Menu:

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 gastropubs. 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. The food is mainly composed of burgers, breadless burgers, and salads. That said, they have a decent selection of vegetarian options, though we both opted for the falafel burger. Piled so high as to be difficult to eat, but generous and tasty, we were both well pleased. At £6ish a go, without any sides (chips are extra), they may be a tad overpriced. To be fair, the chips were also very good. It’s a pleasant place for a quick bite for dinner, but you get the feeling that at the moment, the emphasis is really on the drinks in Grand Union. 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). The music may be a tad misguided: thumping beats is not (in our view) quite the vibe that this otherwise laid back, quirky gastropub demands. 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. We felt an eclectic décor inspired an eclectic clientele, and we’d be quite comfortable here.

Food: 3.5/5

Service: 4/5

Ambience: 4/5

Gay friendliness: 4/5