10 of the Best Pubs Near Camden, London

Camden is one of the busiest and most electric areas of London. With new pubs, bars, art centers, cultural attractions, and a young vibe that make every expat flock here on the weekends, Camden is arguably one of the hottest areas for a night out. 

Although Soho and Shoreditch sometimes steal the spotlight when it comes to “going out” in the capital city of England, we love Camden. Featuring quintessential English pubs, the nearby Camden market, waters-edge bars, and dance clubs, there is no shortage of things to do here in the evening time. 

Let’s see the top pubs near Camden, London, that will make you ready for a few pints of Smithwicks to cool off on a hot summer day or a Moscow Mule to warm up on a chilly winter evening. 

The Hawley Arms

Shops on Camden High Street – By Grim23 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16005228

The Hawley Arms is one of the most popular pubs in Camden – and for a good reason! With its doors open since 2004, this is one of the busiest pubs in the entire city. Featuring crispy battered fish and chips that will make you wish you could eat this for “supper” every night and a hearty pour of pints, you won’t want to leave this pub. 

Located on Castlehaven Road, the Hawley Arms is excellent for those who have a bit of the old-time London nostalgia, before the expats flocked to the race and the tourists overran the city center. Featuring hall of fame pictures and an old-school vibe mixed with a more modern foil, with the upstairs bar and roof terrace, this English pub is great to hang out in before heading to a nearby club. 

The World’s End

The World’s End – By Viosan at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13293311

Known as a Camden — and London — landmark, the World’s End is one of the busiest pubs in the entire city. For as long as any local can remember, this establishment has cemented itself as one of the best pubs to head to for an afternoon pint, catch a match on TV, or for a night out. Featuring a mezzanine balcony area, two bars, and an open bar that has an old-school look, The World’s End is home to a great atmosphere, underground gigs, and cool people. 

Located right in the middle of the neighborhood on Camden High Street, this pub is open until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 pm during the week — ideal for a post-work pint or weekend late-night shenanigans. 

The Good Mixer

Camden – By Grim23 – File:Tvam_building_2009.png at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7038958

The Good Mixer is one of Camen’s most iconic and recognized pubs. Featuring pool tables that are great for a guys’ night out or first date scene, this pub is located on Inverness Street, close to the Cecil Sharp House and Jewish Museum of London. With an extensive selection of draft beers, Wing Shack Co food that makes the points go down easier, and live music, this central Camden location is great for a casual or beat-bumping night out. 

The Black Heart

The twin Camden Locks – By Photo: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9570387

A vast range of local beers and live music – -what else do you need in a pub? Black Heart doesn’t feel like much more. This rock n roll type of bar is great for a change from your typical English pub for a fun night out. We really enjoy the clash of cultures here at this popular spot, a sandwiched mixture of a US-themed heavy-metal bar and a rock pub.

Brewdog

BrewDog bar in Camden – By Bernt Rostad – https://www.flickr.com/photos/brostad/9310344874/in/photolist-fbHXau-9N7sDA-eaM6Pq-2hNy5Hm-fbuFpg-cnoz17-8wVAT7-9N7tYb-dx6HVf-cY9iqC-qWaXaq-qgHQnG-2hPzpEB-tW9XRL-ajSjdc-2i2aLGj-2i2ddnS-7RMBgX-8wVASC-22X4y7j-7RMBgZ-2ik4csY-KhtudH-2hSvctT-ajV6ib-nFuoLf-91SmSB-2h9xGif-2i2aLEk-9Ubeu8-jXpkjK-gJYP9w-eihUjp-jXr6U5-9WkH14-8T5VHR-9WkH1n-7WGGVo-9WowtQ-9UyDQg-2g43tVQ-dNS5g3-9VTbHB-cJCrWs-6rtixB-9WkH1F-dNS55q-7BWsof-qgW9fv-eNHunh, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=88419930

Okay, it might be a chain, but the Camden location is the best. This is actually the FIRST location for Brewdog, and all the rest followed; and what is the saying? First is best? We couldn’t agree more. The BrewDog location at Camden does not feel like a chain, offering an extensive range of on-tap beers ranging from hearty ales to light and fresh IPAs. With big windows and tasty burgers, we love Brewdog for a casual afternoon out. 

Draft House

Draught beer – By The original uploader was SilkTork at English Wikipedia. – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2769345

A new arrival on the Camden pub scene, Draft House has just what it claims – a lot of draft beers. And we love it! This local pub combines a mixture of the vibes of the Black Heart with the extensive selection of Brewdog, offering a more grungy vibe with tons of beers on tap. Right on Camden Road, this is an easy place to pop into after a full day of walking around. 

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle, Camden – By Ewan Munro from London, UK – Dublin Castle, Camden Town, NW1Uploaded by Oxyman, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22393699

A bit nostalgic for the Irish friendliness and atmosphere? No problem — head to Dublin Castle! This is one of the most popular London venues located right in Camden town, featuring tons of drink deals, pictures of local bands, and great vibes. 

The Edinboro Castle

Edinburgh Castle – By Scottish Government – Mary Queen of Scots premiere, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99940587

Just like we mentioned Ireland, we have to mention Scotland as well. The Edinboro Castle (a play on the famous Scottish town of Edinburgh) is one of the most popular pubs located right in the heart of Camden Town. Head to the outdoor Mornington Terrace and sit on one of the many outdoor picnic benches on one of the rare sunny days to have a crisp pint and enjoy the sunshine. 

The Oxford Arms 

Camden High Street – By Grim23 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16005228

Close to the Good Mixer, the Oxford Arms is another popular watering hole that has become a staple over the years. A traditional pub featuring sport on TV (hello, Premier league), quiz machines, and a small outdoor space is the best spot for a day drink — if we do say so ourselves. Right on Camden High Street, you really can’t miss it. 

Camden Head

The Camden Head pub – By Berrely – https://www.flickr.com/photos/188017284@N08/51169035695/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=105110350

Lastly, the Camden Head is a typical English pub that makes the new breweries look foolish. After all, if people love the old-school stuff, why change it? This 18th-century English pub is a staple for sticking to the basics – and doing it entirely well. With an English pub interior vibe, tons of draft beers, and DJ and comedy events, this Camden High Street pub is great.