Unraveling the Iconic Camden Clubs

Camden Town is a suburb in northern London. Once a gin distilling and railways hub, now a cultural place with many shops, restaurants, and legendary  Camden clubs and venues. Although the alternative fashion side of its ’90s and early 2000s is not that prominent anymore, many Camden clubs are still alive and open to anyone who wants some glimpse into London’s music Mecca.

In the next chapters, I will introduce the iconic clubs accompanied by analog photos made in the early 2000s when the streets were filled with many roaming goths and punks.

“It’s called Camden town [..]  every Saturday, and every Sunday there is a huge fucking market, right, it’s like 17 Hot Topics, [..] So if you ever go to London, be sure to go to Camden, to get your knee-high leather boots. And when you’ve got your knee high leather boots on, just come in my house, knock on the door.” Brian Molko

Koko

People knew it as Camden Palace until 2004. On Boxing Day in 1900, the Camden Theatre opened its doors. Club owners restored the building multiple times before it evolved into the club we recognize today. For a couple of years after WWII it functioned as a BBC studio. Later in 70s it re-opened as live music venue under the name the Music Machine.

During this time it played a pivotal role in the punk movement and you could see many legendary bands playing there including The Clash, and the Sex Pistols. In 1982 the club got a new name Camden Palace and it slowly turned into a prominent spot for new wave and electronic music. 2004-2020 were the restoration years with one large fire that damaged the roof of the building.

Some iconic musicians that played inside its ornate interiors with balconies and iconic dome, include Rolling Stones, Madonna, Iron Maiden, Coldplay, Kanye West, Amy Winehouse.

Besides music, the club offers club nights, comedy shows, house parties, Sunday family lunches, games nights, wine tasting, and cultural events like art talks, or you can bring your laptop and settle down in The Stage Kitchen, or Battens Bar and turn it into your workspace.

Electric Ballroom

The history of this club dates back to 1938 when a man named Bill Fuller bought it. The club opened its doors under the name The Buffalo Club and transitioned from an art deco cinema into a dance hall. During the 70s the club played a pivotal role for many punk and rock bands including The Clash, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, Sex Pistols, Joy Division. In 1978 it changed name into Electric Ballroom as we know it today. Due to noise complaints it closed down after 9 months.

The history of the club extends beyond punk music. It slowly welcomed other genres too – indie, new wave, electronic. In 2003, London authorities proposed new development plans for the adjacent tube station, with intentions to acquire the club as well. However, the club owners, supported by musicians, successfully thwarted these efforts. Despite their initial victory, the ongoing struggle persists as the city periodically introduces fresh proposals, reigniting the battle to safeguard the club from further acquisition attempts.

The Underworld

The club has an important role and place in London’s alternative music scene. Nowadays it is part of the World’s End Pub situated in the basement. The majority of the people who tend to visit it are young. But some age restrictions are in place – especially for gigs teenagers aged 14,14+ and 15 years old’s must come with an adult. The clubs are open for 18+ and the capacity is 500 people. The club is open on Fridays and Saturdays until 3 am. In case you need accommodation, nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Camden Lock or Hotel St. Christopher’s Inn.

Some notable musicians that played in Underworld include Placebo, The Offspring, Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Sum 41, Smashing Pumpkings.

Proud Camden

19^th century horse hospital that was turned into a nightclub but still features some reminiscences of its past like the original stables. The walls of the club are covered with images of rock royalties and the place is very popular among celebrities too. Some of the famous people spotted hanging out there are The Arctic Monkeys, Carl Barat, and Sadie Frost. The range of music is quite wide including pop, Lady Gaga, and cabaret shows. It is advised to follow smart casual dress code and also to book a table. You need to be 18+ to be allowed to enter.

“Where taxi drivers never stop talking / Under slate grey Victorian sky / Here you’ll find, my heart and I / And still we say come back”, Morrissey / Come back to Comden

FEST Camden

Another unique place on the list of Camden Clubs. You will find it in a former 200-year-old horse hospital at Camden Stables Market. Nightclub as well as a live music venue with a rooftop garden, outdoor bar, and pizza oven. The capacity is 1000 people for the club and 400-600 for the rooftop.

Lockside Camden

Waterfront venue overlooking the picturesque canal. The formerly traditional pub was slowly turned into a dynamic space. Besides music, live entertainment, themed parties, and karaoke, the place blends dining and drinking experiences. You can expect music genres like house, tech-house, minimal, and deep house.

The Blues Kitchen

Hotspot for rock, blues, and soul enthusiasts. Originally the club opened its doors in 2009 in the former Victorian warehouse. The place conveys nostalgic charm with a modern take on live entertainment and dining experiences. Club nights, bands, and DJs play or perform until very late hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Eating and dining choices cover barbecue, cocktails, burgers. The club has the largest collection of Bourbons, Whiskeys & Rye in the whole of London.

The Camden Assembly

Formerly named The Barfly, the club offers club nights, live music, parties as well as dining and drinking options. It can accommodate 400 people (200 upstairs, 200 downstairs) and 3 unique rooms suitable even for corporate events. One of the rooms, so-called playroom, is a private room that is at the top of Camden Boozer and comes with a karaoke system and vintage arcade games.

How to get to Camden Town station

Tube: northern black line – it runs through central London and stops at Leicester Square, King’s Cross St Pancras, and London Bridge.

Buses: 24, 27, 29, 31, 88

“To Camden we will crawl / One and all / Oh down to Trash and Lordy Lord / By icons we were lured / One and all” Libertines / Fame and Fortune