Grand Union
26 Camberwell Grove SE5 8RE
Tel: 0203 247 1001
www.gugroup.co.uk
Grand Union has brought its particular brand of eclectic décor, tasty burgers, interesting beers and fabulous cocktails to replace the personality-less Grove, and it is to the benefit of all Camberwell dwellers. Grand Union may be a tad formulaic, but it seems to be a formula that works, and it promises to deliver. A varied array of clashing lampshades light up quirky, mismatched art and neon signs over black leather booths where Camberwell-ites have already settled in to what is likely to grow into one of SE5’s top bars. We were impressed by their wide range of beers on tap, interesting bottled beverages, a fine array of spirits (they’re not afraid to use a decent gin when asked for a G&T), and surprisingly good cocktails (we’d recommend the mohitos – some of the best we’ve had in London). There are three main areas – a leather booth room, a standard tables-and-chairs room (complete with table football!) and ‘the snug’, a little room in the back where some light canoodling was spotted on the way to the toilets. The music may be a tad misguided: thumping beats is not (in our view) quite the vibe that this otherwise laid back, quirky bar demands, and the DJ booth was sadly empty both times we visited. But otherwise, Grand Union seems to have sussed out Camberwellians’ needs rather well. And on a Friday night the place was respectably bustling; we ran into quite a few friends, and it’s a good place to hang out and chat. As for its gay friendly status, it occupies a happy middle ground where everyone does their own thing, and we felt an eclectic décor inspired an eclectic clientele, and we’d be quite comfortable here.