Tucked away in North London, take the time to explore and you’ll discover there’s a lot to love about Kentish Town. Discover the best things to do in Kentish Town with this guide.
Words by Sam Jeans
We hear a lot about central London’s world-famous streets and districts, but let’s shine the spotlight on the slightly more unassuming north London.
Kentish Town is a superbly well-positioned north London district with the ultra-cool Camden to the south and leafy Hampstead Heath to the north.
But, despite having a rather low-key reputation, you don’t have to dig too far to find plenty of fun things to do in Kentish Town.
Things to do in Kentish Town
Take On the Mission:Breakout Escape Room
££
Looking for something fun to do in Kentish Town? Situated inside a disused South Kentish Town tube station, Mission:Breakout escape rooms are a must for anyone interested in London’s avid escape room scene.
Never been to an escape room before? Beware, it’s addictive.
There are three action-packed escape rooms: Codebreakers, the Lost Passenger and Underground 99. To escape, you’ll need to dig deep into this old building’s chambers and tunnels. It’s fun, immersive and unforgettable, and will definitely get the blood pumping.
There’s no doubt that Mission:Breakout is one of the best things to do in Kentish Town – you won’t find many other escape rooms like it.
Read Next: London’s Best Escape Rooms
See a Show at the O2 Forum
££
Looking for things to do in Kentish Town at night? We’ve got you covered. North London is packed with incredible music venues courtesy of the O2 Academy Islington and O2 Forum Kentish Town. This former art deco cinema now hosts numerous live music events, comedy and club nights.
There are multiple events every week all year round, so whether you’re an indie lover, former emo kid, hip hop aficionado or rock and heavy metal fan, you’ll find something here.
Wander Along Kelly Street
£
Instagram-wannabes and influencers alike, this one’s for you. Kelly Street is reminiscent of Notting Hill’s colourful quintessential London terraces.
It’s the kind of snazzy London street that makes your heart throb – so beautiful, but your eyes water when you look at the average property value. One day, maybe?!
The residents of Kelly Street take their road seriously, so much so that the street has its own website. Take a stroll down it and soak it all in; it’s boutique London living at its finest.
Visit Kentish Town City Farm
£
No, we haven’t just mixed up Kentish Town with Kent – it genuinely has its own farm.
Covering an area of around 4.5 acres, Kentish Town City Farm is a smallholding with a horse riding arena, wildlife pond, goats, sheep, chickens and geese. There are also three horses, a cow, two pigs and two donkeys, in case you were wondering.
It’s open daily and is 100% free, a very cool and calming spot to unwind from the city. Look out for petting sessions, guest speakers and even live music in summer.
Create a Masterpiece at Social Pottery
££
What are you doing Saturday night? Boozy pottery, that’s what.
Social Pottery offers a few different sessions, including late-night BYOB pottery sessions starting from just £5. They actually have two locations in Kentish Town; one hosts pottery painting sessions and the other regular pottery sessions.
You can take master classes with professional potters at a very reasonable £45 for 2 hours and can take home whatever you manage to make.
Shop for Plants at the Boma Garden Centre
£
With a farm and a garden centre nearby, Kentish Town is perfect for escaping the city without actually leaving it.
The Boma Garden Centre is a paradise perfect for anyone looking to cultivate their own urban jungle. With a particularly impressive selection of house plants, this independent garden centre has everything you need to bring the outdoors indoors.
The question is, can you walk out without buying a new plant? We already know the answer.
Things to do in Kentish Town: Eating & Drinking
Knowhere Special Bar
££
Where are you going Saturday night? Knowhere Special.
This basement cocktail bar in Kentish Town is an unmissable drinking experience. The menu is refreshed every 2 to 3 weeks and oscillates between seasonal, leftfield and classic offerings. Each drink comes with a side plate of specifically created ‘garnish’.
You’ll also find a fully-fledged wine list and a fine selection of craft beers.
You can grab delicious sides, too (we spotted mouth-watering beef and cheese croquettes on their Instagram). A superb cocktail bar with a dedicated following and rising reputation.
Anima e Cuore
£
This minuscule Italian restaurant/cafeteria/gelateria/pizzeria is tucked away in the heart of north London.
Anima e Cuore is a well-kept secret that puts food before everything and the, at times hectic, atmosphere adds to the authentic Italian charm.
The menu changes constantly, but expect gorgeous pasta, seafood, pizzas and incredible must-eat desserts. With rave reviews and a rising status on the independent restaurant scene, Anima E Cuore is worth a visit or two.
The Fields Beneath
££
This quirky, community-oriented brick-and-wood cafe focuses on raw, natural foods and organic drinks.
They roast their own coffee, their wine is organic, and the food is 100% plant-based and thoroughly unique.
Every full moon, The Fields Beneath host wine tasting nights for £25 (no, we’re not kidding). A really awesome community cafe which has been serving Kentish Town for almost ten years.
The Pineapple
£
As with any once-uncool-now-cool part of London, Kentish Town boasts more than its fair share of cosy pubs, but The Pineapple Grade II listed bar is a local favourite.
Nestled in the north of the area, this beloved pub is treasured by locals, but it’s extremely welcoming and has a lovely Thai menu with noodles, rice and curry dishes.
The airy conservatory is perfect for catching summer rays, and the lengthy beer selection is refreshed regularly.
Albion’s Restaurant
££
Albion’s is a French x Italian collaboration in cuisine. Need we say more?
This restaurant stays true to the Kentish Town spirit with its warm, welcoming atmosphere and an aura of homeliness.
The menu includes risotto and pasta – the Italian influence – with deliciously grilled meats – the French influence. There’s seafood, salads and a tasty brunch menu too.
If you’re not local to Kentish town, you’ll wish you were once you head to Albion’s. It’s the perfect local restaurant that has people travelling from far across London and beyond.
What to do in Kentish Town: Practical Tips
- Kentish Town London is quite a long, thin area which extends along the Kentish Town Road. It’s easily accessed via Kentish Town and Kentish Town West, on the Northern Line and Thameslink.
- There are some gorgeous streets in Kentish Town – It’s a highly sought-after residential area, and locals treasure it. Take some time to explore.
- If you head north, you’ll end up in Hampstead Heath, one of London’s most beautiful parklands. With Hampstead Heath to the north and Regent’s Park in the south, Kentish Town is sandwiched between greenery.
