Camden walkabout
A walk around Camden up to Chalk Farm, north London
(Photos/words © urban75, March 2007)

Long associated with all things goth, emo, indie and alternative, Camden has undergone massive change in recent years.

Many of the original stalls have disappeared and The Hawley Arms - once a roughneck drinking hole for greasers, bikers and hard drinkers - is now a chi-chi hipster joint.

Although some locals complain that the big money investment has lead to the loss of character and individuality, you can still find occasional glimpses of the original spirit.


Camden is the undisputed home of goth in London, and if you're after skull-studded belts, black platform boots and black shiny things, you'll be right at home here.


Inverness Street Market has been home to a popular fruit and vegetable market since around 1900. Now much reduced in size, the street has been considerably swished up in the last ten years or so.


There's very few fruit and veg stalls left, with new stalls selling clothes, bags and other goods, with restaurants and bars lining both sides of the street.


Sunglasses galore, Camden High Street.


Electric Ballroom, one of north London's longest serving - and best - music/club venues. The Ballroom has hosted bands like Madness, The Clash, Snow Patrol, Oasis, U2, Public Enemy and the Smiths, but is currently fighting plans to bulldoze the site and build a new tube station and shopping complex.




Buck Street market on Camden High Street, known as 'The Cages' because of the metal grilles surrounding the market. Despite the words, 'Camden Market' emblazoned above, it's not the main market in Camden.


Hats for sale.


Dark Side, Camden High Street - goth heaven!


Camden High Street view.


I'm not quite sure exactly who first had the idea of sticking oversized shoes (and other objects) on the front of shops, but Camden High Street is now littered with the daft things.




Goth gear and piercing shops perfectly located for an all-over goth makeover.


Scorpion Shoes.


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