If you’re looking for a pub, the Good Mixer is a tavern with a strong history of music, culture, and good vibes. In the 1990s, Blur, Oasis, Pulp, Elastica, Suede, and Amy Winehouse performed in this famed Camden bar, which was the hub of Britpop.
History of The Good Mixer
In 1983, at Arlington House, a local homeless men’s dormitory, occupants frequented the Good Mixer. A jukebox, two pool tables, and a pleasant environment made it a typical neighbourhood tavern. The bar was the hub of Britpop, a genre that combined British guitar pop with the 60s and 70s inspirations like The Beatles, The Kinks, and The Who. Britpop was a response to American grunge and alternative rock and celebrated British culture and identity. Blur vs. Oasis pool battle, Elastica album launch party, and Menswe@r signing session were among the Britpop era’s most memorable events here.
Many celebrities, including Jarvis Cocker, Bobby Gillespie, Alan McGee, and Madonna, visited the bar for a drink one evening. Numerous publications, films, and novels highlighted The Good Mixer, a Britpop icon. The famed tavern drew followers and travellers who wanted to see their idols or just relax.
Culture of The Good Mixer
The Good Mixer was a cultural hotspot for music, art, fashion, and politics, not simply a bar. Musicians met, collaborated, performed, and relaxed in the tavern. The bar offered a free-to-play jukebox featuring the newest Britpop and 60s/70s hits.
The bar offered a live music stage where musicians could test new material or play with friends. Posters, fliers, graffiti, and Britpop memorabilia filled the bar walls, allowing artists to express themselves. As guests wore parkas, bucket hats, mod outfits, and Union Jack flags, the bar helped start fashion trends.
Since Britpop was strongly related to New Labour and the Cool Britannia push to promote Britain as a contemporary, cosmopolitan, and creative society, the pub was a site for political disputes.
Why The Good Mixer is still a must-visit attraction
Since Britpop’s peak, it has lost some glitter and celebrity, but not its charm and character. The bar still hosts live music and DJs every week, showcasing renowned and upcoming acts from all genres, making it a popular music venue.
Celebrities including Amy Winehouse, Pete Doherty, Noel Gallagher, and Liam Gallagher have performed at the pub. Even today, tourists from across the world visit the Camden tavern that shook the 90s. The bar embodies Britpop, which inspired a generation’s music, art, fashion, and politics, and retains its place in Camden’s history.
It is still a spot to have a pint, a game of pool, a talk with the locals, and some nostalgia while listening to some of the finest music ever produced.
How to experience The Good Mixer for yourself
Here are some ways to maximise your visit here:
- Check the pub’s website or social media for upcoming events and bands, and get tickets early since they sell out.
- The bar may get full and boisterous, especially on weekends and evenings with live music or DJs, so arrive early to grab a decent location.
Cash is needed because the tavern doesn’t take cards and there’s no ATM nearby. - Enjoy the pub’s trademark pie and mash with a pint of cask ale or craft brew.
- Play pool on one of the two free tables and try to beat the locals or celebrities, who regularly join in.
- Browse the free jukebox and find your favourite Britpop songs or new ones.
- Take a photo with the pub’s sign, which honours its Thatcherite proprietor by depicting a guy serving ice cream to Eskimos.
- Look for recognisable faces and names on the pub’s Britpop posters, fliers, graffiti, and memorabilia.
- Talk to the pleasant, knowledgeable staff and regulars about the pub’s history and Britpop.
You may also like: Pulp Live at Scarborough Open Air Theatre: A Britpop Spectacle
FAQs
Q: Where is The Good Mixer located?
It is located at 30 Inverness Street, Camden Town, NW1 7HJ, London. It’s a short walk from Camden Town tube station, or a bus ride from Chalk Farm or Camden Road stations.
Q: When is The Good Mixer open?
It is open from Monday to Thursday, 12 pm to 1 am, and from Friday to Saturday, 12 pm to 2 am. It’s closed on Sundays.
Q: How much does it cost to enter The Good Mixer?
It is free to enter, except for some nights when there’s live music or DJs, in which case there may be a cover charge, which varies depending on the event. You can check the pub’s website or social media for the latest information and prices.
Q: Is The Good Mixer wheelchair accessible?
Here it’s wheelchair accessible, as it has a ramp at the entrance, and a disabled toilet on the ground floor. However, the pub can get very crowded and noisy, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
Q: Is The Good Mixer family friendly?
It is family friendly, as it welcomes children until 8 pm, and offers a kids menu and high chairs. However, the pub can get very loud and rowdy, especially on weekends and nights when there’s live music or DJs, so it may not be suitable for everyone.