Gay Camberwell

by Roz.

A somewhat pretentious actor once refused to say which part he’d played was his favourite, on the grounds that the other parts would be hurt.  Certainly it’s not really the thing for us to have a favourite Gay Camberwell venue.  So many have done so much over the last year.  The Castle, bless Winston’s heart, has given over their upstairs room not just for our fabulous launch night party, but also every Sunday afternoon for Pink Screen Sundays*.  And the popular Sun and Doves had a gay film season throughout last November – as well as hosting the regular and wonderful Queer Complex.  And that’s quite apart from the glorious vision that Su-Thai - Camberwell’s best Thai restaurant - has of being filled with gay people.  (Speaking of which, they have another Gay Camberwell offer on this weekend.)

But I must confess (quietly, so as not to hurt the others) that the Cambria has a special place in my heart.  The fact that it’s gay-owned helps, but it’s really the enthusiasm of all involved in the venture and the quality that tips the balance.  And the particularly fine wallpaper…  It is, of course, the home of gay-friendly comedy in Camberwell (hosted by lesbian comedienne Rosie Wilby).  It also has very fabulous cabaret nights – and we made our way over to south Camberwell last night to one of these to hear the glorious James Cormack perform.  And it was one of the best shows I’ve seen at the Cambria – Cormack had immense personality - as well as a good voice!  The audience was enthusiastic – and so were we.  And that wasn’t all that was wonderful about the Cambria last night: the chips (which I would have liked to forget since they were definitely not pre-wedding diet friendly, but just can’t) were that lovely combination of crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, whilst the white wine was certainly the best I’ve tasted in a pub.  It may be a trifle off the beaten Camberwell track, but it’s the place to be. 

On an entirely unrelated note, regular readers may be interested to find out how we got on with the dinosaurs in Crystal Palace.  I’m afraid they are going to be disappointed (lunch at House is calling) but the pictures below should prove sufficient enticement for those who haven’t been.


*Pink Screen Sundays are re-starting at the beginning of September following the summer break.  We'll be showing Victim (Dirk Bogarde), Imagine Me and You (Piper Perabo), Brokeback Mountain and Victor Victoria (Julie Andrews).