London: Staying in Camden Town?
 

Instead of central London, what about staying in Camden Town for my 3-night visit 27 March? We arrive on Saturday, so we could spend at least part of Sunday at the markets there. I hear there's a lot of nightlife--live music and comedy clubs--although they might be too smoky to enjoy.

After sightseeing during the day, we could return to our rooms for a rest, but still be somewhere with nightlife. Although I like staying central so that I can make pitstops during the day, I can live without that as long as I'm somewhere within walking distance of some street life. What do you think?

I like Camden Town a lot, I have enjoyed visiting the market for over 17 years, I worked just opposite Mornington Crescent tube station for 5 years until last year, I think there are many good eating choices in the area.

But I can't say I'd choose to stay there. You've probably read people describe King's Cross as the red light district of North London and mention the seedy nature of it at night. Well, the police did something about it and the area has been cleaned up. Unfortunately the low-lifes (drug dealers and prostitutes) seem to have decamped to Camden instead.

Do you have any particular hotels in mind, with addresses?

Of course, I'm just one person, so you'll hopefully get other viewpoints, but I am shocked by how much seedier Camden high street feels each time I return to visit ex-colleagues.

During the day, when visiting the market, this aspect doesn't really impact btw so don't let it put you off visiting the market on weekends during the day!

I agree totally w/ kavey. Can't add much to what she said except that I would not recommend staying in Camden town for anyone not totally familiar w/ the area.

Thank you for your informed replies. I'll cross that option off my list!

You're welcome, good luck with the planning!

Camden is close to the tonier Chalk Farm, which has some of the nicest pubs in town - the pubs in the centre of London are mostly pretty horrible, and I stick to hotel bars, or a few little hidden ones. The North London pubs are friendlier, more modern, cleaner, serve great food, and you have much better choice. You can shop in town in the day and then come back to the neighbourhood in the evening, I think you'll be fine - check a lot of websites for restaurant recommendations before you go, the area has plenty, but the gastropubs are always a good bet. The Enterprise in Chalk Farm is one of my favourites.

Thanks, MacNeil!