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Elephants Head, Camden

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user reviews of the Elephants Head, Camden

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

I am now banned from this shit pub.
Richard_ReadingFC - 19 Aug 2016 12:08
I like the Ellie Head, but there's definitely a time I'd choose to go there and a time I'd choose not to. It's great in there gone midnight and when you're after a drunken singsong.

Lively enough crowd, a fair few friendly tourists, and door staff are fine. Prices high, but by that time you're past caring. During the day though, I can be found in the Wharf in my budget-conscious (relative) sobriety.
R3NW5 - 25 Jul 2014 16:34
Decent pint of ale, but the prices are ridiculous.
Been drinking in here for years and has always been pricey.but its beyond a joke now.
tottenhamsean - 29 May 2014 15:41
Long, airy bar with tiled floor and big windows. Two beers on hand pump: London Pride and an eponymous brew. As might be expected, a few photographic nods to Ms Winehouse, late of this parish. Cheerful staff, traditional pub food, decent jukebox and lots of tourists. Like many others, had one and left.
Kenny260556 - 17 Apr 2014 20:38
Tourist pub during the day. Open relatively late, although definitely not the latest in Camden, and seems to be full of talkative loner types come 1am. Seems to mop up the afters from the Elephants Head and other earlier closing joints so heaving late night. No real enjoyment drinking here at that stage unless already drunk but during the day OK to have a quiet pint.


QueensParker - 6 Oct 2013 02:50
Decent lively pub.

Unfortunately, as always the drinks are far too expensive just because of the usual tourists, foreign and domestic, making it a sellers’ market.

The staff, although polite (except one moody bird) really didn’t want to be there and although lots of people can say that about their job, it’s always nice when people hide their disappointment at their soul sucking jobs so that I can enjoy my over priced watered down drink in peace.

EnfieldTaaaanBlud - 7 Aug 2013 14:53
Two pumps available and having just had a crap pint of London Pride in the Bucks Head I went for the Courage Best. Except it wasn't Courage Best it was Youngs Bitter according to the barmaid. They didn't take the pump clip off just rotated it 90 degrees... ie not all the way round... strange... Anyway the beer was actually OK and I'd have another one except I had to go meet a mate in Worlds End. Bar itself was clean and the service efficient, think they did food aswell. Agree with alezilla, 6/10
Bernie5 - 13 Jun 2012 10:27
at least this place has some individuality with its punk music and general 'theme'....beer standard and nothing to write home about but scores a 6 because it is different to the rest of the Phil Collins piped music pap
alezilla - 14 Jan 2012 17:16
A pretty good pub, always stop off here when I'm in the area.
perfect_spy - 4 Nov 2011 03:49
I would like to echo the views of previous reviewer 'tottenhamsean'. The beer in here is far too expensive and while this used to be a top hangout on weekend evenings but these days the tourists have made it their own and I know of few regulars now.
Richard_ReadingFC - 1 Sep 2011 11:44
Popped in yesterday lunchtime, after recommendation from your good selves for a decent Camden High Street pub. London Pride was on , but went for the Courage Best, which was enjoyable. Friendly and attentive staff, had the chilli con carne which was good. Good atmosphere, proper London pub, and it was busy with a mixture of people , from a pair of punk lesbians to families and Spanish tourists. Camden itself was heaving,I dread to thing what it would be like on Sundays. Lots of "me-too " stalls selling the same t-shirts as you`d find in Covent Garden or Oxford Street . One or two independent shops, but there`s a creeping corporatisation trying to cash in the area`s "alternative" reputation. There`s a Starbucks next to All Saints for example. If you find yourselves yearning for a respite to all this , and need a pint, you ca n`t miss with the Elephants Head.
redmanthinks - 25 Aug 2011 11:31
First time in ages I've been back to Camden...this is by far the best pub there!
Decent beer (although not a great choice of ales), good music, plenty of different characters in there and a good atmosphere. Good bar staff too..especially the girls!
TEL3 - 6 Aug 2011 10:30
Normally one of my favourites for a late night drink. However, the French bartender has a serious attitude problem. I was treated like some unwanted detritus attached to the bottom of his shoe whilst attempting to order a drink. I personally run a bar myself, and if any of my staff ever spoke to a customer in the manner in which I was spoken to they would have to work very hard to keep their job. I will be returning, but purely because there's nowhere else to go midweek in Camden post 1am. Sort it out!
MBat131 - 14 Jul 2011 04:26
My favourite Camden pub. Always a mix of characters and good music being played.

Noticed London Pride on as well as the constant decent pint of Courage Best. Whenever mates come down they ask to go there so it can't be too bad!
willesden_seadog - 14 Jun 2011 23:00
Nice pub with great food. Sort of lakcs a feel to it as so many diffierent nationalities due to tourists (and the champions league final). Defo recommend going in there though on the way up to the market and camden lock
yamyampublover - 31 May 2011 13:27
My favourite pub in Camden, though I couldn't honestly say why. Decent music, always get served very quickly, with Camden's usual array of weird and wonderful punters.

Perfect place to go before a night in the Electric Ballroom, or for a loosener if you happen to be in the area and gasping.
cid - 3 Sep 2010 08:51
At least 5 people serving when I visited on a Sunday night which was impressive.

The music was excellent and varied, if a little too loud for a 40 year old man like myself.

Quite impressed.
Pat_Bateman - 27 Jul 2010 11:04
Decent boozer - has a juke box with some decent tracks and its got quite a decent clientelle - usual mix of Camdenites but not so freaky you feel out of place.
sir_adam_of_downham - 17 Jun 2010 23:39
The second of our pubs visited early evening on Monday 17th. This, I felt, was more of the traditional pub feel. Big long wooden bar with a friendly welcome.
Only one real ale available - the Courage best. Camden is more of a youngs persons town and, I guess, they're not beer drinkers! Great shame as the beer was first class and I noticed that the food was more realistically priced than others around the town - only available until around 5pm though. My wife's coffee wasn't very warm but this is a general problem with most pubs even those with restaurants! Another place I'd revist and probably the only one of the 3 that I'd feel comfortable in on my own.
ButchEgg - 20 May 2010 11:42
Visited this pub last Saturday lunchtime and did like it, although the toilets leave a lot to be desired. Seems to be a popular place to have breakfast though and the food did look good.
chrissie99 - 20 Mar 2010 11:32
Had a couple ahead of a gig at the Electric Ballroom. Quick and friendly service,and very close by. Ideal for this purpose, will use again.
realalesnob - 12 Oct 2009 19:05
A lovely little pub which was a regular of mine when I worked up there. The barmaids are all really lovely and friendly and is a good place to chill out on your lunch break or after a hard days shopping.

fleet_street_girl - 5 Sep 2009 18:56
Among Camdenvilles numerous watering holes, I have always found the Elephants Head to be one of the area�s more charismatic pubs. The exterior boasts some wonderful tiling that just hints at the shabbyness that lies within. Situated in the heart of one of London�s weirdest areas, the pub certainly attracts an eclectic mix of people and this is often reflected in the jukebox that churns out everything from punk, metal and indie to old 50�s crooners. The long and narrow interior has bright walls and ceilings and the place at best can be described as pretty tatty with battered tables, slashed upholstery, worn out letters on the bare windows and a mishmash of a tiling on the floor. A large clock is housed in a wooden cabinet at one end and it is a wonder that it actually tells the right time. Comfort is certainly not its strongest selling point but like a decent worn out pair of shoes, it all fits nicely and feel that the place has given many people a lot of mileage over the years. Only 1 ale available (Courage Best) despite 4 hand pumps but the quality has always been pretty decent even if the price (�3.25 at the moment) is a bit hard to take for such an ordinary beer. It is certainly not a place that will appeal to everyone but for my money, it beats most of its tarted up neighbours.
RogerB - 20 Aug 2009 11:41
Agree with Strongers. On my visit (10 am) it was fairly busy but most people eating which is a bit off putting. Had 3 pints of courage best which were all fine and as mentioned below, the bar staff were affable and quick. Interesting wooden bar...it looks like something from a church ? Would recommend this place over most others round here.
nickthefish - 21 Jun 2009 06:44
This is a decent pub that had 4 nice and competent barmaids serving during my visit. There are 4 ale pumps, but only 2 were in use and they were both delivering Courage Best. There is also 1 premium lager and a few bog standards.

The bar almost stretches the length of the pub making it very narrow so it doesn�t take that many people to fill the place up. There are a few more tables at the rear next to the toilets, but the back door is not used so you still have to fight you way along the bar to get to them.

The music was a little loud for my liking, but other than that I enjoyed myself and would recommend to others.
Strongers - 18 Nov 2008 09:47
Ex football thugs maybe, but recovering smackheads.................Never!!!!!!!!!!!!
They wouldn't be tolerated
tottenhamsean - 14 Oct 2008 15:32
A nightmare. Unless you like ex football thugs and recovering smack heads.
good_pubs_are_rare - 12 Sep 2008 22:28
Stayed in Camden for a week recently, loved it here in the Head. Old, skinny DJ at weekends. Played all the stuff I loved in my youth. Punk, Ska ,Rockabilly, He knew his stuff, Had the best collection of vinyl ive seem this side of the Thames.Booze a bit pricey but ,hey, thats London. Sunday nite was full of Skins , Mods and Teds. Plenty of Ska and tattoos. Never felt as if there was going to be any trouble there though. Loved it. Good food menu too during the day.
happywino - 18 Aug 2008 02:08
Stopped last weekend for a quick beer, very crowded, good atmospehere, but the pint of Fosters I had was awful - flat and badly kept.
lc_drinker - 25 Jun 2008 16:44
Had a really good night here last night. Excellent pub. Great staff, ok beer and great djs playing 10950s soul and rock and roll loved it. Keep it up.
theoneandonlyjoe - 10 May 2008 18:42
I use to go to this pub on a regular basis. However it has changed. The pub itself is fine, one of the best looking in Camden but the beer... Ohhhh. �3.15 for a pint of Fosters!!!! I wouldn't drink the stuff in there if i got paid �3.15 for it. The beer is digusting. And when i told the lady (think it is manageress) about the bad pint i got the most rude response. Telling me the pint's fine, even though it has no bubbles, and looks as if it has got a touch of milk in it and it smells. The taste is baaad! After she poured me the 2nd pint, she asked me to leave and don't come back. But at least i didn't have mould in my glass like the people at the next table who also complained not only about that, but also about the bad tasting flat pint they got. A shame really. Would be good to have people behind the bar who know at least when a pint smells and looks bad. As i said, it used to be absolutely fine pints in the pub. Maybe the management has changed.
Maja - 2 Dec 2007 12:38
I use this pub when in the area,it is nothing special but good for a few beers.the prices are a bit steep but it is better than drinking in some of the poncy places in the area,still much prefer the dublin castle.
becks007 - 10 Jun 2007 09:49
always nice drink at the elephant but...miss u a lot babe (a.)!!!
anonymous - 28 May 2007 13:58
A good mix of people but otherwise very average.
Sherbet - 1 Apr 2007 23:27
Not a place for your elderly aunt or for the scared tourists who sometimes can be seen in the corner. Good atmopshere, poor beer.
Planner_21 - 5 Feb 2007 21:37
Really need to review there prices,as punters are voting with their feet.No where near as busy as it was,and everyone is saying the same thing "It's too expensive"
The big red down Holloway road seems to be where everyone is heading
tottenhamsean - 5 Dec 2006 09:00
If you don't like this pub you have got to check your pulse. There are some great characters there and some really good music. Check out the DJ on Sunday afternoon. He plays some really good Northern soul.
Granted the beer isn't up to much but that's not what this pub is about. Come for the atmosphere and not to sample fine ales!
8/10
wocca - 24 Aug 2006 15:28
Mitomighty - funny, but when I made my one and only visit here in May I too had to resort to the ice cold bottle of Broon. A real last resort!
anonymous - 14 Aug 2006 11:40
agree with the last beer comment. I was in there again and I always worry when I've resorted to an ice cold Newcastle Brown because I can't find anything I want. However, I do enjoy the atmosphere and the DJs when they play. Crowded mind.
mitomighty - 14 Aug 2006 00:31
Not a fan. The high number of people affecting being "individuals" does create some amusement but the beer is awful and the place is generally miserable. Can'y understand why anyone would consider this a good pub.
anonymous - 30 May 2006 09:56
Good atmosphere. Bit pricey. Interesting crowd. Top music the other saturday.
mitomighty - 2 May 2006 13:25
Shocking pub! On a sunday evening there's a real mix of people. The front of the pub is where the Ted's and Rockabillys mingle and the back of the pub is like stepping into a cess pit. Thats where the "hard core" punks reside. Obviously there's nothing wrong with them but the females can be a bit bitchy, but to be honest, thats the general vibe in there. Its fair to say that most women go to be seen and eyed up and the men go to show off their new Italian suits (the Teds that is!)
The DJ on a sunday night "Old man Shaun" is brilliant and plays records most people have searched for their entire lives! Overall a good pup with some amazing looking people!
leopard_lady - 28 Mar 2006 20:33
love this pub, when I was single I would go there to ogle the tattooed punk birds
anonymous - 23 Mar 2006 20:56
A good boozer, decent Guinness and always something happening. The cream of british "yoof" cults can be seen here(even if most are now middle aged), and all getting on.Decent guvner and decent music.
Only down side is having to put up with the drug dealing scum hassling you on your way from the station
regards
woodgreenspur - 26 Feb 2006 13:58
Great Pub... Not saying that because i work there, but most of all because it has a particular touch, that gives to the place a unique atmosphere.
BRAZIL - 4 Oct 2005 00:46
simply the best pub in london.
Punks, Skins, Psichobilly, Rockers, Goths and mixed Mad people drinkin'&havin'fun!!!
Go there once, and u'll love it forever!
keep on rockin'!
bohse - 9 Aug 2005 15:36
A pub where there's fine line between wondering whether or not you're going to get out alive and having a really good time. A good pub, and the pick of a really shoddy bunch of pubs in the immediate vicinity.
jossv - 6 May 2005 16:22
Love this pub. If you sit at one of the window tables, you will see every conceivable tribe passing by (why, I thought I spotted Lord Lucan on one occasion). The atmosphere was a mixture of friendly tourists, punks, teddy boys, locals and goths. The bar staff are jovial and attentive. Choice of beer could be better but that's vindicated by the overall joy of being in the umbilical cord of Camden Town.
zaparoski - 30 Dec 2004 12:15
Best pub in the world if you like rock music of any kind. Garage Punk, Sleazy Lounge, rockabilly, Ska, Beat. Good place to meet up before going somewhere else during the weekends. Sat and Sun are best. About the beer? Well nothing to shout about , but it is plentyful.
Filura - 12 Nov 2004 11:33
Best pub in town!!!!
Great for rock n rolling on a saturday night!
Hot Rod Girl - 29 Oct 2004 17:21
this pub is fantastic duuno much about the beer tho coz i drink VODKA! the reason i like this pub so much is because of the rockabilly on sat nite that is the reason i go because i love rock n roll!! and the dj is fab! it has a brilliant atmosphere on a sat nite!
judy - 7 Sep 2004 08:02
Dodgy Courage ales, slightly expensive, and probably in the minority for the area for not having a late licence. Very much a pub full of tribal gatherings -Rockabilly's not dead. Luckily there's no bouncer to refuse you entry for not wearing creepers.
travis - 31 Aug 2004 14:45
Not a bad pub, an ok pint of Courage Best. Nothing more to recommend it really, just a solid decent boozer. I'm sure the people who've been there in the eveningcan get a bit more worked up about it.
Owen - 21 Jun 2004 17:34
A great pub frequented by interesting Camden types. Rockabilly on Saturday nights and Jamaican music on Sunday nights.
Bob - 29 Dec 2003 18:18
brilliant bar, good atmosphere and music but the beer is questionable
jon - 7 Aug 2003 00:53
This pub has always been a favourite for me. It�s not the kind of pub which attracts the Camden Walkabout as during the day it is hidden by two street-traders stalls. One selling tacky �natural� soaps and the other selling the type of sunglasses of which only girls who don�t suit those kind of glasses wear. They have video subbuteo, which is fun, but impossible drunk. The brews are Courage. I had a dodgy best which I am convinced gave me the headache the following morning. The ambience is very relaxing as only crowd �who knows� come here. The food is very limited and I don�t think the ales are superb but this is still a nice pub
Doofer - 6 Aug 2003 13:00
A great fun pub with 50s rock n' roll sounds spun by the rockabilly DJ on a Saturday night. Ska & rockabilly on a Sunday. Lively and fun, well worth a visit.
Jo - 1 Jun 2003 15:27

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