A traditional pub with a twist, there is more to Quinns than meets the eye.

The Venue
A striking blue and yellow structure on a busy corner halfway between Camden Town and Kentish Town, Quinns is certainly eye-catching, but there is more to the popularity of this family-run pub than one might expect.

One of the dwindling number of freehold pubs in London, Mr and Mrs Quinn, both elderly and assisted behind the bar by their extended family, have stuck to the basic principles of traditional bar-keeping, and provide a warm and personal welcome to every customer.

The Atmosphere
If you can ignore the background music - which would not be out of place in a cruise-ship cabaret bar - Quinns is an exceptionally nice spot for a quiet drink with friends. In contrast to the dazzling exterior, the interior is far more traditional, and indeed reminiscent of the owners’ Irish roots. Nothing about the pub is commercial, from the hand-written drinks list above the bar to the antiquated and tarnished furnishings, it is clear they are content to let the beer and the customers do the talking, and judging by its consistent popularity, they must do.

The Drink
Their focus is primarily been on the drink, and this makes Quinns a must for the serious drinker. Above the bar is listed the extensive and varied selection of beers predominantly from Germany and Belgium, so there is always something new to try. The bar staff (especially the elder staff), are fittingly gifted with an encyclopaedic knowledge of these beers and are only too happy to discuss with you the relevant merits of these, as they have each been selected by a member of the Quinn family themselves.

The Last Word
It is fitting that Quinns should be found on the outskirts of Camden Town – a place where the different is normal – as it puts a different edge on the normal pub with its own unique charm.

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