London - Camden

For those of you who are letting go of mummy's apron strings for the very first time, university can be a daunting prospect. But for those with a penchant for live music and self discovery it can be the start of a very long and exciting party. No more so than in Camden, home to London’s live music scene and guaranteed to provide a damn good night out. Luckily for you, Gigwise has already been there, done that and got the masters degree, meaning you spend less time separating the good from the bad thus giving you more time to spend on your studies...Ahem. 



Pubs
Whether it’s a quiet lager top or a dirty pint of Belgium import that you’re after, Camden has it all and live music has never had it so good. If you like your music loud and sweaty then The Dublin Castle is a good place to start, with live music every night and a favorite hangout for the likes of Mr. Barat and friends. The Bull & Gate is one of the best places to see up and coming bands starting out on the London circuit, whilst The Fusilier & Firkin is a strong supporter of the local music scene giving all those bedroom performers a chance to air their wears. And The Purple Turtle has all manner of live bands playing most nights.

If you wanna save the music for later and just want somewhere to kick of the night’s proceedings, a good a place as any is The Good Mixer. The once legendary Brit Pop venue and hangout of Blur and Oasis to name but a few, still retains a fantastic juke box, great atmosphere and pool tables. The Worlds End’s pint pouring qualifications have never been in doubt, having had a pub on its site since 1778. And let’s not forget the infamous Lock Tavern complete with beer garden, perfect for chilling out after a days shopping.

Clubs
As well as the many pubs that Camden has to offer there’s also a plethora of clubs designed to cater for your every musical need. Barfly @ The Monarch is a small but fantastic place to catch up with up and coming talent as well as more established acts. The Electric Ballroom has been instrumental to Camden’s musical heritage for over 65 years. Key during the time of punk, it plays host to eclectic club nights and the likes of Joy Division, Public Enemy and Red Hot Chili Peppers have all graced its stage. Lock 17 combines split level club come gig room and is ideal to catch newly established talent as is Bar Monsta. 

Venues
As Camden’s premier indie venue, KOKO is a must. It hosts regular club nights, big name gigs and provides the backdrop for Channel Four’s The Album Chart Show. Underworld specializes in noisy unadulterated live rock; If it’s laid back soul, funk, R N B, or jazz that gets you body grooving, then check out the sedate and classy Jazz Cafe; and the legendary Roundhouse offer gigs and shows of a more select and conventional nature.

 

Everything in Camden is pretty much fair game; just avoid the dodgy weed dealers hanging around Camden Town Station.

Retro Adidas shorts, polo shirts, accessories, 1980’s trainers, army surplus, global cuisine, home furnishings and much much more are all up for grabs here. And even if you haven't got any money, it’s still a good day out. If you want to make a statement or reduce poor mum and dad to tears when you go home for the Christmas holidays, Camden has more tattoo and body piecing studios than you can shake an earring on a stick at. Complete the look with a **** off pair of Doc Martin’s courtesy of The British Boot Company and you’re laughing. Or if vinyl leisure is your pleasure then Camden’s got it all. Out On The Floor and Bar Vinyl / Vinyl Addiction (very cool bar with record shop downstairs) on Inverness Street will keep you busy for hours. And there’s also The Music & Video Exchange on Camden High Street, a great place to swap your old for random, hard to find stuff as well as new releases.

Any band worth their salt has or will play Camden at some point during their career. Psychedelic baggies Flowered Up, Brit Pop’s Menswear, post hardcore rockers Hell Is For Heroes and poetic observer Just Jack all hail from NW1. The Clash recorded the legendary London Calling album here and Graham Coxon is one of Camden’s many muso type residents. 

Camden’s first major music event took place at The Roundhouse, 15th October 1966, where Pink Floyd and Soft Machine played a show involving jelly and motorbikes. 

Camden has the highest population of full time students (11%). 

Over 100 languages are spoken in Camden’s schools including Bengali, Yoruba, Farsi and Lingala. 

16% of Camden's resident’s are classed as binge drinkers.