The Elephants Head — Restaurant in London

Before closing Friday night 30 May/ going into 31 May there were 2 incidents that show how bad the security is at this venue. No 1 I told the one security guard that there was a suspicious man looking at everyone’s handbags and backpacks and from my experience as a pub manager he is looking to steal someone’s bag. The security guard just ignored me and didn’t warn nor remove the suspicious individual and then of course 1 hour later 1 persons bag was stolen and the same individual I identified was nowhere to be seen! Far worse however was the second incident: a male that arrived with his friend & lots of handshakes with other customers & security deliberately stomped on my female friend’s foot TWICE. This was a deliberate assault after she did not respond to his advances the way he wanted her to. I told her the next day that she should report it to the police but she did not want to involve the police. After all this time yesterday she had to go to hospital for a 3rd time with an infection that is a complication due to her toe being broken from that incident. The thing that troubles me greatly is that the security did nothing to restrain the attacker nor to protect my friend. I was already outside and just heard the shouting but they should have stopped him after the first assault. This was the same guard that I reported the bag thief to that again did nothing. In fact his attitude seemed to be that my friend the lady was in the wrong! I noticed earlier in the evening too some males very aggressively and disrespectfully talk to some women in a sexually suggestive way while smoking outside in the pub smoking area and the guards just looked on and did not calm them down. It is fair to say that this security company is not fulfilling their duty towards the customers safety in general but specifically they are facilitating misogynistic and sexist behaviour. This place is not a safe space for women. The owners and management of this venue have to urgently review the security provider because my friend now has long term health issues because of the security company’s lack of care and lack of pro-activity in terms of keeping women safe from bad intentioned males. I will be writing to the local authority as well next week to raise...

🚇 Camden Town 🍺 £7.10 Guinness

The Elephants Head is located on busy Camden High Street, close to Camden Lock and Camden Market. The nearest Tube station is Camden Town.

This beautifully tiled Victorian pub dates from 1869. There are several theories about the origin of its name. One suggests that it was named after the stretch of street in front of the pub which was once known as Elephant Row. Another points to the Marquess of Camden’s coat of arms, which features an elephant’s head. A further possibility is a link to “Elephant Pale Ale”, brewed by the nearby Camden Brewery, which operated until 1925.

This is a good-sized one-bar pub with a slightly worn-around-the-edges traditional feel. The bar is long, with the servery located on the right-hand side. At the front is a corner stage, followed by a narrow section with stools on either side and a seating area at the far end. The decor includes a tiled floor, traditional dark wood panelling, rustic tables with pews, framed NME covers, posters celebrating Camden’s musical past, and a touch of neon for good measure.

The beer selection is all keg and offers a lineup of familiar mainstream brews. I opted for a Guinness, my pint was decent, price point was on the high side. This is a wet-led pub, so no food is served.

We arrived around 3pm on a pleasant Sunday afternoon in September. The pub was fairly busy, with a mix of locals and Camden day-trippers popping in and out. The atmosphere was laid-back with a friendly feel, so settling in was easy. The service was friendly too — the team on duty were welcoming and courteous.

The pub hosts regular club nights and live music.

I used to visit Camden often in the late ’80s and early ’90s, and always loved the pubs and clubs, which always felt exciting. The skinheads, rockers, mods and rave scene may be a distant memory, but it was great to see this pub enduring.

Loved the exterior Victorian tiling and Courage sign, the traditional decor, and the homages to Camden’s musical heritage. I enjoyed my time here and would 100% recommend a visit.

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📅 21st September 2025

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Tucked away from the exhilarating sensory overload of Camden Market, The Elephants Head stands as a beloved, traditional pub that offers a much-needed slice of authenticity. It’s a place that feels both like a destination in its own right and a comforting refuge from the bustling crowds just outside its doors. A visit here is a journey back to the classic British pub experience.

Stepping inside, you're immediately greeted by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The interior is a delightful mix of classic pub charm and eccentric Camden spirit. With its dark wood paneling, low ceilings, and a bar that feels like it has a story to tell, The Elephants Head exudes a sense of history and character. The walls are often adorned with eclectic art and memorabilia that reflect the area’s punk and rock legacy. It’s the kind of place where you can find a cozy corner, a stool at the bar, or a spot at a table to watch the world go by. The air is filled with the murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses, creating a genuinely friendly and unpretentious environment.

The real strength of The Elephants Head lies in its pub offerings. The bar is well-stocked with a solid selection of beers, lagers, and ciders, including a number of local craft and classic real ales. The drinks are poured with care and served at the perfect temperature. While it's a pub first and foremost, they offer classic pub grub, perfect for a hearty meal to recharge after exploring the market. The food is straightforward, no-frills, and perfectly satisfying.

The staff are friendly and efficient, managing to serve a constant stream of customers with a laid-back, welcoming demeanor. It’s clear they are proud of their pub and its place in the community. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you feel like you belong the moment you walk in.

For anyone who wants to experience a real London pub without the pretense, The Elephants Head is an absolute gem. It's the perfect spot to meet up with friends, enjoy a quiet pint, or simply soak in the atmosphere. It's a genuine taste of London's pub culture and a perfect anchor to any day spent exploring the legendary...