Opening Today: Camden Beach (Yes, Really)

By Zoe Craig Last edited 140 months ago
Opening Today: Camden Beach (Yes, Really)


It hasn’t rained yet today (at the time of writing), but we’re still unsure the temperatures in London warrant a trip to the seaside… Nevertheless, from 11am this morning, Camden Beach has been open and ready to provide the sand and seaside "atmosphere", even if the sun is missing.

As well as the rest of Camden’s cultural delights, NW1 now offers 900 square metres of sand, complete with a ping pong table, boules, badminton, deckchairs, palm trees, parasols, and more. This being a UK "beach" you’ll be pleased to hear there are windbreakers too.

If you’ve packed your bucket and spade but forgotten your picnic, you can get a variety of refreshments from Jimmy’s Margarita Shack or the Beach Bar & Grill tiki hut: we’re promised Caribbean cocktails as well as steaks, burgers, fresh fish and more.

Organisers The Roundhouse are quick to point out that the tiki hut is covered, and there’s an indoor garden should the "typical English summer" continue as it has for the last few days.

Even if, like us, you think this all sounds like a daft idea given the crappy weather we’re currently experiencing, you can’t fault the venue’s motives: "every year, the Roundhouse works with more than 3,000 11-25-year-olds enabling them to realise their creative potential, and offers audiences of all ages new and extraordinary experiences in live music, circus, theatre and new media. All profits from ticket sales, food and drink are put back into our work with 11-25s." Worth sipping cocktails in the rain for? Perhaps.

Camden Beach at The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 0EH is open throughout July & August between 11am and 11pm. Entrance is free. Visit www.roundhouse.org.uk/camden-beach for more info.

Last Updated 13 July 2012