The Bear

Pub in Camberwell
The Bear image
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7 / 10 from 1 review
Address
296 Camberwell New Road
Camberwell
London
SE5 0RP
Map
Region
Camberwell
Nearest Station
Denmark Hill
0.67 miles
Category
Pubs
Opening Times
Monday Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Tuesday Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Wednesday Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Thursday Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Friday Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Saturday Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Sunday Open 12:00 - Closes 22:30

The Bear Picture Gallery

The Bear Picture
The Bear Picture
The Bear Picture
The Bear Picture

All In London Review

A grand former Gin Palace with the odd lively swing night

Review Image
Having ridden past The Bear hundreds of times without noticing it tucked around the corner from Camberwell Green, it took a lazy Saturday evening to change the fact.

See it and you’ll question how a vast former Gin Palace like this could have gone unnoticed and right you are. It has a grand exterior and a seductively classic interior with the odd gastro touches. From the horseshoe bar to the polished wooden floor, the antique furniture to the exposed brickwork in the back room, the Bear is easily one of the smartest pubs in Camberwell. However, not to be outdone by its appearance, the pub is also well known for its solid gastro cuisine (think duck confit, battered pollack and chips etc.) and a reasonably well stocked bar. We drank Meantime Yakima Red on our visit but spotted a fridge with some good brews and at least two sound ales on draught.

Even better than the food and drink, The Bear has a lively lineup of weekly events that make the most of its ample space. From Swing Dancing lessons on Wednesdays with the Swing Patrol gang and a popular Tuesday quiz night to the odd art shows and author readings.

Negatives were hard to come by on our visit but the relentless sound of commercial dance over the speakers was not the right jam for this occasion. Each to their own, but the music didn’t fit a venue with this much character. Still, with swing on Wednesdays, the quiz on Tuesdays, roasts on Sundays and a daily happy hour from 4pm-7pm, we’re being picky.

Reviewed by T.A.O
Published on Jun 5, 2015


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