What’s the best thing about Summer? Warmth? Festivals? Barbecues? Late sunsets? Lido possibilities? Cheaper heating bills? Closer to your holiday? Girls in skimpy clothes? Not having to pay for the cloakroom or even worry if there is one? Getting away with sunglasses after a heavy night without looking like a twat? Fair enough, there are lots of things. But one definite you can’t argue with, is outdoor drinking. As we move closer and closer to spring, a beer garden’s location becomes more important than the heaters.

Lock 17 must have one of the ultimate best locations anywhere in the fair city. The beer garden option comes with views across the famous Camden Lock. The sight of both light, and water is improved by the existence of the other. Far from a one tricky pony, if the wind starts to get up, or it’s an unusually / expectantly rainy day, you can always move inside to the Canalside Bar. Both Canalside and Terrace are on the same level, just off the main street, above the water. Both served by the same bar, both boasting shimmering views of the reflected trendy canalside flats (indoor views only restricted by glass).

As the evening draws ever near, there are more options still. Either trundle downstairs to the Market Bar. Set at street level and aimed at heavier, purposeful drinkers, the Market Bar offers everything you’d expect in an 8pm-10pm pre-pre-club bar (It’s the bar you go to after the pub, and before the bar that’s before the club). Or if you’re not particularly interested in that heavy a night let’s say, there’s also Dingwalls, a brilliant live gig venue, also street level round the back. I’m not certain exactly how often they have gigs on, but if they do have one, and you can get there, it’s a great venue for live music. A huge venue with plenty of seating areas, yet it still retains a special kind of atmosphere.

The whole place is like a theme park designed especially for drinkers. Whatever time of / day / year / situation / mood, it’s got something to fit the bill. You want to relax after work? Canalside. Watch the sun dance across the Sunday afternoon sky? Terrace. Get in the mood for a club? Market. Have a bit of a dance and feel some loud grungy music? Dingwalls.

BEER SELECTION: Something (not everything) for everyone. There’s always at least one option you’ll like, but not too many options. ****

COST OF A ROUND: £10. Could be a lot worse for the area, and quality of the bar. ***

STAFF: Not overstaffed, but you’re never waiting too long for a drink. ****

FOOD:  Walkabout style, halfway between snack and meal, low tables. Good quality and price, but not quite cheap enough. ****

SKIRT RATIO: Canalside and Terrace seating is pretty table/sofa specific, so not much natural interaction there, but Market has a friendly atmosphere with a clientele of young professionals. ***

Overall: Well worth a place in any hop. The best of the local options. ****

Lock 17 - Camden - Brought to you by James Wormald -