The Barfly (formerly the Monarch)

• Visitor Information

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.