The Hermit's Cave

Camberwell’s booze-minded residents rave about the Cave, while foodie locals follow its near neighbour the Bear – to borrow from the old Hofmeister slogans of the 1980s. At the agreeably distressed HC, the decor is more 1880s (well, 1902 to be precise) – its dark woods and period colours a reminder of the area’s solid, respectable working-class past. The Hermit’s Cave still feels like an old man’s pub which, conversely, broadens its appeal to the young arty set (Camberwell College is on the doorstep); these anti-corporate types are happy to mix with random Rodneys (Del Boy’s Peckham is a short shuffle away), warming their trotters by one of the fires as they watch the big match. Typical pulls from the handsome curved bar include Brodie’s, Gravesend Shrimpers Bitter, Leffe and Orchard Pig (one of a range of ciders). Related to The Stormbird across the road.