Of the huge tally of pubs and clubs that line Camden's streets, Barfly stands out thanks to the predominant quality of the live acts, in spite of the fact they put on gigs on each and every night of the week.
Optimistically speaking you might expect to catch tomorrow's flavour of the month, or even a band destined for super-stardom - Coldplay, Blur, Oasis, the Strokes and Death in Vegas have all graced the stage of Barfly. But this only happens on the rarest of occasions. Nevertheless, the promoters - who listen to over 500 demo tapes every week - have a knack of talent spotting, hence a crowd often speckled with record company A&R men. Such has been the success of the venue, that the owners have opened up sister 'flies in Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow and Birmingham, spreading the Barfly gospel across the British Isles.
Enter the gloomy downstairs bar, pick up a pint and head upstairs for the main event. On a busy night they pack the punters in, standing room only in front of the stage. It might be a bit uncomfortable but this makes for a fabulous atmosphere with the audience pressed right up against the stage. Join the young, enthusiastic crowds and show your appreciation by jumping around with wild carefree abandon.
27 minutes walk from The Barfly (formerly the Monarch)
Within three minutes’ walk of Euston Station, between Regent's Park and the British Museum and close to Kings Cross Station, this modern hotel offers guests ... More
1 minutes walk from The Barfly (formerly the Monarch)
It’s great to see this fabulous arts venue re-open its doors after a stunning refurbishment. Boasting a colourful 160-year history, the buliding was first ... More
Arch 65,
The Catacombs,Stables Market,Camden Town,
London,
NW1Map
3 minutes walk from The Barfly (formerly the Monarch)
As well as housing a renowned ceramic art gallery, Painted Earth offers kids a fantastic opportunity to test their own artistic talents. Supervised by friendly ... More
5 minutes walk from The Barfly (formerly the Monarch)
With the majority of produce sourced from the British Isles, Melrose and Morgan work with producers who use traditional methods of farming, curing, baking or ... More
5 minutes walk from The Barfly (formerly the Monarch)
Camden Lock Market is a huge weekend tourist attraction and a great shopping experience, as interesting for the diversity of people as for its mixed ... More
Cottons is a slightly upmarket version of a traditional Caribbean restaurant. It’s still very informal, friendly in fact, and there’s plenty of music and laughter, ...More
Going into Belgo Noord feels like being whisked away to some Northern European drinking den. Fat men with moustaches smile at you from the walls, ... More
13 minutes walk from The Barfly (formerly the Monarch)
Unique and innovative workshops teaching flower arranging and floristry with monthly, weekly or daily workshops. This is a really enjoyable art form that allows its ... More
9 minutes walk from The Barfly (formerly the Monarch)
The Open University is a national institution. Thousands have studied for a degree by watching their inspired 1970s-style television programmes and although the courses are ...More
2 minutes walk from The Barfly (formerly the Monarch)
The Lock Tavern would be a great place to drop in and escape the tiresome, tie-dye-clad vendors of Camden’s famous street market. Unfortunately that wouldn’t ... More
9 minutes walk from The Barfly (formerly the Monarch)
Now that the Camden Palace has been pointlessly rebranded as 'KOKO', an started putting on funky house nights, the Electric Ballroom is the last great ...More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.