
The Elephants Head
Quick info
About The Elephants Head
On Camden High Street, The Elephants Head is a Victorian pub built around a long bar, tiled floors and dark wood panelling, with rustic tables and pews and posters marking Camden's music heritage on the walls. A corner stage area hosts live music and DJ sets most days, with a narrow stool section running alongside. The pub is wet-led, pouring an all-keg selection with some cask options, and does not serve food. It operates on a walk-in basis with no reservations. The room fills up quickly, particularly given its proximity to the tube station, and free seating can be hard to come by at busier times.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- ParkingPaid street parking · Usually difficult to find a space
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music daily, guinness on keg, no food served and filthy toilets.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music daily, guinness on keg, no food served and filthy toilets.
Customer Review Summary
Live music and DJ nights draw the most attention, with reviewers describing packed dance floors, weekend club sets, and daily performances that feel energetic without a smoke machine obscuring the acts. Close behind is the traditional Victorian character, the tiled floor, dark wood panelling, and Camden music memorabilia that several call a genuine slice of classic pub culture. Drinks get steady praise, from a well-kept Guinness to cask and keg options poured at good temperature, though more than one reviewer flags prices as high for the area. One visitor found the rock decor mismatched with pop and Abba on the speakers rather than rock music. A more serious complaint comes from a longtime patron who describes the toilets as filthy, unseated, flooded, and now unisex, leaving her uncomfortable using them. Seating is plentiful but fills fast when performances draw crowds, and reviewers note getting there in good time helps secure a spot before it fills.
Customer Review Summary
Live music and DJ nights draw the most attention, with reviewers describing packed dance floors, weekend club sets, and daily performances that feel energetic without a smoke machine obscuring the acts. Close behind is the traditional Victorian character, the tiled floor, dark wood panelling, and Camden music memorabilia that several call a genuine slice of classic pub culture. Drinks get steady praise, from a well-kept Guinness to cask and keg options poured at good temperature, though more than one reviewer flags prices as high for the area. One visitor found the rock decor mismatched with pop and Abba on the speakers rather than rock music. A more serious complaint comes from a longtime patron who describes the toilets as filthy, unseated, flooded, and now unisex, leaving her uncomfortable using them. Seating is plentiful but fills fast when performances draw crowds, and reviewers note getting there in good time helps secure a spot before it fills.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Cool and authentic pub in Camden. I’ve been coming for years but in the past few years the toilets are absolutely filthy and not safe for use. No toilet seat, always flooded and clogged. I’ve been in yesterday and the women’s is now unisex apparently, which is ridiculous and doesn’t make me comfortable as a woman to go in the same toilet as men. Won’t be coming in anymore.”
- Google user
“Friendly staff ,nice bar. Drinks are fine, but it is a rock bar that does not play rock music which is very disappointing. Abba, , & hot chocolate, does not equate to the rock posters on the wall.”
- Google user
“Fantastic place to watch live music and enjoy some beers with friends. Was even packed out on a Sunday night! Thank you The Elephants Head”
- Google user
“Lovely pub that's very close to Camden Town tube so expect it to be busy. No food offering but good selection of drinks though pricing is on the high side but so are most other places nearby. Plenty of seating but often it's a struggle to find a free space due to the number of people present. Service is quick and the staff are fine. Live music takes place and if going for this get there early as it does get busy. The sounds good, no smoke machine which is great and you can actually see the artists as there is lighting. They also have DJ sets too”
- Google user
“The Elephants Head is a lively and welcoming pub that really knows how to entertain. One of its standout features is the live show every day, which creates a fun and energetic atmosphere perfect for music lovers and social gatherings. The venue itself is comfortable and spacious, making it ideal for enjoying a drink while soaking in the performance. The staff are friendly and attentive, adding to the relaxed, vibrant vibe. Whether you’re looking for great live music, a casual night out with friends, or just a cozy spot to unwind, The Elephants Head delivers an engaging and memorable experience every time.”
Highlights
“Victorian traditional pub with a long bar and tiled floors, a jukebox and weekend DJs.”
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Live performances
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Paid street parking
- Dine-in
- Alcohol
- Cozy
- Onsite services
Show more amenities
- Beer
- Dancing
- Food
- Restroom
- Trendy
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Offerings· 3
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Highlights· 3
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Live performances
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
Location
Bars near The Elephants Head
- 0.4 mi£10–30Reservations
sunday roast, pizza, cask ale selection
- The Southampton Arms4.71,6921.1 mi
roast pork bap, cask ales rotating breweries, piano nights
- 1.1 mi
minute steak, bernaise sauce, gospel boyband brunch
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Elephants HeadWheelchair accessible | 4.34,086 | — | £10–20 | live music daily, guinness on keg, no food served |
| The Lansdowne Pub & Dining RoomReservations | 4.1810 | 0.4 mi | £10–30 | sunday roast, pizza, cask ale selection |
| The Southampton Arms | 4.71,692 | 1.1 mi | — | roast pork bap, cask ales rotating breweries, piano nights |
| The Refinery Regent's Place | 4.0629 | 1.1 mi | — | minute steak, bernaise sauce, gospel boyband brunch |
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