The Ice Wharf (Lloyds No 1), Camden Town, NW1

Situated in the heart of the ghastly, trendy and touristy Camden Lock area this is a Lloyds No 1 and unusually had quiet music playing when I arrived early afternoon. As has been said it's a large modern place probably aimed at the younger set. There are six pumps, all of which were in use serving GK Abbot, Hambleton Stud, Adnam's Old, Hepworth Harvest and Pullman and Old Bear Great Bear (No Ruddles or GK IPA!). I went for the Hepworth Autumn Ale (£2.50) which was in excellent nick. I had bought a 50p CAMRA Voucher with me, expecting this place to be expensive. In fact it was cheaper than Croydon where I had been the previous week. The Hepworth beers are not commonly seen in London Spoons and as the quality of it was 100% I would give this one another go despite the horrible building.

This Lloyds No. 1 is situated in a modern curved building,and you have to step down into the main body of the pub,while only a smaller section remains at ground level.If you want to see the canal activity,the bench seating outside by the willow is the place to be.There are two banks of three handpumps,with two taken up by the regular suspects of Ruddles Bitter and Abbott,so there is a maximum selection of four guests. The food menu is the same as in regular 'spoons but there is a small upward tweak on prices,and the same applies to beers and other drinks.Having said that,compared with the immediate area this is a haven of "value" and I have used it several times while boating and always found it fine for a beer or two. It can get busy at peak times but there is a lot of room for vertical drinking,and there is never a scrum.Being a Lloyds means musak is played but at sensible volume although I noticed there are DJ's at work on Friday and Saturday nights ,when closing is extended to 1am. Probably the best bet if visiting the immediate area,the place has a modern bar feel rather than any semblance of pub atmosphere.