The Worlds End, Camden Town, NW1

Official site of the Worlds End - www.theworldsend.co.uk

Official site of the Worlds End - www.theworldsend.co.uk

Stuck my head round the door for a quick look - didn't hang around as there was no ale as far as I could see. A sign outside attempts to lay claim to some sort of pub size record in the UK (though there are a number of places that also say that). It certainly is quite large, spread over at least two decent-sized rooms. Clientèle were of the extreme Camden variety – soiled tradesmen, chavs, weirdos and duped tourists. Prices looked expensive from where I stood. Not my bag and to be honest, I doubt it'll attract many visitors who do their research as this is obviously a bit of a tourist trap for the dollar/yen.

One of the best known pubs in the area and whilst it probably won’t rank among the greatest pubs you will ever visit, it is a place that should be experienced if you find yourself in the area. Its location near the tube station, make it an ideal base camp for the many and varied attractions in the vicinity although its size means that arranging to meet someone here is difficult at the best of times and especially tough at peak times when the place does get extremely packed. The main bar is these days housed in what was an old flag stoned courtyard that has now been glazed over. Around the edges are fake Victorian shop fronts that give the place a Dickensian feel. A spiral staircase leads to a mezzanine balcony with additional seating offering a bird’s eye view of the hordes below. An opening at one end leads to a food counter (“Foodstuffs”) and off to one side is a sunken room labeled as a “dining room” but not this label appears to be a bit misleading. Furtehr on is what was the original pub with its own separate bar and many original features including a fancy patterned ceiling and a couple fireplaces. Some of the wall displays include old picturesm, certificates and stuffed animals. The beers are very mundane with the usual kegs and lagers and just 2 ales, a very pricey Bombardier and Old Speckled Hen (£3.40 on my recent visit). Being Camden, you can expect a mix of customers with a good proportion of Goths, Punks, Metalheads and general weirdos but in all my visits I have never seen any trouble or had any hassle. Down in the basement is the excellent Underworld live music venue hosting mainly punk, metal and indie bands. The Worlds End may have its faults and detractors but for me it is an integral part of the Camden scene and the area would be a less colourful without it.

This place is madness! There are more tattoos and piercings than you can shake a stick at, and that's just the women! It takes an age to be served and when you are the pint is thrust in your general direction and slopped on the bar. No airs and graces needed in here. The tourists look on in amazement supping on there ½ pint of warm beer whilst there passport is stolen by some thieving scumbag. You would think that this is a scathing review, but this is how the pub is purposely run and the owners seem proud of this fact. I think that it is meant to be a cool pub by not being cool – The Titty Twister of the lower leagues. Not one for me I'm afraid, even back in the 90s when I was a little more adventurous.