Usually I don’t get to go to bars like the Grand Union. It’s a little out the way of any normal route I’d take (not situated in between anywhere I already need to go, and a tube station). This (up until this week) disappointing fact, is however an unfortunate one. As, if my travels would have happened me across this little gem before now, it’d certainly have made it onto my list of places I may actually be travelling to.

Set across the road from the Camden Overground train station, you may be forgiven for missing it, standing so proudly as it does on the corner of two streets, barely used by the kinds of people who have the time to stop for a pint.

Having said this, it’s not out the way of anywhere. Only just breaching a couple of minutes walk from the tube itself. It’s just, why would you ever go down that street? You come to Camden, you go to the market, to the cinema, you walk down towards Mornington Crescent for the shops, or up towards the Roundhouse for a gig. Conceivably down every street, except the one leading to one of the most charming city bars in the city.

Well I suggest you throw out your googlemaps, and get yourself down to Grand Union on Camden Road (second left street on exiting the tube). Then you might need to pick up your googlemaps again to find it. Spoilt as you are with digital map apps, and not knowing your left from right anymore.

It’s full of lovely deep leather sofas, dark little corners to either enjoy cosy romantic nights with a special friend, or because of its back road setting, perhaps to start an affair. You’re unlikely to see many people at all on a weeknight, nevermind anyone you know. The lighting scheme mixes with the décor perfectly, boasting warm reds and colourful browns with a mix of eastern Oriental and west American chic.

Not just for ‘date night’ Grand Union also promotes the ‘daytime drinking with friends’ feather residing in its already weighty bow. With plenty of picnic tables and enough awnings to cover a war zone out front it’s got summer time cornered. And if you’re lucky enough to secure part of their wide windowed conservatory area of a Sunday afternoon, then say good bye to Sunday afternoon (and most of Monday, as the deep and prodigious cocktail menu offers itself at 2-4-1 Sundays and Thursdays).

Music wise a usual pub soundtrack is played weeknights, with songs sounding like they’ve plugged the speakers directly into my Spotify account. (For anyone who doesn’t work with me, and who doesn’t have to endure my Spotify account on a daily basis, this is a good thing) Lots of classic 90s rock and pop/dance tunes. Weekends see Funk and Soul DJs perform in a dance floor big enough for everyone to spatially get their groove on.

The food menu isn’t expansive. Most of the seating areas only come with small, drink tables (not the best for eating) but you’ve got simple stuff like burgers and salads to choose from. As well as the obligatory chips and onion rings sides.

BEER SELECTION: The best beers, best ciders, best bottles, great cocktail menu and skilled barstaff. *****

COST OF A ROUND: £3-4 normal drink. £7 cocktail (2-4-1 Thu+Sun). But you get what you pay for, quality stuff. ****

STAFF: Skilled, friendly, slow enough to keep the place trim, and don’t mind you having a chat. *****

FOOD: Good prices, not many proper sit down tables, but good for a quick gourmet burger or snack salad. ****

SKIRT RATIO: Great place for a date, or to enjoy a night with friends. To meet new people? Weekends are your best bet, but I’m not sure.  ****

Overall: Not a perfect accumulative score, but as close to a 5 overall as I can think of. Only let down on areas I don’t know. *****

Grand Union - Camden - Brought to you by James Wormald -