The Best Pubs in Camden

Ignore the slightly morbid name, because The World’s End is all about good vibes and high energy. It keeps that traditional British pub feel with its fireplace and cosy interiors, but that doesn’t stop people from dancing the night away. We love that they’ve managed to keep the classic pub aesthetic while still turning it into a spot where people can get hyped.

As for food, they’ve got everything a tipsy you could ever want — wings, pizza, hot dogs, nachos. And it’s all proper good stuff, none of that sketchy food-truck-after-midnight vibe. The pizzas especially are raved about by locals.

But their real USP? The Underworld. Hidden underneath the pub, it’s a live music venue with an addictive atmosphere. Basically, you get the best of both worlds: cosy pub night with good grub upstairs, and full-on dancing and energy right below.

Have to try: The pizzas and the Underworld room (live music)
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £20+ (depending on how much food/drink you get

Honestly, everything about Dingwalls is buzzy, high-energy, and a little over the top. Our favourite combo, to be honest. It’s been open since 1973 and you can really tell from the exterior — the architecture is gorgeous, and definitely not something you’d expect to stumble across in central London. Step inside though, and it’s a whole different story: modern, vibrant, and made for good times.

They’ve got all your classic drinks, but the cocktail menu is where it’s at. If you’re after that one drink that’s going to get you there fast, order the Hurricane. With spiced rum, dark rum, pineapple, and passionfruit, it’s strong but still fruity and sweet. Basically, a dangerous combo.

Dingwalls is also non-stop when it comes to music. DJ sets run constantly, but it’s most famous as a live music venue. And when we found out they’ve hosted icons like Coldplay and Etta James? We felt like we’d struck gold. The best bit — it turns into a nightclub before you’ve even realised, so if you’re after a proper dance-the-night-away kind of night, Dingwalls is the one.

Have to try: The Hurricane cocktail
Perfect for: Clubbing/night out vibes
Approx price for 2: £20+

We’re taking it back to those classic, traditional pub vibes with The Edinboro Castle. This one screams sunny pub garden energy. And honestly, even when it rains you’ll still find yourself outside — the heated booths mean you can stay cosy while still soaking up the better vibes outdoors.

Food-wise, they’ve got a long list of mains, but we say skip that and go straight for the small plates. Everything’s so good, and it means you can try a bit of everything (trust us, you’ll want to). The fried chicken is the absolute winner — drenched in chilli honey and served with a jalapeño ranch that you’ll want to dunk everything in. They disappear so fast you’ll probably have to order another round for the table just to keep things fair.

Pair it with a cold beer, or if you’re feeling a little fancy, they’ve got a surprisingly great wine list too.

Have to try: Fried chicken with chilli honey
Perfect for: Chill pub garden vibes
Approx price for 2: £20-£70 (depending on how much food/drink you get)

You just know any pub with the word “Arms” in the name is going to give you full-on traditional, Victorian pub vibes — and this place does not disappoint. Dimly lit, fairy lights twinkling, brick walls absolutely covered in frames… it’s exactly the kind of cosy setting you picture when someone says “proper British pub.”

Naturally, we had to go for the Sunday roast. Honestly, no other pub felt more trustworthy for it purely based on the interior alone. We went with the rump of beef, medium rare (though you can have it cooked however you like), and every plate comes piled high with the essentials — Yorkshire pudding, roasties, cabbage, mash, and a generous pour of gravy.

And of course, to end it properly, you have to get the sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. It’s pure comfort on a plate and basically cures whatever ails you — especially on one of those rainy, grey London days.

Have to try: Sunday roast
Perfect for: Meal out with the family
Approx price for 2: £40-£70 (Sunday roast + dessert+ + drinks)

The Lock Tavern still maintains that traditional pub feel with its brick walls and warm lighting, but they mix it up by keeping it modern and refined. The space is open and airy too, so none of that squished, sitting-on-top-of-each-other nonsense you sometimes get in pubs.

They’ve got loads of events running to keep things fresh. Our fave has to be the classic pub quiz every Tuesday at 7:30. It’s one of those things that never gets old – guaranteed laughs and unserious arguments with whoever you bring.

But if that’s a bit too tame for you, don’t worry. Every Friday and Saturday they host DJ sets that go lateeee. So if it’s drinking, dancing and full-on vibing you’re after, you’re covered.

Have to try: Pub quiz
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £20+

Don’t worry about feeling sleepy in this pub — if the buzzing atmosphere doesn’t keep you going, the vibrant red splashed across the entire place definitely will. It’s impossible not to feel awake in here.

This spot is best known for its live music, hosting both names you’ll recognise and up-and-coming artists (love to see them giving new talent a platform). And when the gig wraps up, Fridays through Sundays turn into full-on DJ nights. If you’re looking for a boogie, that’s your time to shine.

Pro tip: get there before 6pm for some seriously good drink deals. Nothing beats starting the night strong while saving a few quid.

Have to try: DJ sets on Friday or Saturday
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £15+ (general entrance fee)

The Colonel Fawcett is where you go when the mission is simple: good pub grub with good people. Whether it’s family or mates, this spot just delivers.

We kicked things off with the cajun potato croquettes – definitely on the bougier side for a pub starter – but oh my god, unreal. They come with this creamy garlicky aioli that makes you want to order three more portions. Yes, we burnt our tongues every single time, but honestly, totally worth it. For mains, we kept it classic with haddock and chips- mushy peas, tartare sauce, you know the drill. And yes, more potatoes, but can you ever really have too many? Exactly.

Drink-wise, their deals are actually solid. Cocktails and doubles for £10 – which, for central London, is basically a bargain considering you’d normally drop nearly double for something half the size.

Have to try: Cajun potato croquettes with aioli
Perfect for: Classic pub food
Approx price for 2: £30-£60

The name got it right tbh—unassuming location, but we absolutely loved our experience at The Dark Horse. The interiors are surprisingly dramatic with the dim lighting, tables spaced out just right (which we loved, because nothing’s worse than accidentally eavesdropping on a conversation you did not need to hear). We’ve all been there.

A rainy Thursday called for one thing only: bangers and mash. And let us tell you—they do it seriously well here. No bit-ty nonsense—creamy, buttery, and that perfect homemade taste you expect from a proper British pub. You also have to try their apple crumble; it’s the ultimate cozy, homely finish.

The drinks menu is large, with wine, beer, lagers, and cocktails, but honestly, this is the kind of pub where sticking to the classics just feels right.

Have to try: Apple crumble
Perfect for: Classic British pub
Approx price for 2: £30-60

This has got to be the most aesthetically pleasing pub on the list so far. The exterior of the Elephant’s Head is absolutely decked out in vibrant flowers, and inside, the modern wooden panelling and overall vibe just nail it.

You can definitely just rock up, but we’d recommend checking their website first to see what live music events are on if that’s your vibe.

If all you’re after is good pub drinking vibes (no judgment at all), you’re also sorted. We loved the Bumbu Colada – rum, Malibu, and pineapple – the ultimate summery drink. They’ve also got a solid beer and wine list if you’re more into the classics.

 Have to try: Bumbu Colada
Perfect for: Casual pub night
Approx price for 2: £20

When we heard the name Black Heart, we were ready for some old-timey, proper traditional pub vibes. But nope – it’s actually the complete opposite. The interiors are sleek, modern, and way more sophisticated than we ever expected.

Now… we know we’re about to lose a few of you here, but stay with us. The entire menu is vegan. Yep, no meat in sight. But before you roll your eyes – this isn’t just a sad plate of carrots and lettuce. We’re talking wings, burgers, dirty fries, mac and cheese – all the proper comfort food you’d usually crave at the pub. Does it taste exactly the same? Not quite. Was it way better than we expected and worth trying? 100%.

Have to try: Smoked mac and cheeze
Perfect for: Trying something new
Approx price for 2: £30