Happy New Month and welcome to Camden Town, London’s vibrant hub of culture and individuality—and the fourth most visited place in the city.
Here, you’ve got Camden Market, the Regent’s Canal, the High Street, London Zoo, The Jazz Café, a bunch of quirky shops, bars, restaurants, and where I decided to explore this week.
For as long as I can remember, this neighbourhood has been synonymous with what some might call rebellion or non-conformity. Nowadays, places like this are ten a penny, but Camden Town stands out because here, people dress how they want and show up as their authentic selves.
Long before seeking out this neighbourhood for its pubs, live gigs, and diverse mix of street food, I can vividly recall visiting as a child: I would walk along the shop-lined streets, mouth agape at the sight of spiked hair, Doc Martens, and chrome-plated skulls attached to leather jackets worn by punks. This is where I began to truly understand terms like, “live and let live,” “respect,” and “different lifestyle choices.”
Besides, what a stroll through Camden didn’t teach me, Mum surely did!
‘It’s rude to stare,‘ she’d say, gently tugging at my arm whenever curiosity got the better of me. Those gentle tellings-off 100% shaped my respect (and appreciation) for individual expression. Just as well really, because Camden Town was where I first witnessed same-sex couples openly expressing their love for one another and encountered my very first drag queen.
Although it had been some time since my last visit, let me tell you: Camden is as edgy and progressive as ever. Plus, it’s a spectacular place to snap photos. Curious street art adorns corners and facades, punk rock echoes across the bridges, and the streets overflow with multiculturalism.
From the calm ripples of Regent’s Canal to the bustling High Street and everything in between, Camden has an awesome (yet unique) atmosphere that I cannot fully capture in photos (though I did try).So, definitely stop by for a visit if you’re ever this way! Especially if, like me, you appreciate all things cool—you’ll love it!
