Gay Camberwell

by Layla

We at Gay Camberwell have always had a soft spot for Elephant and Castle. Indeed, for me it was my first portal to South London, in a Camberwell-bound odyssey from a hotel on the Strand. Later it was home to the now closed Southopia, aka Chocolate Lounge, the brilliant lesbian private members' club where Roz ran lesbian film club and I met her for the first time. Also where I went lesbian speed-dating and embarrassingly subsequently had my photo plastered over a page in Diva, having speed dated the Diva editor. And I attended a gay bowling night in the E&C shopping centre's rather good bowling alley. And worked at the Department of Health's E&C building, which has a great view over the area. I'm also adept at a complicated route by bicycle that avoids the infamous roundabouts.

We have never been under any illusions about the glory of the Elephant and Castle shopping centre, but we have recently been conscious of interesting things happening within that beautiful building... First, a rather acclaimed little theatre has opened in an empty retail space. Theatre Local has been home to a Royal Court season which finishes in late August. And last week the space was used by community theatre company Mayhem who put on a rather impressive show called Elephant 21. After a glowing review from  Time Out we ventured down on Friday night. What a lovely experience. Great performances, and a show about a family history through the years in Elephant and Castle. They derived the show from oral histories from people in the area, and it was fascinating to have an insight into wartime Elephant, and changes through the years, culminating in a couple of yuppie types buying in the new Strata Tower. Funny and apt. We had a brilliant night. Topped off by prosecco and a game or ten of Connect Four in The Bear, which was very busy with a great wine bar type atmosphere.

As we left the theatre that night we walked past Mamuska and regretted we'd already had dinner - it's an authentic and stylishly homely Polish restaurant in another retail unit that has also had a good recent review from Time Out. Unusual to pull off stylish without pretentiousness but they do it well. It was busy and there was live music. A cheery Polish waitress handed us a tempting-looking menu. We decided to return the following night. Saturday night in the Elephant and Castle shopping Centre seemed an odd choice, but we had a great time. The food was absolutely delicious (and cheap). The atmosphere was quirky and comfortable. The Polish beer came in 500mL bottles for £3. I had dumplings and Roz had potato pancakes, at £5 each. Both were delicious. Just as we finished, people poured in - the after-party for the Elephant 21 cast and crew! We had a lovely evening with more Polish beer, actor spotting and vicariously enjoying their celebrations. Bravo, Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre. I was only sorry we were too distracted to go bowling!