Review: Camden Town

Experience alternative London at Camden’s famous market

Review by Ella

Step out of Camden Town station and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were stepping into some kind of parallel universe – teenagers sit and smoke in the middle of the road, girls in platform heels and ripped fishnets chase boys with strangely-dyed, foot-high hair. People walk around in floor-length leather coats even on the hottest summer days. There are goths, punks, hippies, on one memorable occasion a man in a gas mask.

My experience

In short, if you’re looking for a spot of alternative life, this is the place to find it. Camden is a haven of oddness and peculiarity, and the stables markets are famous for the unexpected gems which pop up between the piles of junk. Looking for a genuine vintage 1940s fur coat? You know where to come.

There are stalls on every corner selling unique and beautiful jewellery – earrings made from forks and ribbon bows, necklaces with a thousand tiny beads – as well as more conservative clothes shops. You can pick up a velvet laced corset or just a regular pair of skinny jeans – there’s something for almost every taste.

But Camden isn’t just about the shopping. There are many clubs, pubs, restaurants and bars which make its nightlife some of the best in London. Take a stroll down to the lock to relax by the waterside with a cold pint – perfect on a summer’s day.

InSpiral Lounge is also well worth visiting, with its organic, health-conscious, yet entirely delicious food. Later, check out Electric Ballroom or Underworld clubs for some of the newest, coolest indie beats around.

All in all, somewhere you should definitely make time to visit!

Directions

By Underground:

Camden Town station takes you straight onto the High Street, whereas Chalk Farm station is only a couple of minutes from the stables markets.

Alternatively, you can walk there from the Generator in around 20-30 minutes: ask in the Travel Shop for directions.

Hot tip

If you’re a shopping fan, be sure to take plenty of money so you don’t miss out on a bargain!

More info

For more info check the official website www.camdenlock.net. Many stalls are now open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm.

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