Quintessentially Camden, this vibrant bar delivers all the neighbourhood is known for: a cool atmosphere, young clientele, ethnic food and funky tunes.

The Venue
The Oh! Bar could not be screaming Camden louder: located right on Camden High Street, albeit south of the more familiar tube station area, from the outside it looks just like any other pub. Once inside though, you can breathe in NW1. The bar occupies one wall with a smaller space with pool tables and a stage area. The furniture is also totally Camden: comfortable but beaten down couches are spread around in the large main area. The decor is random and barely there but it adds character rather than detracting from it and orange and yellow lights fills the space. The miniature stage at the back is a bit messy and the weird painted backdrop looks suitable for a school play, but the sound system and lights are decent and are able to fill the venue.

The Atmosphere
A young and hip crowd of locals occupies most of The Oh! Bar: the place in itself is very relaxed. Bands play almost every night and they have regular open mic sessions: imagine every genre possible. The late license (they are open until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights and never close before 1am) makes this an even more attractive destination.

The Drink
The Oh! Bar may deceptively look like a pub from the outside, but their drink list is focused on cocktails and shooters and a glance behind the bar can tell you how seriously they take them: their million bottles resemble an arsenal of glass weapons ready for war! A splash of NW1 humour is definitely not missing: house cocktails are named Zombie, Screaming Orgasm, Jaffa Cake and the shooters are not less interesting with names as Brain Damage, Slippery Nipple, Squashed Frog. The affordable prices makes them popular with locals and, indeed, they are worth a try: with all cocktails at £5, shooters at £2.50 and a decent happy hour, the real problem is not to abuse! Should you go overboard though, do not fear: together with a selection of wines and beers, you can also get teas and coffee for that looming hangover.

The Food
Standard pub grub? Not here. In an unlikely combination, The Oh! Bar matches its drinks with Thai dishes. Imagine one of the food stalls you can encounter in the Stables Market - the only difference is that dishes are cooked at the moment and not left for hours waiting for customers. There’s an open plan kitchen by the bar, single operated by an all purpose cook ready to whip together Thai dishes like curries, stir fries, soups, fried starters and the occasional sandwich or salad. The choice is pretty extensive and the presentation, while not fancy, is not tasteless either and the curries, all between £5 and £6, seem popular with the regulars.

The Last Word
In love with Camden? You will adore The Oh! Bar: in the good and in the bad, it is a Camden concentrate in every aspect.

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