REVIEW:
Tucked right in the heart of residential Camden, Monkey Chews is one of those places that few people know about, and those who do want to keep it that way. Regulars will talk openly about this fantastic bar they know, but will remain vague on the details just in case too many people find out and it turns into every other Camden boozer – full of posers and tourists eager to see and be seen.

The décor is just as you would imagine – relaxed and unassuming. Muted red lighting and low level seating combine to create an atmosphere of relaxed and effortless cool where slouching is the only way to sit. The bar area is quite small, but there’s a wide range of spirits on offer, including pretty much every bourbon and vodka you’ve ever heard of. The cocktail menu offers the classics at reasonable prices, but the real beauty is the realisation that you don’t have to wear your best frock and schmooze in Soho to enjoy a great cocktail and some chilled tunes form the resident DJ.

Through to the back of the bar is the restaurant, where you can enjoy a beautiful 3 course meal, plus wine for around £25 per head. The regulars rave about the seafood – which includes mussels in a Thai spice infused stock, seared tuna with a mango and sundried tomato salsa, and my personal favourite - dozen native rock oysters served with lemon, tobasco sauce and washed down with a pint of the black stuff.