Camden market is one of the most unique places in London, and by London standards that’s saying a lot. In the Victorian era it was the home of a huge horse hospital, which still stands, and ever since the ‘70s it’s been the home of all that is quirky and cool, and is now a major alternative fashion landmark and a must visit for anyone choosing to spend the weekend in London. The market, in Zone 2 of North London, is well served by public transport; train station is accessible on the Northern Line and several different bus routes stop there. Camden is not in the congestion zone, but the roads are always busy, and unless you are familiar with the area it’s best to save yourself the headache, and hop on a train.
Camden Market is actually a collection of smaller markets which all have their own identity. At one end is Chalk Farm, which houses vintage clothing shops and a lively food court. This then leads on to a section of boutique shops that sell art, artisan goods, records and designer clothes. After that another food court opens up – there was a time when you could buy a man-sized portion of curry for £2; the food is more expensive now, but you can still buy great street food some every corner of the globe. This is where the fashion gets even more alternative, although in the middle of it all is one of the fanciest restaurants in town, the vibrant and beautifully decorated Gilgamesh. Reaching back to the station are independent shops and market stalls, selling everything you could possibly imagine, from gorgeous clothes and outrageous tights to designer handbags.
The market at Camden Lock houses everything from a corset shop, Fairy Goth Mother, to beautiful jewellery carved from wood from Tribu, headscarves and incense and trinkets. The Lock is the place to go if it’s a bit of culture that you want; take in a bit of Turkish cuisine and enjoy a shisha pipe at the café, or enjoy a cold beer overlooking the canal. There is art and music anywhere; the tight knit community gives it a cheery and lively atmosphere that will stay with you for the rest of the day.
If it’s music that you want, then Camden will not disappoint; some of the venues may look unassuming, but many of the best bands in the world often turn up here for intimate gigs. Barfly is one such example – this pub has witnessed performances by Franz Ferdinand, The Futureheads and Coldplay, and the party goes on so late it becomes early. Koko is the place for celebrity spotting; Kate Moss is a regular, and Madonna played her first ever gig there; seeing at the venue has been in business since 1890, it’s safe to assume they know how to do it.
Even if you’re not one for alternative fashion and music, Camden is not to be missed. Where else can you buy vintage records in a former stable, surrounded by statues of the horses that formerly walked the corridors? Where else can you feel so much history and vibrant culture in one place? Can you afford to miss it?
(Photo by jmmpereda via Flickr)
Article written by Thomas C.
The market at Camden Lock houses everything from a corset shop, Fairy Goth Mother, to beautiful jewellery carved from wood from Tribu, headscarves and incense and trinkets. The Lock is the place to go if it’s a bit of culture that you want; take in a bit of Turkish cuisine and enjoy a shisha pipe at the café, or enjoy a cold beer overlooking the canal. There is art and music anywhere; the tight knit community gives it a cheery and lively atmosphere that will stay with you for the rest of the day.
If it’s music that you want, then Camden will not disappoint; some of the venues may look unassuming, but many of the best bands in the world often turn up here for intimate gigs. Barfly is one such example – this pub has witnessed performances by Franz Ferdinand, The Futureheads and Coldplay, and the party goes on so late it becomes early. Koko is the place for celebrity spotting; Kate Moss is a regular, and Madonna played her first ever gig there; seeing at the venue has been in business since 1890, it’s safe to assume they know how to do it.
Even if you’re not one for alternative fashion and music, Camden is not to be missed. Where else can you buy vintage records in a former stable, surrounded by statues of the horses that formerly walked the corridors? Where else can you feel so much history and vibrant culture in one place? Can you afford to miss it?
(Photo by jmmpereda via Flickr)
Article written by Thomas C.
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