English Breakfast: Escape to Camden

Camden was home to Amy Winehouse. | Photo by Michael Zonenashvili

Two weeks have passed since the start of BU’s Study Abroad program in London, and life in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has proven to be spectacular. In addition, this borough, as its name suggests, has also proven to be overly expensive and a bit stuffy. While life here may be fine and dandy for our neighbors, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (a.k.a. Will and Kate), we BU students, who are used to slumming it in Allston, have been on the hunt for an area with a bit more character.

With a dash of grunge, a pinch of bizarre and just a tinge of commercial, the neighborhood of Camden in East London has very quickly become a favorite destination for all things food, drink and shopping related.

After “minding the gap” from the South Kensington Tube station all the way to the Camden Town Tube station (about a 25 minute commute), the transformation from conservative opulence to quirky grunge is almost shocking. The streets are lined with shouting friends, street performers and outgoing salespeople. The Camden Market, which is scattered into multiple locations around the neighborhood, offers everything from adorable dresses and kitschy t-shirts to second hand Dr. Martens and other vintage goods.

The Steak Mexican Burger at Haché. | Photo by Deb Singer

Across the street from the market on a small road called Inverness Street is a plethora of shops and restaurants. From record stores to soul food, this street truly has a little bit of everything. However, one restaurant on this side street stands out among all of the others: Haché. This is a gourmet burger restaurant done right and for a great price. The menu offers multiple versions of the classic beef burger, as well as steak burgers, lamb burgers, falafel burgers, fish and chicken sandwiches and an unbelievably flavorful duck burger. They have a great variety of sides, but the standouts are the sweet potato fries and potato wedges, which are served with garlic mayo and salsa.

Out of the many beef burger options, there are two that are particularly tasty. The first is called the Steak All Day Breakfast Burger. Served on your choice of a fresh ciabatta or brioche bun, this beef burger is paired with tomato, bacon, a portobello mushroom, and finally it is topped with a fried egg. This take on a breakfast burger is full of flavor, with the mild portobello, salty bacon and rich egg contributing to a delicious meal. For something a bit spicier, the Steak Mexican Burger is the best bet. Also served on a ciabatta or brioche bun, this beef burger is prepared with cajun spices and topped with tomato, jalapeño peppers and arugula, with sides of fresh salsa, guacamole and sour cream.

The most impressive item on the menu is, without a doubt, the Aromatic Crispy Duck Burger. As the Haché menu describes, the duck burger is “succulent, crispy duck breast with spring onion, slices of cucumber and oriental hoi sin sauce.” This sandwich is piled high with tender, crispy duck breast, which is both roasted and pan fried to add a bit of crunch. Along with the fresh vegetables on top and the salty sweet hoi sin sauce, this truly is a delicious sandwich bursting with complex flavors. Unfortunately, the duck burger is one of the pricier items on the menu, so for a casual bite to eat, it puts a bit of a dent in your wallet.

Drinks at the Camden Eye. | Photo by Michael Zonenashvili

After the meal, walk back down Camden High Street, pass the Tube station, turn left onto Kentish Town Road and located right on the corner in the middle of the major intersection is the perfect pub for an after-dinner drink. The Camden Eye sits right in the heart of Camden and has every bit of character to show for it. With its vintage inspired decorations and great selection of music, this pub is the ideal place to relax for a bit and grab a pint of beer or cider.

While South Kensington is a lovely neighborhood in which to live, it’s always exciting to escape to Camden for a change of pace. Its bustling markets, impressive record stores, historic music venues (The Electric Ballroom) and many restaurants and pubs never fail to entertain, making Camden one of the most exhilarating places to visit in London.

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