The Lock Tavern, Chalk Farm, NW1

Located on the main drag between Camden Town and Chalk Farm, the Lock Tavern is a modern, somewhat trendy bar with enough pub characteristics to lure me in for a recent pre-gig drink. The servery runs down the right hand side of the main room and there is a decent amount of banquette seating in the space opposite – all occupied on my weekday evening visit, although it was very dark inside, so I may have missed a vacant spot. The floor is bare boarded and in the dark it was difficult to pick out much of interest, although the bar back had some attractive etched glass mirrors which also appear at the rear of the room. A corridor at the back leads to an outdoor seating area whilst a staircase takes you up to a small second bar (no hand pumps). This room also has bare floorboards and exposed brick walls, with a mix of sofa and standard seating plus a small stage which suggests that live music may take place up there. Doors lead out to a roof terrace, but I didn’t venture out for a look. A modern indie soundtrack was playing, which was not so loud as to intrude on conversation. There were three hand pumps in operation on the main bar when I visited, offering Adnams Southwold Bitter, Dark Star Festival and Redemption Hop Spur (£4.00). My pint of the Redemption was in decent shape, if a bit pricey, and I was served by one of the attentive team of bar staff. The keg range included a few left-field choices such as Sagres, Bitburger, Samuel Adams and offerings from the local Camden Brewery. I didn’t really warm to this place, but that is not to say it isn’t without its merits. Although there are other better pubs nearby, this place does benefit from a more convenient location and would be worth a quick look to see what’s on the bar.