296a Camberwell New Road,
Camberwell,
London,
SE5 0RP
(020) 7274 7037
The ViewLondon Review
A long standing fixture on Camberwell’s pub scene, in recent months the pub - once your traditional old man’s boozer - has enjoyed a refit and revamp to become a foodie haven for more affluent locals and more well heeled students.
The Venue
Somewhat hidden away and removed from the main drag of Camberwell, there’s a quieter, more gentle atmosphere in The Bear compared to the average pub in the area. Divided into a bar room lit mainly by candles and a lighter restaurant room, there’s also an upstairs room which has begun to stage exhibitions by local artists.
The Atmosphere
The pub’s Tuesday night quiz means a regular influx of jovial 20 and 30-somethings and plenty of good natured banter. At other times you might see anyone from elderly couples chatting quietly to young lovers playing Connect 4 and lone drinkers enjoying a quick flick through the papers in its peaceful surroundings.
The Food
There’s an extensive menu, all seemingly intent on delivering a cut above the usual pub grub, with an emphasis on seafood. Cheaper options include a half-pint shell of prawns in mayonnaise (£5) and smoked eel fishcakes (£6.50), whereas the most expensive item on the menu is a squid, potato and saffron stew with chorizo and aioli at £14.50. Puddings are more limited, but with the likes of rhubarb fool (£5) on offer, again originality is the key.
The Drink
The pride of The Bear’s liquid offerings is clearly its colossal wine list, with a choice of 25 wines ranging from £14 house bottles to Gigondas Domaine Champagne at £35.50. The bar also offers specialist real ales like Skinny’s and Pitchfork - with prices nudging the £3.50 mark to match - alongside the usual Peroni, Red Stripe and Carlsberg lagers and Westons cider. Spirits range from Jameson’s and Jim Beam to Russian vodka and other more exotic choices.
The Last Word
The Bear’s new owners have really gone to town with both their menus and wine list in order to create a civilised atmosphere you might have thought simply wasn’t available in this area. It’s already proving popular with locals, and surely it won’t be long before people are coming from much further afield to experience it.
The Bear has been reviewed by 3 users