Location: Cool in Camden?
30 January 2015
For prospective tenants wanting to see some of the vestiges of London’s punk scene, Camden is probably the best bet. The area’s thriving street markets still sell clothing and accessories for ‘alternative’ cultures, while a busy nightlife and music scene means you may still spot the odd mohawk.
While the high street retail chains have moved into the area, the markets, including Stables Market and Camden Lock Village, remain a major tourist attraction in the weekend, selling fashion, lifestyle, books, food and antiques.
Nightlife has a strong live music element, including the Electric Ballroom and Koko, while Proud is another hotspot. Pubs where you can also catch a live gig include Dublin Castle or the Lock Tavern, or for folk try Green Note, or soul and R&B at The Jazz Cafe. Other popular boozers include the Hawley Arms – former favourite of the late Amy Winehouse – and The Enterprise.
The area is host to a number of restaurants for varying tastes on Camden High Street and side streets Parkway, Chalk Farm Road, and Bayham Street – from Marathon Kebabs to Gilgamesh and Shaka Zulu.
Those looking for some scenery and some exercise can take the towpath alongside Regent’s Canal, which runs through the north end of Camden Town. This pleasant pedestrian and cycle route runs continuously from Little Venice through Camden Lock to the Islington Tunnel. In the summer months a canal cruise can be fun via sightseeing narrow-boat trips, or on the regular waterbus service heading westwards around Regent’s Park, calling at London Zoo and on towards Maida Vale.
And for those new to the area who like their neighbourhood a little less rock and roll, Primrose Hill is only a short walk from Stables Market. This hill on the northern side of Regent’s Park, perfect for a stroll, has stunning views over central London, Belsize Park and Hampstead. The surrounding exclusive residential area is home to an number of famous faces, for a little star-spotting. Nearby Regent’s Park Village offers some great restaurants and smaller shops.
Culturally, The Roundhouse Theatre, a former locomotive engine roundhouse, is a theatre and music venue, while Camden Arts Centre specialises in contemporary art and education. New residents wanting to borrow books can join the Swiss Cottage Central Library.
Accessibility is also good for prospective tenants. Camden Town Tube Station is a major interchange for the Northern Line branches. Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent tube stations also serve the area. The Camden Road London Overground Station is on the line from Richmond in the west to Stratford in the east. The nearest National Rail station is Kentish Town, while St Pancras and Euston terminals are both within 20 minutes walk of Camden Town. The area is also major hub for buses and most night buses in north London stop in Camden Town.
In terms of facilities, University College Hospital on Euston Road has Accident & Emergency Services. Nearby supermarket options include a Morrison’s, Sainsbury’s and Whole Foods Market.
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