People passing Camden Market, London, will have noticed building work going on, and on, and on, it seems, but the end result should mean more for off-the-wall shoppers.
The end of 2009 should see a multi-storey arcade of additions to Camden Markets indoor and a fresh outdoor series of stalls. An artist’s impression on display in Camden shows the type of goods on offer should be of the same ilk – weird, eccentric and downright strange.
Exotic grub
Camden Market is already a haven of home-grown food sellers touting passers-by to try their cuisine, be it pasta, pizza, noodles, bagels, doughnuts, coffee or cake. Notably, the passing of a new law in London meant Camden Market’s infamous magic mushroom stalls had to close down, but they have been replaced by a haze of shisha-pipe smokers sitting on cushions outside mock Moroccan cafes.
Cyber chic
Techno-fans will find the largest Cyber Dog store in the UK in Camden Market. It’s hard to miss, with two huge cybernauts outside, and often a plethora of tourist taking pictures (occasionally of the odd decked-out local or two). Upstairs is for gadgets, downstairs for doing yourself up techno-style, with neon lycra and plastic bodices, hot pants, cyber boots, day glow trousers and hair pieces on offer. Need directions? Listen out for the pumping techno music outside.
Retro glam
Around the corner from Cyber Dog is vintage corner, full of gear undergoing a revival from 60s glam through to 80s punk in the UK. Further afield are full length leather and PVC coats for fetishists, tartan, pierced and pinned attire that looks like it is trying to be something the godmother and godfather of punk, Vivienne Westwood or Malcolm McLaren, might have designed in the 70s. Go on the look-out for lots and lots of stylist hats, wacky scarves, dark glasses and cool gloves in the small stalls, full of little dinkies.
Funky furniture
Deck your house out Camden style with a super-size bean bag, laminated-picture deckchair or restored furniture from the warehouse-size shops opposite the new build alongside the canal. Even if the price tag is a little more than you can afford, it is a great place to wander round the paintings, sofas and tables, if only to pick up some cool, off-the-wall ideas.
Canal-side booze
Taking a breather by Camden locks proves popular on a sunny day, where there are a few bars and pubs to let your hair down and watch the world go by in their garish get-up. Add this, to a trip past the tattoo parlours, piercing boutiques and spin-off stalls along Camden high street and you have got a day to remember. Just don’t forget to wear your pink, pedal pushers, cyber boots and spike your hair.
Top London Accommodation near Camden Market:
Photo of Cyberdog shop in Camden Town, London, UK, by Punchup
Topic: Tips and Ideas |
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Tags: London, shopping
About the author
Sarah is a freelance writer who has contributed articles to the Bangkok Post and Untamed Travel. She is now writing for Cosmotourist online.
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