The Lock Tavern has a reputation that precedes it and it certainly plays host to some of the wildest yet friendliest parties in Camden.

The Venue
The Lock Tavern is found halfway between Chalk Farm and Camden Town tubes – marginally closer to the former, to split hairs. The first thing you notice, or don’t notice to be exact, is the name. Deliberately understated, in fact annoyingly so, this is one pub that doesn’t feel the need to declare itself. You should know what you’re looking for at 35 Chalk Farm Road. To be fair, most nights the hordes of people trying to look nonchalant for a chance of getting inside and copious door staff will give it away in an instant.

You enter the main bar area where you might not take much notice of what’s around you, so relieved that you are to be in. It’s a bit of a thoroughfare but if you’re lucky enough to bunk up on the padded benches or better yet bag yourself your own independent wooden chair, it’s comfy and warm. Along one side is an elaborate bar backed by an etched glass mirror and lit with a cute yet clumsy collection of incandescent lamps with granny shades, mustard, chintz, beige, tassels, you name it. Don’t be deterred if you fail to carve out your own spot here because the best features are yet to come.

Passing through to the twinkly fairy lit back garden you’ll find it’s equally bursting with people, but why wouldn’t it be? After all, you can smoke out here, but barely notice you’re outdoors with the generous, sometimes even scorching, heating. With sexy-seedy glam rock red lights and a faux leather bar, the living room sized upstairs area plays host to bands and DJs. Call it intimate but again it can be a bit of a cram. Luckily the roof terrace pretty much doubles the space up here. It is probably The Lock Tavern’s greatest pulling point overlooking Proud Galleries, Camden Market and, if you’re lucky, some weird, wild and wonderful street antics.

The Atmosphere
The trouble with thinking you’re cool is that for some you’ll always be too try hard and for others you won’t be trying hard enough. The Lock Tavern struggles to strike a balance but there’s no denying it is a place to see and be seen. It’s a friendly hang out for small groups cosying up on big communal tables, especially for a Sunday session, or if you want to catch exciting new live acts on the off chance.

The Music
The music is what it’s all about. Most people would do well to have a record collection containing half the stuff that this place has played host to live and you can see why every day it overflows with people.

In its time, The Lock Tavern has proudly welcomed through its doors what reads like a roll call in music cool – everyone from Dandy Warhols to Little Boots, Simian Mobile Disco to Kate Nash. The monthly live list is heavy on the indie, loads of emerging talent and DJ offs, with indie pop, country, indie disco, psychedelic pop, acoustic, new disco and the occasional bit of hip hop all getting thrown in to what most acts then claim as eclectic mixes. They also partner frequently with exhibitions and festivals for after parties, blurring the division between music and art with their line-ups.

The Food
Eating here is as unpretentious as you can get. Classic British dishes dominate the menu for next to no money although cuisine from other countries does make the odd appearance. Pies accompanied by mash, peas and gravy remain a popular choice (fillings include spring vegetables, lamd and mint, and steak and ale) and at £8 represent great value for money. Service on food is also pretty impressive considering the sheer volume of people they pull in through those doors.

The homemade 8oz Angus big beef burger (£7) will have you questioning physics – how can that be just 8oz? It’s well cooked, pink in the middle, substantial and hugely satisfying, if lacking in attention to detail where a not quite toasted bun is concerned. The Cumberland sausage and mash is served with attention to detail - caramelised onions add depth to the gravy and the herb mash is nicely fluffy. If you want a lighter choice try the generous Greek Mezze (£5.50), which will stretch to quite a few people with warm pitta, a chunky chickpea hummus, olives and a reasonable, if slightly thin, cucumber tzatziki.

The Drink
There are mostly pints and bottles to keep it gig friendly if not pocket friendly. Bottled lagers, including Spanish lager Estrella and crisp, clean Singaporean Tiger Beer. For something a bit more unusual, Innis and Gunn is a beer with toffee and vanilla, with a depth of flavour coming from being aged in bourbon barrels. It may be a bit on the sweet side for usual ale drinkers, or those that are after something crisp and refreshing, but it goes down well with some of their meat dishes. On tap there’s a decent choice including Heineken and Peroni. If you do drink the wine, without hesitation go for the Rioja - a drinkable soft red at £16 a bottle (it isn't available by the glass).

The Last Word
While it ticks all of the boxes with its booze and bar meals, The Lock Tavern is all about the people and parties. Music and mood come top here. If you have to ask yourself if you’re cool enough to go in, you’re not cool enough to go in, as this pub knows its place in the food chain is pretty near the top.

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