat â¬ Toby jugs, ornaments and the like. There are a couple of knackered old sofas which contribute to the cosy, relaxed atmosphere, some pretty unobtrusive music, nightlights and flowers every where, itâ¬"s just a really nice, unpretentious boozer.

They boast a Thai food menu (which Iâ¬"m all in favour â¬ brilliant pub food! Quick, delicious, plenty of ballast!) which I shall try and report back on soon!

In the beer department they had a pretty standard range, with Old Speckled Hen and Green King IPA on draft, both of which were delicious.

Having not been back to this part of Camden since he left University, we had to put up with an awful lot of reminiscing from the Pater - lengthy monologues about how youâ¬"d have the saloon bar that side, and the partition was by that door, which even then had been bricked up, but the tiling on the front door step was still the same, etc etc, but that kind of added to the quaint, cosy charm of the place. Itâ¬"s obviously a very different place now - â¬SDamn sight less seedy than it used to beâ¬ as a tear trickled down his cheek. And a good thing too. If I lived any closer Iâ¬"d probably be there every night. As it is every other will have to do.

The Camden Arms - by curlyfries

curlyfries — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:23:49 +0000

Review by curlyfries

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7267 9829

Website: http://www.thecamdenarms.com

Tags: food, dj, beer garden / outside seating

Funny this... I had exactly the same experience here too, and the poor woman upstairs behind the bar till 3am was 8 months pregnant. Idiots.Funny this... I had exactly the same experience here too, and the poor woman upstairs behind the bar till 3am was 8 months pregnant. Idiots.

The Princess Of Wales - Great pub, good food, great jazz! by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:10:22 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7722 0354

Tags: jazz, posh, friendly

I love the Princess of Wales. It's in a most beautiful location, a little bit off the beaten track but surrounded by the "glamour" of Primrose Hill and but a stones through away from Regents Canal and the hustle and bustle of Camden Town.

There is very little hustle and bustle about the Princess of Wales though. It gets pretty busy in the evenings and at weekends but you never lose a sense of tranquility and peacefulness. It feels as though Time has just kicked back a little bit, but his feet on a stool and decided that it's time to just....relax.

The pub itself is beautiful. It is glass fronted with a generous provision of tables outside, though quite often The Dorris and I take to sitting on the kerb to bask in the sunshine.

Inside the pub is slightly reminiscent of Uncle Monty's living room in "Withnail and I", just without the cat - the walls are festooned with pictures, commemorative plates, horse brasses, all manner of delightful tat. Pot plants and flowers are everywhere and there is a snug with the most impressive collection of cookery and travelling books.

I've been visiting the Princess of Wales on occasion for several years, though it's only recently, having moved to the area and patronising this most excellent pub, that I have discovered that there is a Downstairs. A more cosy, intimate little spot I can hardly imagine, it's just charming. It leads out to a sunken beer garden which I've yet to spend much time in though I suspect it gets little sun.

They boast a really good selection of beer - London Pride and Adnam's Best appear to be the norm, and a regularly changing guest - most recently I've been enjoying an excellent Brain's beer, Milkwood.

They also boast a cask cider (not for the light hearted) and a decent selection of lagers. The wine always seems decent as well, though I've never seen a list as such.

The food is pretty standard pub fare, but done very well. I can highly recommend their burgers! I haven't eaten there on a Sunday before though I am assured that they do a very fine roast.
One of the best things about this pub is the music. On Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons they have a swing band, fronted by a trumpeter who I'm pretty sure is Humph's grandfather, who are thoroughly entertaining and very good. I've paid good money to see worse jazz bands in my time, they really are great and it's a wonderful, wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The clientele is pretty eclectic. Being where it is there is a smattering of the well-heeled, a fair number of youngsters and studenty types, a good local crowd but all are very friendly and welcoming.

It's such a comfortable, pleasant pub I fully intend to go far more often. In fact, seeing as I'm on holiday and it's nearly opening time I might just wander over for a pint now.I love the Princess of Wales. It's in a most beautiful location, a little bit off the beaten track but surrounded by the "glamour" of Primrose Hill and but a stones through away from Regents Canal and the hustle and bustle of Camden Town.

There is very little hustle and bustle about the Princess of Wales though. It gets pretty busy in the evenings and at weekends but you never lose a sense of tranquility and peacefulness. It feels as though Time has just kicked back a little bit, but his feet on a stool and decided that it's time to just....relax.

The pub itself is beautiful. It is glass fronted with a generous provision of tables outside, though quite often The Dorris and I take to sitting on the kerb to bask in the sunshine.

Inside the pub is slightly reminiscent of Uncle Monty's living room in "Withnail and I", just without the cat - the walls are festooned with pictures, commemorative plates, horse brasses, all manner of delightful tat. Pot plants and flowers are everywhere and there is a snug with the most impressive collection of cookery and travelling books.

I've been visiting the Princess of Wales on occasion for several years, though it's only recently, having moved to the area and patronising this most excellent pub, that I have discovered that there is a Downstairs. A more cosy, intimate little spot I can hardly imagine, it's just charming. It leads out to a sunken beer garden which I've yet to spend much time in though I suspect it gets little sun.

They boast a really good selection of beer - London Pride and Adnam's Best appear to be the norm, and a regularly changing guest - most recently I've been enjoying an excellent Brain's beer, Milkwood.

They also boast a cask cider (not for the light hearted) and a decent selection of lagers. The wine always seems decent as well, though I've never seen a list as such.

The food is pretty standard pub fare, but done very well. I can highly recommend their burgers! I haven't eaten there on a Sunday before though I am assured that they do a very fine roast.
One of the best things about this pub is the music. On Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons they have a swing band, fronted by a trumpeter who I'm pretty sure is Humph's grandfather, who are thoroughly entertaining and very good. I've paid good money to see worse jazz bands in my time, they really are great and it's a wonderful, wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The clientele is pretty eclectic. Being where it is there is a smattering of the well-heeled, a fair number of youngsters and studenty types, a good local crowd but all are very friendly and welcoming.

It's such a comfortable, pleasant pub I fully intend to go far more often. In fact, seeing as I'm on holiday and it's nearly opening time I might just wander over for a pint now.

The Cape Of Good Hope - Another estate pub. by beeronaut

beeronaut — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:49:48 +0000

Review by beeronaut

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7388 6826

Tags: food, pool tables, vegetarian dishes

A basic estate pub on Albany Street, frequented by the locals. No real ale but you wouldn't expect it, I have no idea if there was any food. The locals aren't unfriendly however and the place seemed clean and well-attended. At some point long ago this must have been a more traditional Victorian pub (it appears in records from the 19th century) but now it's a box.A basic estate pub on Albany Street, frequented by the locals. No real ale but you wouldn't expect it, I have no idea if there was any food. The locals aren't unfriendly however and the place seemed clean and well-attended. At some point long ago this must have been a more traditional Victorian pub (it appears in records from the 19th century) but now it's a box.

The Elephants Head - by tarnhuette

tarnhuette — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:33:23 +0000

Review by tarnhuette

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7485 3130

Tags: cool, relaxed, food

lousy food and lousy servicelousy food and lousy service

The Oxford Arms - Propa pub but it's lost its charm by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:05:01 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7267 4945

Tags: food, dj, rock

The Oxford Arms, once a favourite of mine, is slowly sliding in my estimation. It used to have a certain squalid charm about it but that is now somewhat harder to find than it used to beâ¬¦ It hasnâ¬"t lost any of the squalor but the change in management, and a variety of levels, is not to my liking. Nor does it seem to be to theirs. Staff are increasingly disgruntled, detached and demoralised, the London Pride, which used to be a sure thing, is now a little hit and miss, and some of the friendly, if slightly edgy, character has seeped out.

I wouldn't eat there again. I don't think much of the menu, it's over priced, and you don't get much for your money. But it's not the kind of place you go to eat I don't think.

It still attracts a variety of clientele, itâ¬"s still a good venue for a bit of sport, and Rock God Pete still spins his discs on Friday and Saturday nights. He claims to have been roadie for Deep Purple. Or IN Deep Purple, I can't remember. I might even have made it up. What ever. But there's not a classic rock song this guy doesn't know, and if he doesn't have it with him he'll bring it next week. And no one really seems to mind you dancing on the tables and screeching in falsetto along to Stevie Nicks tracks. And deep down, every one loves Stevie Nicks.

The Oxford still retains some of its proper, no nonsense boozer character and I regret editing my review (partly because in a rather narcissistic fashion I think that itâ¬"s one of my better ones) but the days when I harboured ambitions of making The Oxford Arms my local have passed.

Me likey! The Oxford Arms is a proper, no nonsense boozer.

It's undeniable that it needs a clean, the staff need a kick up the jack, and the landlord has a bit of an attitude, but meh! It's worth it!

There are a few pumps, but only ever London Pride on. It's invariably a good pint too. Then you'll find our usual bog standard selection of lagers, 'bows, and Guinness.

I wouldn't eat there again. I don't think much of the menu, it's over priced, and you don't get much for your money. But it's not the kind of place you go to eat I don't think.

I know that there are dozens of pubs just like it up and down London but there is something so... straight forward about this place that it's got me. And it has the rather pleasing effect of scaring off tourists, indie kids and the like - it's a bit of a haven in this respect, being so close to the market but remaining proper local.

There seems to be a function room upstairs, though I'm not sure what goes on up there. There's a perfectly pleasant beer garden out back and 3 or 4 TV screens showing sport, predominantly I think, rugby. Not the place to take some one on a date. Although rather hilariously when The Doris and I were first stepping out I did just that. What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic.

I can't remember if it's a Thursday or Friday evening but they lay on a fantastic Rock DJ, and I mean Proper Rock - he claims to have been roadie for Deep Purple. Or IN Deep Purple, I can't remember. What ever. There's not a classic rock song this guy doesn't know, and if he doesn't have it with him he'll bring it next week. And no one really seems to mind you dancing on the tables and screeching in falsetto along to Stevie Nicks tracks. And deep down, every one loves Stevie Nicks.

It is just such an "honest" (I think there are generally few genuinely honest people in there...) unpretentious boozer that I see it becoming my local.The Oxford Arms, once a favourite of mine, is slowly sliding in my estimation. It used to have a certain squalid charm about it but that is now somewhat harder to find than it used to beâ¬¦ It hasnâ¬"t lost any of the squalor but the change in management, and a variety of levels, is not to my liking. Nor does it seem to be to theirs. Staff are increasingly disgruntled, detached and demoralised, the London Pride, which used to be a sure thing, is now a little hit and miss, and some of the friendly, if slightly edgy, character has seeped out.

I wouldn't eat there again. I don't think much of the menu, it's over priced, and you don't get much for your money. But it's not the kind of place you go to eat I don't think.

It still attracts a variety of clientele, itâ¬"s still a good venue for a bit of sport, and Rock God Pete still spins his discs on Friday and Saturday nights. He claims to have been roadie for Deep Purple. Or IN Deep Purple, I can't remember. I might even have made it up. What ever. But there's not a classic rock song this guy doesn't know, and if he doesn't have it with him he'll bring it next week. And no one really seems to mind you dancing on the tables and screeching in falsetto along to Stevie Nicks tracks. And deep down, every one loves Stevie Nicks.

The Oxford still retains some of its proper, no nonsense boozer character and I regret editing my review (partly because in a rather narcissistic fashion I think that itâ¬"s one of my better ones) but the days when I harboured ambitions of making The Oxford Arms my local have passed.

Me likey! The Oxford Arms is a proper, no nonsense boozer.

It's undeniable that it needs a clean, the staff need a kick up the jack, and the landlord has a bit of an attitude, but meh! It's worth it!

There are a few pumps, but only ever London Pride on. It's invariably a good pint too. Then you'll find our usual bog standard selection of lagers, 'bows, and Guinness.

I wouldn't eat there again. I don't think much of the menu, it's over priced, and you don't get much for your money. But it's not the kind of place you go to eat I don't think.

I know that there are dozens of pubs just like it up and down London but there is something so... straight forward about this place that it's got me. And it has the rather pleasing effect of scaring off tourists, indie kids and the like - it's a bit of a haven in this respect, being so close to the market but remaining proper local.

There seems to be a function room upstairs, though I'm not sure what goes on up there. There's a perfectly pleasant beer garden out back and 3 or 4 TV screens showing sport, predominantly I think, rugby. Not the place to take some one on a date. Although rather hilariously when The Doris and I were first stepping out I did just that. What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic.

I can't remember if it's a Thursday or Friday evening but they lay on a fantastic Rock DJ, and I mean Proper Rock - he claims to have been roadie for Deep Purple. Or IN Deep Purple, I can't remember. What ever. There's not a classic rock song this guy doesn't know, and if he doesn't have it with him he'll bring it next week. And no one really seems to mind you dancing on the tables and screeching in falsetto along to Stevie Nicks tracks. And deep down, every one loves Stevie Nicks.

It is just such an "honest" (I think there are generally few genuinely honest people in there...) unpretentious boozer that I see it becoming my local.