The Cambria
40 Kemerton Road SE5 9AR Tel 020 7737 3676
http://www.thecambrialondon.com
Recently revamped, the gay-owned Cambria is a welcome addition to Camberwell’s pub scene. Tucked away on a residential road at the back of Ruskin Park (fairly near to the Red Gate Gallery), it’s the kind of place you expect to find in Hampstead: just the right side of pretentious but with enough chandeliers and blowsy wallpaper to make a gay boy proud. A visit on a Friday night found most tables full and a convivial atmosphere with a mixed crowd. More conducive to intimacy that some of Camberwell’s other best bars (the Sun and Doves, for example), it would be a great place to take someone were you wanting to verge on the romantic. There’s an extensive wine list and a less exciting (but sufficient) selection of beers. Crisps are clearly considered passé, but there is a very reasonable selection of bar snacks – the pitta and fava was very pleasant. There’s also a full food menu. The Cambria hosts a number of regular events including a very popular jazz night on Mondays (with a special deal of £10 for a main meal and glass of wine or a Michelob) and a quiz on Thursdays. For local residents, the place is a coup; for those living nearer the Green, it’s worth the short walk.
