The Black Heart is tucked down an alleyway facing the back of Camden’s sprawling World’s End pub. A venue very much in keeping with the area’s historically ‘alternative’ image, this serves as a pleasing reminder that Camden still has some rock ‘n’ roll left in its soul.

The Venue
Surprisingly - considering its hidden-away location - the pub occupies a fairly large space. It is made even roomier by the open patio doors on either side of its entrance, which also serve to showcase a cavalier disregard to the segregation of smokers that is rather befitting of metal joint. Inside, lighting is minimal to the extent that the hefty red candles on the tables become more of a necessity than simply a pleasing gothic touch, and those who associate dark with dingy may find this aspect of the interior off-putting.

The walls are littered with a combination of arty band posters, gig memorabilia, and, more quirkily, an assortment of religious iconography including glass-encased statues of Jesus and Mary, a large neon crucifix by the bar, and a scattering of Mexican Day of the Dead skulls and similar trinkets. The significance of any of this is unclear, but it’s all certainly interesting to look at.

Entertainment includes a pool table (free, with a 5 pound deposit for the cues) and a juke box (again, free – ask for tokens at the bar) featuring the expected rock /metal tracks along with less on-theme music ranging from the Wu-Tang Clan to Kraftwork. The venue also plays host to DJ sets, live music and comedy over the weekends.

The Atmosphere
As overtly ‘alternative’ as the venue itself strives to be, the crowd here largely consists of regular folk out for a drink in an unpretentious setting. Weekday evenings are relaxed affairs, and, although the music is played fairly loud (it would seem inappropriate if it wasn’t), easy conversation is made possible. Bar staff are friendly and by no mean judgemental of the none-tattooed / pierced, making this a refreshing change to some of London’s other metal venues.

The Food
The pub offers a range of pizzas as its options for food, and at £5-£6 pounds for a 10 inch they are very reasonably priced; a Fiorentina tastes genuinely freshly-made, with perfectly cooked spinach and egg and a light, crispy base.

The Drink
There is a decent selection of draught beers and ciders here (prices begin at £3.70 a pint), and recommended options include the malty yet refreshing Camden Pale Ale (£3.80) and the high-quality Paulaner lager. There is also a large range of bottled beers on offer – albeit at somewhat inflated prices - including the very tasty Banana Bread beer (£5) and the German-made Erdinger Weissebier (also £5).

Cocktails are available here but at £7 pounds each they are not exactly value for money, and pack little punch. If inventive cocktails are your thing, you are better off heading up the road to one of Camden’s glossier establishments.

The Last Word
While the Black Heart might not be the cheapest option for a couple of casual drinks, the atmosphere is certainly easy-going enough to make it an enjoyable one. The gothic-theme could be accused of bordering on cheesy, but at least the venue waves its flag with an endearing sense of pride, and is inclusive enough to attract more than just a niche crowd.

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