The Lyttelton Arms

Stop whatever you're doing and get yourself to The Lyttelton Arms in London RIGHT NOW. No, seriously - this isn't your average London pub situation. Perched perfectly at the gateway to Camden's chaos (literally steps from Mornington Crescent station), this place is where "just one quick drink" turns into "wait, how is it midnight already?"

Listen, I need you to understand something: this isn't just another spot on London's endless pub crawl circuit. The Lyttelton Arms has somehow mastered that impossible sweet spot between proper British pub charm and "definitely cooler than your living room" vibes. The moment you walk in, you'll get why locals keep this place buzzing like a phone on group chat night.

OKAY BUT THE OUTDOOR SETUP THOUGH! They've got these genius chess table designs outside that basically guarantee you'll make friends with the next table. I've witnessed more "mind if we join you?" moments turn into whole-night adventures here than I can count. And don't even get me started on how perfect it is when London decides to bless us with actual sunshine.

You know what's criminally underrated? Their fish and chips. I know, I know - every pub claims theirs is special, but trust me on this one. People are literally saying it beats Brighton's seafront offerings (!!!). When a coastal town's signature dish gets shown up by a London pub, you know something magical is happening in that kitchen.

The interior is giving major "your coolest friend's living room but make it pub" energy. Think cozy corners for date nights that actually impress, plus enough space for when your "small gathering" accidentally becomes a proper celebration. And the staff? They're that perfect mix of professional and fun - like they genuinely want you to have the best night ever.

Let's talk about the drinks situation because it's IMPORTANT. We're looking at a seriously solid lineup of beers (yes, they've got Camden Hells on tap, obviously), wines that don't make your wallet cry, and cocktails that actually taste like cocktails should. The prices are exactly what you'd expect for London - not cheap cheap, but definitely in that "totally worth it for the quality" zone.

Real talk about the food menu - it's pub grub that's had a glow-up. The Sunday roast? Absolute scenes. Like, "text your mum and apologize because you've found a new favorite" levels of good. They're doing that thing where traditional pub food meets modern London tastes, and somehow it just... works?

Dog people, ATTENTION: bring your four-legged friend! This place is dog-friendly, which basically means you can combine your pub time with pet socializing time. I've witnessed entire friendships form because someone's dog decided to make eyes at another table.

For all you planning types (bless you), they take reservations. Actually TAKE THEM THOUGH - especially for Sunday roast times or if you're rolling deep with a group. The place fills up faster than a tube station at rush hour, particularly when there's live music on.

Here's the insider intel you need: hit it up right after work for that sweet spot when the day crowd is winding down but before the evening kicks into high gear. It's perfect for nabbing one of those prime outdoor tables or scoring the cozy corner spot inside. And yes, they take cards (including contactless), so no need for a pre-pub cash machine mission.

Look, The Lyttelton Arms is basically Camden's living room - if your living room served perfect pints and had a constant stream of interesting humans flowing through it. It's where "meeting for one" becomes "creating memories till closing time." The Northern Line is right there, night buses are plentiful, and honestly? If you're not here already, you're probably missing something awesome. Just saying.