Forget the tired socks and hankies routine this father’s day and treat him to something a little different.

Camden is brimming with options for gifts and experiences to suit all budgets – and whatever genre of gent he may be.

We've put eight local ideas together for you, and we'd love to hear your plans and ideas, or any special offers or events at your business, so do leave a comment.

And don't forget: Sunday 19 June is the big day.

1. Does your pop still rock?

If your dad is into his music and loves a live gig, then a Roundhouse membership is the perfect gift. Give him access to priority bookings for top acts, the power to queue jump and entry to the exclusive members bar, where he can drink like a roadie and reminisce about the good old days when ‘they really knew how to make music’ (well, that’s what my dad says). Membership starts at £40 a year.

The Roundhouse
Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH
Phone: 020 7424 8455
Email: memberships@roundhouse.org.uk

2. Teach an old dog new tricks

We mean old dog in the most respectful way, promise. Treat your father to some new ideas and skills with a course, workshop or bespoke book voucher for The School of Life. The off beat Marchmont Street instituition has a quirky and imaginative range of topics covered from food to religion and everything in between. Some of the gems on the calendar in the next couple of months include a picnic with Thoreau, workshop on how to worry less about money and a class on the art of conversation. There’s also a cycling weekend with Rob Penn, author of best seller, ‘It’s all about the bike – the pursuit of happiness on two wheels’.

The School of Life
70 Marchmont Street, WC1N 1AB
Phone: 020 7833 1010
Email: info@theschooloflife.com

3. Celebrate dad with a picnic in a park

Gather the troops, pack a gourmet feast (make sure you include his favourites) and head to one of the many parks and open spaces in the borough for a picnic. Fingers crossed it’s sunny – and if it does start to bucket, you can always duck into a local for a Sunday roast. We recommend Primrose Hill for the best view of London (and celeb spotting if that’s your thing) or of course there’s Hampstead Heath. If the weather calls for it, you could even take a dip in the ponds.

See a full list of parks and open spaces.

4. Does your dad dig real ale?

Perhaps the old fella will be up for a big one on father’s day and fancy staying out until the wee hours. If that’s the case, The Good Ship in Kilburn is the place to go. It’s open until 4am (last entry 2am) and has a free juke box, a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits and is one of the few places left in the capital that sells real ale after 11pm. There’s also a free entry acoustic gig happening on father’s day eve with six acts in the line up - it kicks off at 5pm.

The Good Ship
289 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR
Phone: 07949 008253

5. Help him relax…

If heading to the boozer isn’t your dad’s idea of unwinding, perhaps a dose of yoga and meditation, or a soothing massage might do the trick. Amidst the bustle of London life, Alchemy the Centre offers a tranquil escape with drop in classes and courses for everyone from the first timer to the experienced yogi, an organic café and treatments rooms for holistic healing. Located in a beautiful listed building within the Stables Market, it’s easy to reach by public transport and gift certificates are available for courses and treatments.

Alchemy the Centre
Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH
Phone: 020 7267 6188

6. Comic book kid

Give your dad a trip down memory lane and buy him an old comic or collectable from Comicana. They specialise in silver, golden and bronze age comics (1940s-1970s) and stock collectable toys and graphic novels. With up to 45,000 comics in stock, you’re sure to find an old favourite. Their stock includes some rare treasures including the first issues of Hulk and Green Lantern and the early issues of Spiderman and Daredevil. Prices range from £10 to the thousands. The shop alone is worth the visit, with old style ambience and knowledgeable staff.

Comicana
237 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EH
Email: comicana@gmail.com

7. Old school

A gift suitable for the refined gent requires a trip to James Smith and Sons umbrellas. Founded in 1930, it is still owned and run as a family business. For 175 years the company has been making umbrellas, sticks and canes (they make them to measure, so you’ll need your dad’s height measurement).The shop has its original fittings, designed by the master craftsman employed by the company, which is a work of art in itself. You can purchase in store or online and they are able to post most of their items internationally if your dad is abroad. Pair with a box of caramels for the perfect gift.

James Smith & Sons’ umbrella shop
53 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1BL
Phone: 0207 836 4731
email: sales@james-smith.co.uk

8. For the film buff

Warm buttery popcorn, comfy chairs and a good flick – you can’t go wrong with taking dad to the cinema on his special day, or better yet, buy him some vouchers to use whenever he fancies. Independent favourites the Renoir and Everyman cinemas also hold special Q&A sessions with film makers and other events throughout the year for the die-hard arthouse lover. Check their websites for further details.

Renoir cinema
The Brunswick, WC1N 1AW
Phone: 020 7837 8402

Everyman cinema - Hampstead
5 Holly Bush Vale, NW3 6TX

Everyman cinema - Belsize Park
203 Haverstock Hill, NW3 4QG

Reservations: 0871 9069060

What have you got planned? Let us know in the comments.