The Black Heart is a renowned rock and metal pub in Camden, often described as a "heavy metal hotspot". Nestled in a lamplit, brick-walled back alley near Camden Town Tube Station, it is about a fifteen-minute walk from King's Cross St. Pancras. The interior is decked out in exquisite all-goth attire; its walls painted black and smattered vibrantly with music artwork, fairy lights sparkling in the dimness, unisex bathroom stalls plastered with band stickers and extremely entertaining graffiti. The downstairs bar is a bustling social hub for metalheads and night-creatures from all walks of life, offering craft beers, shots (including the 'Lucky Sod' Irish liqueur), cocktails, and mocktails.
The Black Heart is more than just a pub; it's a pillar in the alternative community and one of the metal scene's last remaining safe havens. It faced permanent closure during the COVID-19 pandemic but was saved by a community crowdfunding effort that raised £150,000 from over 4,000 supporters in March 2021. This event underscores its vital role as a safe space and social hub for the alternative scene. The venue's second and third floors host live gigs, karaoke, club nights, and pop-up shops featuring tattoo parlours and alternative businesses. Memorable events include Halloween parties and legendary karaoke nights. Post-crowdfunding, it adopted a part-community-ownership model.
Consistently rock and metal, with classic Iron Maiden and Judas Priest hits often heard downstairs. The upstairs area serves as an intimate live music venue.
We're collecting stories from musicians who performed at The Black Heart