Discover Hawley Wharf at Camden Market
Hawley Wharf, set against the backdrop of Regent’s Canal, isn’t just any retail spot—it’s the first major shopping and dining venue to open in London since before the pandemic. Created by the innovative minds behind Camden Market and Buck Street Market, this 580,000 square foot marvel is redefining what it means to hang out in Camden. Its aesthetic indoor layout, with potted palm trees, wide pedestrian walkways, and public squares, breathes new life into an underused part of Camden and ensures Hawley Wharf is setting a whole new standard for fun things to do in London.
Camden Market’s Origin Story
16 Stalls and Counting
Believe it or not, Camden Market had its humble beginnings as a small arts and crafts fair tucked away near Dingwalls. Originally a temporary, Sunday-only affair, its charm was impossible to ignore. On 30th March 1974, a fresh Saturday market was born in Camden Town with a mere 16 stalls selling antiques, jewellery, and handcrafted treasures. Fast forward to today, and Camden Market has blossomed into one of London’s busiest retail destinations, with hundreds of small businesses selling their wares.
Camden’s Industrial Roots
Before Camden became synonymous with alternative fashion and live music, it was the beating heart of an industrial gin-making scene. In the 19th century, the area—from Camden Lock to the Roundhouse—was filled with distilleries and warehouses, churning out gin that became world-renowned.
The local spirit even experienced a modern revival when entrepreneur Mark Holdsworth launched Half Hitch Gin in 2014. Blending traditional distilling techniques with a quirky infusion—Malawian black tea and Calabrian bergamot—Half Hitch Gin is now a sought-after taste across some of London’s most prestigious venues.
Dingwalls: Music and Culture in Camden
No Camden story is complete without a nod to Dingwalls Dance Hall. Created in the early ‘70s from a repurposed timber yard, Dingwalls quickly morphed into a legendary music venue, hosting impromptu gigs by the likes of The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Ramones. Its legacy of wild nights, live performances, and even a famous street brawl or two, set the stage for Camden’s reputation as the ultimate hangout for music lovers and trendsetters.
Random Fact: Dingwalls had a bar that was, at one time, the longest in London.
Creating Hawley Wharf: A New Chapter for Camden Market
Over the years, Camden Market grew and evolved, having to navigate both challenges and triumphs. By 2015, the area along the Regent’s Canal—once filled with a jumble of makeshift stalls and time-worn industrial structures—was fenced off, awaiting a dramatic transformation.
After a notorious fire in 2008 and several temporary setups that housed a less combustible mix of stalls, a final vision for the site emerged. The approved regeneration plan promised to honour Camden’s industrial past while ushering in a bold new chapter. Today, that vision has been realised by Hawley Wharf.
Restored railway arches now host stylish Curzon cinema screens, repurposed car workshops have become chic boutique shops, and even the famed Hawley Arms—once a biker pub and Amy Winehouse hangout—has been given a fresh lease on life.
Eating at Hawley Wharf
If your taste buds are ready for a joyride, you have to check out the eateries at Hawley Wharf. However, we should warn you—there are soooo many options! Luckily we’ve narrowed down our favourites:
Food Spots
- The Dark Horse: Enjoy classic British dishes paired with a cool music vibe.
- M'eat The Vegans: Feast on a 100% vegan multicuisine.
- The Knot Churros: Indulge in dreamy, crispy churros and other yummy desserts.
- Moozak's French Tacos: Experience a quirky fusion of French flair with Mexican street food.
- Eki Bento: Relish fresh, Japanese-inspired dishes.
- Nano Mediterranean: Savor colourful salads and charcoal-grilled dishes with a Mediterranean twist.
- Humble Crumble: Enjoy artisan crumbles that hit all the right notes.
- Flip & Sear: Bite into 100% Wagyu beef burgers that are nothing short of epic.
- Dingwalls: Classic pub grub.
- The Cheese Wheel: Enjoy fresh, hand-rolled pasta.
Drink Spots
- Half Hitch GIN SCHOOL: Get hands-on with distilling and sample some small-batch gin in a historic setting.
- Oktoberfest at 3 Locks Brewery: Join in the festive fun with craft beer and a lively atmosphere.
- Ester Camden: Sip on indie spirits and natural wines while enjoying unique supper club vibes.
- Temple of Boba: Quench your thirst with brilliantly crafted bubble teas.
- Stilvi Café: Enjoy a heavenly cup of coffee and a sweet treat in a cosy setting.
- Tsujiri: Dive into a world of green goodness with every sip.
- Caffe Corretto: Unwind at an elegant canal-side café with refined flavours.
- Golden Tea: Refresh with boba-tastic teas that are as fun as they are flavourful.
- Camden Tea Bar: Sip on global, plant-based brews that are as inventive as they are delicious.
- Camden Juice: Boost your day with a vitamin-packed juice that’s refreshingly zesty.
Shopping at Hawley Wharf
For those who love a spot of retail therapy, here’s where you can find the best pieces:
- GoGo Gadget: Unleash your inner child with fun-filled 3D puzzles and quirky gadgets.
- Pistachio: Find sweet treats and distinctive gifts.
- Variety Valley: Discover a mix of badges, pins, and accessories.
- Olivia's Selection: Dive into a range of plushies and soft toys.
- Knits & Knots: Browse for handcrafted crochet items.
- Wiltshire Chilli Farm: Spice things up with home-grown hot sauces, spreads, and snacks.
- Kincha Designs: Accessorize with Caribbean-inspired jewellery.
- Florence Leather: Treat yourself to handmade leather accessories.
- To Home From London: Pick up creative souvenirs.
- Koko Art: Step into a world of hand-painted custom shoes.
- KOO Style: Discover vintage denim.
In addition to the stalls there are Farmers Markets and Artisan Fairs held at Hawley Wharf that are a feast for the senses and a great way to support Camden’s independent traders.
Visiting Hawley Wharf
Opening Hours
Camden Market is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am till late (including bank holidays), while Hawley Wharf is open as follows:
Food Halls:
- Monday – Sunday | 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Retail:
- Monday – Wednesday | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Thursday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday–Saturday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
(Note: Some traders might have slightly different hours.)
How to Get There
By Train:
- Camden Town: 5 minutes
- Chalk Farm: 10 minutes
- Camden Road: 8 minutes
Bus Routes:
- King’s Cross: 214
- Victoria: 24
- West End: 274
- East London: 393
Important tip: Keep an eye out, Camden has an ever-changing lineup of stores and sellers means no two days are alike and that there’s always something new to discover!
Explore Beyond Hawley Wharf with CityDays
If exploring London’s popular hangout spots sounds like your kind of adventure, why stop at Hawley Wharf?
CityDays offers immersive scavenger and treasure hunt tours that bring London to life in a fun, interactive way.
Our urban adventure games blend riddles, challenges, and fascinating historical facts to take you on a journey through hidden gems and iconic landmarks.
So, ready to step into the past? Book a CityDays adventure and see London like never before.
