Camden, London: Where to shop/go out?
I’m visiting London soon, and am very keen to check out Camden. I was there last year, but we had little time in Camden and no time to explore, and all the markets we found were rather trashy, selling novelty t-shirts, lighters with The Simpson’s on it, poppers and magic mushrooms… Not quite the image I had of Camden. Where can you go to find some unique things, like clothing, bags, accessories, records, that kind of stuff?
Also, last time, we went out to a bar near Oxford Street, but weren’t impressed… As we will be staying in Camden, most likely, we’d like to know about some places to go out there, not necessarily clubs, just somewhere with a nice atmosphere and friendly people.
Any other tips of London gems that isn’t in the guidebooks will also be very much appreciated =)
To be honest, shopping in Camden isn’t as good as it used to be. The rent for shops and stalls is so high that it’s pushing a lot of the traders out. This isn’t helped by all the tourists who look but don’t buy, and often put locals off visiting at the weekend as it gets so busy.
It depends what you’re looking for really. The Stables Market (over the bridge, home to Gilgamesh restaurant) is still one of my favourites. Look out for No:Wear – it’s a great little alternative clothing shop run by a lady who makes everything herself. You can get unique bags, hats, cuffs, tops, etc, in there. Two doors down is Spank, which sells some cool clothing and accessories. I also like Burleska.
Read more about alternative shops and others here:
http://www.camdenlock.net/fashion/alternative.html
If you’re not into the grubby rock pubs and clubs (Worlds End, Barfly, Dublin Castle, etc), you can get decent cocktails at Fifty Five Bar on Jamestown Road.
http://www.fiftyfivebar.co.uk/home.htm
Avoid most of the bars / restaurants on Inverness Street – they’re all run by the same guy and are universally grim. However, Hache (on the same street) is great for burgers.
Camden’s not that good for restaurants, but there are loads a short bus ride away in Soho, Marylebone, etc. You can also find nice eateries further north in the wealthy suburban areas of Belsize Park and Hampstead. If you can find your way to Fleet Road, I recommend trying The Stag – a laid-back pub with excellent food, friendly staff and a cool garden.
http://www.london-eating.co.uk/35219.htm
Check out London-Eating and www.toptable.co.uk for restaurant recommendations and special offers to save you some money.
You might like Spitalfields Market – it sells a lot of interesting stuff, but it has become quite popular with the tourists. Worth a visit though.
http://www.spitalfields.co.uk/
London is great if you like stand-up comedy or fringe theatre, and there is always a good band on somewhere. Check out TimeOut for listings and also ViewLondon for ideas of where to go.
http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/
Enjoy your trip 
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