London Camden Town, King’S Cross, And Islington

With swarms of young people in the area, it comes as a surprise that Camden Town’s nightlife scene is centered on a handful of clubs and bars. The local council doesn’t like handing out late licenses; the burgeoning bar scene is abruptly cut short at 11pm, so grab a few drinks here before heading to adjacent neighborhoods for your late-night fun. Music is the main reason to be in Camden at night. Nightlife in Islington is good for loungers and drinkers who bar hop around Upper St. Clerkenwell’s mega-clubs are just a short jaunt away. In recent years, however, the area on the Islington side of King’s Cross has developed some popular nightlife of its own.

Compton Arms, 4 Compton Ave. (☎7359 6883). Highbury or Islington. Removed enough from Upper St. to escape the hectic crowds. Low ceilings and multicolored barstools enhance the amiable atmosphere of this 17th-century pub. The big draw is the “beer garden,” a picturesque outdoor patio where locals enjoy their bangers ’n’ mash. Su comedy video night. Open M-Sa noon-11pm, Su noon-10:30pm. Kitchen open M-F noon-2:30pm and 6-8:30pm, Sa-Su noon-4pm. MC, V.
Duke of Cambridge, 30 St. Peter’s St. (☎7359 3066; www.dukeorganic.co.uk). Angel. Runner-up in the 2006 Observer Food Magazine “Best Pub in the UK” competition, the Duke is dedicated to environmentally responsible dining, from the sophisticated, exclusively organic menu to the must-try organic beer selection. Specializes in fresh dishes with surprise ingredients; the kitchen changes the menu twice per day. Game pie (venison, pigeon, and partridge) £13.50. More delicate mains like haddock (£14). Open M-Sa noon-11pm, Su noon-10:30pm. Kitchen open M-F 12:30-3pm and 6:30-10:30pm, Sa 12:30-3:30pm and 6:30-10:30pm, Su 12:30-3:30pm and 6:30-10pm. AmEx/MC/V.
The Castle, 54 Pentonville Rd. (☎7713 1858). Angel. With the mentality of a neighborhood pub and the decor and style of a trendy bar, The Castle is an eclectic experience. Striped wallpaper and sofas make for a lounge-like atmosphere. Upstairs, the roof terrace is a wonderful place to drink away the afternoon. Sandwiches from £4. Mains from £6. Open M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sa 11am-1am, Su noon-10pm. MC/V.
Filthy MacNasty’s Whiskey Café, 68 Amwell St. (☎7837 6067; www.filthymacnastys.com). Angel or King’s Cross. Night Bus #N10, N63, N73, N91, 390. Shane MacGowan, U2, and the Libertines have all played in this laid-back Irish pub. Recently renovated, it has become a trendy neighborhood destination. Outside, red picnic benches support the rowdy overflow. It’s actually 2 spaces with separate entrances, linked by the passage marked “toilets.” Live music and occasional literary readings add to the hipster-intellectual atmosphere. 14 varieties of whiskey from £2. Pub grub £5-6. Open M-Sa noon-11pm, Su noon-10:30pm.
Dublin Castle, 94 Parkway (☎7485 1773). Camden Town. Night Bus #N5, N28, N31. Good up-and-coming acts perform in the back room every night, and record execs and talent scouts often descend looking for the next big thing. After the bands finish, the pub turns into a dance club. On weekends it gets crowded; get there early to avoid a queue. 3 bands nightly 8:45-11pm; doors open 8:30pm. Wheelchair-accessible. Cover varies. Open M-Sa 11am-1am, Su 11am-midnight.

Bars

Bar Vinyl, 6 Inverness St. (☎7681 7898). Camden Town. Night Bus #N5, N28, N31. One of the only bars in London with its own decks. DJs spin loud music in a narrow space dominated by a blue bar running down one wall. Tiny dance space always has a few takers; the rest of the crowd hangs out toward the quieter front of the room. During the day, it’s a relaxed spot for coffee or lunch, with an open kitchen at the rear (most food £5-8). Most drinks under £5. DJs W-F night and Sa-Su from 3pm. Open daily 11am-11pm. Kitchen open 11am-9pm.
The Purple Turtle, 61-65 Crowndale Rd. (☎7383 4976; www.purpleturtlebar.com). Mornington Crescent. Night Bus #24, 27, N29. A young, eclectic crowd frequents this purple drinking haven, which turns into a packed dance space on weekend nights. Upstairs is a chill place. Downstairs, clubbers shake it to the music. Close to 50 shooters to choose from at the bar. For a relaxed Turtle experience forgo the sweaty crowds and come during the week or earlier on weekends for drinks. Cover daily after 10pm £3. Open M-Th 3pm-1am, F 3pm-3am, Sa 1pm-3am, Su 1pm-1am. MC/V.

Mind Your Drink. A “pint” in England is 20 fl. oz. and generally contains 4-5% alcohol by volume. A “pint” in the US is 16 fl. oz. and tends to be less alcoholic.

Clubs

Scala, 275 Pentonville Rd. (☎7833 2022, box office 0870 060 0100; www.scala-london.co.uk). Night Bus #N10, N63, N73, N91, 390. King’s Cross. Booze and house beats fill the nights on the huge main floor and the bar that overlooks the dance floor. So much space means that sometimes it seems empty but also that there’s always room to dance. F “Popstarz” (musical eclectica devoted to sexual diversity and to house beats; pop on top floor); Sa constantly changing DJs and promotions bring a blend of hip hop and R&B. Occasional live events during the week. Dress code: Sa no caps, sneakers, or sportswear. Cover varies. Open F 10pm-4am, Sa varying hours (open late). MC/V.
Electric Ballroom, 184 Camden High St. (☎7485 9006; www.electric-ballroom.co.uk). Camden Town. Night Bus #N5, N28, N31. Clubbers here are just out for a good time. You won’t find the latest sound systems or a particularly stylish decor, but foosball and pinball help make up for it. 2 large floors of dancing and 1 floor for relaxing with an expensive drink. F “Sincity” (alternatively styled patrons); Sa “Shake” (generic 70s and 80s night) often doubles as a raucous singalong. Occasional live events during the week. Cover £7-10. Open F-Sa 10:30pm-3am. MC/V.

Glbt

The Black Cap, 171 Camden High St. (☎7428 2721; www.theblackcap.com). Camden Town. North London’s most popular gay bar and cabaret is always buzzing and tends to draw an eclectic male and female crowd. The rooftop patio is the highlight of the place, with plenty of tables for outside pint-nursing. Live shows and club scene downstairs F-Su nights and some weeknights (times vary; call for details). Partially wheelchair-accessible. Cover for downstairs M-Th and Su before 11pm £2, 11pm-close £3; F-Sa before 11pm £3, 11pm-close £4. Open M-Th noon-2am, F-Sa noon-3am, Su noon-1am. Kitchen open noon-10pm.