Camden High Street pub reopens as gaming bar The Phoenix

The pub in Camden High Street was originally a traditional Irish pub called The Cobden which was run for 30 years by Mary and Gerry McMahon.

When they retired in 2023 the venue had a short spell as a sister pub to Kilburn’s Brondes Age, serving up cocktails, DJs and sport on multiple screens.

Now the watering hole has had yet another rename. Phoenix Camden reopened last weekend boasting a bright red paint job.

The new bar offers both console gaming and retro board games. (Image: The Phoenix Camden) Inside, the gaming paradise is decked out with exposed brickwork, screens and consoles, retro board games, mismatched furniture and vintage music posters.

The pub’s website has the manifesto: “We consider ourselves a bar of simple tastes but never low standards. Fiercely independent and proud to be a bit different. Expect great beer, great booze, great music and great food. Served by people who actually give a S**t.”

The bar also serves 16 different beers on tap and pizzas. (Image: The Phoenix Camden) Phoenix Camden also plans live events and serves cocktails, 16 taps featuring eight rotating beers from the likes of Kernel, Deya, Track and Verdant, as well as cider from Ascension Cider.

Drinkers can also order a hybrid New York/Neapolitan style pizza from the acclaimed Freewheelinpizza. More unusual choices include Alice In Caperland with anchovies, lemon Zest and capers, and Purple Glaze with nduja, stilton and balsamic glaze.

Phoenix Camden is now open at 28-30 Camden High Street, NW1.