The Monarch

This unassuming locale is relaxed pub by day and live music venue by night. Its décor has got to be amongst the most ‘worn’ looks in Camden, but this doesn’t put off the punters, which are a mixture of young hipsters and local indie lovers.

Listings are varied (Amy Winehouse “DJed” here a couple of years ago) though they tend to focus on indie bands during the week and jocks playing ska, reggae, punk and rock ‘n’ roll at the weekends. Saturday nights play host to Soundtracks, when revelers are lucky enough to dance to theme tunes from Pulp Fiction and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Entry prices seldom go above £6 and it’s free to get in before 9pm on most nights.

Food is served till 9pm every evening, and the menu is composed of affordable pub food, i.e. braised pork belly with chips and gravy for £7. Drinks are what you would expect, a fair few types of draught and bottled beer, unpalatable house wine and spirits.

Throughout the day it’s ideal for a quiet drink and a chat, however you only really want to venture here at night time if you want to see the bands, as you’re unlikely to hear yourself speak over the PA.