This little bar doesn’t quite live up to the illustrious reputation of the composer it takes its name from, but then again, it’s no Cheeky Girls either.

The Venue
Perched on a corner plot on the well trodden path between Chalk Farm and Camden Town, Bartok is handily placed for its twenty to thirty-something clientele to begin their evening of debauchery. It’s a bit small and there is a distinct lack of seating, and it must be said for those who care about these things, the toilets are a bit shabby – but hey, this is Camden.

The Atmosphere
Its size and vibrant red colour scheme give Bartok an intimate and slightly sophisticated feel. Supposedly this is a place that plays classical music but it certainly didn’t seem evident on a Saturday night - unless there’s an obscure composer who predominantly uses hip-hop and dance beats. If classical music is your thing, your best bet is to phone them in advance to find out what music is on. The general vibe is one that sits in the niche between club and sophisticated, sanitised cocktail bar, versatile and welcoming. The staff occasionally seem slightly flustered or bungling, but they make up for it by being friendly and charming.

The Drinks
The drinks are fairly standard, with premium beers, standard wines and spirits on offer. There’s also a moderately-sized cocktail list, and judging by their caipirinhas, the list seems to be well-executed.

The Last Word
Bartok is a solid little bar. It’s not particularly special and it’s probably best used as one on a list of places to pop by on an evening out. That said, if you’re not claustrophobic and choose to stay for the whole evening, you’ll find it a perfectly pleasant place to while away your time.

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