LDNGuide
Where To Eat Before Or After A Gig In Camden
Going to a gig in Camden is a London rite of passage. In fact, we’re 99% sure that you can’t officially refer to yourself as a Londoner until you’ve spent two tender hours in the shadow of a tattooed man’s armpit, while pretending you’re definitely not worried about tinnitus. But to really have a good time you need a full stomach and full knowledge of where to go for some essential late-night nourishment after the gig is over. That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re preparing to profoundly shout your way through a headliner at the Roundhouse, not-so profoundly scream your way through a heavy metal gig at Underworld, or you’re catching that hot new talent at Camden Assembly, we’ve got you covered. Read on for satisfying slapdash mezze, a pub with rich lamb massaman, and more.
Oh Lemonia, you absolute sweetheart. A homely Greek NW stalwart that is eternally packed with locals who have been eating the kalamari for generations. Our favourite pre-gig routine in Camden is hitting this place up for a casual round of smooth tahini and its mezze comrades. Even in the face of some kind of pending apocalypse, Lemonia would still be packed and have the kind of atmosphere that calls for a little too much ouzo. This does of course mean that you might have to—deep breath, we believe in you—make a booking. But your organisation will be repaid with a feelgood meal that will inevitably get you in the mood for dancing and some serious overhead hand clapping.
You’ve just spent the last two hours shouting, sweating, and swigging on overpriced drinks. What you need now is something to soak it all up, away from the crowds. Head to Bengal Lancer on Kentish Town Road, which has been open since 1984, for a comforting curry in a calmer environment. Pay special attention to the sweet and sour liver hazri, and the sabzi begun pie is an essential order for anyone who knows that chickpeas should be their own food group. You can easily do dinner here for 20 quid and the midnight closing hour makes it a no-brainer for chops after the encore.
Depending on who you’ve paid to see this evening, the words ‘converted horse hospital’ will either sound very punk or somewhat alarming. Remain calm, because The Farrier—a converted horse hospital inside Camden Stables that looks like the lovechild of a modern public house and your mate’s barn wedding—is really very charming. Despite it technically having pub status, you shouldn’t dismiss the food here. Whether you’re swinging by pre or post gig, you’ll find quality seasonal British ingredients from fresh Cornish crab to 28-day-aged beef alongside natural wine and a winning negroni. Just be aware that they close earlier on a Monday and Tuesday.
If, right now, at this very second, a meal deal is calling your name because those three pints during the warm-up act have made you sensationally desperate for anything resembling a carbohydrate, then we would like to introduce you to Lost Boys Pizza. Near Mornington Crescent, it’s a vampire-themed pizza joint named after an OTT cult horror film. We know that sounds terrible but Lost Boys is so committed to black charcoal crusts, bloodsucker puns, and a banging playlist of ‘80s classics, that it’s actually pretty hard to have a bad time here. It’s got that mate’s place energy and although the pizza isn’t going to change your perception of space and time, you’ll be fed fast and not receive any side-eye for being a little tipsy.
Suggesting a pub for before or after a gig is not groundbreaking stuff, but The Pineapple has a secret weapon to assist in your search for sustenance: king prawn panang. A beloved backstreet boozer in Kentish Town, this old-school pub serves a great menu of Thai classics alongside pints and happy hour cocktails. From pad si ew to a rich lamb massaman, most of the dishes here are under a tenner, and the weekend midnight closing time is perfect for when you require a couple more debrief drinks before calling it a night.
E. Mono is one of those places that north Londoners tend to speak about in hushed tones and wide eyes. It’s one of the city’s great kebab shops, and that is not a slight. Not in any way. Wraps are under a tenner, or skewers with salads and chips are just over. It’s fresh, tasty, and filling. It’s everything you need and want if you’re planning on having a few drinks. So much so that you’ll probably be back the day after.
