So today we’re heading north to Camden Town. I’m making the most of post-lockdown freedom to explore my beautiful home city, who knows how long it’s going to last? Today’s Covid news is more bad news with Nightingale hospitals being mobilised again and more stringent rules imminent. It’s a strange and somewhat scary time we’re living in.
Unlike 1985 when I moved to London from Zimbabwe. With the fearlessness of youth, only £150 in my pocket and somewhere to stay for a week I wasn’t scared of anything. And coincidentally my first London home was down the road from Camden Town. It’s where I got my first job and opened my first London bank account. And first discovered the Evening Standard, London pubs, the convenience of public transport and the joys of living in a vibrant metropolis. I soon realised I was a city girl at heart and I’ve lived here ever since. So that’s pretty much my whole adult life.
Camden Town has changed quite a lot since the 80s. It’s a bit smarter and there’s more of a foodie scene although it still maintains that slightly edgy, grungy (in a good way) feel. It’s always been famous for its live music scene and of course the eclectic Camden Lock Market. The canal-side bars and restaurants are some of my favourite places to chill and there are plenty of great pubs. And a range of restaurants inspired by the borough’s cosmopolitan population. Which is a great way of travelling in this time of no travel. So today we’re going Spanish.
Jamon Jamon (so good they named it twice) is on busy Parkway which is a short walk from Camden Town Station on the way to Regent’s Park (also one of my favourite spots where I wiled away many hours when I first moved here). So if you fancy a pre-lunch amble keep going.
But make sure you return for a perfect Spanish fix. The restaurant has an authentic Spanish feel and the menu includes many traditional favourites.
What’s on the menu
Like the gambas al ajillo. How I love this simple dish of sizzling prawns cooked in olive oil with garlic and red chilli. Particularly when it’s made with such sweet juicy prawns.
Another simple and delightful Spanish dish from Madrid is the huevos rotos (literally broken eggs). The first time I ate it was in a roadside cafe in Madrid and I now order it whenever I see it. Crispy, fried potatoes are topped with fried eggs and slices of that perfect salty sweetness that is iberico ham. Or I should say jamon.
Another favourite and more jamon: Croquettas de jamon. Crispy, soft and creamy serrano ham croquettes served with a sweet onion sauce.
Today was a bit of a “wish we were in Spain” sort of day. Seem to be having a lot of these recently. Funny that! These little lamb chops (chuletas de cordera) always remind me of beachside lunches in Spain and biting into their juicy richness transported me back there – in my mind of course. Again, the perfection of simplicity.
A smooth bottle of Spanish red completed our lunch. Life is better with Rioja.
Today’s price point
Tapas for two came to £32.95. The four dishes made for a substantial lunch.
White wine starts from £23 and red from £20.
Oh and here we are on the bridge canalside. Camden Town rocks.
Jamon Jamon is at 38 Parkway, Camden NW1
