Christoff.ai

The World's End

restaurants•
London
London

The World's End

174 Camden High St, Camden Town, London, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked opposite Camden tube station, The World's End is that rare breed of venue that's managed to evolve from Victorian pub to legendary rock institution without losing its soul. What looks like a modest frontage from Camden High Street conceals a sprawling two-bar complex that's been the beating heart of London's metal and goth scene for decades.

The World's End: Camden's Victorian Rock Fortress Where Fresh Czech Beer Meets Metal Mayhem

A Camden institution since 1875 that's bigger inside than you'd ever imagine

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside and you'll understand why regulars describe it as having a 'Tardis effect' - this place is genuinely massive once you're through the doors. The recent refurbishment has cleverly played up the Victorian train station aesthetic with fake shop fronts and a mezzanine balcony that gives you perfect vantage points over the chaos below. The Halloween vibes are year-round here, not just October, thanks to a dedicated goth and emo clientele who've made this their spiritual home. With big screens blasting sports, live bands regularly taking the stage, and pool tables plus arcade games scattered throughout, the energy level consistently hits 8.5 out of 10. The Underworld club lurking below adds another layer to the experience. Fair warning though - when the metal crowd is in full swing, conversation becomes nearly impossible as the music can get excessively loud during peak hours.

Food & Drink

The kitchen keeps things refreshingly straightforward until 9pm daily, focusing on proper pub grub that actually complements a night of heavy drinking and heavier music. Stone-baked pizzas lead the charge, alongside loaded unconventional fries and spicy wings - both chicken and cauliflower options available. Burgers, hot dogs, and nachos round out a menu clearly designed to fuel late-night revelry rather than win culinary awards. The real star, however, is the Staropramen tank beer delivered fresh from the Czech Republic daily across two massive bars. This isn't your typical pub pour - it's proper Czech tank beer at its finest. The continental beer selection extends beyond the Staropramen, and wines stay under £15, which is genuinely impressive for Camden. The combination of quality tank beer and student-friendly pricing makes this a rare find in an increasingly expensive area.

Service & Experience

The staff here understand their clientele perfectly - this is a place where metalheads, goths, and Camden locals collide, and the service reflects that unpretentious vibe. While I don't have specific details about service quality from my visit, the venue's wheelchair accessibility and outdoor seating options suggest they're thinking about customer comfort. The no cover charge policy and student-friendly approach indicate a welcoming attitude that prioritizes accessibility over exclusivity.

Value for Money

At price level 1 out of 4, The World's End delivers exceptional value, especially considering its Camden location where drinks typically cost a fortune. Sub-£15 wines and student-friendly prices across the board make this genuinely affordable for the area. The fresh Czech tank beer represents outstanding value - you're getting premium brewing at reasonable prices. Factor in no cover charge, food served until 9pm daily, and the sheer entertainment value of the atmosphere, and you've got one of Camden's better value propositions. The venue scores 8.0 for social group size, meaning you're getting proper crowd energy without paying premium prices for it.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Hit the mezzanine balcony around 5pm for optimal tank beer temperatures before the metal crowd arrives in full force. The venue runs Monday to Sunday 12pm-12am, extending to 1am on weekends. Avoid peak evening hours if you're hoping for conversation - the music volume makes chat nearly impossible during busy periods.

What to Focus On

The Staropramen tank beer is non-negotiable - it's delivered fresh from Czech Republic daily and represents the venue's claim to fame. For food, stick with the stone-baked pizzas or loaded fries if you're settling in for a session. The spicy wings (chicken or cauliflower) pair perfectly with the beer selection.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The venue has outdoor seating available, though pets are only allowed in outdoor areas. The mezzanine balcony offers the best views and slightly more manageable noise levels. If you're planning pre-gig drinks, this is perfectly positioned for most Camden venues, and the Halloween vibes year-round make it ideal for anyone embracing the goth or alternative scene.

The Final Verdict

The World's End succeeds because it knows exactly what it is and doesn't try to be anything else. This is Camden's premier rock and metal destination, housed in a genuinely historic Victorian building that's been thoughtfully updated without losing character. The fresh Czech tank beer alone makes it worth the visit, while the student-friendly pricing keeps it accessible. Yes, it gets excessively loud, and no, you won't have meaningful conversations during peak hours, but that's rather the point. With TripAdvisor reviews averaging 3.7/5 praising the atmosphere and music, it's clearly delivering what its audience wants. The Tardis-like interior space, Halloween-year-round vibe, and position as a genuine Camden institution make this essential for anyone exploring London's alternative music scene.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Metal and goth music enthusiastsStudents seeking affordable drinks in CamdenAnyone wanting authentic pre-gig drinks before Camden venue shows

Quick Details

1

The World's End

🍺 Historic rock pub
🎵 Live music venue
⭐️ Tank beer
⭐️ Victorian heritage
⭐️ Camden institution

Victorian rock pub heritage meets legendary Camden music culture at this iconic High Street institution that's been feeding metalheads and locals since 1875. The recently refurbished space maintains its authentic chaos while adding Victorian train station aesthetics with fake shop fronts and mezzanine balcony seating that feels like a Tardis - impossibly bigger inside than it appears from the street. Fresh Staropramen tank beer delivered directly from Czech Republic pairs perfectly with stone-baked pizzas and loaded fries that fuel the pre-gig energy. The Underworld club lurks below while big screens blast sports, creating layers of entertainment that keep different crowds happy simultaneously. Halloween vibes persist year-round thanks to the goth-emo clientele, while sub-£15 wines and no cover charges make this accessible Camden authenticity.

What's Great

✓ Fresh Czech tank beer delivered daily

✓ Historic Victorian pub atmosphere with authentic rock heritage

Keep in Mind

× Metal music often becomes excessively loud, making conversation difficult

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Claim the mezzanine balcony at 5pm for optimal tank beer temperature before crowds arrive

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Sun: 12pm-12am (Fri-Sat until 1am)"
📍174 Camden High St, Camden Town, London, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 20 7482 7171
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

The World's End has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Camden Restaurant Guide 2025: Hidden Gems Beyond the Tourist Traps reference image

Camden Restaurant Guide 2025: Hidden Gems Beyond the Tourist Traps

restaurants in london•
Aug 21, 2025
← More restaurants in London← Explore all of London