Received wisdom, actually, first-hand experience suggests that cramming down a big meal and then heading off to a gig to jump up and down never leads to any place good. In actuality it leads to the venue toilets, or just off to the side of the mosh-pit... or all over some security guard's shoes. (By the way mate, if you're reading this, we're still very embarrassed about that.)
Even if you don't intend to jump up and down, you've gotta fuel up in order to enjoy a gig; you don't want your rumbling tummy to put off Adam Duritz in the opening bars of "Goodnight Elizabeth" - he'll go ape-shit.
So, to keep everyone happy, we've put together a list of the best places to enjoy a pre-gig bite in Camden...
Where to get a meal before a gig in Camden
Owned by the former head chef of the Ivy, this British take on the American diner is one of the very best BBQ joints in London. Feast on sticky pig’s cheeks with cheese grits, juicy Josper-grilled ribs, Southern fried chicken and grilled lamb neck. Then try your very best to stagger along to a gig.
We strongly recommend looking at Hache’s menu before you visit, because trying to choose one of their many burgers while there might make you miss the band you’re planning to see. Toppings are influenced by ingredients from all over the world, so you’ll find Catalan burgers with chorizo, Milano with mozzarella and Parmesan shavings, and the Louisiana with crunchy peanut butter. There are also lamb, chicken and veggie burgers.
Poppies have made a name for themselves for having staff dressed up in 1940s garb and of course their “posh” take on humblefish and chips. Among the many varieties on offer you can choose from lemon sole, skate, cod, wild halibut and rockfish.
The food at The Blues Kitchen is inspired by southern favourites, for instance catfish jambalaya, pulled pork, and beef brisket chilli among others. All the barbecued meat is smoked in-house, and they have exotic specials from time to time like grilled alligator.They also have good gig line-ups, focusing on blues and southern rock naturally. Add to that their selection of American whiskies, and and your food, drink and music needs are all catered forunder one roof.
One of London’s best Japanese restaurants,it’s usually packed, and replete with Japanese customers. The menu is vast and very affordable, highlights include the rolled omelette stuffed with grilled eel, chicken katsu, and of course the mouth-watering sushi platters. Round off the meal with a glass of shochu.
Camden’s very own Argentinian steakhouse. Chargrilled rump, marbled ribs, lamb loin and sirloin feature on the menu, along with a selection of Milanesas - breaded escalopes of chicken breast and beef steak. The keen prices make it exceptional value for the quality on offer, little wonder the restaurant is packed at lunch and dinner times.
There’s more than just pork at this Memphis-style BBQ eatery. As well as the obligatory pulled pork smoked for 18 hours, the menu also has baby back ribs, barbecued chicken and catfish burgers.Add Southern-inspired favourites like bacon mac ‘n’ cheese, corn on the cob,and chilli cheese fries.
There’s plenty to like about Bintang: the romantic,hushed lighting, the BYOB policy, and of course the fantastic food which spans Vietnamese, Chinese,Malaysian,Korean and Thai cuisines.There’s ramen, nasi goreng, beef bulgogi and whole seabass cooked in lemongrass and tamarind sauce,to name a few dishes.
Since burgers went all gourmet on us dozens of blogs, Twitter accounts and Instagrams have started rating and photographing the gazillion varieties of patties, toppings and buns available in the capital. In our expert opinion, Honest Burgers deserves its place at the top of the list, thanks to their thoughtfully sourced British ingredients such as Ginger Pig beef and free range chicken. Get them to take away to avoid being seen with juices dribbling down your chin.