London

Just down from the station it's a little walk from the the super-busy lock area and is all the better for it. You don't get many better locations for a pre-gig (and post gig booze) with locals. Rather than a stuffy old pub or a too-trendy bar The Camden Head is a brilliant combination of the two. Drinks are cheap and there is a lovely pub food menu (thankfully not just boring chips--a really good choice if you are starved before heading out). Tucked away upstairs there's a cosy fireplace and sometimes there are one or two hidden treasures--comedy nights and "catch them before they are really really famous" bands. Oh and the odd DJ.

Photo:  Jane Davies