The Devonshire Arms, Camden

Being a member of the gothic community in Canada, I have to honestly say that the Dev is a breath of fresh air when it comes to the "club scene". My wife and I were lucky enough to literally stumble upon this wonderful pub while wandering the streets of Camden, and we felt completely at home in the surroundings. You have no idea how nice it felt to be in a place that felt accepting without pretense. An added plus was that we could actually sit and speak in a normal speaking voice without having to lean into each other's ears and shout at the top of our voices to be heard.
Now, as to the dress code... Bravo!
I can't stress this enough.
Frankly, if the football shirted drunken bozos that frequent every other pub in London aren't happy that they aren't desired or wanted in a place like the Dev, that's their problem.
The fact is, were someone of the gothic persuasion to enter a "footballer" pub, it would be nothing but stress, grief and bullshit from the drunks. Now, when I saw the "normals" enter the Dev, they were asked VERY politely to either don something black, or feel free to come back when more properly attired.
Likeliness is, were the situation reversed, it wouldn't be a polite request, it would likely be abuse leading to drunken violence and stupidity.

The football hooligans and idiots in the crowd won't like this, but that's because the truth is often difficult to swallow/admit/deal with.

For what it's worth, this Canadian goth and his wife will be back as often as possible.

Bravo to the Devonshire Arms for sticking to it's principles!!!!

20 Jun 2007 18:44