75-89 West Yard, Camden Lock,
Camden,
London,
NW1 8AF
0872 148 0873
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
A cool drinking establishment in the midst of the Camden chaos.
The Venue
Overlooking the picturesque Camden Lock, a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of the High Street, is the Lockside Lounge. Fitting in with the quaint atmosphere of West Yard, Lockside Lounge is traditional in build, with rustic stone walls and wooden decking outside. In the summer the medium-sized terrace is filled with picnic tables and thirsty punters. The views over Camden Lock are magnificent, and on a hot summer’s day expect the outside area to be packed.
Inside, the bar is a long shape, not dissimilar to a canal boat. The loos are at the far end, the main bar runs along the length of the room, and there are various styles of tables, chairs and couches positioned randomly inside. The decor is funky but minimalistic. A few bright, colourful paintings adorn the walls, but the room is generally clutter free, offering plenty of places to stand. Another plus is the bar’s free WiFi, available to all customers.
The Atmosphere
As with most large bars, on a Friday night after work the Lockside Lounge quickly fills to offer a busy, loud atmosphere. Several offices nearby empty out at 5.30pm and pour into the bar. The vibe is buzzing and upbeat - everything a bar in Camden should be. During the week, however, it quiets down. Perfect for a work lunch with clients or for a chance to catch up with friends over a coffee. At the weekends there is a DJ spinning everything from hip hop to disco.
The Food
Food is available at the Lockside Lounge from midday-9pm daily, except on Fridays when the kitchen closes at 6pm. The menu on offer depends on the time of the year. During the summer months, a lighter menu comes into play, offering tasty dishes such as tempura prawns with sweet chilli (£5.50), tri colore salad (£8.95) and spicy bean burger and chips (£8.00). For those who like to share, a scrumptious Spanish platter with a tantalising selection of meats, breads and olives is available. During the winter, the menu offered is aimed at comfort food. pork and leek sausages with onion mash will set you back £7.95, fish and chips are £9.50, and a Scottish beef burger costs £9.45.
If you are lucky enough to pick a day when it’s not raining, Lockside Lounge also offers a BBQ menu with various meats, salads and garnishes on offer.
The Drink
The drinks at Lockside Lounge are on the slightly expensive side. A draught pint of Heineken costs £3.80, and a Fosters is £3.50. There’s also a wide selection of bottled beers on offer, including Corona, Leffe, Budva and Adnams Bitter, ranging from £3.50-£3.90. That said, you can’t put a price on sipping a cold pint watching the sun go down over the Regent’s Canal.
The Last Word
A large, popular bar offering the potential for a quiet lunch or a crazy night out. The views, outdoor terrace and BBQ make this worth a visit, especially in the summer.
Lockside Lounge has been reviewed by 8 users