After a gruelling week of back-to-back meetings, kicking back below swaying palm trees with sand between your toes is the kind of fantasy we all indulge in on a sticky Friday afternoon. But did you know that nestled on a roof top above Camden Town is a tropical island paradise boasting golden sands, end-of-pier amusements and beefy life-guards? Donning my flip flops, I went along to find out more.

Office Breaks Camden Beach

Now in its second year, the Roundhouse’s Camden Beach has welcomed 40,000 city dwellers to frolic on 150,000 tonnes of the finest sand imported for the summer. Climbing the hallowed stairs of the famous music venue, I encounter a palm-fringed oasis packed with Hawaiian shirts and plastic flower garlands where the beach party vibe is alive and well.

Office Breaks Camden Beach

The sand is sumptuously soft and as my feet sink in, I deliberate on whether to remove my shoes – the thought of sand rubbing between my toes on the tube holds little appeal. “Watch out, you’re in my area” admonishes a tetchy five-year-old wielding her spade in an alarming fashion. Be warned – the beach is also open to families and sand castle construction is taken seriously.

Office Breaks Camden Beach

Escaping the pint-sized diva, I make it to the beach bar to savour a cool beer where a tempting array of lurid cocktails is also available at £7.50 each.  As the reggae beats thrumb from the speakers, I can almost switch off from the noise of the adjacent commuter trains belting through to Gospel Oak.

Office Breaks Camden Beach

Stripy sun loungers and the coveted (shell chair), provide the perfect spot for a post-work wind-down with friends.  While I’m glad to note that the beach towel tactics are not in evidence here, just like the tube, you do need to get on early to secure your seat.  For those wishing to push the boat out, beach huts are also available for hire.  (£250.00 a day or an evening for up to eight people, includes hot dogs, ice cream, candy floss and rock).

Office Breaks

Feeling peckish, we’re disappointed to note that the pop-up fish and chip shop has closed by 8.00pm, leaving a limited fare of hot dogs or pork offerings to choose from.  Heading for the Dog House, we tuck into a monster sausage with lashings of onions and mustard.

Office Breaks Dog House

With dark clouds rolling in and the temperature plummeting in typical British seaside fashion, we reluctantly retreat to a pub for our final drink.  Feeling completely chilled out, we reflect on a Friday night that has transported us out of routine and re-awakened the holiday-feel-good-factor.  Just watch out for the five-year-olds.

Camden Beach is open from 17 July – 23 August
Opening times vary.
Free entry

What’s your favourite summer hot-spot in the city?  I would love hear your views.