Only a few miles outside Central London, Kentish Town is an arty northern neighbourhood that brings together both a rich history and a vibrant social scene. Living in Kentish Town, you’ll be among the many famous names who have walked these streets, including writer George Orwell and painter Ford Madox Brown.
Today, the area has an abundance of independent cafés and restaurants, alongside antiques stores and the refurbished old pubs that have stood the test of time. Wander down Kentish Town Road to find your new favourite hangout for a pint, coffee or a bite to eat. Well located along the Northern Line, you can hop on a Tube and be at Euston in just 15 minutes, plus trendy Camden Town is only a 10-minute walk away.
When you live in Kentish Town, there’s always something to see and do. Discover our favourite places in the area.
Caps & Taps
Formed after a road trip to small breweries across the USA, Caps & Taps champions the British craft beer scene. Stocking a few hundred beers from independent London breweries alone, alongside beers from all across the UK and internationally, there’s no better place for beer lovers to find their new favourite pint.
You can find beers from neighbouring North London breweries, Two Tribes and Pressure Drop, as well as popular British breweries Lost and Grounded (Bristol) and Northern Monk (Manchester). Both in their Kentish Town store and on their website, the beers are cleverly arranged by region, so you can stock up on a global selection of cans and bottles.
Address: 130 Kentish Town Road, Camden, London, NW1 9QB
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @capstapsnw1
Neighbourhood
Reminiscent of an American diner, Neighbourhood serves a tasty mix of burgers, fries, milkshakes and cocktails. Alongside classic styles, you’ll find more adventurous burgers such as a vegan seitan bun and a chicken ramen bun. For a relaxed weekend lunch, there’s no better pairing for your burger than one of the many craft and draught beers on tap or by the can.
If you’re looking for a more stylish evening venue, head downstairs to Jukes Basement Bar. The swanky speakeasy-style bar is a great place to enjoy a cocktail with friends and watch a live music performance. The space was originally police cells in Kentish Town, which adds an extra dose of mystery to the atmosphere!
Address: 300 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 2TG
Phone: 020 8161 0330
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @neighbournw5
The Pineapple
Dating back to 1868, The Pineapple is one of Kentish Town’s most popular and iconic pubs. Officially documented as a Grade II listed public house, the pub still retains some of its original features, alongside modern and vintage touches. The cosy leather sofas and wide fireplaces make this pub a great haunt during the cold winter months, whilst the bright conservatory and garden at the back are ideal for reclining in during the summer.
There’s always a different selection of beers on offer. The pub serves an ever-changing list of craft ales and beers, many of which are from local breweries. The food menu will surprise; despite the pub’s rich history, you won’t find traditional pub grub here, but instead can savour Thai-inspired dishes.
Address: 51 Leverton Street, Kentish Town, London NW5 2NX
Phone: 020 7284 4631
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thepineapplepub
Franco Manca
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca brings their authentic sourdough pizzas to Kentish Town high street. Just outside Kentish Town Station, the pizzeria offers an industrial chic setting with exposed brick walls, metal venting and a mosaic tile entrance – as well as the iconic stone pizza oven.
Sourcing produce locally and from authentic Neapolitan suppliers, the pizzeria lets you savour a bite of Italy without leaving London. You can expect all the classic toppings on the menu, as well as more unique offerings, such as Neapolitan pork salami with wild broccoli. Be sure to check out the daily specials on the blackboard too.
Address: 337 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2TJ
Phone: 020 3026 5715
Follow: @francomancapizza
The Lion and Unicorn
Modern pub-theatre The Lion and Unicorn is a cosy retreat for a pint any day of the week. The huge outdoor garden area is perfect for soaking up the sun and relaxing with friends at the weekend. In colder weather, the garden is fully heated letting you enjoy the al fresco vibe. Order one of the sharing boards to nibble with friends or opt for one of the British pub dishes, with a twist. Every Sunday, you can guarantee a generous roast, complete with gravy and bottomless Yorkshire puddings.
The pub also hosts live events and theatre performances, having a reputation for supporting budding artists from London’s creative scene. Watch a variety of contemporary plays and new performances in the relaxed surrounds above the pub.
Address: 42-44 Gaisford Street, Kentish Town, London NW5 2ED
Phone: 020 7267 2304
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thelionunicorn
Arancini Brothers
Bringing the traditional Sicilian delicacy to London, Arancini Brothers is the place to go in the city to try delicious hand-rolled risotto balls. Originally a street food vendor at Brick Lane Market and numerous festivals across the capital, the business now has a permanent spot on Kentish Town Road.
All of the arancini are vegan, wheat-free and lovingly homemade by the careful craft of the two founders. From citrus and herby flavours to courgette and mushroom, the balls are sure to whet your appetite. As well as arancini as they come, the café serves wraps, salad boxes and stews featuring their famous risotto balls.
Address: 115A Kentish Town Road, London NW1 8PB
Phone: 020 3583 2242
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @arancinibrothers
The Grafton
Award-winning pub, The Grafton, is set within an old Victorian building on Prince of Wales Road. Although it still retains some of the original features, the pub has been given a contemporary makeover, offering the best of both worlds. It will become your local for a pint when you live in the area. Choose from the four hand pumps that pour a rotating selection of ales and ciders or check out the local craft beers on tap and bottled. If you’re more of a wine drinker, the pub has a carefully curated wine list by their very own Master of Wine sommelier.
The food menu features the best of British cuisine, tailored to the seasons and using fine ingredients from local farmers. Whether you’re after a healthy salad, classic fish and chips, an aged sirloin steak or a hearty burger, this is pub food at its best.
Address: 20 Prince of Wales Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 3LG
Phone: 020 7482 4466
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thegraftonnw5
The Fields Beneath
Cultivating an eco-conscious environment, The Fields Beneath is a coffee bar, bakery, grocery and plant store all wrapped into one. Located right next door to Kentish Town West Overground station, the café is a prime spot to stop for a morning caffeine pick-me-up and something tasty to eat.
The relaxed neighbourhood vibe means the café attracts a diverse crowd, from freelancers and friendship groups to young families and busy commuters. The menu is entirely vegan and offers an abundance of choice to suit all palates. Be tempted by the colourful cakes and pastries on the counter, sip on a refreshing smoothie, enjoy one of their ultimate lunch sandwiches or try a coffee made with beans roasted on site. You can also pop by to find a new house plant to brighten up your home or a veg box to get creative in your kitchen.
Address: 52a Prince of Wales Road, Kentish Town West, London, NW5 3LN
Phone: 020 7424 8838
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @fieldsbeneath
Living in Kentish Town
From the abundance of historic pubs and independent cafés, to the laid back, artistic vibe of the area, living in Kentish Town lets you enjoy London’s bustling social scene.
Discover more places to live in North London in our ultimate guide to the area.
