111 Camden High Street,
Camden,
London,
NW1 7JN
(020) 7387 5277
The ViewLondon Review
If you enjoy rhythm and blues, huge portions of food and a selection of bourbon that’s so large you can barely decide what to have, you’ll love this Camden bar.
The Venue
Situated alongside the array of shops and bars that make up Camden High Street, The Blues Kitchen’s simple gold sign is hard to miss. The venue’s pretty large, but the dimly lit candle lighting gives it the feel of a moody jazz bar. Seating is mostly made up of leather booths, with a couple of stools in the bar area, and a small stage area at the back. The walls are covered with vintage posters – even on the staircase that leads down to the toilets – and there’s some interesting light features including a chandelier that looks like a cluster of saxophones.
The Atmosphere
This can change depending on the music on, but generally there’s a relaxed laid-back vibe to the place, that fits with the rhythm and blues feel. The place attracts a huge variety of people – everyone from Camden locals and tourists visiting the area to music enthusiasts who are visiting the venue specifically to check an act out. Refreshingly, it’s not a try-hard bar like some of the neighbouring venues. Staff are friendly and give an American level of service – they’re very attentive and helpful if you need anything.
The Music
Whether you’re here to listen to a specific act or not, you probably won’t be able to resist tapping your foot along to the music. Expect to hear all types of rhythm and blues – everything from authentic Delta blues to rock ‘n’ roll and more modern takes on the genre. Some days, there’s even a marching band that wander around the restaurant. And, if you’re a real enthusiast, you can register your band and join in with the Sunday jam.
The Food
Portions at the venue are very American in style; they’re huge. Even the side orders are double the plate size you’d expect. A good option to start is a sharing platter – and even though it says they’re for two people, they could easily serve more. The veggie sharing platter (£12) will please most people. It comes with a heap of deliciously sweet, yet perfectly salted padron peppers, tender sweet potato wedges, grilled corn on the cob, crispy – and very moreish - nacho chips, crunchy celery and carrot slices, plus tender well-cooked broccoli florets. Its way more substantial than a lot of veggie platters at other venues are.
Mains are massive, too, and are very much influenced by Soul Food from America's Deep South. They include rib eye steaks, BBQ ribs, chilli and quesadilla. The seared jerk tuna (£13.50) is a delicious option – and actually quite good value when you consider how much tuna steaks can cost. The fish arrives perfectly cooked – well done, yet moist and flavoursome and it is complemented by a fresh-tasting tomato relish. It is also served with rice, kale and coleslaw.
If you somehow have room for dessert, it’s advisable to share as the dishes are very big. The berry sundae, for example, sounds on the menu as if it’s going to be nothing more than a few berries on top of ice cream, but is actually a hefty portion in a beautifully presented glass dish. This dish is super-sweet and strictly for those with a sweet tooth. The cheesecake's worth checking out too.
The Drink
If you love bourbon and whiskey, this place has an incredible selection. It includes everything from small batch bourbons, single barrel bourbons and Kentucky bourbons, as well as Tennessee whiskey. Prices start at just over £3 and go up to £35. If a drink on the rocks is a bit much, the wine list is small but reasonable – the house red (£14.50) is a delicious medium-bodied Italian wine that goes well with most dishes – and the cocktail menu is huge, including all the classics such as margaritas, daiquiris and moijitos as well as a lot of whisky-based drinks. They start at around £7. Beers include Guinness, Kronenbourg, Amstel and Bulmers. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, finish your meal with an alcoholic milkshake (£7), which is a classic milkshake from the list with a shot of your choice of liqueur.
The Last Word
With its delicious food inspired by America's Deep South, great music and friendly staff, The Blues Kitchen is a refreshing break from the too-cool-for-school attitude that often comes with a night out in Camden. A must-visit.
Blues Kitchen has been reviewed by 53 users