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by Roz

In the past, I'd rarely walk into a pub and announce that I'm gay.  No-one could say that I'm in the closet, but it does seem rather rash.  And indeed unnecessary.  Except that it turns out that this isn't the case at all.  In Camberwell, the result of doing so is - however unlikely the venue - vast amounts of enthusiasm and the offer of the venue as a place for a gay event. 

I've intended to visit the Joiner's Arms for years, being attracted by the the beautiful Victorian tiles on the wall, but have never done so.  Partly because there are so many other lovely places to go in Camberwell.  And partly because it's always looked slightly too quiet to be comfortable...  However, ever dedicated to our obligation to go everywhere in Camberwell (even the sterile Grove!), I arranged to meet a friend there for a drink yesterday evening.  My friend cancelled at the last minute (the second time in the day that had happened - since when was cancelling acceptable?!), but in fact this proved a blessing.  I got talking with the barman, and he explained the pub was under new ownership and was being refurbished.  Always with an eye for an opportunity to promote Gay Camberwell, I outed myself.  As it turned out, the barman had, in fact, been to a couple of the Gay Camberwell events.  As an optimist, I'd even say he was slightly excited to meet us...

Conversation with him and with the manageress flowed, and whilst Layla played all the Dusty Springfield songs in the juke box and bonded with an aged customer, we discussed the possibility of pool nights (I think that this is the only place with a pool table in Camberwell?) and - for me, even more excitingly - a regular comedy night. 

Gay comedienne and local favourite, Rosie Wilby, had told us she would be up for doing comedy in Camberwell, if we could find the right place for her.  But that's proved more difficult than we hoped.  Until yesterday, when in an excess of enthusiasm the manageress offered to get a carpenter to build us a platform in the backroom for Rosie.  Hurrah.  It looks like the first comedy night will be Thursday 5th February.  

So, I think my new year's resolution should be to announce that I'm gay wherever I go in Camberwell.  I can't think what Caravaggio's could offer, but I'm excited to find out...



 


Comments

MyattMan

01/08/2009 01:43:39

I've enjoyed your website. I do have to disagree about the Grove. Sterile 'tis not. It's the one bit of Camberwell I take guests to in order to demonstrate we're not just a scruffy third-world outpost. It rivals Hampsted! Congrats on the engagement and good luck with future endeavours. Any word back from a few posts down re: House Gallery? I have been once and was impressed to find it. But didn't know it was an evangelical tool.

 

Layla

01/08/2009 02:11:21

Well I suppose everyone has different views of what they like in a pub. I've been to The Grove a couple of times and just couldn't seem to bond with it... always think it feels like a Travelodge or suchlike. But it's good to hear that others don't share my experiences and are enjoying it! Regarding House, our investigations are underway, and we'll be reporting back soon, via a blog.

 

MyattMan

01/08/2009 07:09:45

Oops my bad. I thought you were referring to the whole of The Grove (Camberwell Grove), which is indeed the best bit of the whole neighbourhood....not just the pub, which isn't my favourite. Agreed.

 



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