Explore the best things to do and places to discover on Camden Passage with this guide.
Tucked away down a hidden walkway just off Islington’s Upper Street, Camden Passage is arguably one of the most picturesque streets in London.
This gorgeous traffic-free, cobbled back street is also full of incredible things to do and eat – oozing a Shoreditch-edgy vibe but still managing to feel like a hidden gem.
Go to find fashionable clothing that’s accompanied by contemporary jewellery, Japanese art, handmade chocolates and a fishmonger… Not to mention a number of delicious restaurants and cafes.
There’s even a famous antique specialist with affordable collectables and clothes, as well as art and antiques from all around the world.
Cool Things to Do on Camden Passage
Pierrepont Arcade Antique Market
If looking through old curios is for you, then head to Pierrepoint Arcade – a throwback to a time when Camden Passage was less about chic boutiques and was all about antiques shopping.
Rummage through the market’s treasure-filled stalls for antiques on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday as well as books on Thursday and Friday.
Fancy a bit of bling? Make a beeline for Glitz & Glam – a shop specialising in vintage designer costume jewellery for pieces dating back to the thirties and forties.
In more or less the same spot, you’ve got Charlton Place Market open on Wednesday and Saturday.
Moxon’s Fishmonger
Moxon’s is one of the best fishmongers in London. They get their fish straight from all around the British coast and Billingsgate market.
They buy only the best fish from Newlyn and Plymouth in Cornwall, Brixham in Devon, Peterhead and Loch Duart in Scotland as well as a few other places.
They want to ensure they have the best quality, range and value. All fish has also been ethically sourced.
If you want your fish prepared in a certain way, just ask. They will be happy to help and have numerous cookbooks in the shop for you to have a look at to see exactly what you want to make.
They also have seasonal vegetables and store cupboard goods so you don’t have to go anywhere else for the rest of your shopping.
Japanese Gallery
Make sure you pop by the Japanese Gallery which boasts an incredible array of Japanese woodblock hand prints, from antique to contemporary pieces.
Established in 1978, they have a worldwide clientbase and can be sure there’s something for everyone – from museum collector items to more affordable pieces. They also stock a range of anime manga related pieces as well as vintage posters and other artefacts.
A small selection is available online, however to see the full shebang you’ll have to go over to their gallery which is open 7 days a week.
Penhaligon’s
You have to visit Penhaligon’s boutique – a destination that’s quickly becoming one of the best perfume shops in London.
From the outside, it has the magical allure of an apothecary, and inside it’s a mighty haven of plush velvet and dark wood.
In all honesty, we cannot rate this store high enough. All the staff that work there regularly are absolutely wonderful, very knowledgeable and friendly. There’s never any pushiness, just a lot of joy for working in the presence of such amazing scents.
Although the shop is hidden away, you can smell it from a mile off! We love the bluebell scent, but whatever you choose, we’re sure it will be amazing.
Loop
Fancy taking up knitting? Well now is your chance.
Loop is London’s best place to get knitting supplies. Try and make your own chunky knitwear this winter, or maybe you could give someone a scarf made by you!
It’s so easy to fall into the consumerism game when it comes to winter and buying jumper after jumper, it makes far more sense (or at least is a lot more fun) to just buy some yarn and make your own.
They have an amazing selection of yarn, and the service is very friendly so if you don’t have your own wool winder at home, they will wind any yarn you buy in the shop for free. Just ask one of the staff.
The Camden Passage Shopping Guide: Top Picks
TL 180
TL 180 is a contemporary brand, offering high-quality, timeless ready-to-wear pieces and accessories – all made in Italy.
The owners, Luisa and Tine were determined to design a collection that embodies that sophisticated, yet nonchalant French attitude to fashion and infuse it with the quality of Italian-made goods.
Their ethos, so they say, is all about timeless style and the perfect balance between design, quality and versatility.
They also want to make clothes perfectly shaped for every woman; putting together both femininity with a desire of playfulness.
Sir Plus
Sir Plus makes quality, contemporary menswear using surplus and other responsibility-sourced fabrics.
Established back in 2010, Sir Plus began life as a line of boxer shorts made using shirting off-cuts but has grown into a fully-rounded collection of stable garments.
Today the brand is known for its Nehru collared jackets and grandad shirts, as well as its workwear-inspired chore jackets and blazers.
Each piece is carefully designed to be functional and is crafted from durable fabrics made in England, Italy and Portugal.
The Camden Passage Restaurants & Cafes
The Breakfast Club
An extensive brunch menu always gets a thumb up from us. The breakfast at the Breakfast Club truly is incredible.
You might have to wait around a bit before getting a table because it gets quite packed up, but it’s worth it.
We recommend the pancakes but the full monty is also up there with the best breakfasts in Camden Passage.
They also have interesting specials, we managed to taste the salt beef pancakes which were interesting to say the least – and delicious! It’s a must for us.
Kiperel
Kiperel is an Austrian Restaurant and Patisserie in London’s buzzing Angel district. They deliver Austrian cakes, wines and act as delicatessen to any postcode.
The restaurant has a lovely welcoming neighbourhood feel to it, as far as Camden Passage restaurants go, this is for you if you want good food and a cosy vibe.
Even if you just go in for a coffee, make sure you try one of their cakes. You won’t be disappointed!
The Best Camden Passage Bars & Pubs
The Camden Head
The Camden Head is one of the best pubs on Camden Passage. It’s tucked away in a Grade II listed building with a circular bar, etched glass windows and… the real original windows!
It’s pretty beautiful.
This is the perfect pub for both sun and winter weather. It’s got both a warm feeling for those winter months and a very large beer garden for basking in the sunshine in the summer months.
As well as its gorgeous original wood interiors and a very nice fireplace.
On top of being a fantastic pub, it also hosts one of London’s best and busiest comedy shows throughout the week and it’s open late until 1am at weekends.
Frederick’s
Frederick’s is one of Camden Passage’s most famous restaurants.
Established in 1969, their chef has created an incredible menu sourced largely from local farmers and suppliers who have been with them since the get go.
If you think the food menu is impressive, wait until you get to the wine list. It’s renowned for value, as well as hitting that delicate balance between old and new world wines.
The restaurant also has a secluded garden for al fresco dining, as well as a terrace for summer drinks.
They have an in-house event planner for corporate, private or wedding parties to ensure that you get exactly what you want.
It’s a family-owned restaurant for three generations and you can really sense the community, homely feeling as soon as you walk in.
Practical Tips for Visiting Camden Passage
Camden Passage is one of the most beautiful spots in London, our best tip is to enjoy it!
Whatever time of day you go, will always bring a nice experience. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to head up in the morning.
