The Tiger is on the spot until recently occupied by the rough and ready Silver Buckle, home to South London‘s scariest karaoke night. It’s hard to imagine a more radical transformation, as The Tiger prides itself on posh nosh and drink in opulent surroundings.

The Venue
Although the design of the pub makes you feel more like you’re in a hunting lodge somewhere in the Colorado mountains than in deepest south London, once you sink into one of its many worn leather sofas it makes perfect sense. The gold wallpaper brings to mind the sleeve of a Genesis album from the 70s, and vegetarians may not approve of the various hunting trophies staring down from the walls, but with tattered books and antique crockery strewn about for extra decoration it certainly has an eccentric charm.

The Atmosphere
The Tiger generally attracts those in the 20-40 age range, and it’s a multi-ethnic mixture of art students (Camberwell Arts College is nearby), young couples, professionals and local drinkers clearly not put off by the (hardly radical) rise in prices since it changed hands, or those in search of the late pint that its 1am curfew (except Sundays) allows.

The Food
Take your pick from pub classics like fish and chips or seriously hefty burgers with thick cut fries, or get in tune with the pub’s hunting lodge vibe by ordering poached partridge with tender stem broccoli, leeks and potatoes (£8.95). But which hunting lodge also thoughtfully lays on surprisingly enticing pork pies at the bar (£2) for those merely wanting a quick snack? Food is served until 10pm.

The Drink
For non-beer drinkers there’s Strongbow and Guinness, house wines and a good selection of spirits, but essentially it’s all about the beer. Choose from pints of very British bitters like Young’s, Doom Bar and 6X, or foreign lagers like Sagres, Amstel and Kroenenburg. A pint of Young’s (£2.90) is evidently well kept and comes in a traditional dappled, tankard-style glass.

The Last Word
Because of its prime location right at the heart of Camberwell Green, and because the changes don’t seem to have alienated locals, the new approach at The Tiger has not only changed the atmosphere of the pub but also noticeably improved the feel of the whole area.

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