Hawley Wharf Camden: The best things to do in Camden’s new market

Have you ever tried a blue or pink burger? Or visited a cinema built under the arches of a historic railway? Then look no further to Camden's freshest new development - Hawley Wharf.

Hawley Wharf officially opened its doors in late August 2021 and is built on the former Camden Lock village site.

The 580,000sq ft canal-side development is operated by LabTech who also own fellow Camden hotspots Camden Lock Market and Stables Market.

However, not everyone is happy with the new development with some Camden residents apprehensive about the aesthetic of the Hawley Wharf Camden area.

Adrian Stokes said: “I think it’s a great idea and it’s nice to see things opening up after Covid and stalls getting more and more business, but I do think parts of the development like the flats surrounding it look a bit ugly.

"Maybe that’s just because there are some building materials about as it’s not finished yet.”

Luca Pozzi said: "I think Hawley Wharf is great but I'm not sure it's needed with Camden Market so nearby."

Following these comments, I conducted a poll on site in November, asking 40 people whether they preferred Hawley Wharf or the older Camden Market.

The aim of this was to gauge the "on the ground" feeling of market goers and residents with both markets in such close proximity.

Nearly half the respondents (18) preferred the old Camden Market, narrowly pipping the 14 people who enjoyed Hawley Wharf more. Five people thought both markets were equal while three believed it was too early to tell.

Owners LabTech said: "Hawley Wharf represents an extension of our vision to add value to real estate investment by creating interconnected experiences.

"Community and creativity sit at the heart of our vision for Hawley Wharf."

The site contains more than 60 new places to eat, 50 independent and branded stores and London's largest farmer's market.

Map of Hawley Wharf Camden: www.hawleywharfcamden.com

Map of Hawley Wharf Camden: www.hawleywharfcamden.com

Now join me on a brief virtual tour of Hawley Wharf Camden

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Hawley Wharf isn’t just food, drink and artwork though. Big names such as Curzon Cinema and the brand new Camden Boxing Club have also made their home at the sensational new site.

Hawley Wharf was created to focus on attracting consumers and boosting tourist numbers after Covid hit the UK hard, with Camden being no exception.

My graph below shows how the UK's hospitality and food and beverage sectors have still not recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

Data source: Office for National Statistics

Data source: Office for National Statistics

LabTech's are targeting a footfall of 30 million visitors a year with current projections hinting at 50 million per year.

This will be boosted by the already massive number of tourists who visit the neighbouring Camden Lock Market on a regular basis.

Despite opening it’s doors under three months ago, Hawley Wharf is already a bustling hub of activity and will only get better with many more dining, clothing and fresh produce stalls set to open.

Camden Boxing Club opened on the 1st September 2021 and brings a totally different angle to Hawley Wharf - a place to get fit and the opportunity to join a sporting community in one of London's most vibrant areas.

"Our mantra is to teach boxing as a sport not just a form of exercise.” - Manya Klemper

It is owned by The Boxing House who are also proprietors of Rathbone Boxing Club.

The gym is equipped with two rings, two group class zones, a dedicated self-train area, cardio machines and free weights.

Customers are able to enjoy the wellness facilities after a gruelling workout with a steam room, sauna and café available on-site.

Manya Klemper, co-founder of The Boxing House said: “At Camden Boxing Club we have taken the DNA of spit-and-sawdust gyms – the community, the training pedigree, the respect for the sweet science – and added some luxury trappings.

"Our mantra is to teach boxing as a sport not just a form of exercise. Fitness, both mental and physical, is inevitable as a result, and the virtuous circle spins on."

Camden Boxing Club's training is headed by professional boxing coach Adam Booth who has trained the likes of former world champions David Haye and Andy Lee in the past.

Group classes which focus on boxing skills and fitness drills are available, as well as sparring workshops and personal training sessions.

Photo : Camden Boxing Club

Cinema giants Curzon have also chosen to nest at Hawley Wharf Camden with the creation of a brand new five-screen cinema.

Built under the historic arches of Camden railway, each screening room seats 30 people with Curzon focusing on their venue being cosy and luxurious for viewers.

Current favourites such as James Bond and Eternals have been showing in the past two months. There are also gender-neutral toilets at the venue.

The green-hued bar area's classy and unique look give viewers the chance to grab a drink or snack before the film and sets apart the Curzon brand from other cinema retailers.

Curzon customer Sophia Lesley said: "I had a lovely experience watching James Bond here, the bar is a really nice touch and the venue is totally unique from other places I've been to."

ILoveBurger London was born in 2020 and provides both crazy coloured and scrumptious burgers.

Patrons can customise their burger from everything from bun colour, patty and toppings.

Bun colours range from pink, green, blue, orange and even rainbow!

Beyond meat vegan and veggie patties are available as well as gluten free buns for those with special dietary requirements.

If you are feeling extra peckish there are sweet potato fries and cheesy chips on offer.

Baozi Inn is a popular Cantonese dim sum restaurant chain which has a number of flagship sites in Chinatown, London Bridge, Soho and Oxford Street.

Their selection of multi-coloured dumplings which come in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, are without a doubt the highlight of the menu.

The chain boasts a massive Instagram following thanks to it's fresh and healthy cuisine.

All the colouring used is from natural ingredients such as spinach, beetroot and turmeric.

Vegetarian dumplings selection

Vegetarian dumplings selection

The company have described making dumplings as an "art" with each one carefully handmade by their expert chefs.

They also have a fantastic choice of German, Dutch and Belgian beers to help wash down your meal!

One Instagram user commented: "They really know how to fix up an Asian feast. The dumplings were absolutely unreal!"

"Opening in Camden has been a blessed and eye opening experience."
- Zia Haidari , joint owner of 2LadsKitchen

2Lads Kitchen provides authentic Afghan street food made from original recipes at an affordable price.

You cannot miss the chance to try their delicious chicken rice box or try lamb wrapped in fresh Afghan naan.

For vegetarians, there are steamed leek and onion dumplings or try their famous grilled aubergine and black pepper yoghurt rice box which comes with a secret green sauce.

Haidari said: " My business partner (Gul Ahmad) and I started off as a Street food stall at Southbank Market in 2019.

"After three years of trading at markets around London and doing festivals throughout the UK, we thought it was time to grow and have a stable location whilst also doing the markets at the same time.

"The main idea of introducing Afghan food in London is because Afghanistan has war correlated to it's name but we wanted to show that even though we are known for fighting we are even better cooks.

"Opening in Camden has been a blessed and eye opening experience."

@2ladskitchen Instagram

@2ladskitchen Instagram

Steamed Lamb Dumplings @2ladskitchen

Steamed Lamb Dumplings @2ladskitchen

*All pictures by Ethan Singh unless otherwise credited