Not to take away from the awesome eats we found at Elephant & Castle in Dublin, adding live music to the mix really raises the ranking of Blues Kitchen in Camden, London. Let’s be honest, is there really anything better than delicious southern food teamed with a couple mint juleps & a live blues band? No. We thought not.

Blues Kitchen is located in the trendy Camden area of London, an area famed for its laidback alternative style and more than anything else, its massive marketplace where you can find anything from vintage shoes and clothing to techno raver pants and coloured contacts. Camden is a great part of town to check out, conveniently close to Central London with its own style and culture to differentiate it from the rest of the city.

On Saturday nights Blues Kitchen heaves with people out for dinner, catching up for drinks or those settling in for a night of tunes – with live bands playing from 8pm-3am. On some nights there may be an entry fee, but get in before 8 and you’re set for the night and free to come and go as you please, fee-free.

Settling into the busy and dimly lit tables that line the main space, the menu is instantly eye-catching. Mouth-watering BBQ pork, burgers and creole favourites like Jambalaya and Gumbo pop out from the vast array of options (including a whole host of appetizing veggie options!). Must try favourites include the Cajun blackened shrimp and the baby back ribs, the kitchen also offering a host of sharing platters for groups.

Settling in with their signature bourbon cocktails, the first band sets up just before 8 belting out soul and blues numbers long into the evening (there’s often a main act with a number of rotating support artists). Drinks, dancing and delicious food. Southern style restaurants may be a dime a dozen but the Blues Kitchen definitely completes the package and offers an all-round great night out in London.

Blues Kitchen is on Camden High Street, a few blocks from the Camden Town tube station. For more info and a look at some of the artists performing, check out www.theblueskitchen.com.