Amy Winehouse: London locations linked to the late Back to Black singer

The much anticipated biopic film following the highs and lows of Amy Winehouse’s life and career hits UK cinema screens this week.

Back to Black, starring Marisa Abela in the title role, follows the late star from her early days as a north London jazz musician to becoming a Grammy-winning star.

The film, named after the singer’s second and final studio album, also pays tribute to London, the city in which Winehouse grew up.

The singer, who was famous for her beehive hairstyle, tattoos and her deep soulful vocals, struggled with addiction and bulimia throughout her music career. She died of alcohol poisoning on July 23 2011, aged 27.

From Winehouse’s upbringing in Enfield to the star’s romance with Camden, we’ve taken a look at some of the best known London locations associated with the late singer.

Join our new WhatsApp Community to get the latest news from across London directly to your phone

Southgate

Amy Winehouse was born on September 14 1983 to Jewish parents Mitch and Janis. The family lived in Southgate, Enfield, where the singer attended Osidge Primary School and then secondary at Ashmole School.

Camden

Although Winehouse started life in Southgate, Camden became the singer’s true love.

When the late singer’s star was unveiled on the Music Walk of Fame in Camden, her father Mitch described the area as her “oxygen”.

Her mother Janis told NME: “It was home to her, she had to be at home here and she was.”

Her famous Grammy award speech in 2008 came the day after a fire broke out at Camden Market. “This is for Camden, Camden Town ain’t burning down,” she told the audience.

The Hawley Arms

2 Castlehaven Rd, Camden, NW1 8QU

Winehouse was a frequent visitor of the Hawley Arms, where it is said her favourite tipple was the Rickstasy, consisting of vodka, banana liqueur, Southern Comfort, and Baileys. 

The pub was severely damaged in the 2008 fire, along with six shops and 90 market stalls. It reopened later that year, following fundraising efforts supported by locals and celebrities.

The Good Mixer

30 Inverness St, London NW1 7HJ

The Good Mixer started off as a working man’s pub but later became a local spot for a number of bands and celebrities.

In the 1990s, it was used as an unofficial office by Alan Mcgee of Creation Records and musicians including Oasis, Jarvis Cocker, Suggs, Blur and Bobby Gillespie could often be seen propping up the bar.

Later it became a local spot for Winehouse who enjoyed playing pool with the blinds closed to avoid the paparazzi.

The Good Mixer features in Back to Black, and is the backdrop for Winehouse’s first meeting with future-husband Blake Fielder-Civil.

Roundhouse

Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, NW1 8EH

The Roundhouse was the venue of Winehouse’s final UK gig, on July 20 2011, just three days before her tragic death.

The iconic Chalk Farm venue still holds regular tribute gigs to commemorate the ‘Queen of Camden’. 

Camden Town House

30 Camden Square, NW1 9XA

Super fans wanting to pay tribute to the late star you can also visit her house in Camden Square. The four-storey semi-detached Victorian home was sold for £3.5 million in 2021 but still serves as a shrine for fans.

Vigils were held outside the Back to Black singer’s home weeks after her death and fans still leave flowers today.

Statues and artworks

Fans can visit a bronze Amy Winehouse statue in Camden Market, or the mural across the road behind the The Hawley Arms.

Back to Black is out in UK cinemas on Friday April 12.