Live on the Realtime map

Where to go out in north London

North London is the best part of the city for pubs, and it is not close. Camden, Kentish Town, Islington and Angel between them cover proper old boozers, live music rooms, canal-side terraces and a bar scene that never had to try very hard because the pubs were already good.

Realtime shows live activity from venues across the area, so you can see which end of the Northern line is worth your evening.

74venues on the map

Within 3km of north London

Worth a look

Places to try in north London

A selection of venues on the Realtime map. Open the app to see which are busy tonight.

Simmons Bar | Kings Cross

Bar

Simmons Kings Cross is the O.G. The holiest of grails. The reason Simmons is what it is today. Starting off as a tearoom, this niche cocktail bar has a treasure trove of trinkets, neon-drenched interiors and the classic Teacups. Spread across 2 floors, this tucked-away gem is the beating heart of Simmons. With DJs til 3am on Friday and Saturday, and a Happy Hour from 4pm - 9pm every day, it is not to be missed

32 Caledonian Road, Islington, London, N1 9DT, United Kingdom

Long Bar

Bar

"A London icon reimagined, Long Bar, is situated in the heart of the Sanderson Hotel social scene. Stretching an impressive 80 feet, the onyx bar creates an instant focal point - a place where bold interiors meet delicious cocktails. By day, it's a sleek space for laid-back drinks and light bites, by night it transforms into a vibrant hub that's as stylish as it is lively. Expect expertly crafted cocktails, playful twists on classics, and a curated selection of wines and spirits. Whether you're starting the evening or settling in for the night, Long Bar is where the unexpected happens."

50 Berners Street, Westminster, London, W1T 3NG, United Kingdom

Coach & Horses

Pub

"In the thriving heart of Soho the Coach & Horses is on the cutting edge of pubs, bringing energy to the urban bar scene, there is always something going on. Discover new tastes as you choose from our eclectic collection of drinks and innovative, insta-worthy food offerings, regardless of whether you visit us to work, for an exciting night out or chilled weekend brunch. Our approachable and confident team will be there to make your occasion fresh and full of good vibes. If your street-food stop off turns into an evening of tasting cocktails and experimenting with new, unheard-of drinks Coach & Horses is where you'll explore and experience it."

1 Great Marlborough Street, Westminster, London, W1F 7HG, United Kingdom

The White Horse

Pub

"The White Horse in London is a bar, famous for its cask ales and premium gins, serving breakfast, seasonal pub food and afternoon tea."

16 Newburgh Street, Westminster, London, W1F 7RY, United Kingdom

Camden and Kentish Town

Camden's night out is built around music. The venues around the High Street and Chalk Farm Road pull crowds most nights of the week, and the surrounding pubs run on that overflow — which is why Camden feels busy on a Tuesday in a way most of London does not.

Kentish Town, a stop north, is the local version: fewer tourists, better pubs, and a short walk back down the hill if the night escalates.

Islington and Angel

Upper Street is one of the densest runs of bars and restaurants in London — a straight line from Angel station north, with everything from wine bars to late-night bars along it. It skews slightly older and slightly smarter than Camden, and it is reliably busy on a Friday.

The side streets around Essex Road and Exmouth Market are where the good, quieter options hide.

Canal-side and Sundays

The Regent's Canal from Camden through to Angel and King's Cross has picked up genuinely good waterside pubs, and on a summer evening they are the best seats in north London.

Sunday in north London is a roast and a pub garden, and Realtime shows which places are actually full rather than which claim to be popular.

Other places on the map

Reverend J W Simpson

Bar

W1T 2QJ, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Penderel's Oak

Pub

Procter Street, Camden, London, WC1V 6NX, United Kingdom

Old Red Lion Theatre Pub

Pub

418 St. John Street, Islington, London, EC1V 4NJ, United Kingdom

The Horsehoe

Pub

24 Clerkenwell Close, Islington, London, EC1R 0AG, United Kingdom

The Leopard Bar

Bar

15 Montague Street, Camden, London, WC1B 5BJ, United Kingdom

The Three Tuns

Pub

1 Portman Mews South, Westminster, London, W1H 6HP, United Kingdom

Bone Daddies Soho

Restaurant

31 Peter Street, Westminster, London, W1F 0AH, United Kingdom

Exmouth Arms

Pub

23 Exmouth Market, Islington, London, EC1R 4QL, United Kingdom

The Sir John Oldcastle

Pub

29-35 Farringdon Road, Islington, London, EC1M 3JB, United Kingdom

Basement Sate

Bar

8 Broadwick Street, Westminster, London, W1F 8HN, United Kingdom

The Harlequin

Pub

27 Arlington Way, Islington, London, EC1R 1UY, United Kingdom

The Cambridge

Pub

93 Charing Cross Road, Westminster, London, WC2H 0DP, United Kingdom

Going out in north London — the basics

Where is the best night out in north London?

Camden for live music and a busy midweek scene, Islington and Upper Street for a denser run of bars and restaurants, and Kentish Town for a more local pub-led night.

Is north London good for pubs?

North London has arguably the best pub scene in the city, particularly around Kentish Town, Islington, Highbury and the Regent’s Canal.

How do I see which north London pubs are busy tonight?

Realtime maps live activity from venues across Camden, Islington, Angel and Kentish Town so you can see where people are heading. It is free on iOS and Android.

Elsewhere in London

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